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Congratulations to the Enbar team on its purchase of the Great Falls Voyagers! Enbar, Inc. closed on a GFDA loan to purchase the shares of the Great Falls Baseball Club, Inc., known as the Great Falls Voyagers. GFDA is excited to be able to provide assistance to support local ownership of the team and continuation of this important quality of life asset in our region. We were able to provide $1.1 million in financing to made possible by the Montana Department of Commerce's State Small Business Credit Initiative 2.0. See the Voyagers' press release and KRTV. If your business needs assistance with financing to start, grow or innovate please contact Jill Kohles at 1-406-590-1056 or JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org

1) Congratulations to Montana Specialty Mills on the completion of their major expansion in the Great Falls Agri-Tech Park. See: KRTV. With this investment, their facility now has three times the processing capacity. This growth supports the production of Non-GMO and Organic Canola Oil, Flaxseed, Linseed Oil, and other essential ingredients for food, feed, and industrial products. As a primary sector leader in agricultural processing, they provide high-paying jobs and generate revenue, contributing significantly to the local economy. Their commitment reinforces the success of our region’s farm-to-table strategy and marks another vital achievement in creating sustainable growth. Congrats again and thank you for investing in our region!


2) Five new businesses opened in Downtown Great Falls during the third quarter of 2024, creating 40 new jobs and $1954,500 of private investment. 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 contact Nicki Dallison at Nicki@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-2099.


3) Joann opened a new store at the Holiday Village Mall in Great Falls; see KRTV. Tony Roma's opened in the Great Falls Holiday Inn; see KRTV and TheElectric's Business Bites. The University of Providence has added two concentrations to its Master's in Healthcare Administration program; see KRTV. Sisters Coffee and Cafe opened in the Columbus Center in Great Falls; see Business Bites.


4) A major single family housing development proposed in Great Falls took a significant step forward thanks to cooperation between city, county, and state agencies working together to solve development challenges and hopefully keeping the project on pace for spring construction. It is not too late to hit the 2025 construction season for your housing project reach out to Jake today at 1-406-403-4937 or Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org.  


5) The Great Falls Development Alliance is excited to invite you to our First Annual Entrepreneur Celebration! This event will bring together community leaders, business owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs to recognize and celebrate the local innovators who are driving economic growth and shaping the future of Great Falls. Join us Wednesday, November 20 from 5:00-6:00 PM. Make sure to RSVP in advance. 


6) The first tenants have moved into The Station District on the Great Falls riverfront. 2 Basset Brewery opened their new space in downtown White Sulphur Springs. Montana Premium Processing Coop will increase production capacity with a $250,000 USDA Meat processing grant; see Havre Daily News.


7) Congratulations to Great Falls College on receiving a $250,000 workforce training grant from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture for their new Veterinary Technician program! See: The Electric. This investment not only boosts our local workforce but also contributes to the broader economic health of our region by enhancing education and workforce development in essential fields. We’re thrilled to see this progress and look forward to the positive impact on our community. 


8) Six entrepreneurs attended our new startup class, Idea to Income, this week. The training is designed to guide aspiring business owners through the essentials of launching a successful small business. We plan to hold this class quarterly in Great Falls, with the next session scheduled for January 14th. If you're in a rural area and would like to bring this training to your community, please contact Rich Gannon at 1-406-836-2078 or RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org


9) Agriculture is not exempt from the evolving trends in technology or financing. To stay abreast on new developments and meet the producers innovating this industry in Montana, Anna attended the Montana Ag-Tech Innovation & Investment Summit in Bozeman, where she learned about the developments in renewable energy from Montana Renewables, support from MSU programs and how AI can benefit farmers among much more. If you have an innovative Ag start up idea and would like to discuss how to get started, reach out to Anna@GrowGreatFalls.org at 1-406-590-1301. 


10) NeighborWorks Great Falls now has seven counties whose commission's have voted to participated in the regional CRO housing program. We are looking forward to supporting this effort by connecting developers and employers to produce more housing in the Golden Triangle Great Falls Trade Area region. Contact Sherrie Arey if your county would like to participate. The deadline is very soon. Any county that does not participate in a CRO will lose it's state allocation of funds. Sarey@nwgf.org or 1-406-216-3512.


11) Do you have a capability statement? A well-prepared capability statement is essential when engaging with government agencies, especially at networking and matchmaking events where first impressions matter most. It serves as a concise introduction to your business, highlighting your expertise, qualifications, and the unique value you bring, making it easier for agencies to assess your potential as a trusted partner for their contracts. At Great Falls Regional APEX, we provide expert guidance and tailored training to help you craft a statement that leverages your strengths and gives you a competitive edge in securing government contracts. 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.


12) Jake and Nicki met with a new building owner in Downtown Great Falls and connected them with resources including Tax Increment FinancingCommercial Property-Assessed Capital Enhancements, our Small Business Development Center and the Downtown Great Falls Association. If you are a downtown property owner or business and would like to discuss resources to help your business grow, contact Nick Dallison at Nicki@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-2099.


