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Treasure State Sires hosted a ribbon cutting this week to celebrate the opening of Montana’s first ever boar stud facility. The project was partially funded with a Growth Through Agriculture award assisted by GFDA’s Food Ag Development Center's Director, receiving the maximum funding amount of $150,000. The state-of-the-art, biosecure facility outside Cascade will house 412 mature boars to yield genetic material for over 100,000 new litters each year. If your ag businesses has a project idea for a Growth Through Agriculture program, reach out to FADC Director Sara Niccum at 1-406-260-8056 or Sara@GrowGreatFalls.org - pre-applications are accepted until November 10.

1) We held a productive discussion with a foreign-owned manufacturer exploring Great Falls as the site for its first U.S. location. The company’s existing presence in Canada and our community’s close proximity to the border position Great Falls as a strong contender for its expansion. The conversation focused on logistics advantages, workforce strengths, and potential partnerships to support a smooth market entry. To learn more about this project and international business attraction opportunities, reach out to Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or +1-406-231-8064.

2) Congratulations to Stone Child College on opening a new specialty flour mill on the Rocky Boy Reservation; see KRTV.

3) We hosted a successful information session on commercial energy programs and financial tools to help Montana businesses address energy costs this week. Tools presented included low interest loans, grants, C-PACE, and tax credits. To learn more about energy solutions that may benefit your North Central Montana business, contact Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-4989.

4) A three leader delegation -- Cascade County Commissioner Joe Briggs, Great Falls Area Chamber President Ed Brown, and GFDA CEO Brett Doney -- participated in the Association of Defense Communities' Installation Innovation forum. We met with leaders of defense communities across the country, discussed the upcoming Sentinel mission, and learned about new military and community partnerships in a rapidly changing national security threat environment.

5) If you missed our eblast on Thursday, check out this article in Entrepreneur magazine: Inside the Montana Town Where Entrepreneurs Are Rebuilding the American Dream!

6) Have you started a business in the Great Falls region? We want to celebrate you! Join us for the second annual Entrepreneur Celebration at the Newberry on November 19th from 5-6 PM and get recognized for your awesome achievement. Starting a business is not easy! This celebration is for anyone who has ever started a business in the entire 13-county Great Falls region. Register in advance here so we have a head count!

7) We are preparing to host a site visit from an IT and tech company that connected through our RFI response with the Montana Department of Commerce. The visit will highlight Great Falls’ strong technology assets, available sites, and collaborative business environment. We’re grateful to our partners who will be participating in the visit and helping showcase the many advantages of doing business in our region, including state and local agencies, utility providers, and education partners.

8) Does your business have a strategy in place to maximize the holiday season? Join the MSU Extension/SBDC training program on Thursday, November 6th at 11:00 AM for a 30-minute interactive webinar focused on getting your business holiday-ready! Quincy Walter, Small Business Advisor with Great Northern Development Corporate will be sharing ideas for promotions, marketing tactics and planning tools to help boost visibility and sales during the busiest time of the year. Click here for more information and registration details. This webinar is provided at no cost to you.

9) A local manufacturer reached out in need of temporary warehouse space to meet current demand. We sent out a call to our investors, council members, and board who responded immediately with some excellent options! Thank you for being an active part of our regional team! 

10) Annie’s Tap House, Oki Eats, Great Falls Development Alliance and Big Sky Economic Development is proud to host the 2025 Veteran-to-Veteran Social Gathering Event. This special event will feature Joseph Mayden, a Montana based destination wedding & adventure photographer and 2024 Veteran Owned Business of the Year, as our guest speaker. The purpose of this event is to bring local Veterans together to connect, network and socialize with other Veterans. Join us on Friday November 7th from 5:00-7:00 PM. If you have any questions, please reach out to Christian Nichols at 1-406-788-9385 or CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

11) Montana Energy Business Alliance is hosting an event in Helena on Nov 11 from 5 – 8 pm. Experts will discuss 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, or reach out to Kristen Blue at Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-4949 for more information.

12) We submitted a Request for Information through the Montana Department of Commerce for a foreign-owned light manufacturing company seeking to establish its U.S. headquarters. The project represents a promising opportunity to attract new investment, create quality jobs, and strengthen the region’s advanced manufacturing sector. Our response highlighted Great Falls’ central location, skilled workforce, and competitive operating costs as key advantages for long-term success. Learn more about our business attraction efforts and how we support international investment opportunities, contact Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or +1-406-231-8064.

