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A large crowd gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Montana State University's Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing Great Falls campus. This campus is the first of 5 buildings throughout Montana built to house upper division nursing students and was made possible by a share of the $101 million gift from Mark and Robyn Jones as well as the generous gift of land by Benefis Health System. The Great Falls-based program is the oldest nurse education program at MSU and the first of 5 sites to open classes in their new building. More from KRTV.

1) Downtown Great Falls is the newest addition to the Buffalo Migration Collaboration! The newest mural in downtown Great Falls was completed this week on the side of Todd's Music and Sound 809 1st Avenue North. The buffalo Migration Collaboration is creating a series of Buffalo murals migrating across the Great Plains. See KRTV.

2) GFDA was awarded three excellence awards at the 2025 Montana Economic Developers Association (MEDA) annual conference! We were recognized for our work with partners in landing and supporting Touro University; for our partnership and unique approach and work on housing developments led by the data produced in the Housing Assessment; and for our leverage of the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) 2.0 loans to aid 18 businesses across our region. Well done team! 

3) NeighborWorks Great Falls launched the HomeStretch program to help more Montanans achieve homeownership. See KRTV & The Electric. Funded through the state’s Community Reinvestment Organization Down Payment Assistance Program and matched dollar-for-dollar with private funds, this program helps households earning 60%–140% of area median income finance up to 30% of a home’s purchase price through a deferred, no-interest loan. For more information on this program, call NWGF at 1-406-761-5861, email info@nwgf.org or visit the NWGF or HomeStretch websites.

4) Registration is live for our event on October 28, Powering Savings: Energy Tools and Financial Opportunities for Montana Businesses. Renewable energy professionals, financial partners, and state and federal program experts will showcase programs and opportunities to fund and support commercial energy upgrades. This event is perfect for municipalities, nonprofits, schools, hospitals, farms, and businesses of all sizes. Attendees will gain practical insights and clear next steps to potentially capture long term savings, improve operations, and enhance financial sustainability through energy savings.

5) Sukapi Lodge, a native-owned and tribal-run mental health center opened just outside Browning; see KRTV.

6) Mark your calendar for our second annual Entrepreneur Celebration: November 19th at the Newberry. Have you started a business in the 13-county Great Falls region? We want to recognize you for your awesome achievement. Starting a business is not easy! Register in advance here so we have a head count!

7) Congratulations to Montana Warriors Martial Arts for their ribbon cutting in Shelby on Monday.

8) October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Did you know that 68% of data breaches involve a human element? This past week, our Great Falls Development Alliance Small Business Development Center Business Advisors did the CyberMontana/University of Montana Missoula College Data Loss Prevention (DLP) training. This 30-minute interactive session provided the tools and habits to keep sensitive information from vanishing into the digital shadows.

9) The City of Great Falls Commission approved using tax increment financing for infrastructure improvements that will enable the Great Falls International Airport to expand its light industrial bays and other development. The Commission also approved the multi-year stormwater management master plan.

10) According to our recent market assessment - Recreation, Hospitality, and Entertainment: Market Opportunities and Regional Strategy - the global adventure tourism market was valued at $406 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow, reaching an estimated $1.1 trillion by 2030. With easy access to rivers, trails, cultural attractions, and wide-open spaces, Great Falls is ideally positioned for new recreation, hospitality, and entertainment ventures. If you’ve been dreaming about launching or expanding your business in north central Montana, a region built for growth and adventure, now is the time. Contact Shauni Seccombe at 1-406-788-6867 or Shauni@GrowGreatFalls.org.

11) ADF International recently partnered with Great Falls College, Pacific Steel, Capital High School, and the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) to introduce students to careers in welding and the skilled trades. See KRTV. The program gives high school students hands-on experience with industry professionals, helping address the national shortage of skilled workers while showing opportunities to high-demand, high wage careers.

