Market study and business plan for a new community credit union in rural Montana
The new credit union will provide financial services and technical assistance to low- and moderate-income households throughout Montana. It was created in response to an overwhelming need for community banking services and to help stimulate the local economy.
Its mission is to offer quality financial services and effective tools for members to save, plan, and prepare for the future.
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We worked the credit union's organizing team, which included a steering committee of future board members and a supervisory committee, to develop a comprehensive business strategy. The plan establishes the credit union's operational objectives and how to achieve its short- and long-term goals.
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We conducted a brief market study to assess the community's needs. The results informed a business plan that included:
Oversight and governance
Sources of funds and projections
Products and services
Sponsors and mentors
Partners
Marketing strategy
Business management
Member identification program
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The credit union was granted a federal charter in 2022 and opened its doors in 2023. By integrating the strengths, needs, and opportunities we discovered in our research, we developed a business plan that builds on the credit union's original purpose and values and forges a path toward economic prosperity for the local community.
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Dec 2021–Mar 2022
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Andrea Mader — Interviews, data collection, strategic analysis, and report writing
Nat Bauer — Creative direction, infographics, and layout design
“Knowing our core values, adopting them, and practicing them throughout life, becomes the foundation of our identity, unity, and pride.”
—Credit union committee member