13) Applications are currently being accepted for several energy focused programs in our region. Opportunities include competitively awarded low interest loans from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality for qualifying upgrades or conservation measures. Businesses in North Central Montana will have scoring advantages, applications due Jan 31, 2026. Grant money available from NorthWestern Energy for energy installations on nonprofit, government, and public buildings, applications due May 1, 2026. US Department of Agriculture Rural Energy for America program supports agricultural producers and small rural businesses in installing renewable energy systems or making energy efficiency improvements. Resources include grants and guaranteed loans, applications due December 31, 2025. Matching funds from Montana Department of Environmental Quality to replace older diesel trucks, buses, garbage trucks, street sweepers, or airport ground support vehicles, applications due December 5, 2025.

14) Businesses across our region are fueling economic growth, securing more than $7.5 million in government contracts during the month of October. Great Falls Regional APEX advised 12 businesses as they prepared to compete in the government marketplace. From navigating solicitation requirements to developing responsive bids, we helped clients understand what it takes to succeed in local, state, and federal contracting. Through one-on-one advising, we worked to highlight each business’s strengths and provide the tools needed to effectively connect with government buyers. By preparing businesses of all sizes and industries to compete for and win government contracts, Great Falls Regional APEX is helping strengthen our regional economy and increase visibility in the government marketplace. To learn how we can help your business take the next step, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.

15) Montana Energy Business Alliance is hosting an event in Helena on Nov 11 from 5 – 8 pm. Experts will discuss 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, or reach out to Kristen Blue at Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-4949 for more information.

16) Shauni held an introductory call with an out-of-market business in the tourism and recreation industry that has expressed interest in our region. The company currently operates in two major metropolitan areas within Montana, and future meetings are scheduled to continue the conversation. Shauni identified 15 high-potential business targets through market research in the Bozeman area in preparation for an upcoming in-market trip. She has secured four meetings with businesses in the tourism, recreation, and hospitality sectors, positioning us for strong engagement and potential new investment opportunities in the region. If you or someone you know is interested in starting or expanding into our market with a focus on business in the recreation, please contact Shauni Seccombe at 1-406-788-6867 or Shauni@GrowGreatFalls.org

17) Business support, trainings, resources, and opportunities abound in the weekly top ten. Please forward this to anyone you think should opt in to recieve our eblasts. Stay in the know! Sign up for the top ten.

18) The Montana Department of Commerce is accepting applications for the Montana Coal Endowment Planning Grant Program. The application is available on the grants and loans portal until December 1. For the 2027 biennium only, communities may be awarded one planning grant of up to $30,000 for a variety of infrastructure preliminary engineering reports and capital improvement plans. Commerce is happy to answer your questions and help you with the application process. Contact their staff at 1-406-841-2770 or visit the MCEP Planning Grant web page for additional information.

19) Downtown Great Falls will celebrate Ladies’ Night Out on Thursday, November 20, from 5:00–8:00 PM, with participating restaurants extending the fun through dinner and cocktails until 10:00 PM. This signature downtown event invites residents and visitors to enjoy an evening of shopping, dining, and community spirit—no tickets required. Retailers and restaurants will offer extended hours, exclusive promotions, and festive experiences that highlight the vibrant downtown scene and kick off the holiday season in style. Full event details and business participation information are available here. 

20) The Tribal Tourism Grant Programs are open now through November 30, offering funding for both shovel-ready tribal tourism projects (up to $50,000) and small businesses (up to $10,000) in areas like Native American Made in Montana retail, food and beverage, guiding, and hosted experiences. For full details and to apply, visit the application portal here.

21) Beginning November 10, the Department of Defense (DoD) will require contractors to meet cybersecurity standards under the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program. These requirements apply only to DoD contracts, not all federal opportunities. The rule, outlined in DFARS 252.204-7021 and published in the Federal Register, aims to protect government data and strengthen the defense supply chain. Businesses should review their cybersecurity practices now to stay eligible for future Department of Defense (DoD) contracts. Now is the time to prepare. We can help you assess your cybersecurity readiness and complete the Level 1 CMMC assessment, so you’re positioned to compete for upcoming Department of Defense (DoD) contracts, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.