12) Kristen networked, learned, and connected at the inaugural Montana Energy and Critical Materials Summit in Butte. Experts from regulatory, industry, economic development, and academia perspectives presented on opportunities and obstacles for Montana in the shifting regional, national, and international energy landscape. Access to secure, reliable, affordable energy underpins all healthy economies. There is tremendous energy opportunity in North Central Montana, start the critical conversation by reaching out to Kristen Blue at Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-4989.

13) Touro University climbed nearly 200 places in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, reaching No. 143 out of more than 1,700 schools. The university also rose in social mobility and best value, highlighting its commitment to affordability, academic excellence, and strong career outcomes. Now in its third year, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Great Falls is seeing its first class of students enter medical residencies, marking an important milestone in strengthening Montana’s healthcare workforce. See this great article about three Touro students.

14) Did you know that government agencies contract for almost everything? Our Great Falls region Small Business Development Center works with clients every week who are finding out that their services and products are just what government agencies are seeking. Join Shannon Clancy and Mariah Liebing of our APEX Accelerator team on Thursday, October 16th at 2:00 PM for a 30-minute overview of how APEX advisors can help your business navigate the world of government contracting. Shannon and Mariah will explain the fundamentals of selling to local, state, and federal agencies—and how your business can get started. Whether you're curious about government work or ready to pursue contracts, this webinar will provide helpful guidance and resources to support your next steps. Additional information and registration deals can be found here.

15) The Great Falls Business Improvement District installed cool new traffic box art in Downtown Great Falls; see KRTV.

16) Thinking about buying or constructing a new location or upgrading equipment? SBA 504 rates just dropped below 6, the lowest in years. The SBA is making it even more affordable for manufacturers with reduced fees on qualifying 504 projects. Right now, FIXED 504 rates are 5.922% for 25 years, 5.983% for 20 years, and 5.766% for 10-year equipment loan. Refinance options are available at 5.925% for 25 years and 5.986% for 20 years. Fixed interest rates for up to 25 years can deliver significant savings, making it easier to invest in your business and grow. Contact Shandi Gebhardt Jones at 1-406-590-9037 or Shandi@GrowGreatFalls.org to get started today.

17) We published our GFDA Quarter Index 2025Q3.

18) The Montana Chamber’s Big Sky Bright Future Economic Summit will be held Thursday, October 15-16 in Bozeman. Keynotes include Senator Sheehy, Governor Gianforte, Nebraska Governor Pillen, and Wyoming Governor Gordon speaking on Unleashing American Energy. The event begins with a reception on the 15th from 5:00-7:00 PM followed by the summit on the 16th from 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM. More info and registration here.

19) GFDA has been approved to participate as both a lender and an economic development organization in the Montana Department of Commerce’s new Opportunities in Rural Economies lower interest loan participation program. Contact Jill for more info at JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1056.

20) The Montana Department of Labor & Industry is bringing its innovative Montanans at Work tour to Great Falls on October 23rd. The event offers local employers, community partners, and workforce stakeholders a unique opportunity to access expert resources, engage with DLI leadership, and connect with industry peers. Learn more and register today or download event flyer.

21) Our Great Falls Regional APEX team members attended the Montana State Quarterly Meeting in Helena. This strategic gathering brought together APEX government contracting advisors from across Montana to align efforts, share insights, and strengthen the support network we provide Montana businesses. The government buys everything, so why not from you? This is where we come in, helping businesses grow revenue by competing for and winning government contracts with all levels of government. Take the next step, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.

22) Welcome to Great Falls, Heroes Rise Coffee! Heroes Rise Coffee has a unique drive-up concept at their new location, 5600 7th Avenue South; see KRTV. First and foremost, they are a coffee roaster and ship beans across the country. They can do custom bags and often roast for other coffee shops in addition to having other businesses selling their coffee beans. They have a robust fundraising program and have also donated thousands of dollars in coffee to those who serve-first responders, fire fighters, law enforcement, military, teachers, nurses and more.

