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Drew Hicks of Central Avenue Meats visits with a journalist from a leading travel and leisure publication during a media familiarization tour hosted by Great Falls Montana Tourism and GFDA. We had three reporters in town this week focused on entrepreneurship, food and wind, and site selection. Thank you to all the businesses and partners who made this a tremendous success. We were able to showcase the entrepreneurial passion and success, the food scene, and business attraction efforts. Their visit is the result of our new public relations partnership.

1) Benefis Health System opened its new urgent care facility in Lewistown, expanding services to address a gap in local healthcare services; see KRTV and Lewistown News. The University of Providence opened its new state-of-the-art Nursing Skills Lab, part of its four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program; see KRTV and KFBB. Bricks and Minifigs is set to open in Downtown Great Falls on October 11th. The new store will feature all things LEGO; see their Facebook page and KRTV.

2) Forty-four community and business leaders across the region have been selected as Honorary Commanders of the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom AFB. The induction ceremony was held on base yesterday. Honorary Commanders are committed to strengthening the connection between the 341st Missile Wing and our local community. This is important both to support current missions and as we prepare for the construction of the new Sentinel missile mission. Two GFDA team members are serving as Honorary Commanders, Shannon Clancy, our APEX Accelerator Regional Director, and myself.

3) Congratulations to Brenteson Fire LLC on securing multiple contract awards with the U.S. Forest Service! Randy shared, “I couldn’t have done it without the help of my Great Falls Regional APEX Advisors.” This exciting win highlights the momentum we’re seeing in government contracting within the Great Falls region. Whether you want to do business with federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service, the State of Montana, or your local cities and counties, we can help you discover contract opportunities, compete effectively, and win contracts that grow your business. To learn more contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.

4) Two new Great Falls housing development leads came out of the woodwork this week. Jake is now working with more than 20 housing leads considering projects in Great Falls. If you would like to get your housing project moving forward, please reach out to Jake Clark at Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org and 1-406-403-4937.

5) 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.

6) 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.

7) Our GFDA Small Business Development Center assisted several clients this week with creating a Business Plan and identifying start-up costs for new businesses. Have you been thinking about starting a business? Do you have several ideas but not sure which one to pursue? We help entrepreneurs get clarity around the idea, put pencil to paper and get a plan in place and identify costs and revenue associated with your business idea. Want to learn more? Join us Tuesday, October 7th for Idea to Income: Small Business Start Up Essentials at the GFDA Office from 5:30-6:30 PM. This live one-hour training is designed to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the fundamentals of launching a successful small business. We'll cover essential topics such as defining your target customers, understanding costs, and building a solid foundation for your business. This class will provide the tools and insights you need to confidently move forward and bring your business vision to life. Click here for additional information and registration. Your GFDA Small Business Development Center team brings over 25 years of combined business and consulting experience. If you are unable to attend the training, don’t delay in getting started. Reach out today to one of us: 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.

8) 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.

9) Shauni Seccombe switched positions to start this week our new Business Development Officer focused on tourism, recreation, entertainment and river activation. Shauni will be leading efforts to implement the strategies outlined in the Hunden Partners’ Recreation, Hospitality, and Entertainment Market Assessment and Regional Strategy, available here. Her work will focus on expanding opportunities in destination hospitality, family-centric activities, adventure-based tours and guide services, and river activation. If you are a business looking to start, expand, or relocate to the Great Falls and North Central Montana region, connect with Shauni at 1-406-788-6867 or Shauni@GrowGreatFalls.org.

10) 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.

11) Save the date: Tuesday, October 28 at 11:00 AM. We are hosting an event to highlight financial tools related to energy that can benefit projects from the capital stack to the bottom line. We will have experts on current state and federal programs present opportunities and how to access these and other tools. Registration will be live this week. Reach out to Kristen Blue for more information Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-4989.  

