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On the five year anniversary of their Federal Recognition, the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians announced a their Little Shell Tribe Event Center and Resort to foster self-sufficiency and support Tribal Citizens. Congratulations!

1) The Little Shell Tribe announced plans to develop a major event center and resort on the northwest side of Great falls. The Little Shell Event Center & Resort on Mount Riyal will include a 200-room hotel, a 30,000 square foot indoor water park, a 10,000 square foot event space, a bowling alley, an arcade, a gaming facility, several dining options, and a 9,700 seat arena for entertainment and sports! See KRTV. Download Project Flyer and Tribe's Press Release. The project will achieve several of the priorities identified through recent tourism and economic development strategic planning, creating significant economic impact and making our market more competitive to attract meetings and events, concerts, visitors, and talent, as well as offering great amenities for our regional quality of life.

2) We had 2 site visits from developers pursuing new housing projects in the Great Falls market. Both visitors gave feedback highlighting the team of partners all aligned toward making more housing possible. Thank you to the Great Falls City Staff, and our partners for banding together to help projects move to the next stage. If it is time for your project to move to the next stage, reach out to Jake Clark at 1-406-403-4937 or Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

3) Congratulations to Choteau’s Magon Miller who will be purchasing Meraki Coffee on January 1st and will be renaming it “Latte Lane” – see Choteau Acantha.

4) Great progress is being made on the Baatz Permanent Supportive Housing project being developed by NeighborWorks Great Falls and Homeward in Downtown Great Falls; see KRTV.

5) We met with a large, multifaceted developer considering a significant project in our area. Great Falls stood out as an exceptional opportunity due to its robust infrastructure, including high-speed fiber, reliable power, and comprehensive utility infrastructure. The developer was particularly drawn to North Central Montana, with the AgriTech Park emerging as a standout location for its strategic advantages. If you know of businesses or developers interested in exploring opportunities in Great Falls, contact Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-0136. Let’s showcase why Great Falls is the perfect choice!

6) Congratulations to our first Downtown Great Falls cohort participants who have completed their three-month cohort experience. This amazing group of entrepreneurs and small business owners have been dedicated to learning, growing, sharing and thriving! We are so proud of the hard work put in by our Fall 2024 Cohort group: Inge’s Fashions, Grae + CO, Ferrin’s Furniture, The Runway Salon, The Gittin Store, Firefly Salon and Spa, Escape the Falls, Let’s Play Games and Toys and Studio Montage. This group has been so inspired with the cohort that they will continue to meet on a monthly basis. Our next downtown cohort begins on January 28th. We will be meeting from 8:30-10:00 AM every other week for a three-month time period. There are a total of six group sessions and in between these sessions, the entrepreneurs have access to 1/1 sessions with Business Advisors from the GFDA Small Business Development Center. There is no cost to be a part of the cohorts. Each cohort is limited to 10 participants. We will continue adding cohorts as long as the demand for these amazing experiences exists. If you would like to learn more about the cohort experience, please reach out to Deb McGregor, Regional Director, GFDA Small Business Development Center at Deb@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-0314.

7) We closed a loan of $120,000 to Wink Advertising for the purchase of equipment to support their new business venture. We are thrilled to provide funding to this Woman, Veteran, and Native American-owned business, especially considering the challenges many startups face in securing financing. This opportunity was made possible by participation in the State Small Business Credit Initiative 2.0. If your startup is trying to obtain the funding it needs, don’t hesitate to reach out! Contact Jill Kohles at 1-406-590-1056 or by email at JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org to explore your options.

8) Montana State Parks & Recreation Board approved acquisition of land to create the Judith Landing State Park that will provide public access to the Missouri River near the confluence with the Judith River; see KRTV.

9) We met with a local developer to pool expertise and strategies to keep an exciting new project on track for success. Large developments are often years in the making before we see dirt moving and it takes a whole team to help tell the story of Great Falls and to get buy in on our future. Hint: you may want to attend or tune in to IGNITE 2025 for an exciting announcement. Take advantage of our team and tools for your big idea, reach out to Jake to get the conversation going 1-406-403-4937 or Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

10) Register now to join us for Ignite 2025, happening on January 10th at The Newberry in downtown Great Falls! This annual event will feature presentations from businesses or organizations beginning construction, expanding, or opening in 2025, highlighting the exciting growth and innovation in our region. Networking starts at 7:30 AM, followed by presentations at 8:00 AM. If your business or organization has a project to showcase, reach out to Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or call 1-406-836-0136 to get involved. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and learn more about what’s ahead for North Central Montana!

