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Robyn’s Nest Daycare celebrated its grand opening on Saturday, December 14th, marking an exciting milestone for the community. With 40 new childcare spots, Robyn’s Nest is helping to meet the critical need for quality childcare in our area. GFDA was proud to support Robyn through site assessments, business planning, and bridge financing, helping to turn her vision into reality. Do you have a business dream you’re ready to pursue? Contact Rich Gannon at RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-2078 to get started!

1) Total wage earnings in the Great Falls MSA (Cascade County) increased by $40 million in the four quarters ending 2024Q2 and average annual wages grew by $584 according to data released by JobsEQ. Average annual wages reached $52,871 in 2024Q2. Employment grew by 305. Texas Roadhouse plans to open a restaurant in Great Falls; see TheElectric.

2) GFDA Loan Committee approved gap and bridge loans to two different businesses this week totaling $575,935. Each of the 2 businesses had different financing needs, from construction cost overruns and equipment purchases to working capital needs and predevelopment costs. Both loans were high impact loans where one will help spur our local housing market while the other helps fill our regions demand for additional childcare slots. Does your project have a financing gap? Please reach out to Jill Kohles at 1-406-590-1056 or JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org to discuss your options.

3) The Great Falls City Commission approved moving forward with major infrastructure improvements needed to continue to serve community residents and businesses. The Montana Infrastructure Coalition, of which GFDA is a part, held its annual meeting. The American Society of Civil Engineers unveiled its 2024 Report Card for Montana's Infrastructure earlier. This assessment reflects the dedication of dozens of skilled engineers who evaluated the capacity, condition, safety, and resilience of the infrastructure that supports our daily lives, agriculture, and businesses. The results make it clear that Montana has work to do. Overall grade was C. Individual categories ranged from C to D. There was a notable decline in Roads and Bridges compared to the 2018 report.

4) We hosted a productive site visit with a business in the food industry that has been eyeing our market for its affordability and growth opportunities. During their visit, we facilitated valuable connections with brokers, city staff, and local business owners, all within a single afternoon. These discussions highlighted the collaborative spirit and potential of our region. A big thank you to everyone who contributed to making this visit a success! If you know of businesses considering expansion or relocation, contact Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-0136. Let's work together to grow opportunities in North Central Montana.

5) Worked with a national logistics on creating a custom lot in the Great falls AgriTech Park for the company's first Montana location. Secured a loan commitment from First Interstate Bank for our recent land acquisition of three more lots in the Park. Worked with an existing business on a lot for expansion. TD&H Engineers completed a preliminary engineering report we need to submit a grant application to help fund the next phase of Park infrastructure.

6) Get ready for Ignite 2025! On January 10th, we’ll be showcasing capital investment in our region that will begin or finish in 2025. This is your chance to connect with industry leaders, explore new opportunities, and support the growth of our region. Register to attend here.

7) Want to present at Ignite 2025? If your business, government agency, or non-profit has a project launching, expanding or opening in 2025 in the Great Falls Montana Region of North Central Montana, email Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or call 1-406-836-0136 to get on the list!

8) Our Small Business Development staff worked with a few businesses owned by Montana tribal members this week on the Montana Tribal Tourism Grant, helping them adapt their business plan to meet the application requirements.

9) MySBA Certifications portal is now open! The Great Falls Regional APEX is assisting businesses in preparing for set-aside certifications, providing them with a competitive edge in the government marketplace. To verify your eligibility for certifications such as WOSB, 8(a), HUBZone, and SDVOSB, and to ensure you're prepared to apply for the certification that best suits your business, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-868-8343 and Mariah Liebing at Mariah@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-217-2174. 

10) Congratulations to Ellyse Kieliszewski, owner of Ellyse’s Studio Arts for her feature on KRTV as the creator of the Downtown Great Falls Christmas Stroll Button. The City of Great Falls is offering free parking in Downtown Great Falls from December 16th through the 25th to support local businesses and encourage residents and visitors to shop and eat downtown, per The Electric. Downtown Great Falls continues to grow and see investment through great partnerships! If you are interested in investing in downtown Great Falls, please contact Nicki at 1-406-750-2099 or Nicki@GrowGreatFalls.org.

11) The Mountain Plains Regional Native CDFI Coalition has launched a major new $21 million loan fund to support Native business owners! See Havre Daily News.

12) Congratulations to Rich Gannon, GFDA Small Business Development Center Advisor on successfully passing his ED 101 Certification. Our Business Advisors are trained and equipped to help you with multiple facets of starting and owning a business. If you are starting a business or are an existing business who may need assistance with cash flow projections, profit/loss statements or marketing strategy, please reach out to one of our SBDC 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. GFDA Small Business Development Services are provided at no cost to you.

13) Jake spoke on a panel for the Montana Bioscience Alliance event in Kalispell Thursday night about economic development, opportunities for new industry in Montana, and biotech workforce. While in town Jake met with a development group interested in a Great Falls housing project and a manufacturing company interested in expanding to Montana. 

14) Save the date! On Tuesday, January 14th at 10:00 AM (Great Falls College Room B101) we are hosting an open forum presentation and discussion on tools used to support new housing infrastructure throughout Montana. More details to follow. 

