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GFDA has been approved to participate as both a lender and an economic development organization in the Montana Department of Commerce’s new Opportunities in Rural Economies lower interest loan participation program. Contact Jill for more info at JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1056.
The MT Department of Commerce has opened the Economic Impact and Destination Event Grant Program. The 2026 application cycle is now open through December 18th. Eligible communities and organizations can apply for up to $25,000 to support new or existing events held between January 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027. The program focuses on events that draw visitors, support tourism, and strengthen local economies. Read complete guidelines and requirements here. For additional questions, contact the MT Department of Commerce at 1-406-841-2700.
The Montana Department of Commerce's Big Sky Film Grant opened December 1st. This grant program aims to build and support partnerships with filmmakers and production companies to create Montana film industry jobs. Application deadline is February 15, 2026. For more information, contact the Film Office.
With the federal government reopened, the USDA Value Added Producer Grant is expected to begin accepting applications in the coming weeks. This program is for established businesses who are expanding their capacity or product offerings using one of five identified value-added methodologies. Producers can evaluate their project's eligibility by taking the VAPG self assessment survey. Though the application has not officially opened, now is a good time to begin preparing materials for the 2026 funding cycle, which requires SAM.gov and federal eAuthentication registration. Our Food Ag Development Center Director, Sara Niccum, is available to help with the intricate application process! If you would like to discuss this or other food, ag, and bio processing opportunities, reach out to Sara@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1301.
We encourage you to take advantage of the Innovative Educational Program Tax Credit to make a direct and lasting impact on education in Great Falls. Montana’s Innovative Educational Program Tax Credit allows you to redirect a portion of your state income taxes directly to Great Falls Public Schools, enhancing innovative programs and opportunities for our students. Thanks to the generosity of our community, Great Falls has led the state for two consecutive years—securing nearly $1 million in tax credits last year alone. Together, community members like you have already invested over $2.1 million through this new program. These funds have been used to establish the new GFPS Innovative Learning Center opening in 2026, expand summer learning, and provide mental health support for students. This year, contributions will help restore and begin to sustain field trips/investigations for more than 800 elementary students and expand STEM learning for all K–12 students. By participating before the statewide opening on January 21, 2026, you will receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your 2025 Montana income tax return. Timing is critical—credits are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and have been claimed in under ten minutes in past years. The statewide cap is $7.2 million, with Great Falls eligible for up to $2.88 million. For more information, visit GFPS Innovative Education Program Tax Credit.
Great Falls Tourism hosts an events calendar on the VisitGreatFalls website and sends out a weekly email of upcoming events every Monday. Sign up for the email. Please post events so residents and visitors can find you!
Thinking about buying or constructing a new location or upgrading equipment? SBA 504 rates just dropped below 6, the lowest in years. The SBA is making it even more affordable for manufacturers with reduced fees on qualifying 504 projects. Right now, FIXED 504 rates are 5.862% for 25 years, 5.923% for 20 years, and 5.652% for 10-year equipment loan. Refinance options are available at 5.865% for 25 years and 5.926% for 20 years. Fixed interest rates for up to 25 years can deliver significant savings, making it easier to invest in your business and grow. Contact Shandi Gebhardt Jones at 1-406-590-9037 or Shandi@GrowGreatFalls.org to get started today.
The Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) profile enhancement is now complete, making this the perfect time to update your SBA Profile and stay visible to government buyers. The Great Falls Regional APEX Accelerator will help you create or refresh your profile, which is a vital tool that connects your business with government buyers and prime contractors. Agencies use these profiles to identify and verify qualified companies of all sizes and industries for federal contracting opportunities. Keeping your profile current ensures your business stands out in the competitive federal marketplace. Let’s position your business to get noticed by government buyers today, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.
According to our recent market assessment - Recreation, Hospitality, and Entertainment: Market Opportunities and Regional Strategy - the global adventure tourism market was valued at $406 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow, reaching an estimated $1.1 trillion by 2030. With easy access to rivers, trails, cultural attractions, and wide-open spaces, Great Falls is ideally positioned for new recreation, hospitality, and entertainment ventures. If you’ve been dreaming about launching or expanding your business in north central Montana, a region built for growth and adventure, now is the time. Contact Shauni Seccombe at 1-406-788-6867 or Shauni@GrowGreatFalls.org.