23) With an out-of-town market trip ahead, the GFDA team is strategically engaging with targeted businesses to expand investment in Downtown Great Falls. By combining assessment data, a detailed inventory of available properties, and in-depth knowledge of downtown programs and incentives, Katie Carvell and the team help businesses envision how they can successfully expand into Great Falls. From identifying prime locations to coordinating site visits and connecting prospects with property owners and brokers, GFDA’s concierge-style business development approach is driving new investment and activating vacant spaces. Want to learn more? Contact Katie Carvell at 406-217-7635 or Katie@GrowGreatFalls.org.

24) Kids' Education Yes! (KEY) is holding a lunch event in Great Falls on October 23rd, at The History Museum 11:30 AM-1:00 PM, “Our future starts at School! Connecting education and workforce in Great Falls.” Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry will keynote. RSVP to Jamie Marshall at jamiewyatt1@gmail.com by October 17th.

25) We’re looking for presenters to join Ignite 2026, taking place January 9th at 8 AM at The Newberry in downtown Great Falls! This annual event celebrates the exciting projects, expansions, and initiatives launching across Great Falls and North Central Montana in the coming year. Whether you’re a business, nonprofit, or public agency with something new on the horizon, we want to feature your story. To be part of the lineup, contact Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-0136.

26) The Montana Energy Business Alliance (MEBA) is hosting evening events in Billings on October 23rd and in Helena on November 11th. Unlocking Montana's Business Potential - Energy Challenges and Economic Imperatives. Please join us for dinner, 5:00-8:00 PM on November 11th at the Best Western Premier Great Northern Hotel for a timely discussion on energy and business in Montana. Montana's leaders in business, energy, politics, and economic development are convening for a timely discussion on the state's economic and energy opportunities. These experts will assess the challenges Montana faces with rising electricity prices and demand, as well as remedies required to keep Montana among the most attractive states for business investment. RSVP here.

27) Is your business listing on Google up to date? Is your business reaching out to customers for reviews on Google? Do you have “take action” buttons on your website and Facebook pages? We receive calls on these topics every week. Our regional Small Business Development Center has created a Digital Marketing Training that will be taking place on Tuesday, October 21st from 9:00-11:00 at University of Providence. Senior Business Advisor, Rich Gannon has created a hands-on workshop so you can work on your Google business listing, website SEO and AI integration. We will also have additional Business Advisors in the room to assist as needed. There is no charge for this training. Click here for additional information and registration.

28) Three entrepreneurs who actively participated in our Idea to Income training this week. Christian Nichols walked the entrepreneurs through the items they need to know to get a business started and identify the next steps in their entrepreneurial journey. We look forward to seeing the small businesses emerge. If you have an idea for a business or are interested in buying a business, please reach out to one of our Business Advisors: Christian Nichols, CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-9385; Rich Gannon, RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-2078; and Deb McGregor, Deb@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-0314. Our services are provided at no cost to you.

29) I participated in the National Development Finance Summit of the Council of Development Finance Agencies, joined by leaders of the Montana Department of Commerce. The event dug into the new Opportunity Zone 2.0 that is going to be a powerful tool to drive investment.

30) The GFDA Small Business Development Center team hosted another successful training in Browning on the Montana Department of Commerce’s Indian Equity Fund Grant program. Nine entrepreneurs from the Blackfeet Reservation came together to learn how to navigate the application process. The Indian Equity Fund is a competitive grant program from the State of Montana designed to help enrolled tribal members secure funding to start a new business or grow their businesses. We are grateful to NACDC Financial Services and Blackfeet Community College for serving as gracious co-sponsors and making this training possible. For those who could not attend, there is still one more opportunity to participate-- a statewide online session on October 13. Each training is designed to give tribal entrepreneurs the knowledge and confidence they need to compete for this important source of business funding. The grant application deadline is October 31st^.

31) Join us as we continue to grow the region! Our investors and partners are an important piece of the puzzle in shaping the economy. Through their financial support, knowledge, and advocacy we are able to make big things happen. See the team and their “why" by viewing this short video. Recent investments include: Pacesetter Division—University of Providence. Want to add your piece to the puzzle? Reach out to Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

32) We are starting an inventory of available land suitable for potential large-scale projects. Specifically, we are looking for parcels ranging from 500 to 2,000 acres our Trade Area that could support major development opportunities. Identifying and preparing these sites is critical to staying competitive as we respond to national and international inquiries. If you know of land that fits these criteria, please reach out to Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-0136.

