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Team GFDA along with Nathan Ohle, CEO of the International Economic Development Council, announced during the IEDC Annual Conference the inaugural IEDC Rural Summit, scheduled for next June in Great Falls, Montana!

1) The University of Providence and Touro University have partnered to offer students the opportunity to earn two degrees in 5 years, a BS in Applied Mathematics and a MS in Data Analytics, both related to health care; see KRTV.

2) RMI will present the findings and recommendations of the Great Falls Trade Area Energy Market Assessment in five sessions next week. This Monday, October 14th we will hold three Deep-dive Sessions at the SpringHill Suites:

10:00-11:30 AM: Overall Energy Opportunity & Obstacle Landscape Assessment

1:00-2:30 PM: Transmission Opportunities, Obstacles & Strategy Recommendations

3:00-4:30 PM: Sustainable Fuels Opportunities & Strategy Recommendations

On Tuesday, October 15th, we will hold two sessions at Great Falls College in Heritage Hall:

8:00-9:30 AM: Overall Findings & Recommendations -- this will be a special GFDA Board & Council meeting which is always open to all interested parties.

12:00-1:30 PM: Deep-dive on Energy Efficient Buildings

3) Congratulations to Montana Valley Irrigation on their expansion and acquisition of Rocky Mountain Metal works. The business acquisition will enable the company improve its capabilities in the metalworking sector. Read the full story from the Choteau Acantha.

4) GFDA recently hosted an event for our investors and partners to unveil our Updated Economic Development Strategy for 2024-2026. See: The Electric. The event featured updates from local business leaders on several key projects that are shaping the future of our region. Special thanks to: Paul Herendeen from Clearwater Credit Union for updating us on the progress of their downtown Great Falls branch in the old Hardee’s building. Brian Marler of Ponderosa Solutions, who shared updates on the transload project in the Agri Tech Park and its benefits to regional transportation and logistics. Dr. Elizabeth Palmarozzi from Touro COM for discussing their experience opening the Great Falls campus and hinting at exciting future plans. Steve Laufenberg of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Montana, who spoke about the significant investments of the Glacier Battery Storage System and solar energy project, See: KRTV. Marlena Halko from Calumet for highlighting their success in hiring and recruiting using GFDA’s talent attraction tools. Robyn Brantner of Robyn’s Nest Daycare, who shared news about her recent expansion to 100 daycare slots, filling a critical need in our community. And finally, Ben Young from Economic Development Lethbridge, who discussed the new partnership between EDL and GFDA, See: KRTV. Each of these projects brings tremendous impact to our region, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going. If you’d like to join us at our next investor event, contact Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org.

5) The Electric's latest Business Bites details updates on the new Tony Roma's opening in Great Falls as well as several projects we have been working on. Tilleman Equipment has expanded into Cascade County, driven by diversification in crops being grown in the region; see KRTV. A new juice bar, The Press Club, is opening in Downtown Great Falls; see KRTV.

6) Value added ag processors or food manufacturers have until October 31st to submit their pre-applications for the Growth Through Agriculture Program that opened at the beginning of the month. This program from the Montana Department of Agriculture which allows up to $50,000 in grant funding and up to $100,000 in low interest loans is meant to support the development and diversification of Value-added Ag in Montana. If you want to check your eligibility or have any questions about the program, please reach out to Anna at Anna@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1301.

7) Our Great Falls Regional APEX and SBDC advisors, Shannon Clancy and Christian Nichols collaborated with the Small Business Administration (SBA) team and presented to the 341st Contracting Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base (AFB). The presentation outlined how APEX, SBDC, and SBA support businesses in becoming contract-ready and navigate the government marketplace. Together, Great Falls APEX, SBDC, SBA, and the 341st Contracting Squadron are working to bridge the gap between government agencies and Montana businesses, providing resources, support, and opportunities for companies to navigate the contracting process and successfully compete for government contracts. Whether you're a new or seasoned contractor, to learn how to access bid opportunities at Malmstrom AFB and gauge your contract readiness, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.

8) Each year, around 200,000 members of the U.S. Armed Forces transition to civilian life, bringing valuable skills and experience. The SkillBridge program allows employers to access this talent at no cost while the Department of Defense covers service members' salaries and benefits for up to 180 days. With virtual training options available, location is not a barrier. Don't miss the chance to connect with and support these exceptional individuals—partner with SkillBridge today! Register here for a New Partner Application Process Information Session on October 16th from 12:00-1:00 PM.

