(1) "BEAR program" means a business expansion and retention program, as provided by 53-2-1216, MCA, and recognized pursuant to ARM 24.22.304.

(2) "Conference" means a meeting, seminar, discussion, or other similar event where the principal presentation, in the format of a lecture or similar presentation, is the primary purpose, and participation by attendees is a secondary purpose.

(3) "Department" means the Department of Labor and Industry.

(4) "Employer" means, as provided by 53-2-1216, MCA, a business entity that:

(a) employs 20 or fewer employees in this state in one location but no more than 50 employees statewide; and

(b) is registered with the Secretary of State to conduct business as a sole proprietor, if required, or as a corporation, a partnership, a limited liability company, or an association.

(5) "MMEC" means the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center at Montana State University - Bozeman.

(6) "Recommending entity" means a recognized BEAR program, a SBDC, or the MMEC.

(7) "SBDC" means a small business development center operating as such pursuant to 13 CFR part 130.

(8) "Skills-based training" means a training program which increases the quality of tasks an employee is able to perform or increases the number of types of tasks an employee is able to perform. One must have the ability to demonstrate that an employee be able to execute new tasks, or old tasks in new ways, as a direct result of the training. The term does not refer to increasing generally an employee's knowledge of a topic area or areas.