CoBuild Montana is focused on solving Montana challenges by developing accessible, replicable solutions that create economic opportunities, jobs, and stronger communities.
We bring people, programs, and mentorship together in one place — so the ventures that strengthen our towns and cities have what they need to grow. From students launching their first projects to founders scaling community-focused enterprises, CoBuild Montana aims to keep wealth, jobs, and decision-making rooted right here in Montana.
Backed by partners at Ecocity Builders, VBX and Montana stakeholders. Forming throughout 2026-27.
How CoBuild Works
Montana is rich with talent and bright ideas. But too often, solutions stall because the support they need is scattered and out of reach. CoBuild Montana bridges this gap by bringing communities together through problem-solving workshops and collaborative brainstorming sessions. These gatherings tackle real Montana challenges — from housing to rural health to clean energy — and are designed to uncover accessible, replicable solutions. Out of these sessions, practical ideas take shape, grounded in local needs and opportunities. These ideas are then nurtured and supported by CoBuild Montana’s connected ecosystem, evolving into ventures, projects, or approaches that create lasting impact across the state — all while keeping value, jobs, and decision-making rooted in Montana.
Programs
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The CoBuild Center
The CoBuild Center is our year-round home in downtown Missoula. It's a place to cowork, gather, learn, and build, where founders, students, mentors, and partners come together throughout the year. Here, the ideas born in our workshops keep moving forward — turning shared solutions into ventures that benefit Montanans. Come visit us at 125 ½ W Main in Missoula, in the alley behind the Top Hat and the Rhino!
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Future Build
Future Build is our educational and consulting arm, where motivated university and high school students work alongside professionals and community leaders to tackle Montana challenges. Through hands-on workshops and community brainstorming, participants dig into local problems — from housing to clean energy — and shape practical, forward-thinking solutions together.
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CoBuild startup support with VBX
Hands-on workshops and mentorship designed for Montanans who want to explore business ideas, meet collaborators, and solve real problems in their communities. Led by VBX Studio.
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CoBuild Impact Network
The CoBuild Impact Network is a coalition of members and partners who contribute expertise, resources, and mentorship. Once a workshop sparks a promising idea, the Network helps carry it forward — giving founders and community ventures the guidance they need to grow.
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CoBuild Summit
Where we meet face-to-face to spark ideas and solve real problems. Launching October 20–22, 2026, in Missoula, this first gathering features hands-on workshops on Montana's biggest challenges — affordable housing, rural health, food systems, biocarbon solutions, and clean energy.
Our Purpose
CoBuild Montana exists to bring people together to solve local challenges and create solutions that last. Through community-driven problem-solving, we help develop accessible, replicable approaches that address real needs — from creating good jobs to building stronger communities. Here's how we put that into practice every day:
Guide community-rooted ventures, cooperatives, and local businesses
Support founders and student leaders with mentorship, guidance, and hands-on programs
Connect entrepreneurs with the partners, experts, and resources they need to grow
Convene Montanans through the Summit series and year-round gatherings at the CoBuild Center
Who It's For
You belong here if you're ready to build a stronger, more self-reliant Montana:
Founders and entrepreneurs growing community-focused ventures
Students and emerging leaders looking for real-world experience
Community organizations and cooperatives working to keep opportunity local
Investors, philanthropists, and partners deploying resources for regional resilience
Neighbors invested in sustainable, place-based growth across our state
CoBuild Team
Erik Guzik, PhD
Dr. Guzik is Clinical Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Montana, College of Business. His latest research has centered on the economic dimensions of creativity and the unique conditions provided by higher education securing regional innovation. Erik is the founder of VBX, Missoula's very first Venture Builder (aka Venture Studio).
Since 2016, Erik has worked closely with national healthcare organizations to develop one of the first remote patient monitoring (RPM) software solutions in healthcare, launching the startup PatientOne in Missoula with funding from Steve Case’s Rise of the Rest Revolution Fund, Dundee Venture Capital, and Next Frontier Capital.
Kirstin Miller, AICP
Kirstin is Executive Director of nonprofit Ecocity Builders. She is an urban planner and community development practitioner with a background in organizational and project management, team leadership, and driving major initiatives.
Over nearly three decades, she’s guided grassroots efforts, neighborhood improvement projects, planning and building projects, and policy initiatives, all designed to advance sustainable urbanism.
Her work is inspired by her roots in the landscapes and cultural heritage of the American West, as well as her extensive international experience.
Jackson Crawford
Jackson is a mission-driven business development leader translating complex climate, energy, and sustainability solutions into real-world adoption, partnerships, and measurable impact.
He has worked across solar energy, climate-focused software, environmental nonprofits, and community organizations, building partnerships that help institutions and communities adopt climate technologies.
He holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Montana Davidson Honors College.
Support for CoBuild Montana is provided by
