Montana Small Business Owners Advocate for Policy Changes in Washington D.C.
Montana Small Business Owners Advocate for Change in Washington D.C.
BOZEMAN, Mont. – A group of passionate small business owners from Montana recently made their way to Washington D.C. to advocate for policy changes that could significantly impact their operations and communities.
Among the attendees was Jessica Dehn, the founder of the Dino Drop-In Childcare Center in Bozeman. Dehn’s mission at the summit was clear: to push for revisions to the 45-F tax credit, which she believes could provide much-needed support for small businesses and their employees.
“My main goal was to find edits and revisions to the 45-F tax credit, so small businesses can better utilize it to help their employees afford childcare,” Dehn explained. Her commitment to improving childcare accessibility stems from her experiences since launching her center in 2016. “I wanted to change the childcare field, making it more accessible for families and a better career option for teachers. Slowly, we’ve made progress, and we hope to continue that with some policy help,” she added.
Despite the backdrop of a government shutdown, which has created uncertainty for many, Dehn remains optimistic about the future of her business and the broader small business landscape in Montana.
Senator Steve Daines, who welcomed the Montana representatives to the summit, echoed Dehn’s sentiments. “I enjoyed welcoming representatives from Montana’s small businesses to Washington this week. Our state’s small businesses help our communities and state prosper, making our hometowns feel like home,” he stated.
Out of nearly 2,000 small businesses participating in the summit, 11 hailed from Montana, each bringing unique perspectives and challenges to the table. These entrepreneurs are hopeful that their collective efforts will lead to positive changes that benefit not only their employees but also the communities they serve.
As the discussions continue, the Montana small business community stands united, advocating for policies that will foster growth and sustainability in an ever-evolving economic landscape.