12) 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

13) Not all projects move forward without challenges; some require extra support to get unstuck. Whether it’s navigating infrastructure questions, workforce needs, or site details, we’re here to help businesses and partners push projects through the pipeline. Remember, if your project hits a roadblock, reach out to Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-0136, we’re ready to help find solutions and keep momentum going.

14) 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.

15) The GFDA team had a fantastic visit with an out-of-town restaurant concept exploring a potential Downtown Great Falls location! Katie pulled together market data, connected the client with local business owners and brokers, and provided a detailed trip summary and follow-up; just a small example of our business deleopment concierge services. Downtown is ready for investment—and momentum is building. Next week, we already have a meeting set up with local property owner to discuss new ideas and how GFDA can help activate their vacant spaces. Want more informaiton? Reach out to Katie Carvell at 1-406-217-7635 or Katie@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

16) On Monday, October 6, Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MT DEQ) will announce a new funding opportunity to help curb transportation sector nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The announcement will open a new two-phase application process. 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.

17) Mark your calendars, Ignite 2026 is set for January 9th at The Newberry! This annual event showcases businesses, nonprofits, and community partners with projects starting, opening, or expanding in the coming year. If you have an announcement about an exciting upcoming project, let us know so we can include you in the lineup. To get on the program, contact Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-0136.

18) Excited to announce that Sara Niccum will be joining the GFDA staff team on October 16th as our new Food and Ag Development Center Director and Business Development Officer focused on food, ag and bio processing industries. Sara brings great experience in business and economic development and local food systems. She earned a BA from Xavier University and an MA from Ball State University. Most recently she has been helping the Native American Community Development Corporation in Browning on food initiatives.

19) I drove over to Williston to do a reaccreditation site visit of the City of Williston’s Economic Development Department for the International Economic Development Council. This gave me the opportunity to meet with numerous business and community leaders to get an update on the economy of western North Dakota and get some great ideas to bring back.

20) GFDA’s Board appointed David Dahl, Investment Advisor with Bravera Wealth, to the GFDA Council.

21) As we celebrate growth across our region, we pause to recognize those who make it possible. Thank you to our investors and public partners for your trust, support, and leadership. Learn more about the people powering this work by watching this short video. Recent investments include: Champion Division—Cascade County; Leadership Division—James Talcott Construction, Inc. If you’d like to invest in the future of our community, reach out to Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org.

22) 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.

Headed back out of town to participate in the National Development Finance Summit to dig into Opportunity Zones 2.0, new financing structures, and the launch of the Community Capital Collaborative. Have a great week!

Brett

Brett Doney

Great Falls Development Alliance

BDoney@GrowGreatFalls.org

1-406-750-2119

Connect with me on LinkedIn.

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"In times like these, it helps to recall that there have always been times like these."

Paul Harvey

Edition 705

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 6.233%; 20-year at 6.250%; 10-year equipment loan at 6.174%; and, 25-year refinance 6.262%; 20-year refinance 6.280%. 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 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. It’s not too late to learn about the program and get trained on the process and tools that are available. The next training will be held on October 9 in Browning and 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.

The Montana Department of Commerce will accept applications for the Agritourism Grants Program September 24 through October 23. These grants support rural tribal and agricultural businesses and communities by assisting with diversifying operations, developing and enhancing agritourism opportunities and generating tourism revenue for the benefit of local communities.

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) applications open October 1. 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.

Thinking about buying a building or upgrading equipment? The SBA 504 Loan Program makes it easier with as little as 10% down and long-term fixed rates that don’t change over the life of your loan. Right now, all-in rates are 6.233% for 25 years, 6.250% for 20 years, and 6.174% for a 10-year equipment loan. Refinance options are available too at 6.262% for 25 years or 6.280% for 20 years. It’s one of the most affordable ways to lock in stability, preserve cash, and invest in your business. Contact Jill Kohles at 1-406-590-1056 or JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org to get started today.

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