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This is what West Bank Landing looked like before clean-up and redevelopment. Today we are issuing a Brownfields Redevelopment RFP to get more catalyst redevelopment projects in Cascade County underway. We seek proposals from experienced firms to assist us in selecting at least five brownfields sites suitable for impactful redevelopment, put together redevelopment visualizations and redevelopment roadmaps for these sites, and produce marketing packages for these sites that GFDA can use to attract businesses or developers. The goal of this project is to demonstrate market-driven, financially feasible redevelopment concepts for sites in Great Falls and Cascade County that we can use to attract private investment in impactful redevelopment. Please help spread the word.

1) Protech Steel celebrated its expansion in Cascade County that will create 45 new jobs local jobs; see KRTV. Congratulations to the Protech Steel team!

2) GFDA provided $350,000 in funding through our USDA Meat and Poultry Revolving Loan Fund to a start-up business, The Shambles, LLC. The owners of The Shambles, LLC, are committed to providing essential services to local livestock producers by opening Cascade County's only USDA-inspected livestock kill facility. This facility is not only expected to improve processing capacity but helps ensure a sustainable supply chain for meat products in the area. Does your project have a financing need? Please reach out to Jill Kohles at 1-406-590-1056 or JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org to discuss your options.

3) Thank you to KRTV for highlighting the Business Blitz that GFDA is hosting at the Springhill Suites on Tuesday, February 11th. The Business Blitz is a one-day training with multiple sessions on topics related to starting and running a business. Participants can attend as many sessions as they would like. There will be a lunch and panel discussion sponsored by GFDA. There is no charge to attend the event. Registration is required as space is limited. Please click here for additional information and to register for the event. Our Business Advisors are available and ready to answer questions about this event or to meet with you as you navigate the journey of business ownership. Please reach out to Christian Nichols CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org 1-406-788-9385, Rich Gannon RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org 1-406-836-2078 or Deb McGregor Deb@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-0314.

4) Join us for the Fire Within Awards, celebrating bold, trailblazing women in business! Mark your calendar for March 6, at The Newberry as we honor female entrepreneurs making a difference in our region. The Fire Within will coincide with the first annual Feisty Women Week. Nominations are now open but close on February 21—don’t delay! Know a deserving woman? Nominate her today and help us recognize her success! RSVP and join us in the celebration. Doors open at 5:00 PM and the program starts at 6:00 PM. Questions? Contact Katie Carvell at 1-406-217-7635 or Katie@GrowGreatFalls.org

5) We made significant progress on two major projects in our area and had discussions with a developer about another potential investment. Interest in North Central Montana is growing across multiple sectors, from manufacturing to commercial development, driven by our strong infrastructure, affordability, and business-friendly environment. With increasing momentum, now is the time to invest in our region and be part of its exciting growth. If you or someone you know is looking for opportunities in our region, contact Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-0136.

6) We had 73 businesses registered for the Strategic Teaming Alliance Roundtable (STAR) event this week, hosted by Great Falls Regional APEX in collaboration with Northrop Grumman! Special thanks to Tracy Houck Jerman (Community Engagement, State & Local Government Relations) and Braden Lovelace (Small Business Liaison Officer) for sharing valuable insights on the upcoming Sentinel Project, strategies for building strong partnerships with Northrop Grumman, its subcontractors, and first-tier primes. They offered guidance on leveraging teaming databases, refining capability statements, and positioning businesses to stand out to government agencies and top prime contractors. Learn how to leverage teaming databases and refine your capability statement to stand out to government agencies and top prime contractors like Northrop Grumman, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or at 1-406-590-1184.

7) The Montana Defense Alliance Executive Committee unanimously approved a plan to strengthen the Alliance's efforts to support, retain, and attract defense missions in Montana. GFDA was a founding stakeholder in the Alliance and we will be investing significant effort in strengthening it. We'll share m ore information this week.

8) Twenty people tuned in live this week to attend our monthly GFDA Small Business Development Center webinar co-hosted with Montana State University Economic Extension. This month Paddy Flemming, director of the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC), presented on the state of manufacturing in Montana (80% increase since 2017) and how MMEC plays a role in Montana’s manufacturing landscape. A recording of the presentation will be posted here soon.   Our March small business webinar will feature our very own Jill Kohles presenting on gap and bridge financing. For more information and to register click here.  

9) Jake participated in the first session of the Rural Frontier Housing Learning Lab. Hosted in partnership between NeighborWorks Montana, the Montana Healthcare Foundation, and MSU Extension Community Vitality with the purpose of connecting ongoing efforts throughout the state to get more housing produced and to address affordability of housing stock in Montana communities. The value of assessing community needs and demand for housing was emphasized. Check out our most recent Housing Market Demand Assessment for Great Falls, now is the time to get cracking on your next housing project, connect with Jake ASAP at 1-406-403-4937 or Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

10) At the MT Next Gen Conference, Anna joined USDA Rural Development to speak with over seventy participants in two sessions about the services that Rural Development, GFDA, and the Food and Ag Development Center offer producers interested in value-added agriculture. Partnerships like these strengthen the services we are able to offer our region.  

11) The GFDA Small Business Development Center Business Advisors met with members of the Vocational Rehabilitation Disability Employment and Transitions Division of the Department of Health and Human Services to explore ways we can work together in service of aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. Roughly 5-10% of the clients who are coming to Vocational Rehabilitation are interested in starting their own business. GFDA Small Business Development Center Advisor Rich Gannon recently worked with one of the clients who came from this program and that client was awarded a startup grant through the Vocational Rehabilitation program due to the hard work, business planning, financial forecasting and business viability provided.