15) Join our Great Falls Regional APEX and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) at the SpringHill Suites, Big Falls Room, on Thursday, January 23rd, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, to explore exciting business opportunities with the U.S. Forest Service. You’ll have the opportunity to network, present your capability statement, and connect directly with USFS representatives and potential partners. This is your chance to stay competitive and ready for the 2025 season. To register CLICK HERE! If you need to create a new capability statement or just update an existing one, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-868-8343 and Mariah Liebing at Mariah@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-217-2174. 

16) A productive week of partnering. We worked with Great Falls Tourism to select finalist firms for our new joint public relations effort to market Great Falls to attract visitors, workforce talent, business investment, and entrepreneurs. Presented on a national webinar on Federal Clean Energy and Clean Tech Incentives hosted by RMI with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Participated in an IEDC accreditation visit to Pasco County, FL, the 8th fastest growing county in the country. Got some great ideas for housing development, business attraction, workforce training and entrepreneur support. Participated in the annual wrap-up meeting of IEDC's Economic Development Research Partners. GFDA is the only economic development organization in Montana that belongs to this practitioner led research effort on the cutting edge of economic development.

17) We have been selected by our Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) trade association, the Opportunity Finance Network, to share our recent energy work and market assessment with CDFI's across the country and to participate in energy bootcamps next quarter.

18) GFDA is excited to announce that on January 2nd Shandi Gebhart-Jones will be joining our team as our new Loan Officer. Shandi has a long-standing background in the financial services industry with skills in marketing and problem-solving while maintaining excellent client relationships. 

19) Interested in joining GFDA’s Investment Committee? This is your chance to make a meaningful impact on the economic growth and vitality of the Great Falls region. Whether you’re passionate about local development, building connections, or creating new opportunities, your voice is essential. Reach out to Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org to learn more and take the first step in strengthening our community’s future!

20) Thank you to our investors and public partners for your continued support. Your contributions are a key piece of the work we do to drive economic growth and create opportunities in our region. Learn about them by viewing this short video. Recent investments include: Advance Division—Northwestern Energy; Leadership Division—Scheels; Community Division—Loucks & Glassley and New Day Property Managers. We’d also like to thank Springhill Suites and City Motor Co. for being an essential partner through their very generous in-kind contributions. Their support has been a key tool in helping us carry out our work. To find out how you can support the growth of our region, reach out to Investment Director Jenn Gallmeier at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org.

No holiday slow down for the GFDA team! Take care and have a wonderful week.

Brett

Brett Doney

Great Falls Development Alliance

BDoney@GrowGreatFalls.org

1-406-750-2119

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Mahatma Gandhi

Edition 663

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

The 25-year loan effective rate (including all fees) is 6.093%; 20-year at 6.160%; 10-year equipment loan at 6.459%; and, 20-year refinance 6.190%; 25-year refinance 6.122%. These rates are FIXED for the life of the loan and are inclusive of all fees. If you would like to find out how to get financing for commercial real estate and equipment at potentially lower rates than you're paying for your home mortgage, please contact Jill Kohles at 1-406-590-1056 or JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org.

The Big Sky Film Grant is open and closes Feb. 7, 2025. This grant program aims to build and support partnerships with filmmakers and production companies to create Montana film industry jobs. Up to $1.5 million in awards is available to filmmakers.

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 1-406-788-9385 or email at CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org.

Calling all employers in our 13-county region! GFDA’s "Hot Jobs" newsletter is a powerful tool to showcase your employment opportunities and connect with top talent. By sharing your job openings, you’re helping diversify the economy, attract skilled professionals, and fuel regional growth. Let’s work together to build a thriving, resilient workforce.. Have a "Hot Job" to share? Contact Katie Carvell at 1-406-217-7635 or Katie@GrowGreatFalls.org

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 1-406-868-8343 and Mariah Liebing at Mariah@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-217-2174

The Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requires many companies doing business in the United States to report information about their beneficial owners - the individuals who ultimately own or control the company - to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. Registration is free and can be completed in online in a few minutes. To complete your company’s BOI- or to read more about the requirements visit this website. For additional small business advising reach out to Rich Gannon at RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-2078.

Great Falls Regional APEX is assisting multiple businesses in preparing for small business set-aside certification programs. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has resumed the certification application process. 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, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.



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.

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.

Join GFDA’s APEX Team for Take Action! Move Beyond SAM! every third Wednesday for a high-level virtual training session that will add real value to small businesses looking to break into the government market. Hosted by APEX advisors from across Montana. 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. Great Falls APEX can help you with through the process, contact Shannon Clancy at 1-406-590-1184 or SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org for assistance. 



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. 

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 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 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. 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 Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-0136.

Cybersecurity challenges for businesses continue to grow. The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC) is offering an array of useful resources to help Montana businesses to protect themselves. MMEC has launched the Certified Manufacturing Associate Apprenticeship program. This one-year program combines on-the-job training with online technical classes on safety, math and measurements, manufacturing processes, and quality control.

Have you created or updated your Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) profile? A strong profile can significantly boost your contracting success by increasing your visibility to local, state, and federal agencies seeking goods and services. If you would like more information on how to create or update your DSBS profile, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.

Zero to 5 has launched the Montana Child Care Business Connect website to help support the startup and expansion of early childcare businesses. The Great Falls Childcare Demand Assessment shows a need for additional childcare facilities to serve 580 children in Great Falls. For assistance with childcare facility business planning, contact Rich Gannon at RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-2078.

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. 

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. 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? For for help, contact Anna Flies: Anna@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1301. 

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