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Congratulations to Ponderosa Solutions! Their Transload Facility has officially launched operations in the Great Falls AgriTech Park, processing 7 rail cars in its first week while fine-tuning operations. The facility is on track to ramp up production, handling up to 10 cars daily, with ample space available for further expansion. This addition enhances the region's logistical capabilities, streamlining freight movement and supporting local business growth.

1) Congratulations to the City of Shelby on winning a $130,000 Main Street grant from the Montana Department of Commerce to support the adaptive reuse of the Roxy Theatre! Congratulations to Central Montana Tourism on winning a $250,000 Resiliency Plan Implementation grant from the Montana Department of Commerce! Great Falls Tourism has posted a new Regional Tourism Director position Please Share this unique opportunity with people you think would be a good fit for the opening.


2) “What an impressive reception” - Montana based housing developer in response to a meeting with several City of Great Falls departments. We continue to provide a level of responsiveness and accessibility to high priority projects. Let’s give your project some attention, reach out to Jake at 1-406-403-4937 or Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org


3) NeighborWorks Great Falls is working with several counties in North Central Montana to provide their services as the Community Reinvestment Organization (CRO) under house bill 819 to support homeownership through downpayment assistance funds. If your county has not yet selected a CRO, reach out to Sherrie Arey, 1-406-761-5861 or sarey@nwgf.org.


4) Our Great Falls Regional APEX assisted a small business in registering with the Montana State Vendor Marketplace and navigating the platform, enabling them to search for and apply for bid opportunities. As a result, they successfully secured their first state contract! This achievement opens exciting new avenues for growth and success. If you would like more information on how you can find opportunities to showcase your products and services to all state agencies, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.


5) Benefis Health System is making progress on its new outpatient clinic in Lewistown; see Lewistown News.


6) Team members Jolene Schalper and Jill Kohles attended the annual Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) annual meeting in Los Angeles. OFN is the leading national network of CDFI’s and is also a financial intermediary. This event not only provides a great opportunity to network and train with other fellow economic developers but allow us to meet one-on-one with nationwide CDFI loan capital funders and consultants. We are excited to bring back tools to our team as well as follow up appointments for different loan capital funding sources. 


7) GFDA retained our logistics consultants, Moffat & Nichol, to come back to the Great Falls region to work with us on identifying future potential rail industrial sites in the Golden Triangle. We are investing $30,000 of GFDA Investor funds in this work to support attracting increased business investment in manufacturing, energy, food/ag/bio processing, and logistics services.


8) Nicki gained valuable insights at the Montana Downtown and Main Street Conference in Bozeman and Livingston, where she learned about downtown’s impact on the statewide economy, small business strategies, community engagement and putting ideas into action. Nicki was joined by partners from NeighborWorks, the Downtown Great Falls Association and local business owners, who also benefited from the conference’s informative sessions and networking opportunities. If you are looking to invest Downtown, contact Nicki at Nicki@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-2099.


9) Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine students are volunteering their time to support the community by hosting a health fair with Helping Hands and First United Methodist Church on Nov. 4 from 4-7 PM at First United Methodist Church, 610 2nd Ave. N. See: The Electric.


10) We had the pleasure of hosting a representative from the Montana Department of Commerce in Great Falls to tour local industrial sites. We spent the day showcasing prime locations ready for development, highlighting the potential for businesses to grow in our thriving community. These sites offer exceptional opportunities for companies looking to expand or relocate in North Central Montana. If you're interested in learning more about available industrial sites in the area, don't hesitate to call Christian Leinhauser at 1-406-836-0136 or email CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org for details. Let’s find the perfect location for your business!


11) The City of Great Falls has launched its 2025-2045 Growth Policy website and is inviting community input. Explore the planning process and track the plan's progress. The City is also seeking applicants to serve on the Planning Advisory Board and the Board of Adjustments/Appeals. See TheElectric for more details.


12) Jake spoke on “Authentic leadership and entrepreneurial growth”with the 2024 class of Leadership Great Falls, a group of emerging and established professional leaders in our community. Thanks to the Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity to participate!


13) Join us for the presentation of the Downtown Great Falls Market Analysis and Downtown Great Falls Economic Vitality Transformation Strategy on Wednesday, November 13th from 8:30-10:30 AM at Haute Hive in Downtown Great FallsYou can register here. For questions or to discuss investing in Downtown Great Falls, please get in touch with Nicki Dallison at Nicki@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-2099.


14) GFDA is partnering with Great Falls Tourism to retain a public relations/earned media partner to support our joint efforts to grow visitation to Great falls and attract workforce talent and entrepreneurs to relocate here. See RFP. to Great Falls Tourism has also posted a new Regional Tourism Director position Please Share this unique opportunity with people you think would be a good fit for the opening.


15) We have issued an RFP to find a consultant(s) to conduct an in-depth market demand assessment for new indoor and outdoor recreation and entertainment offerings and venues in the Great Falls Montana trade area. This project builds on recent strategic planning done by Great Falls Tourism, Central Montana Tourism, and the state's tourism leaders at the Montana Department of Commerce. Once the market analysis is completed, we will work with the consultant(s) to put together a new economic development strategy to grow and diversify recreation and entertainment industries in our region. Recreation and entertainment industries are important both for growing tourism, which is a primary sector industry that brings new dollars in, and to retain and attract workforce talent and improve quality of life for residents. Download RFP and please help us publicize it to attract the interest of experienced consultants in the recreation and entertainment industries.


16) Our GFDA Small Business Development Center Buying a Business training taking place 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. If you are thinking about starting, buying or selling a business, please reach out to a member of our GFDA Small Business Development Center: 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.


17) 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


18) I participated in the National Association of Development Organizations' annual training and fall Board of Directors meeting. Over 500 leaders of regional development organizations from across the country participated in the event.


19) We Are Growing Our Awesome Staff Team and have excellent career opportunities. Download a description of openings for Loan Officer and Lending Solutions Specialist. Contact Tracy for more info at Tracy@GrowGreatFalls.org.


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


21) We have so much to celebrate, including our investors and public partners for their continued support. Because of them, we can continue our important work of bringing more opportunities to our region and making our community a great place that people want to live and work. Learn about them by viewing this short video. Recent investments include: Champion Division—Benefis Health System; Advance Division—Springhill Suites; Leadership Division—BNSF Railway. Together we are making great progress, but we have a long way to go! If you’d like to learn more about our economic development strategy and how you support our efforts, reach out to Investment Director Jenn Gallmeier at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org.


Another busy week on the road pitching the Great Falls Montana region and helping our clients and partners put deals together. Have a great last week of October!


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.


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"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other."

Abraham Lincoln



Edition 656

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Cost-Effective Rail-Served Industrial Sites Available

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

DOWNLOAD AGRITECH FLYER

October 2024 SBA 504 Loan Interest Rates

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.

Events, Business Trainings & Opportunities

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.


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 Project Manager, 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 406-788-9385 or email at CNichols@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.


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

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