BOZEMAN, Mont. – Small business owners from Montana recently traveled to Washington D.C. to discuss policy changes that could impact their businesses.
Among them was Jessica Dehn, founder of the Dino Drop-In Childcare Center in Bozeman.
Dehn attended the summit with a focus on advocating for revisions to the 45-F tax credit.
She explained, “So, my prerogative in going to Washington, my main goal, was to find edits and find revisions to the 45-F tax credit, so small businesses can better utilize that tax credit to help their employees be able to afford childcare,” said Dehn.
Despite facing challenges, especially during the ongoing government shutdown, Dehn remains hopeful about her business’s future.
She reflected on her journey since starting in 2016, saying, “And when I started in 2016, I wanted to change the childcare field, I wanted to make it more accessible for families, and better, a better career option for teachers. And, so slowly, slowly over the years we’ve been able to make some progress and we’re hoping to continue that with some policy help,” said Dehn.
Senator Steve Daines also expressed his support for Montana’s small business community, stating, “I enjoyed welcoming representatives from Montana’s small businesses to Washington this week. Our state’s small businesses help our communities and state prosper and they make our hometowns feel like home,” said Daines.
Out of nearly 2,000 small businesses participating in the summit, 11 were based in Montana.
These business owners are hopeful their efforts will lead to positive changes, benefiting both their employees and the broader community.