33) We are looking for two dynamic team members, an Accounting Assistant and a Business Development Officer focused on online lead generation. Download our updated Career Opportunities and please forward it to great candidates.

I think that's a record Top 10. Let's keep the momentum going!

Brett

Brett Doney

Great Falls Development Alliance

BDoney@GrowGreatFalls.org

1-406-750-2119

Connect with me on LinkedIn.

Forward the GFDA Top 10 to friends and colleagues. You can join our distribution list here or text GFDA to 22828.

Subscribe to the Grow Great Falls Montana YouTube channel!

"Our goals can only be reached through a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success."

Stephen Brennan

Edition 706

If your company needs a rail-served, BNSF-Certified, shovel-ready site with all municipal services at your door, we have lots available for immediate construction in the Great Falls AgriTech Park. Contact Jolene Schalper at 1-406-750-4481 or JSchalper@GrowGreatFalls.org

The 25-year loan effective rate (including all fees) is 5.922%; 20-year at 5.983%; 10-year equipment loan at 65.766%; and, 25-year refinance 5.925%; 20-year refinance 5.986%. These rates are FIXED for the life of the loan and are inclusive of all fees. If you would like to find out how to get financing for commercial real estate and equipment at potentially lower rates than you're paying for your home mortgage, please contact Jill Kohles at 1-406-590-1056 or JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org.

Two exciting new grant opportunities are now available from the Montana Department of Commerce to help grow businesses across the state. The Agritourism Grant Program supports innovative projects that expand agritourism, strengthen marketing, enhance visitor experiences, and boost rural and tribal economies. The Tribal Tourism Small Business Grant is a competitive opportunity for Native-owned businesses to launch or expand ventures in lodging, guiding services, food businesses, hospitality experiences, and more. Applicants must be enrolled tribal citizens, and the program is now open. For assistance with you grant applications -reach out to the Great Falls Small Business Development Center

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MT DEQ) announced a new funding opportunity to help curb transportation sector nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The Clean Truck, Bus & Airport Equipment Program matches funds to replace older diesel trucks, buses or airport ground support vehicles with battery electric, alternate fuel or newer diesel vehicles. Examples of vehicles eligible to receive funding through this opportunity include garbage trucks​, school buses, street sweepers, bucket trucks, buses​ or equipment that service aircraft between flights. This funding opportunity is similar to ones announced in 2021 and 2024 that successfully funded the first electric school buses and electric street sweepers in Montana. For school districts considering purchasing an electric school bus, the Montana Electric School Bus Technical Assistance Report provides information on actual fuel costs, maintenance issues and performance of electric buses operating in Montana.



Fall proposals for Universal System Benefits (USB) funding available through NorthWestern Energy opens on November 1. This program offers a limited amount of funding for renewable energy installations on nonprofit, government, and public buildings. US Department of Agriculture Rural Energy for America (USDA REAP) supports agricultural producers and small rural businesses in installing renewable energy systems or making energy efficiency improvements. Tools available include grants, guaranteed loans or a combination of both. To discuss energy projects and initiatives of all sizes in North Central Montana, contact Kristen Blue at Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-4989.

If you missed the Housing Production Update event we held this summer you can watch the video on the GFDA YouTube page. You will hear about a riverside development making moves, a new single-family development currently raising capital, and you'll get a teaser for a newly announced project on the East end of Great Falls. Let's get your housing project moving, reach out to Jake Clark at 1-406-403-4937 or Jake@GrowGreatfalls.org

As Montana businesses win government contracts and strengthen the economy, Great Falls Regional APEX makes finding opportunities easier with BidMatch. This free service, available to all active APEX clients, serves as a powerful “one-stop-shop” by automatically scanning federal, state, and local opportunities that align with your company’s capabilities and delivering them straight to your inbox. If you haven’t set up your BidMatch profile yet, now is the perfect time to contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org and if your actively pursuing government contracts and haven't signed up for Great Falls APEX services, Click Here to get started!