11) Congratulations to Grae & Co on their 1st anniversary! Just one year ago, KRTV covered the grand opening, and since then, the Ferrins’ deep connection with the Great Falls community has been at the heart of their success. Their decision to open in the heart of downtown reflects their commitment to continue to energize downtown Great Falls. If you are interested in starting a business in Downtown Great Falls, we can help! Contact Nicki at 1-406-750-2099 or Nicki@GrowGreatFalls.org.   

12) Are you interested in exploring government contract opportunities but unsure where to start? Our Great Falls Regional APEX provides the tools, knowledge, and guidance needed to navigate the government marketplace. We simplify the key steps of registration, research, and response, streamlining the process to ensure your business is prepared for contract opportunities. Whether you’re new to contracting or looking to expand your reach, we can help you identify opportunities, build valuable connections, and achieve your goals. To learn more, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-868-8343 and Mariah Liebing at Mariah@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-217-2174. 

13) With Montanan organic product sales nearly doubling between 2017 and 2022, the organic market proves to be an important part of Montana's agriculture. To celebrate the organic producers in Montana and discuss some of their shared challenges and opportunities, the Montana Organic Association hosted their 22nd annual convention in Great Falls. GFDA's Food and Ag Development Center Director attended to network with producers and processors and learn additional ways the Development Center can support the work being done in our region. If you are a producer or processor dealing with distribution issues or would be interested in a marketing class to learn additional ways to tell your story, please reach out to Anna at Anna@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1301.

14) Congratulations to Myra Blonde of Blonde Farms of Montana LLC on being awarded an Agritourism Grant from the Montana Department of Commerce to expand her farrowing barn.

15) Starting a farm or value-added ag business has the same challenges and opportunities as any other business. To explain some of the 'bags' that every business should keep in mind as they start and grow, GFDA's Regional Small Business Development Center Director, Deb McGregor, partnered with GFDA's Food and Ag Development Center Director, Anna Flies, to share resources available to all businesses in our region. To watch the recording, go HERE. A big thank you to all our service partners and local businesses who made the first six months of our Tuesday Trainings such a success. To check out some of the other great trainings and success stories from this year, check out this playlist HERE.

16) Congress approved the National Defense Authorization Act which authorized $258 million for construction at Malmstrom AFB which supports nuclear weapons operations, a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted troops, and a 4.5% pay raise for the rest of the military. Congress also approved reauthorization for the Economic Development Administration, incorporating many improvements we have advocated for through the International Economic Development Council and the National Association of Development Organizations.

17) We participated in the Transatlantic Business & Investment Council's annual recap and 2025 outlook, gaining valuable insights into trends in transatlantic trade and investment that will help us leverage our region's strengths for economic growth and diversification. Our focus on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is crucial as it allows North Central Montana to attract international opportunities and partnerships, driving job creation and fostering innovation in our regional economy. For more information on connecting globally, contact Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-0136.

18) 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. 

19) 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. 

20) Interviewed public relations finalists with Great Falls Tourism and selected the firm to work with Great Falls Tourism and GFDA to pitch Great Falls for visitor, talent, and entrepreneur attraction. With the help of Great Falls Tourism, selected three finalist firms for the Recreation & Entertainment Market Analysis we plan to commission next month.

21) We received the $1,000,000 program related investment check from the Otto Bremer Trust. These funds will be used to provide gap and bridge loans, addressing financing needs that conventional lenders cannot or will not meet. This loan capital is essential to help complete the financing for critical economic development projects in the region. If you have a project that has a financing gap, reach out to Jill Kohles at 1-406-590-1056 or JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org.

22) We received the $10,000 check from the High Stakes Foundation to support our work with the Food & Ag Development Center. These funds will be used for enhancing local agricultural processing for job creation & food access for the North Central Montana region. 

23) 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!

24) As we wrap up 2024, we can’t help but look back on all the incredible progress made throughout the region! There is a lot to celebrate. Our work supporting some of these projects wouldn’t be possible without the support of our dedicated team of investors and public partners. Learn more about them by viewing this short video. Recent investments include: Pacesetter Division—United Materials; Community Division—All Around Construction Great Falls; PowerGas Corporation. We couldn’t do what we do without them. If you’d like to learn more about becoming an investor, reach out to Investment Director Jenn Gallmeier at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org.

Momentum is building in our market!

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.

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"Get mad, then get over it."

Colin Powell

Edition 664

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.

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. 

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 Katie Carvell at Katie@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-217-7635.

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

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

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

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