9) The GFDA Small Business Development Center had a wonderful Selling Your Business training in Shelby on Tuesday, October 8th. Training attendees had a lot of excellent questions and we look forward to assisting at least two of the businesses with selling and buying a business. Our next training, Buying a Business, will be held in Choteau on Tuesday, October 29th from 6:30-8:00 PM at the Teton County Annex. Anyone interested in attending can register here: Buying a Business-Choteau

10) Our first Downtown Great Falls Cohort started meeting on October 10th. We have 10 small business owners who have joined this cohort. The cohort is facilitated by Deb McGregor, GFDA Small Business Development Center Regional Director. This cohort will run through December 19th. Our winter cohort will begin on January 28th. Our 10 winter cohort slots have been filled but we are creating a waiting list in case a business that’s registered has to make a last minute change. In addition to the 6 group sessions, each participant will receive up to six 1/1 sessions with Deb.

11) If you haven’t registered for "Operational Federal Contracting: A Blueprint to Managing Federal Contracts” now is the time! Join Great Falls Regional APEX and Ms. Colleen Goad, the 341st Contracting Section Supervisor for the Construction/Architect and Engineer Flight at Malmstrom AFB, on Wednesday, October 16th, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Great Falls College Heritage Hall for an informative in-person event. Businesses will gain valuable insights into roles and responsibilities, regulations, contract types, and payment methods essential for managing federal contracts. Don’t forget to bring your capability statement! After the presentation, take advantage of our networking session, where you can connect directly with contracting officers from the 341st Contracting Squadron and potential partners. To Register, CLICK HERE! If you need to create a new capability statement or just update an existing one, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184. We look forward to seeing you there!

12) The Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and the Great Falls International Airport announced a $250,000 capital campaign to raise funds to attract a discount airline to offer new direct air service between GTF and Los Angeles. Download two-page partner letter for more details.

13) Save the date for the Downtown Great Falls Market Analysis release, November 13th from 8:30-10:30 AM. Leland Consulting Group will present the market analysis, implementation strategy and host a Q&A session. More information will be sent out this week. For more information, contact Nicki at Nicki@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-2099.

14) The transition from farmers market to permanent food business can be a difficult, but rewarding journey. To inspire fellow food entrepreneurs, Brittany Hopkins of Great Falls Mac Attack joined GFDA's Food and Ag Development Center for a Tuesday Training to discuss her transition from teacher to food entrepreneur, share successes and challenges she has faced over the past year and a half, and discuss the next steps for her home made macaroni and cheese business. You can watch the webinar here and see all our past training webinars on our youtube page. If you are interested in learning more about upcoming trainings, sign up for our newsletter here.

15) Have you opened a business in the Great Falls region of North Central Montana? Come celebrate with us! On the evening of November 20 at the Newberry. We will recognize those brave entrepreneurs who’ve created businesses in our region! Want to be recognized or recognize a business owner? Let us know here: Nomination Form

16) Please be on the lookout for a survey that will be coming out next week from the GFDA Small Business Development Center and the Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. We will be starting an Entrepreneurial Series in January and the survey will assist us in identifying the topics that are most important for small business owners. The Entrepreneurial Series will run from January-May of 2025, with one training session taking place each month. We are excited to have a strong collaboration in service of our amazing entrepreneurs. Stay tuned for updates and to get registered!

17) The City of Great Falls is seeking applicants to serve on the Planning Advisory Board and the Board of Adjustments/Appeals. See TheElectric for more details.

18) I am very pleased to announce that Jake Clark, our Vice President of Business Development, has been promoted to a leadership role managing our business development team. Jake will lead our business and real estate investment attraction and expansion efforts, and help develop our outstanding business development officers as we continue to increase our mission impact.

19) We are excited to announce that Kristen Blue has joined our team as a Business Development Officer focused on energy and related industries. Kristen is an entrepreneurial leader who founded Blue Flame Innovation and co-founded Flora for Fauna in Bozeman. She earned a BS in Chemical Engineering and a Masters in Science & Engineering Management from Montana State University. Welcome Kristen!

20) We are excited to announce that Jennifer Goodover will be joining our team as our new Lending Associate starting October 28th. Jennifer comes from a background in mortgage financing and has skills in coordinating programs and proposals while maintaining excellent client relationships.

21) We're thrilled to welcome Shauni Seccombe to the GFDA team as our new Resource Associate. Starting November 4th, Shauni will assist Jenn with fundraising and grant writing, helping to secure the necessary resources required for our mission. With her experience as a trained facilitator, she has worked with diverse stakeholders, building strong relationships, and navigating complex projects. Shauni’s passion for helping businesses and communities thrive aligns perfectly with our mission. Join us in welcoming Shauni as she brings her skills and dedication to support our community!

22) We Are Growing Our Awesome Staff Team and have excellent career opportunities. Download a description of openings for Marketing & Communications Officer, Loan Officer, and Government Contracting Advisor -- APEX Accelerator. Contact Tracy for more info at Tracy@GrowGreatFalls.org.

23) The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center is seeking a Business Advisor based in Great Falls to support manufacturers in the region. See description on Facebook.

