The Wachholz Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at Flathead Valley Community College is celebrating its first anniversary with a new partnership aimed at helping Montana businesses launch, grow and plan for the future. Photo: FVCC
The center opened in October 2025 through a gift from the late entrepreneur and longtime college supporter Paul Wachholz. It provides education, mentorship and networking opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners.
During its first year, the center hosted 21 events and welcomed more than 400 participants. It was also recognized as Innovation of the Year by the League for Innovation in the Community College and joined the Center on Rural Innovation’s Rural Innovation Network.
The center offers free networking events, mentorship sessions and workshops focused on business development and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The center is now partnering with Montana West Economic Development to offer “From Startup to Succession: The Business Lifecycle Masterclass Series.”
The program includes 12 workshops running through 2027, covering business startup planning, financial forecasting, growth strategies, leadership development and succession planning.
The workshops will be divided into three tracks focusing on startups, growth and leadership, and business succession.
The series will be led by Rich Turner, a Gallup-certified CliftonStrengths coach who has worked with more than 150 Montana businesses and helped generate over $100 million in client-reported economic impact.
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