Zero to Five has grants available for employers to help their employees with childcare. See ABC Fox.

Data helps drive decisions in business. Our Small Business Development Center assists clients dig into real numbers using powerful tools like Profit Cents, Vertical IQ, and Bizminer for industry financial benchmarks. We help clients tap into wage data using Jobs EQ,  a labor market analytics platform loaded with up-to-date wage, employment, and industry trend data for our region. From startup research to expansion planning, we’ve got the data to back your business decisions—all at no cost to you. Need insights for your industry? Contact the Small Business Development Center today.

The 2025 Livability Great Falls magazines are here! This is a great tool for employers to use to recruit talent to relocate to the Great Falls region. Hard copies will be distributed this week -- the digital version is now live—with interactive links perfect for showcasing all that Great Falls has to offer. Last year’s digital magazine saw 24.3K views and over 200.3K social impressions—proof that people are looking at Great Falls and liking what they see. Help us spread the word about the lifestyle, opportunities, and energy of Great Falls.

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is offering an upcoming energy auditor training pilot program. DEQ is covering the costs for lodging, pre-requisites, class, and testing. For more information contact Sam Hall at 406-444-4960 or Sam.Hall@mt.gov

USDA announced that the first grant application window for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) opened on October 1st. USDA is using the remaining time in FY25 to implement the Secretary’s direction to disincentivize solar panels on productive farmland for future application windows. Read the full STAKEHOLDER ANNOUNCEMENT. We can help you prepare to apply. Contact Kristen Blue at 1-406-788-4989 or Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org.

Starting and Owning a Business includes a lot of moving parts. It’s easy to get caught up in all of the day-to-day tasks and not take a step back to pause, evaluate, make adjustments and gain new perspective. Our GFDA Small Business Development Center Advisors are ready and equipped to help entrepreneurs and business owners throughout the many stages of owning a business. If you are ready to evaluate where you are at and where you want to be, set some business goals, get a snapshot of your current financial situation or review your marketing strategy, please reach out to one of our Business Advisors: Christian Nichols, CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-9385; Rich Gannon, RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-2078; and Deb McGregor, Deb@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-0314.

The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC) has a new advisor in our region. Carolyn Kelman joins the staff as a business advisor for the Great Falls Region and Northeastern Montana. She has a broad skill set in manufacturing operations with particular expertise in continuous improvement, supply chain optimization, logistics, and warehouse management. Learn more about her experience reading the MMEC newsletter, here. Welcome to the team Carolyn! You can reach her at Carolyn.Kelman@Montana.edu.

The Great Falls Business Improvement District has grants available for businesses and property owners located in the BID. Contact Kellie Pierce at 1-406-727-5430 or kellie@downtowngreatfalls.net. Stay ahead of the curve in Downtown Great Falls!

Are you interested in exploring government contract opportunities but unsure where to start?  Great Falls Regional APEX provides the tools, knowledge, and guidance needed to navigate the government marketplace. We simplify the key steps of registration, research, and response, streamlining the process to ensure your business is prepared for contract opportunities. Whether you’re new to contracting or looking to expand your reach, we can help you identify opportunities, build valuable connections, and achieve your goals. To learn more, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184 and Mariah Liebing at Mariah@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-217-2174. 

If you’re looking to expand or start your business through purchasing a commercial building for your future location, make sure to talk to Christian Nichols, Brownfields Assessments Director, so we can see if you qualify for an Environmental Site Assessment paid for by EPA. You don’t know what environmental conditions or possible contaminates exist until you have an assessment completed. With our help you could save thousands of dollars and have confidence in your purchase knowing all contaminates are identified and assessed. For more information, please call Christian Nichols at 1-406-788-9385 or email at CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org.