24) None of this would be possible without the dedication of our investors and public partners. Their support doesn’t just fuel our work—it multiplies our impact. By leveraging every dollar they invest, we’re able to unlock even more funding for loan capital and grants, driving greater growth and transformation across our region. You can learn more about them by watching this short video. Recent investments include: Community Division—Arvon Block, LLC; Demski Group. Economic development is powered by strong community partnerships, and we are grateful for the continued support of those who believe in our mission. If you’re inspired to learn more about our economic development strategy or want to be part of this powerful momentum, contact Investment Director Jenn Gallmeier at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org.

Thank you to Rebecca Engum, leader of Great Falls Tourism, for going above and beyond this week helping us bring a major event to Great falls! We have fantastic partners!

Brett

Brett Doney

Great Falls Development Alliance

BDoney@GrowGreatFalls.org

1-406-750-2119

Connect with me on  LinkedIn to network with the Great Falls Montana region.

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!

"I am building a fire, and everyday I train, I add more fuel. At just the right moment, I light the match."

Mia Hamm



Edition 654

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 Brett Doney at 1-406-750-2119 or BDoney@GrowGreatFalls.org

The 25-year loan effective rate (including all fees) is 6.033%; 20-year at 6.100%; 10-year equipment loan at 5.865%; and, 20-year refinance 6.130%; 25-year refinance6.062%. 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.

The Montana Department of Commerce has opened a new round of STEP grants to small businesses to help boost exporting. Eligible Montana exporters can apply for 50% reimbursement of up to $10,000 for eligible marketing activities, like trade show exhibition, market research and U.S. Commercial Service programs and foreign language translation. Other eligible marketing activities include international compliance testing, intellectual property protection, digital marketing and travel stipends. Eligible applicants may receive up to $30,000 in STEP awards per year. Visit ExportMontana.com for more info or apply here. A free training webinar is being held on Wednesday, October 2nd at 9:00 AM; register here.

Great Falls Area Community Foundation, The History Museum, and TDS Fiber proudly present the Nonprofit Board Excellence Fall 2024 Series: Elevate Your Impact. $20 Online Registration is Required. Spaces are Limited. Monday October 21st. Board Basics Morning Session: 9 - 11 AM Evening Session: 6 - 8 PM Tuesday, October 22nd Communication & Teamwork Morning Session: 9 - 11 AM. Register here. For Nonprofit Professionals (Executive Director, CEO, Marketing, Development, Operations). Monday October 21st. Executive Toolkit. Lunch Session: Noon to 2 PM. Cost is $60, includes lunch. Register here.

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.

Jake's webinar focused on housing development opportunities in Great Falls in partnership with Urban Land Institute is now available online with the access code: E#aZ48D2. Additionally, Jake's interview with David Saslav on "Voices & Views V2.0" is also available to stream online. 

Great Falls Regional APEX is assisting multiple businesses in preparing for the Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and 8(a) Program certification processes. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will temporarily pause certification applications from August 1st to early September for necessary system upgrades. This presents an excellent opportunity to verify your Eligibility for certifications such as WOSB, 8(a), HUBZone, and SDVOSB. To ensure you're prepared to apply for the certification that best suits your business when the portal reopens in September, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.

Did you know that the SBA 504 rates have been dropping the last few months? Jill had a meeting with a banker and his client this last week who needed a solution for being short on the bank required down payment to start and construct their new business. We discussed the SBA 504 option that partners with the bank to allow the client to bring in as little as 10% equity and has the extra benefit of low interest rates that are fixed for up to 25 years. The client and banker are excited about this opportunity and the SBA 504 loan will also help the client preserve additional cash for working capital. If you have a project that needs a creative solution, please reach out to Jill Kohles at JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-4481.



The Preventative Control Qualified Individuals (PCQI) certification is required for Food companies reregister under section 415 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) barring any exemptions or modified requirements that might apply. If you are a local food business who needs a certified PCQI on staff, please reach out to Anna. We are putting together a list for an upcoming training. You can reach Anna at 1-406-590-1301 or Anna@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

Cybersecurity is a top priority for the Department of Defense (DoD). Great Falls Regional APEX is helping small businesses by providing consultation and guidance on the new cybersecurity standards that will be mandated for federal government contracting. If your company handles Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI) not intended for public use, you must meet specific security standards. As a basic requirement, you need a Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1, which demonstrates that your business has security measures in place to protect sensitive data. CMMC 2.0 is expected to start in 2025, with full integration into all Department of Defense (DoD) contracts by 2028. Get ahead of the game! Contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.

The Montana Department of Commerce's Automation Loan Program is designed to extend financial assistance to Montana-based manufacturing enterprises seeking to upgrade, replace or expand their equipment. The program has extended the timeline for obligating funds through an executed commitment letter in this funding cycle to December 31st. Applicants are encouraged to work closely with participating lenders and program staff to ensure this deadline is feasible with the proposed project. Businesses, or lenders on behalf of a business, can apply on Commerce's website. Questions? Contact Patsy Rasch at Commerce at patsy.rasch2@mt.gov or 1-406-841-2748.

