© 2013 Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Case Study: MontanaYas Motoyama

DirectorKauffman Foundation

© 2013 Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Bozeman 97K

Missoula 114K

© 2013 Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Key Findings

• Successful entrepreneurs = mentors/investorso RightNow Technologies sold to Oracle for $1.5 billion in 2011

• Lower density of support organizations

• A small degree of separation = supportive people

• High willingness to travelo Bozeman to Missoula = 200 miles

• Entrepreneurs come to Montana for quality of lifeo Both boomerang back and newly settled

© 2013 Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Implications

• Identify and convene successful local entrepreneurs; Include them to discuss local problems and solutions

• Map support organizations in your area, as well as surrounding areas

• Do not compare yourself with Silicon Valley, coastal areas, or big cities. Find beauty in thyself!