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MT DEQ) Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program provides loans up to $40,000 at 3.5% for up to 10 years for energy technology upgrades and conservation measures. Eligible technologies include solar systems, geothermal systems, wind turbines, micro-hydro, and certified pellet and wood stoves. Energy conservation measures include upgraded insulation, high efficiency heating systems, and upgraded windows. The next round of applications will be accepted January 1 – January 31, 2026. Businesses located in North Central Montana will have scoring advantages. For more details or to apply, contact Meranda Bass at 1-406-444-6586 or MSikes@mt.gov. To discuss energy projects, programs, and initiatives of all sizes in North Central Montana, contact Kristen Blue at Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-4989.
Effective November 10, 2025, all new Department of Defense (DoD) contracts will require Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance. Contractors must have the appropriate cybersecurity measures in place. Great Falls Regional APEX can help you understand the requirements and help you prepare to ensure your business is ready to compete and in compliant.
Universal System Benefits (USB) is a grant available through NorthWestern Energy that funds renewable energy installations on nonprofit, government, and public buildings. Applications for the next round of funding are due May 1, 2026. Contact NorthWestern Energy at E+Programs@northwestern.com with questions or to submit a proposal. To discuss energy projects, programs, and initiatives of all sizes in North Central Montana, contact Kristen Blue at Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-4989.
If you missed the Housing Production Update event we held this summer you can watch the video on the GFDA YouTube page. You will hear about a riverside development making moves, a new single-family development currently raising capital, and you'll get a teaser for a newly announced project on the East end of Great Falls. Let's get your housing project moving, reach out to Jake Clark at 1-406-403-4937 or Jake@GrowGreatfalls.org
As Montana businesses win government contracts and strengthen the economy, Great Falls Regional APEX makes finding opportunities easier with BidMatch. This free service, available to all active APEX clients, serves as a powerful “one-stop-shop” by automatically scanning federal, state, and local opportunities that align with your company’s capabilities and delivering them straight to your inbox. If you haven’t set up your BidMatch profile yet, now is the perfect time to contact with Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org
Data helps drive decisions in business. Our Small Business Development Center assists clients dig into real numbers using powerful tools like Profit Cents, Vertical IQ, and Bizminer for industry financial benchmarks. We help clients tap into wage data using Jobs EQ, a labor market analytics platform loaded with up-to-date wage, employment, and industry trend data for our region. From startup research to expansion planning, we’ve got the data to back your business decisions—all at no cost to you. Need insights for your industry? Contact the Small Business Development Center today.
The 2025 Livability Great Falls magazines are here! This is a great tool for employers to use to recruit talent to relocate to the Great Falls region. Hard copies will be distributed this week -- the digital version is now live—with interactive links perfect for showcasing all that Great Falls has to offer. Last year’s digital magazine saw 24.3K views and over 200.3K social impressions—proof that people are looking at Great Falls and liking what they see. Help us spread the word about the lifestyle, opportunities, and energy of Great Falls.
US Department of Agriculture Rural Energy for America (USDA REAP) supports agricultural producers and small rural businesses in installing renewable energy systems or making energy efficiency improvements. Tools available include grants, guaranteed loans, or a combination of both. Applications are currently being accepted through December 31, 2025. For more information, contact Daniel Layton at 1-406-585-2545 or Daniel.Layton@usda.gov. To discuss energy projects, programs, and initiatives of all sizes in North Central Montana, contact Kristen Blue at Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-4989.
Starting and Owning a Business includes a lot of moving parts. It’s easy to get caught up in all of the day-to-day tasks and not take a step back to pause, evaluate, make adjustments and gain new perspective. Our GFDA Small Business Development Center Advisors are ready and equipped to help entrepreneurs and business owners throughout the many stages of owning a business. If you are ready to evaluate where you are at and where you want to be, set some business goals, get a snapshot of your current financial situation or review your marketing strategy, please reach out to one of our Business Advisors: Christian Nichols, CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-9385; Rich Gannon, RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-2078; and Deb McGregor, Deb@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-0314.
The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC) has a new advisor in our region. Carolyn Kelman joins the staff as a business advisor for the Great Falls Region and Northeastern Montana. She has a broad skill set in manufacturing operations with particular expertise in continuous improvement, supply chain optimization, logistics, and warehouse management. Learn more about her experience reading the MMEC newsletter, here. Welcome to the team Carolyn! You can reach her at Carolyn.Kelman@Montana.edu.