Registration opened for the first annual Montana Food & Beverage Manufacturing Summit being held in Missoula on October 15th. The summit is a one-day educational forum focused on essential topics to grow or improve your business, hosted by Montana Manufacturing Extension Center and the Montana Department of Agriculture. It will take place in conjunction with the Montana Food and Beverage Show on October 14. You will learn directly from industry experts and government officials about key steps in developing a successful food business. The program of workshops and speakers will cover the most frequently asked questions on packaging, labeling, fill control, process control, food safety, distribution, manufacturing efficiency, and more. Learn more and sign up on the Summit webpage.

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Services has partnered with Cornell's Small Farms Program to offer 6 months of free introductory course for beginning urban farmers. If you are interested in beginning your own small farm in North Central Montana or would like to know how to sell your produce at your local Farmers Market, please reach out to Anna at Anna@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1301. 

Is your SAM.gov registration due to renew in the next few months? It is recommended that businesses start early to renew their registration to keep from going inactive. If you are having trouble getting through the process, contact Shannon Clancy at 1-406-590-1184 or SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org for assistance. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has recently announced that it will temporarily pause accepting applications for federal small business certifications beginning August 1st through September as it performs system upgrades to its certifications portal. If you’ve been working on your certification application, we recommend completing your submission before August 1st. If you aren’t in a rush to certify (or re-certify) your business, the SBA plans to re-open its certification portal and continue accepting applications in early September. Contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.

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.

Visit our relocation website LiveInGreatFalls.com. This website was the #1 request we got from local recruiters and HR professionals for aiding in attracting talented workers to Great Falls.

Great Falls Recruiters and HR professionals! Here is a link to our Talent Attraction Toolkit and the 2024 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. “Your (Live in Great Falls) website is very impressive and helpful! Great Falls looks amazing, and we love what we've seen real estate-wise, and business-wise.” This quote was from an email sent to us from a couple considering relocation to Great Falls. We share their resumes (with their permission) on the Trailing Partner Email Group.

The Great Falls Population Economic Impact Report documents an $88 million positive impact on the local economy from population growth in the last five years, and estimates economic impact of population growth over the next 10 years.

Manufacturers, if you don't get the monthly newsletter from the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center you are missing out on great training and other resources.

The Montana Department of Agriculture is partnering with the USDA and the Agricultural Marketing Services to help strengthen the resiliency of Montana food systems. Is your food company focused on middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, or distribution of targeted agricultural products? If so, there is a new funding opportunity for your projects. Discuss this new opportunity and check your eligibility with Anna by reaching out at Anna@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1301.

Are you planning any international marketing activities in 2024? 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.

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.

USDA has launched a new online tool to assist small businesses in identifying procurement opportunities; see USDA's Procurement Forecast.

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.

One of the many tools we have for renovating your building in Downtown Great Falls is the City's Downtown Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Grant. This 50% match grant can help with Façade, Building Code Compliance, and Safety & Security. One of the biggest uses of this grant is Fire Suppression and updating the face of your building. To find out more about this grant, call Nicki at 1-406-750-2099 or Nicki@GrowGreatFalls.org. Let's discuss how TIF and other tools can help you change the face of Downtown Great Falls. 

Employers, are you looking for timely data on our local workforce? 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 Jake Clark at Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-403-4937 to be connected with a JobsEQ-trained Business Advisor today. To learn more about GFDA's other talent attraction tools, visit our website. 

Recruiters, are you hiring for a job position that is:  

• High level 
• High salary 
• Out-of-the-box/unique/creative? 

Help us attract workforce to move to Great Falls - send a one-sentence description of the job, 3-5 of your company's top employee benefits, salary (if listed), and a link to apply for your job to Tracy@GrowGreatFalls.org to be included in the Hot Jobs in Great Falls blog post.  

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.

USDA opened a new round of Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants and loans. Rural small businesses and agricultural producers can use the funds to make energy-efficiency improvements, lower operating costs, or install renewable energy systems. Quarterly competitions will be held. For for help applying, contact Anna Flies: Anna@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1301. 

The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center 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.



If you are trying to redevelop a property that involves an environmental cleanup (including lead paint and asbestos) and you have a gap in your financing, your project may qualify for our low-interest brownfield redevelopment loan funds. We can make loans anywhere in Cascade County or within 100 miles from the borders of Cascade County, which covers much of the region. We're eager to help make your project move forward. Contact Christian Nichols at 1-406-788-9385 or CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org. We also have some small business or nonprofit startup/expansion loan funds available for Glacier and Blaine counties.

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