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Admiral Beverage's new warehouse and distribution facility is well underway on a 22-acre custom lot in the Great Falls AgriTech Park. The Great Falls City Commission gave unanimous approval to enable Ponderosa Solutions to expand freight operations in the Park. The AgriTech Park Tenant Owners Association held its annual meeting. We also met with BNSF leaders to discuss expansion of the AgriTech Park which is a BNSF certified Premier Park.

1) The new $13 million water treatment plant in Belt, which has been under development since 2007, held its official ribbon-cutting; see KRTV. Bear Paw Development in Havre has launched a $350,000 business revitalization loan fund; see Havre Daily News and KRTV. KRTV also ran a great story about the recent Montana Business Attraction Mission to Japan and South Korea which GFDA participated in. And stories about the new Big Sky Bungee in Great Falls and bacon lovers' favorite meat processor Saco Pay-N-Save.

2) 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!

3) The Great Falls City Commission approved investing $425,000 in safety improvements to the City's ballpark, home of the Great Falls Voyagers, the Great Falls Chargers and other community recreation. The infrastructure improvements will include new safety netting and concrete repair and box seat replacement. We're proud to have financed the Enbar Group's purchase of the Voyagers last year to keep the team in Great Falls. Thank you City Commission for making the ballpark safer and preserving this asset for our community!

4) Annie’s Tap House, Oki Eats, Great Falls Development Alliance and Big Sky Economic Development proudly hosted the 2025 Veteran-to-Veteran Social Gathering Event – a special event dedicated to celebrating and connecting our local veteran community. This evening featured Joseph Mayden, Montana based destination wedding & adventure photographer 2024 Veteran Owned Business of the Year as our guest speaker. This event brought together 16 local veterans to connect, share experiences, and build professional networks.  If you are a veteran, or simply someone interested in starting a business, please reach out to Christian Nichols at 1-406-788-9385 or CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

5) The Montana Energy Business Alliance will hold an event in Helena on Nov. 11. 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. Come join the conversation about the energy Montana needs and the prosperity Montana deserves! Register here.

6) Jake, Shauni, Katie, and Sara headed to Bozeman to meet with target businesses we feel could expand to Great Falls, specifically into the Downtown Great Falls area and in the recreation and entertainment sector. Sara introduced herself to state leaders in the Food and Ag community at the Agricultural Economics Conference at Montana State University as well. From rooftop food and beverage concepts, to family friendly entertainment options and new housing development, Bozeman showed us how many of our goals for Great Falls are achievable in Montana and that the Great Falls market offers some advantages to businesses looking to expand. Time to expand your business to Great Falls? Reach out to our team, start with Jake at Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-403-4937. 

7) The GFDA Small Business Development Center co-hosted a webinar this week with MSU Extension’s Economic Development Program featuring Quincy Walter, SBDC director with Great Northern Development Corporation in Wolf Point. The session, How Businesses Can Capitalize on the Holiday Rush highlighted practical strategies for boosting visibility and sales during the busy holiday season. Twenty participants were live on the interactive training! Our next webinar will feature an interview with a Montana entrepreneur who turned her side hustle into a national brand—all from rural Montana. 

8) GFDA is actively preparing for an upcoming site visit with a company in the IT sector, a direct result of our Request for Information (RFI) collaboration with the Montana Department of Commerce. This visit reflects the strong partnerships and proactive outreach driving new business interest in the Great Falls region. We’re grateful to the many local partners and business owners whose engagement continues to position our community for technology-focused growth and investment opportunities. Learn more about how to get involved in our business attraction efforts, contact Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or +1-406-836-0136.

9) Jake was invited to meet with community and business leaders in Fort Benton, MT to discuss how to increase housing production in their community. Local business success and lack of recent housing development have Fort Benton feeling the same housing woes as Great Falls. Jake will continue to work to increase housing production in Great Falls, Fort Benton, and throughout the region to meet workforce housing demand. 

10) Called for More. The University of Providence is launching a new strategic effort to grow students, offer additonal programing, and restructure the University so they may thrive for years to come. UP is seeking alumni, friends, and partners to be part of this defining moment. Click here to learn how you can engage. 