The Great Falls Business Improvement District has grants available for businesses and property owners located in the BID. Contact Kellie Pierce at 1-406-727-5430 or kellie@downtowngreatfalls.net. Stay ahead of the curve in Downtown Great Falls!
Ready to sell to the government but not sure where to start? Great Falls Regional APEX makes it easy to break into the government marketplace. We’ll guide you through registration, research, and responding to opportunities, so your business is ready to win contracts. Whether you’re new to contracting or ready to grow, we’ll help you find opportunities, build connections, and reach your goals. To learn more, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184 and Mariah Liebing at Mariah@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-217-2174 and if your actively pursuing government contracts and haven't signed up for Great Falls Regional APEX services, Click Here
If you’re looking to expand or start your business through purchasing a commercial building for your future location, make sure to talk to Christian Nichols, Brownfields Assessments Director, so we can see if you qualify for an Environmental Site Assessment paid for by EPA. You don’t know what environmental conditions or possible contaminates exist until you have an assessment completed. With our help you could save thousands of dollars and have confidence in your purchase knowing all contaminates are identified and assessed. For more information, please call Christian Nichols at 1-406-788-9385 or email at CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org.
Do you know the benefits of C-PACE financing for your multifamily housing project? Last Best PACE, Montana's program, brings value to Montana commercial building owners by improving their bottom line. Last Best PACE can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs and payments are repaid through a special property tax assessment with terms of 20+ years. Reach out to Jake to find out how this tool can help your project move forward Jake@GrowGreatalls.org or 1-406-403-4937.
Are you planning any international marketing activities? The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) run by the Export Montana team at the Montana Department of Commerce has a host of export support services and federal grants available for businesses up to $12,000. They're awesome to work with! Our Small Business Advisor, Rich Gannon, can help too and he is also awesome! RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-2078.
Cybersecurity is a top priority for the Department of Defense (DoD)! Is your business prepared for the new cybersecurity standards in federal contracting? If your company manages Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI), you must comply with specific standards. For contractors working with the federal government, the minimum requirement is Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1. This self-certification verifies that your organization has implemented fundamental security measures to safeguard FCI. To begin your self-assessment journey, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184 and Mariah Liebing at Mariah@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-217-2174
Our freight logistics consultants, Moffat & Nichols, completed key findings of the Great Falls Region Freight Market Assessment and Economic Development Strategy Recommendations. This comprehensive study offers valuable insights into the logistics industry and its potential in our region. We have already begujn work implementing some of the recommendations. Others will need to wait until we work with our partners to secure more resources. Logistics are a key consideration for existing manufacturers in our region, and in attracting new investment in manufacturing operations.
The 2024 Great Falls Housing Market Assessment shows a need for 650 new housing units per year in the immediate Great Falls area. For assistance with housing development, contact Jake Clark at Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-403-4937.
Great Falls Recruiters and HR professionals! Here is a link to our Talent Attraction Toolkit and the 2025 Great Falls Livability Magazine, part of our effort to help local businesses attract the talent they need for key positions. Join our Trailing Partner Email Group specifically for local employers to share resumes of trailing spouses/partners across the Great Falls region with other employers looking to hire. Visit our relocation website LiveInGreatFalls.com. JobsEQ for Workforce is a software tool that provides timely data on our local workforce and employers—including demographics, occupations, wages, certifications, and more. Contact Katie Carvell at Katie@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-217-7635.
Cybersecurity challenges for businesses continue to grow. The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC) is offering an array of useful resources to help Montana businesses to protect themselves. MMEC has launched the Certified Manufacturing Associate Apprenticeship program. This one-year program combines on-the-job training with online technical classes on safety, math and measurements, manufacturing processes, and quality control.
Zero to 5 has launched the Montana Child Care Business Connect website to help support the startup and expansion of early childcare businesses. The Great Falls Childcare Demand Assessment shows a need for additional childcare facilities to serve 580 children in Great Falls. For assistance with childcare facility business planning, contact Rich Gannon at RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-2078.
The Montana Innovation Partnership is offering a number of trainings and an accelerator program for companies interested in pursuing Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants.
The best resource we scan daily to stay abreast of business and community innovation is MATR.net (Montana Associated Technology Roundtables), which we are proud to help sponsor. Sign up for their free newsletter.
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