Do you know the benefits of C-PACE financing for your multifamily housing project? Last Best PACE, Montana's program, brings value to Montana commercial building owners by improving their bottom line. Last Best PACE can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs and payments are repaid through a special property tax assessment with terms of 20+ years. Reach out to Jake to find out how this tool can help your project move forward Jake@GrowGreatalls.org or 1-406-403-4937. 

Are you planning any international marketing activities in 2025? The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) run by the Export Montana team at the Montana Department of Commerce has a host of export support services and federal grants available for businesses up to $12,000. They're awesome to work with! Our Small Business Advisor, Rich Gannon, can help too and he is also awesome! RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-2078.

Cybersecurity is a top priority for the Department of Defense (DoD)! Is your business prepared for the new cybersecurity standards in federal contracting? If your company manages Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI), you must comply with specific standards. For contractors working with the federal government, the minimum requirement is Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1. This self-certification verifies that your organization has implemented fundamental security measures to safeguard FCI. To begin your self-assessment journey, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184 and Mariah Liebing at Mariah@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-217-2174

Our freight logistics consultants, Moffat & Nichols, completed key findings of the Great Falls Region Freight Market Assessment and Economic Development Strategy Recommendations. This comprehensive study offers valuable insights into the logistics industry and its potential in our region. We have already begujn work implementing some of the recommendations. Others will need to wait until we work with our partners to secure more resources. Logistics are a key consideration for existing manufacturers in our region, and in attracting new investment in manufacturing operations.

The 2024 Great Falls Housing Market Assessment shows a need for 650 new housing units per year in the immediate Great Falls area. For assistance with housing development, contact Jake Clark at Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-403-4937.

Great Falls Recruiters and HR professionals! Here is a link to our Talent Attraction Toolkit and the 2025 Great Falls Livability Magazine, part of our effort to help local businesses attract the talent they need for key positions. Join our Trailing Partner Email Group specifically for local employers to share resumes of trailing spouses/partners across the Great Falls region with other employers looking to hire. Visit our relocation website LiveInGreatFalls.com. JobsEQ for Workforce is a software tool that provides timely data on our local workforce and employers—including demographics, occupations, wages, certifications, and more. Contact Katie Carvell at Katie@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-217-7635.

Cybersecurity challenges for businesses continue to grow. The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC) is offering an array of useful resources to help Montana businesses to protect themselves. MMEC has launched the Certified Manufacturing Associate Apprenticeship program. This one-year program combines on-the-job training with online technical classes on safety, math and measurements, manufacturing processes, and quality control.

Have you created or updated your Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) profile? A strong profile can significantly boost your contracting success by increasing your visibility to local, state, and federal agencies seeking goods and services. If you would like more information on how to create or update your DSBS profile, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.

Zero to 5 has launched the Montana Child Care Business Connect website to help support the startup and expansion of early childcare businesses. The Great Falls Childcare Demand Assessment shows a need for additional childcare facilities to serve 580 children in Great Falls. For assistance with childcare facility business planning, contact Rich Gannon at RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-2078.

The Montana Innovation Partnership is offering a number of trainings and an accelerator program for companies interested in pursuing Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants.

The best resource we scan daily to stay abreast of business and community innovation is MATR.net (Montana Associated Technology Roundtables), which we are proud to help sponsor. Sign up for their free newsletter.

Our Mission is to Grow diverse economic opportunities that enhance quality of life.

GFDA is a certified Community Development Financial Institution and a 501(c)3 charitable organization. High Plains Financial is a certified Community Development Corporation that offers SBA 504 loans statewide. GFDA and High Plains Financial are Equal Opportunity Employers, Lenders and Providers.

GFDA is proud to host a Montana Small Business Development Center, a Montana APEX Accelerator, and a Montana Food & Ag Development Center. GFDA is a certified Montana MicroBusiness Development Corporation.

GFDA was the first economic development organization in the Rocky Mountain West to earn accreditation from the International Economic Development Council.

Great Falls Development Alliance | GrowGreatFallsMontana.org