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Amazing entrepreneurs -- graduates of our first Downtown Great Falls Cohort Group. From left to right, bottom row: Inge Buchholz of Inge’s Fashions, Tianta Stevens of Escape the Falls, Kim Woloszyn of The Gittin Store, Deb McGregor our GFDA Small Business Development Center Regional Director, and Brandi Cundiff-Firefly of Salon and Spa. From left to right, top row: Aimee Lennox of Studio Montage, Nicole Wiegand of Let’s Play Games & Toys, Kirbi Siewing of The Runway Salon, Andy Ferrin of Ferrin’s Furniture, Kellie Pierce, Executive Director of the Downtown Business Association, and Erica Ferrin of GRAE + CO.

Here is our Top 10 highlights for calendar year 2024!

Well, Top 11 -- really tried to keep it to 10.

1) Primary Sector. Montana Renewables secured a $1.44 conditional loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy to expand its sustainable aviation fuel refinery in Great Falls by 150 million gallons per year. Berkshire Hathaway Energy Montana started construction on a 75MW battery storage system and announced plans to construct a 100MW solar farm in 2025. Sustainable Oils won a $30 million USDA grant to validate camelina as an ultra-low carbon renewable fuel stock. Pasta Montana added an additional processing line. Montana Specialty Mills expanded its oil seed processing facility in the Great Falls Agritech Park. Ardent Mills expanded its facility in Shelby's Port of North Central Montana. Construction started on the Weapons Generation Facility at Malmstrom AFB. Hybrid Steel Design expanded their Ft. Benton facility. Construction stared on the new VACOM facility in Lewistown.

The McLaughlin Research Institute won a $13.8 million NIH grant to launch the Center for Integrated Biomedical and Rural Health Research. The Institute became part of Touro University and was renamed the Weissman Hood Institute. The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians announced a major Event Center and Resort development in Great Falls.

2) Entrepreneurship. We celebrated 52 business openings in the region in our Top 10's this year and 8 business purchases. We recognized 31 awesome female entrepreneurs with Fire Within Awards. We organized the first of a new cohort entrepreneur program with 10 Downtown Great Falls entrepreneurs participating. We held our first annual Entrepreneur celebration and the first gathering of our Angel Network. We started a new spotlight series featuring veteran-owned businesses and launched a new entrepreneur start-up class called Idea to Income. We are partnering with Great Falls College to bring the Goldman Sachs 10,000 businesses program to the region. We became a Grow with Google partner.

3) Housing. Tenants started moving into the Station Lofts Apartments on the riverfront of Downtown Great Falls. Construction started on the Baatz Permanent Supportive Housing development and the Carter Commons affordable senior housing project in Great Falls. More units were developed in the Aurora Apartments and final details were competed on the Arc Apartments. Predevelopment progress was made on the Elmore Roberts building remodel. The 92-unit Bayview riverfront housing development in Great Falls secured land use approvals. Plans were announced to renovate the Franklin School Apartments in Great Falls.

4) Commercial Development. Ponderosa Solutions bought a lot in the Great Falls AgriTech Park and constructed a rail transload facility. We sold three lots in the AgriTech Park to Admiral Beverage, Best Oil, and Steel, Etc.

Great progress was made on construction of the Towne Place Suites and four new businesses opened in the West Bank Urban Renewal District. Clearwater Credit Union purchased property in Downtown Great Falls to construct a branch. Big Dipper Ice Cream, Sidequest, Daydream Boutique and Studio Stiles were amongst the businesses that opened in Downtown Great Falls. Morrison-Maierle and Stahly Engineering opened new offices and Hometana doubled its space downtown. Plans to create The Station District Food Hall downtown were announced.

Investments along Great Falls commercial corridors included Joan Fabrics, Tony Roma's, Wendy's and Republic Coffee. We provided 8 free brownfield environmental assessments of properties in Cascade County totaling $82,856. Assessments included the Cascade Senior Center, Robyn's Nest Daycare, and Union Bethel AME Church.

