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The Montana Specialty Mills expansion in the Great Falls AgriTech Park is well underway.

1) Montana State University broke ground on the new Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing campus in Great Falls, the first of 5 new campuses for MSU's nursing program in Montana. This investment in Great Falls will not only provide a new, dedicated space for the program but also the opportunity to expand enrollment in Great Falls by 50%! See KRTV, KFBB, and Great Falls Tribune.

2) Congratulations to Eden Feeds for passing the pre-application stage of the Growth Through Agriculture Grant and Loan Program! This program strengthens and diversifies Montana's agricultural industry through loans and grants to assist the development of innovative agricultural business organizational improvements and the commercialization and marketing of new agricultural products. If you would like to learn more about programs to support your ag processing business, please reach out to Anna at Anna@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1301.

3) We hosted an exciting prospect site visit in Great Falls. Thank you to all of our partners for making time to meet and presenting the enthusiasm and opportunity for development in Great Falls. We have another company in town next week! If your company is ready to catch the wave of opportunity in Great Falls please reach out to Jake Clark 1-406-403-4937 or Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org  

4) Congratulations to John and Elisha Mack on the opening of their new gift store in downtown Great Falls. bison + beargrass focusses on Montana authentic merchandise for tourism as well as local patrons. Reach out to Tony Peres at Tony@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-2099 if you have a small business idea and would like to learn more about resources available to you. 

5) Testified before the Montana Housing Board in support of the proposed Great Falls Public Schools CORE Public Charter School.

6) Do you know that you can direct your state taxes directly to Great Falls Public Schools rather than to the state? We're trying to put together the maximum $1 million allowed by the Innovative Education Tax Credit created by the Montana Legislature. Download info here or visit GFPS Website.

7) Registration is open for Ignite 2024, which will be held at the Meadow Lark County Club in Great Falls on Friday, January 12 from 8-10 AM. This in-person and online event format is simple and quick - three-minute presentations on business startups, business expansions, real estate developments and capital projects that will either start or open in 2024. If you have a project starting or a business opening in 2024 that you would like to announce at Ignite please contact Jake Clark at 1-406-403-4937 or Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org.  

8) Congratulations to Red Iron Air for winning multiple contract awards through the state of Montana. Past performance is vital in government contracting. If you're a small business seeking to enhance your performance portfolio, elevate your competitive edge, and gain a strategic advantage over the competition, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.

9) Testified before the Cascade County Commission in support of rezoning for land the Little Shell Tribe owns on Stuckey Road. The Commission voted unanimously to approve. See TheElectric.

10) GFDA participates in the Montana State Small Business Initiative (SSBCI 2.0) program that helped provide a lower interest rate on 50% of the funding. We've been partnering with local banks and credit unions to put together some creative financing packages for business startups and expansions, but this low-interest money is vrey limited and first come, first serve so contact us today if you have a business startup or expansion planned that could benefit from a SSBCI 2.0 loan participation. Contact Jill at JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1056 or Brett at BDoney@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-2119.

11) Great Falls hosted the Montana Grain Growers Association's 68th Annual Convention in collaboration with Northern Pulse Growers Association and PNW Canola Association. With 150 vendors and nearly 1000 attendants this makes this convention one of the largest in Montana. During the event, Anna networked with partners, companies and producers- sharing the resources that GFDA can offer to the ag business community. If you are an ag producer wanting start a business or an ag business wanting to grow, Anna can be reached at Anna@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1301. 

12) We are still seeking responses for a Transportation and Logistics Assessment Strategy, as well as an Energy Production Opportunity Assessment and Economic Development Strategy. Help us spread the word by sharing with your network! Please note, the original deadline of December 6th has been extended. Proposals are now due by 5:00 PM MST on Wednesday, December 20th. Electronic submissions and any questions regarding the RFPs can be directed to Tyler Menzales at TMenzales@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-217-7862.

