Sidney Awarded Over $113K in Grant Funds by Montana Department of Commerce for Tourism Development

HELENA, MT — The Montana Department of Commerce has awarded the Sidney Area Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture a significant grant of more than $113,000 to enhance local tourism initiatives. This grant is part of the Regional Assistance Program (RAP), designed to support the development and marketing of rural and under-visited tourist destinations across the state.

Mandy Rambo, the acting Director of the Montana Department of Commerce, explained that the RAP grants are geared towards enabling nonprofit tourism corporations and visitor bureaus to create greater visitor engagement and economic benefits for local communities. The initiative ultimately aims to ‘increase visitor commerce and generate community revenue for the benefit of local economies.’

The RAP was established under Montana SB 540, enacted by the Montana Legislature in 2023 to provide structured support every two years to eligible entities, including newly designated Convention and Visitor Bureaus. Significant previous beneficiaries include Montana’s Missouri River Country, which received $167,141 in 2024 to support impactful regional projects and cooperative marketing efforts.

Sidney’s new funding will focus on expanding and promoting regional tourism attractions, enhancing the economic vitality of the area. This development is expected to not only increase tourism but also foster sustainable economic growth in the community. More information about the RAP and future application cycles, which are slated to next open in March 2026, can be found on the Montana Department of Commerce’s website.