11) Deb participated in the INBIA Ecosystem Builders Conference that took place in Atlanta. The experience was dynamic, hands-on, inspirational, and full of ideas we can implement now to continue building a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem. Are you an entrepreneur or small business owner ready to engage, learn more and continue building and growing your business? Reach out to one of our GFDA Small Business Development Center Business Advisors to learn how our no-cost services can assist you: 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.

12) Breezy conditions across North Central Montana are more than a passing weather pattern, they reinforce the $11.5 billion in wind potential available to power our region. With steady winds, vast geography, and one of the nation’s highest capacity factors, the energy future is blowing through North Central Montana. Spin up a conversation about your project with Kristen Blue at Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-4989.

13) Our Great Falls Regional APEX team joined APEX advisors from across the United States at the National NAPEX Fall Conference in Washington DC. This event provided a platform to network, learn, and gain insights that will benefit businesses in our region as they position themselves for government contracting opportunities. Key sessions focused on the current challenges and opportunities shaping the government contracting landscape. Explored the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) and how tools like ChatGPT and other new technologies are influencing how proposals are written. Cybersecurity and strategies for helping businesses of all size and industry were a major focus, because on November 10, 2025, cybersecurity requirements will no longer be optional for Department of Defense (DoD) contracts. We also reviewed how government-led innovation and research programs can drive business growth and expand opportunities for businesses in emerging markets. The expertise we gained helps us guide you in strengthening your competitive edge and ensuring you’re fully prepared to navigate the complexities of government contracting. To learn more about enhancing your contract readiness, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.

14) If you’re working on a project in the region and have hit a roadblock, GFDA is here to help. Our team can connect you with the right partners, whether that’s a local business, city, or county contact, or gather a group ready to collaborate and move your project forward. We’re committed to helping businesses overcome challenges and keep progress on track across North Central Montana.

15) We’re excited to announce that Jamie Rapley will be joining the GFDA staff team as our new Online Business Development Officer starting December 1st. Jamie brings excellent business development and marketing experience gained at Information Systems of Montana, the Montana Nurses Association and Steed Global. She earned her BS from Western Colorado University. Jamie will lead our online business development efforts including web, social media and email lead generation.

16) 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.

17) I completed my recertification requirements for the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) of the American Planning Association. I’ve been honored to hold the AICP designation since 1997.

18) The days may be getting shorter, but the impact of our investors and partners keeps growing. Every dollar invested continues to spark opportunity and strengthen communities across North Central Montana. Learn more about them by viewing this short video. Lend your support and help us keep the momentum strong through every season. Contact Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org to learn more.

I flew to Michigan's upper peninsula this morning where the snow was flying and big investments are being made in mining and energy development, as well as housing, tourism, medical manufacturing and downtown revitalization.

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!

"Just as we develop our physical muscles through overcoming opposition – such as lifting weights – we develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and adversity."

Stephen Covey

Edition 710

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 5.862%; 20-year at 5.923%; 10-year equipment loan at 5.652%; and, 25-year refinance 5.865%; 20-year refinance 5.926%. 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 5.862% for 25 years, 5.923% for 20 years, and 5.652% for 10-year equipment loan. Refinance options are available at 5.865% for 25 years and 5.926% 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.



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.

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MT DEQ) Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program provides loans up to $40,000 at 3.5% for up to 10 years for energy technology upgrades and conservation measures. Eligible technologies include solar systems, geothermal systems, wind turbines, micro-hydro, and certified pellet and wood stoves. Energy conservation measures include upgraded insulation, high efficiency heating systems, and upgraded windows. The next round of applications will be accepted January 1 – January 31, 2026. Businesses located in North Central Montana will have scoring advantages. For more details or to apply, contact Meranda Bass at 1-406-444-6586 or MSikes@mt.gov. 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.

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. Applications will be accepted from October 6 – December 5, 2025. For questions or application support, contact Neal Ullman at 1-406-444-6582 or Neal.Ullman@mt.gov. 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.

Universal System Benefits (USB) is a grant available through NorthWestern Energy that funds renewable energy installations on nonprofit, government, and public buildings. Applications for the next round of funding are due May 1, 2026. Contact NorthWestern Energy at E+Programs@northwestern.com with questions or to submit a proposal. 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.

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.

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. Applications are currently being accepted through December 31, 2025. For more information, contact Daniel Layton at 1-406-585-2545 or Daniel.Layton@usda.gov. 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.

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