13) Christian Nichols and Lillian traveled to the town of Cascade to discuss a potential assessment and redevelopment project. The project would lead to a much needed expansion of services for the town. Also worked with two property owners interested in expanding their services, but due to potential hazardous conditions, are unable to move forward. We were able to introduce them to our brownfields tools that can be used to assess their properties and make a decision to continue with projects forward. Do you have a property or building you think might work for your next project? Connect with Christian to discuss what is possible at CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-9385.

14) Crooked Tree Coffee is opening a second location in Great Falls. Owners Leah McCloskey and Lindsay Hager opened their first location 12 years ago and worked with GFDA to expand the business. Learn more in our GFDA Announcement of the Week: Crooked Tree Coffee. See KRTV.

15) Hosted a virtual Team Montana Site Selector Briefing with site selectors from across the US to hear from the Montana Department of Revenue regarding new tax changes and how they affect business location selection. If you’d like to learn more reach out to Jolene, 1-406-750-4481 or JSchalper@GrowGreatFalls.org.

16) Met with Northwestern Energy leaders to discuss needed improvements to increase electricity and natural gas transmission capacity in our region to enable future manufacturing and other industry investments.

17) Al Gohary started work as our new Small Business Development Center Regional Director. Al brings over two decades of small business advising experience to our team as well as being a successful start-up entrepreneur himself. Contact Al at AGohary@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-0314. Welcome Al!

18) The Great Falls Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is continuing its efforts to develop the 2023 Great Falls Area Long Range Transportation Plan. The plan will assist the planning partners and broader community in guiding transportation infrastructure investments based on system needs and anticipated developments over the 2045 planning horizon. The planning team has recently published the Goals and Objectives Memorandum outlining updated goals and meaningful action items to help guide improvements and implementation of the transportation plan. These goals and objectives were developed to ensure consistency with local, state, and federal planning efforts while reflecting evolving community values and priorities. The memo is now posted at www.greatfallstransplan.com. The planning team will continue to collect and consider all public comments as the Plan progresses.

19) We extend our gratitude to GFDA's investors and public partners for their support and collaboration. They have been instrumental in advancing our initiatives and driving economic growth in the region. Learn more about them here. Recent investments include: Advance Division—Transystems, LLC; Pacesetter Division—Bravera Bank; Loucks & Glassley, PLLP; Community Division—Falcon, Lester & Schaff, P.C.; Midway Rental; Morrison Mairele, Inc.; Sharon Virgin Realtor. Their contributions, both financial and strategic, have played a pivotal role in our progress. We are grateful for their ongoing trust, engagement, and belief in our mission to foster development and prosperity within our community. If you’d like to be a part of the team that is driving the growth of our region, contact Investment Director Jenn Gallmeier at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org.

That's a wrap for a two-week Top 10 edition. Have a great week!

Brett

Brett Doney

President & CEO

1-406-750-2119

BDoney@GrowGreatFalls.org

Connect with me on  LinkedIn to network with the Great Falls Montana region. 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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"I tend to take on a lot of things. And then they all just seem to happen at once. Or maybe I'm not good at saying 'No'. But the juggling's fun."

Joel Edgerton

Edition 609

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

November SBA 504 Loan Rates

The 25-year loan effective rate (including all fees) is 7.019%; 20-year at 7.020%; 10-year equipment loan at 7.207%; and, 20-year refinance 7.050%; 25-year refinance 7.048%. 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 Montana Department of Commerce has reopened applications for the Montana Manufacturing Automation Loan Program offering 0.0% interest loans for up to 50% of the purchase price of automation equipment. If you are short of cash, we may be able to finance the other half as well as installation expenses. These are one-time funds so apply today. Let me know if you need help.



Are you planning any international marketing activities in 2024? 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.

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.

The Great Falls Housing Market Assessment shows a need for over 450 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.

USDA has launched a new online tool to assist small businesses in identifying procurement opportunities; see USDA's Procurement Forecast.

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 Christian at 1-406-836-0136 or email CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org. Let's discuss how TIF and other tools can help you change the face of Downtown Great Falls. 

Employers, are you looking for timely data on our local workforce? 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 Lyndsay Bruno at Lyndsay@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590 – 1539 to be connected with a JobsEQ-trained Business Advisor today. To learn more about GFDA's other talent attraction tools, visit our website. 

