Bootstrap Montana, the new micro-loan program created by the Gianforte Family Charitable Trust and administered by TechRanch, is off to a productive start as the first round of funds has been distributed to a rural Montana business with potential for growth.

Kimberly Loftus, owner and sole employee of Kim Loftus Tile in Jefferson City, is the first recipient of a Bootstrap microloan. She will use the loan to promote her emerging handmade tile business at the nation's largest floor covering tradeshow, SURFACES, in early 2008.

Bootstrap Montana is a micro-loan program for entrepreneurs in rural Montana. Loans are meant to assist rural Montana companies in accelerating revenue growth. Information is available at www.bootstrapmontana.org.