13) Christian Nichols of GFDA's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) visited several Veteran-owned businesses to discuss the transition from military service to entrepreneurship. Christian was able to gather insights and stories from the Veteran business owners about their trials, stress factors and keys to success which will be featured in a series of "shout-outs" on the GFDA and Montana Small Business Development Center’s social media channels and website throughout National Veterans Small Business Week which begins on Veterans Day and continues through November 15th. The GFDA Small Business Development Center aims to shine the light on the achievements of Veteran entrepreneurs in the community and inspire other service members considering the leap into business ownership by sharing the firsthand experiences of these Veteran-owned businesses. If you are a Veteran or family member of a Veteran and considering the idea of owning a business, please reach out to Christian Nichols, Small Business Development Center Advisor at 1-406-788-9385 or CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org. Christian has not only served our country and is a Veteran, but he has also owned his own business. Thank you, Christian, for your service not only to our country but to our small business owners and specifically for highlighting and shining the light on these brilliant business owners.


14) GFDA is launching a Food Manufacturing Safety 101 video series, supported by a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant in conjunction with the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center, to help value-added food processors in Montana navigate key food safety practices. This 11-part series will cover essential topics like sanitation, HACCP, food labeling, and compliance with FDA guidelines. The series will be available online at no cost, and if you'd like to be notified as new videos are released, simply reach out to Christian Leinhauser, at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-0136. Stay ahead of the curve and ensure your food manufacturing business is set up for success with this valuable training!


15) Accelerate Montana is offering cybersecurity and drone pilot training, as well as a variety of other business training resources.


16) GFDA Small Business Development Center Regional Director, Deb McGregor presented Navigating Stress for Business Owners on Thursday, November 7th as a part of the MSU Economic Extension/Small Business Development Center partnership. Eight individuals participated in the interactive webinar. Business owners wanted to know how they can encourage a work environment committed to health/wellness/stress navigation strategies in addition to gaining skills and ideas that help entrepreneurs lead by example. Next month’s featured speaker is Erin Townsend, Bravera Business Banking Officer, for an engaging webinar on how to successfully navigate the business loan process. The webinar will take place on Thursday, December 5th at 11:00 AM. Click here for additional information.


17) Together we’re more! That’s the mantra exemplified by the Choctaw Nation. Jolene was able to learn about their business attraction, expansion, small business advising, and community capacity building as part of the International Economic Development Association’s Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) Program. They will become the first economic development accredited Tribal Nation and we believe wholeheartedly – together we’re more!


18) The deadline to submit a proposal in response to GFDA's Request for Proposals for a Market Assessment of Opportunities in Pulse Processing is Friday, November 15th. Electronic submissions and any questions regarding the RFP can be directed to Anna Flies at Anna@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1301.


19) Get ready to light the entrepreneurial flame at Ignite 2025! On January 10th, we’ll be showcasing presentations from businesses starting, expanding, or opening in 2025. The event kicks off with a networking session at 7:30 AM, followed by a series of inspiring presentations starting at 8:00 AM. This is your chance to connect with industry leaders, explore new opportunities, and support the growth of our region. Mark your calendars now—more details coming soon! If your business, government agency, or non-profit has a project launching or expanding in 2025, email Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-0136 to get on the list!


20) We are partnering with Great Falls Association of Realtors on hosting a public information forum regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Duplexes in residential zoning districts for Great Falls. The event will be held at 9:00 AM on Thursday, November 14th, register here for the event.  


21) We are looking for employers in the region to participate in the 2025 issue of Livability Great Falls, our talent attraction print and online digital magazine. If you are interested in recruiting talent, please contact jenn Gallmeier at Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-781-9499.


22) This week we applied to be part of the first Opportunity Finance Network Nascent Climate Lending Cohort. This will aid us in assisting more businesses with energy efficiency implementation to reduce their energy costs. The cohort begins first quarter 2025.


23) We’re pleased to welcome Katie Neil of Springhill Suites to the GFDA Council!  Springhill Suites has been a fantastic partner in supporting our mission, contributing to our shared vision of regional growth and economic opportunity. Thank you to Katie and the entire Springhill Suites team for your continued partnership—welcome to the Council!


24) We’re excited to welcome Shauni Seccombe to the GFDA team as our new Resource Officer. Shauni brings valuable experience with a strong track record in building partnerships and securing resources. Shauni’s expertise and enthusiasm for community impact will be an asset to GFDA as we continue expanding our support for local entrepreneurs, businesses, and development projects. Welcome to the team, Shauni—we’re thrilled to have you on board!


25) 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.


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


27) Thank you to our investors and public partners for their continued support. Their commitment makes it possible for us to expand economic opportunities, provide critical resources, and address challenges across the region. Learn more about them here. Together, we’re helping entrepreneurs and businesses grow, creating jobs, and building a stronger foundation for economic resilience. Our work to improve access to capital, foster business growth, and attract new investment is fueled by their belief in our mission. To learn about our economic development strategy and how you can join the team that’s growing the region, reach out to Investment Director Jenn Gallmeier at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org.


Play ball!!


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!


"We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time."

T.S. Eliot



Edition 658

DOWNLOAD OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
DOWNLOAD OUR GFDA SERVICES AND STAFF TEAM HANDOUT
DOWNLOAD 2024Q3 QUARTER INDEX

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

November 2024 SBA 504 Loan Interest Rates

The 25-year loan effective rate (including all fees) is 6.283%; 20-year at 6.350%; 10-year equipment loan at 6.459%; and, 20-year refinance 6.380%; 25-year refinance 6.312%. 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

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


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 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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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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