We launched the new Livability Great Falls Magazine. Find and share Livability Great Falls online, or contact Lyndsay Bruno for hard copies of the magazine: Lyndsay@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1539. 

Recruiters, are you hiring for a job position that is:  

• High level 
• High salary 
• Out-of-the-box/unique/creative? 

Help us attract workforce to move to Great Falls - send a one-sentence description of the job, 3-5 of your company's top employee benefits, salary (if listed), and a link to apply for your job to Lyndsay@GrowGreatFalls.org to be included in the Hot Jobs in Great Falls blog post.  

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.

The Montana Department of Commerce has extended the application deadline to December 31st for the Montana Cybersecurity Program, which will provide up to $8,000 reimbursement for your cybersecurity expenses. And don't forget about funds available for your workforce through the Incumbent Worker Training Program and the Primary Workforce Training Grant. We can help you access these programs if you run into snags.

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 through December 31st. See MATR.net for more info. Or for help applying, contact Anna Flies: Anna@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1301. 

The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center 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.

The 341st Contracting Squadron, Malmstrom Air Force Base (AFB), is contemplating a solicitation for a multiple award contract (MAC) and is looking for responses to this Sources Sought Notification. Awarded MAC indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts would be for the construction of structures and facilities, repair, maintenance, and alteration of real property assets within the confines of Malmstrom AFB, Weapons Storage Area (WSA), Missile Alert Facility (MAF) and Launch Facility (LF) sites located within the Missile Complex throughout Montana. This is a great opportunity to Introduce your company to the Contracting Wing at Malmstrom AFB. Do you have a Capability Statement prepared to provide with your Sources Sought reply? If not, contact Lillian Sunwall at 1-406-750-1253 or LSunwall@GrowGreatFalls.org. For more information on the Notice, click here.



If you are trying to redevelop a property that involves an environmental cleanup (including lead paint and asbestos) and you have a gap in your financing, your project may qualify for our low-interest brownfield redevelopment loan funds. We can make loans anywhere in Cascade County or within 100 miles from the borders of Cascade County, which covers much of the region. We're eager to help make your project move forward. Contact Tony Peres at 1-406-750-2099 or Tony@GrowGreatFalls.org. We also have some small business or nonprofit startup/expansion loan funds available for Glacier and Blaine counties.

Do you have open government contracts? Is your SAM.gov registration due to renew in the next few months? SAM.gov continues to have issues with the transition of the new validation process. It is recommended that businesses start early to renew their registration to keep from going inactive. If you are having trouble getting through the process, contact Shannon Clancy at 1-406-590-1184 or SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org for assistance. 

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 Montana TechLink Center at MSU is offering a new round of workshops on how to win Small Business Innovation Research funding.

We have migrated our pre-business workshop for early stage and pre-venture startups to a self-paced, video-facilitated, online format called Business Basics for Startups. If you’d like to check out the content and provide feedback, we’d appreciate it. We also provide monthly Business Strategy Webinars, which are recorded and available for viewing online at any time. Looking to start, innovate or grow your business? We offer a variety of training options to ensure your success. Click here to check out all of GFDA's training resources. For more information or to give feedback about these programs, please contact Rich at 1-406-836-2078 or RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org.

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.

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. “Your (Live in Great Falls) website is very impressive and helpful! Great Falls looks amazing, and we love what we've seen real estate-wise, and business-wise.” This quote was from an email sent to us from a couple considering relocation to Great Falls. We will be sharing their resumes (with their permission) on the Trailing Partner Email Group.

Visit our relocation website LiveInGreatFalls.com. This website was the #1 request we got from local recruiters and HR professionals for aiding in attracting talented workers to Great Falls.

Of our online business planning tool, LivePlan, one said: "LivePlan is Awesome!" The LivePlan tool is helping streamline her strategy in preparation for presenting to bank partners. We offer LivePlan licenses for FREE to active clients. Learn more about LivePlan on our website.

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 Procurement Technical Assistance Center, and a Montana Food & Ag Development Center. We are also proud to provide office space for MSU's Montana Manufacturing Extension Center.

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