The Gallatin Valley is home to over 200 non-profits. These organizations do not hinge on metropolitan amenities, and are often created to preserve wild places and stimulate communities of the West. As part of our New West economy, NewWest.Net/Bozeman is highlighting Gallatin Valley organizations in a weekly series.

Successfully breaking into the high-tech market as a start-up company is a difficult endeavor, especially in a rural state like Montana. TechRanch, founded in 2007, is non-profit organization with a primary mission to foster the development of an innovative economy in the low-income, rural state of Montana through business educational programming and support.

As one of our state's leading business development assistance organizations, TechRanch helps entrepreneurs, through education, resources and ideas, pursue ventures in high technology markets. Their goal is to help new businesses succeed more quickly and with less investment capital than they otherwise would have had, giving them a better shot at success.

The success of these companies can translate to increases in employment in rural areas, new sales revenue to the state and giving Montana companies a more competitive edge. Cindy Taylor, chairwoman, expands on TechRanch and their efforts.

NewWest.Net: Why and how did your organization come into being?

TR: The organization came into being in order to support the educational and economic business development efforts of TechRanch.

NewWest.Net: Why is this organization in Bozeman? What are the advantages and challenges of operating in this area? Are there other non-profits in this area that you partner with or would like to?

TR: The foundation was organized in Bozeman in order to work closely with both technology entrepreneurs in Southwest Montana and with Montana State University in their commercialization activities. The main advantage of locating in the area is the wealth of technical talent in the area, which forms a basis for the creation of new products and services. We work closely with MSU and the Prospera Business Network.

NewWest.Net: Where are you directing your resources?

TR: Our resources are directed towards assisting entrepreneurs in further developing their businesses and giving them a better chance of success.

NewWest.Net: What is your annual operating budget, and can you please break that down between administrative and fund-raising versus program expenses?

TR: We do not disclose our annual budget.

NewWest.Net: How are you fulfilling your mission statement?

TR: We are fulfilling our mission statement by running programs that serve entrepreneurs in Bozeman and throughout Montana. TechRanch works with businesses in all parts of the state and with MSU in assisting them with their technology commercialization efforts.

NewWest.Net: What is your most recent success story?

TR: Most recent success story is portrayed by the advancement of two TechRanch affiliated companies - Montana Molecular and Foundant. The former has secured Federal funding and created a private sector strategic partnership. The latter has gained 15 client companies over the past nine months, grown its staff to five and moved its software product from an alpha/prototype release to a full commercial product.