17-6-318. Job credit interest rate reduction for business loan participation. (1) A borrower who uses the proceeds of a business loan participation funded under the provisions of this part to create jobs employing Montana residents is entitled to a job credit interest rate reduction for each job created to employ a Montana resident. A borrower who uses the proceeds of a loan made pursuant to 17-6-309(2) to create jobs is entitled to a job credit interest rate reduction for each job created. The job credit interest rate reduction is equal to 0.05% for each job created to employ a Montana resident, up to a maximum interest rate reduction of 2.5%.

(2) If the salary or wage of the job created:

(a) exceeds the state's average weekly wage, as defined in 39-71-116, the amount of the job credit interest rate reduction may be increased proportionately for each increment of 25% above the state's average weekly wage to a maximum of two times the state's average weekly wage; or

(b) is less than the state's average weekly wage, as defined in 39-71-116, the job credit interest rate reduction is reduced proportionately for each 25% increment below the state's average weekly wage.

(3) A job credit interest rate reduction may not be allowed for a job created by the borrower using the proceeds of the loan for which the salary or wage is less than the minimum wage provided for in 39-3-409.

(4) A job credit may not be given unless one whole job is created.

(5) To qualify for the job credit interest rate reduction, the borrower shall provide satisfactory evidence of the creation of jobs and shall make a written application to the board through its financial institution or, in the case of a loan made pursuant to 17-6-309(2), shall make a written application directly to the board.