22) The Governor’s Energy Task Force has met on energy generation, transmission, markets, and growing demand. The task force is putting together proposed short and long term energy recommendations for Montana. Sessions can be viewed here. To discuss energy projects, programs, and initiatives of all sizes in North Central Montana, contact Kristen Blue at Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-4989.

23) Congratulations to GFDA Small Business Development Center Senior Business Advisor Rich Gannon who recently recertified in the North Star Cybersecurity Program. The North Star Program equips Small Business Development Center advisors across the country to help small businesses strengthen their cybersecurity readiness.

24) Jenn participated in the Grant Professionals Association Annual Summit, completing training on new federal grant regulations, compliance, reporting, and policy updates. ​ With big shifts toward stricter oversight and evolving eligibility requirements, learning best practices for maintaining compliance and aligning strategic priorities with grants is a more important than ever.

25) Big growth. Bold vision. Strong partners. Thank you to our investors and public partners for powering progress across our region! Watch this short video to meet the team. Recent investments include: Pacesetter Division—Marshall Orthodontics; Community Division—Hygienix, LLC. Thank you for continuing to invest in our region’s people, progress, and potential! To learn how you can get involved, reach out to Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

26) 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.

27) We encourage you to take advantage of the Innovative Educational Program Tax Credit to make a direct and lasting impact on education in Great Falls. Montana’s Innovative Educational Program Tax Credit allows you to redirect a portion of your state income taxes directly to Great Falls Public Schools, enhancing innovative programs and opportunities for our students. Thanks to the generosity of our community, Great Falls has led the state for two consecutive years—securing nearly $1 million in tax credits last year alone. Together, community members like you have already invested over $2.1 million through this new program. These funds have been used to establish the new GFPS Innovative Learning Center opening in 2026, expand summer learning, and provide mental health support for students. This year, contributions will help restore and begin to sustain field trips/investigations for more than 800 elementary students and expand STEM learning for all K–12 students. By participating before the statewide opening on January 21, 2026, you will receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your 2025 Montana income tax return. Timing is critical—credits are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and have been claimed in under ten minutes in past years. The statewide cap is $7.2 million, with Great Falls eligible for up to $2.88 million. For more information, visit GFPS Innovative Education Program Tax Credit

Great to be back in Great Falls for Halloween Weekend! Fantastic community spirit. Have a great week,

Brett

Brett Doney

Great Falls Development Alliance

BDoney@GrowGreatFalls.org

1-406-750-2119

Connect with me on LinkedIn.

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

Subscribe to the Grow Great Falls Montana YouTube channel!

"You have to be fast on your feet and adaptive or else strategy is useless."

Charles De Gaulle

Edition 709

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

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

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

Great Falls Tourism hosts an events calendar on the VisitGreatFalls website and sends out a weekly email of upcoming events every Monday. Sign up for the email. Please post events so residents and visitors can find you!

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

Montana Department of Agriculture’s Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program is now accepting pre-applications! To be invited to submit a full application, candidates should upload a project summary and budget projections through the Webgrants online portal by November 10. Grants up to $50,000 and loans up to $100,000 are available, for a maximum possible award of $150,000. A dollar-for-dollar match is required for all funded projects. Last year we helped secure $166K of funding for small businesses in the region. Do you have a project idea or questions about your application for GTA funding? Reach out to FADC Director Sara Niccum at Sara@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1301.



The Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) profile enhancement is now complete, making this the perfect time to update your SBA Profile and stay visible to government buyers. The Great Falls Regional APEX Accelerator will help you create or refresh your profile, which is a vital tool that connects your business with government buyers and prime contractors. Agencies use these profiles to identify and verify qualified companies of all sizes and industries for federal contracting opportunities. Keeping your profile current ensures your business stands out in the competitive federal marketplace. Let’s position your business to get noticed by government buyers today, contact  Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.

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

Effective November 10, 2025, all new Department of Defense (DoD) contracts will require Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance. Contractors must have the appropriate cybersecurity measures in place. Great Falls Regional APEX can help you understand the requirements and help you prepare to ensure your business is ready to compete and in compliant.

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



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

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

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

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!

Ready to sell to the government but not sure where to start?

Great Falls Regional APEX makes it easy to break into the government marketplace. We’ll guide you through registration, research, and responding to opportunities, so your business is ready to win contracts. Whether you’re new to contracting or ready to grow, we’ll help you find opportunities, build connections, and reach 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 and if your actively pursuing government contracts and haven't signed up for Great Falls Regional APEX services, Click Here

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.

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