5) Community Enhancements. The City of Great Falls opened the Scheels Aim High Big Sky recreation center and natatorium. The City finished exterior renovations of the Great Falls Civic Center. Robyn's Nest Daycare opened its new expanded facility. Great Falls Public Schools opened its CORE charter school. Construction started on the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing. TDS completed its first residential fiber installation in Great Falls. Ziply Fiber began installing a 50 gig symmetrical fiber network in Great Falls. Benefis Health System earned approval of its new Internal Medicine Residency Program. Treasure State Outdoors opened a kayak rental kiosk in West Bank Park on the Missouri River in Great Falls. The Little Shell Tribe opened its food distribution center. The Great Falls Clinic announced their campus master plan and purchased the former Centene property. The new Judith Landing State Park on the Missouri River was approved. The History Museum opened the Owen and Gayle Robinson Research Center. The Bureau of Reclamation broke ground on the $90 million St. Mary's Diversion Dam Replacement Project.

6) Gap & Bridge Financing. We had a lending year totaling $10,329,025. We closed $3,077,900 in GFDA gap and bridge loans, issued $1,197,935 in loan commitments that will close in 2025, and committed $323,200 in brownfield redevelopment grants. We financed Enbar's purchase of the Great Falls Voyagers, Showdown Montana, Robyn's Nest Daycare, Yarn and Honey, and Rising Wolf Outfitters. We closed $746,000 in SBA 504 loans, including the new Mountain View Physical Therapy center in Downtown Great Falls, and issued $4,984,000 in SBA 504 loan commitments. We were selected to participate in an Indigenous Equitable Lending Leaders national cohort in partnership with the U.S. Economic Development Administration. We were also invited to participate in climate lending efforts of the Opportunity Finance Network.

7) Business Development. Our business development officers worked 175 project leads and with 130 prospects. They served 950 companies, recording 7,845 activities with these companies. We made 4 out of state visits to prospects and hosted 12 prospect visits to the Great Falls trade area. We conducted 10 out of state lead generation trips pitching the region to targeted companies and site selection consultants.

8) Business Technical Assistance. Our Small Business Development Center advised 325 clients, providing 1,439 free counseling hours. 126 of these clients were rural. Our clients started 25 new businesses and secured $5,948,609 in private capital. Our SBDC offered 26 trainings with 144 participants. Our APEX Accelerator provided government contracting advising to 168 clients with 562 free counseling hours. These clients one $46,490,978 in new government contracts. Our Food & Ag Development Center served 175 companies and provided 10 trainings.

9) Partnering. We recognized 15 outstanding partners with GFDA Ally Awards. We signed a cross-border partnership agreement with Economic Development Lethbridge. We partnered with many businesses and organizations to welcome the second class of the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine. Our APEX Accelerator increased its partnering with MAFB. The Homebuilders Association of Great Falls, NeighborWorks Great Falls and the Great Falls Association of Realtors partnered with us on funding the housing market assessment. We participated as reviewers in 6 accreditation visits for the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). We took an 11-member community team to the IEDC annual conference in Denver with aspirational stops in Billings, Cheyenne and Greeley. IEDC chose Great Falls to host its first ever Rural Retreat ito be held in June, 2025. Jolene joined the board of IEDC and Brett joined the board of the National Association of Development Organizations.

We are partnering with the Montana Department of Agriculture to create a series of food safety videos for food processors across the state, with the Montana Pulse Committee to commission a market assessment for pulse crop processing opportunities in Montana, and with Great Falls Tourism on hiring a public relations firm to help us pitch Great Falls. We supported NeighborWorks Great Falls application to serve over seven counties in the region with the new state Community Reinvestment Organization program. We increased our involvement in and financial support of the Defense Alliance.

10) Strategic Planning. We published in-depth market analyses of energy and logistics markets for the Great Falls trade area and for Downtown Great Falls. We published an updated housing demand market analysis and an analysis of the economic impact of population growth for the Great Falls commute shed. We updated our Economic Development Strategy, increasing our strategic actions from 46 to 60. We commissioned a study to identify and evaluate potential rail industrial sites in the region. Great Falls Tourism completed its Tourism Master Plan and Strategic Plan and Central Montana Tourism completed its Tourism Resiliency Plan. The City of Great Falls launched an in-depth update of its Growth Policy.

11) Capacity. We brought 8 fantastic new people onto the GFDA staff team and hired 1 more who will start next month. Team members earned 4 new professional designations. We secured $5,925,486 in new loan capital and a $1,000,000 line of credit to support lending. We won $717,227 in new grants to support our economic development work. We purchased 38 acres of land for the Great Falls AgriTech Park and optioned 42 additional acres.

If I haven't mentioned your business or project, please forgive me. So much has been accomplished across the region this year that we could write a long book!

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!

Happy New Year!

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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"The spirit of celebration and togetherness is a great source of inspiration."

Nandita Mahtani

Edition 665

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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