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larger metropolitan areas, and basic start-up costs can be very reasonable. My classes alone have worked with over 250 local entrepreneurial businesses and organisations in this area. A large percentage of those have lasted beyond the start-up phase, and are continuing to grow and prosper, even during this downturn in our economy. One of the companies my students have enjoyed working with is Yellowstone Bees, a natural body-care products company based here in Bozeman. Students have been able to become involved in helping produce marketing materials, trade show presentations, and packaging design and development. Working with owner, Kim Lewis, has provided them a real ”hands-on” opportunity that few university students ?nd in their classes. Take a look at this small ?rm and see what they are up to, I think you’ll be impressed. Their web site is: http:www.yellowstonebees.comstoreabout-us Another ?rm my students have worked with in Bozeman is a small company called Kitchen TLC, a boutique artisan chocolate and tea company. Founder, Theresa Thielemann, designs and produces a wide variety of gourmet truf?es, artisan chocolates and many other delicious treats, as well as tea blends, mixes, and other gourmet items. Theresa has recently embarked on a program with her company working with the Central Asia Institute founded by Bozeman author, Greg Mortenson, who wrote the book, “Three Cups of Tea”, about his work in Afghanistan, and has just released a second titled, “Stones into Schools”. Our students found a wealth of opportunities working with Theresa and Kitchen TLC. These opportunities to have a major input into marketing decisions and actions are dif?cult to experience as college students. Again, take a look at her web site and you’ll see all about this up-and-coming company: http:www.kitchentlc.comHome_Page.html These are just two examples of what entrepreneurs are doing in Montana. There are far too many to mention in this article. Our students and our university are mindful of the needs of small business owners, and entrepreneurs. We work willingly with entrepreneurs and small businesses encouraging them to perhaps realise their dreams of owning their own company. They could not pick a better place to start. Montana is a unique state in our country, and the business opportunities are there for those who have the grit to make it work. To sum up the business and opportunities in Montana right now, it is not going crazy like it was just a few short years ago. Starting a small business is still something one should do with caution and with as much professional assistance and advice as possible. However, this place is a great mix for individuals who do not want to wait around for an opportunity... they build them! Gary Bishop, Adjunct Instructor, Director, Student Research Services, Montana State University, College of Business, Center for Entrepreneurship for the New West, Bozeman, Montana 41