12) Identifying energy investment opportunities in our region requires input from our valued investors and community business partners. Kristen Blue, energy business development officer, has connected with LPW Architecture, Liberty Electric, AE2S, Great Falls Public Schools, Great Falls College MSU, NeighborWorks Great Falls, the City of Great Falls as well Montana Renewables and the Montana Electric Cooperatives Association. The goal of these conversations is to intelligently inform a robust energy opportunity landscape for our region. Kristen is eager and excited to talk about all things energy related, contact her with your thoughts, projects, and ideas at 1-406-788-4989 or Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org.

13) We issued our Quarter Index 2024Q4 (download PDF here). Gave a presentation to the Great Falls City Commission on the Downtown Great Falls Market Assessment and Economic Vitality Strategy that we completed in the fall in support of the Downtown Development Partnership.

14) Navigating the world of food safety rules and licensing can be daunting for a new or growing food business. GFDA's Food and Ag Development Center can work with you to determine the right license for your business goals and the next steps or resources to achieve them. Reach out to Anna at Anna@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1301 if you'd like to schedule a meeting or call.

15) 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 406-788-9385 or email at CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org

16) Thank you to everyone who responded to our site search for the international manufacturing company looking to expand to Great Falls. Your support and quick responses help showcase our region’s strengths and make a strong case for attracting new investment. This level of collaboration is key to growing our economy and creating new opportunities. If you have available industrial properties or know of businesses considering expansion, contact Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-0136.

17) Made in Montana Trade Show wholesale buyer registration is open. Join the Montana Department of Commerce at the 2025 Made in Montana Trade Show on March 7. If you own, manage or buy for a retail store, shop or restaurant, you can pre-register as a wholesale buyer on our website.

18) Registration for the Montana Department of Commerce’s Governor’s Conference on Tourism is open through April 1st. The event will feature a wide variety of sessions focusing on a "The Road Ahead" theme. Hear from industry leaders and get the inside scoop on what tourism is looking like in Montana. 

19) We held our annual ethics training as part of our effort to maintain the highest quality of service to our clients and maintain our standing with our professional organizations, International Economic Development Council (IEDC), and Montana Economic Developers Association (MEDA).  The entire GFDA team worked through case studies and prepared each other to address ethical concerns from those we face daily, to rare instances we can be prepared for should they arise. 

20) Help drive economic growth in the Great Falls region by joining GFDA’s Investment Committee. This group plays a key role in securing resources and shaping our community’s future. If you’re passionate about making an impact and want to learn more, connect with Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org today!

21) With so many exciting things happening throughout our region, we would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the team making it happen! Thank you to our investors and public partners for supporting our work and guiding us ahead. Check out this short video to learn more. Recent investments include: Community Division—Citizens Alliance Bank; Flying S Title & Escrow; Liberty Electric; and Midway Rental. Thank you for your commitment to making Great Falls a better place to live and work! Want to get involved? Reach out to Investment Director Jenn Gallmeier at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

Great Falls has the best team of City Staffers in Montana when it comes to development. Week after week we have been invited to the table to work through project-specific development challenges bringing economic development tools to the forefront. Exciting projects are being proposed for 2025 construction and as we can share more details we certainly will!

Another hectic great week! We received the $625,000 Financial Award from the CDFI Fund that we won late last year, boosting our loan capital so we can keep working with our bank and credit union partners to fill financing gaps which they can't fill and provide creative bridge finance to make deals happen. We will be posting a new Accounting Assistant position this week and a new Business Development Officer - Defense position.

Enjoy the SuperBowl!

Brett

Brett Doney

Great Falls Development Alliance

BDoney@GrowGreatFalls.org

1-406-750-2119

Connect with me on LinkedIn.

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"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."

Edward Everett Hale

Edition 671

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 6.283%; 20-year at 6.350%; 10-year equipment loan at 6.642%; and, 25-year refinance 6.312%; 20-year refinance 6.380%. 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.

Inside each monthly edition of our new newsletter, Investing in Downtown Great Falls you’ll find a curated mix of news, updates, and resources designed to celebrate and support our downtown Great Falls businesses and building owners. If you are ready to invest in Downtown Great Falls, contact Nicki at Nicki@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-2099.

Are you a specialty crop (ie anything not wheat, barley, oilseeds, or soy) producer or processor? Or do you work with specialty crop producers or processors? If so, please not that the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant is now opened. Applications are due by Feb 28th at 5:00 PM. If you would like to discuss your project or find other funding opportunities for your value-added ag project, reach out to Anna at Anna@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1301.

SAVE THE DATE! Get ready for Montana APEX GovMatch 2025, the government contracting matchmaking event of the year hosted by our Great Falls Regional APEX. This premier matchmaking event is where businesses meet with government agencies to build relationships and explore opportunities to secure contracts. This event is designed to facilitate introductions and connect agencies with quality leads while fostering impactful partnerships that benefit communities and drive economic growth. When: Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Where: University of Providence in Great Falls. For more information, contact SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-868-8343 and Mariah Liebing at Mariah@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-217-2174.

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! Our new monthly newsletter, "Investing in Downtown Great Falls," delivers monthly insights and opportunities for business and building owners downtown. Sign up today! Questions? Contact Nicki at Nicki@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-2099.

Are you hiring? Our Hot Jobs Program is the perfect platform for employers to share their job openings! By sending us your listings, your opportunities could be featured on our Hot Jobs blog and shared across our social media channels for maximum visibility. Relocating with a partner or family member? Our Trailing Partner Program ensures no one gets left behind. Many times, for someone to accept a position, their partner also needs a job secure – and we’re here to help! Send us their resume (with permission), and we’ll share it within our network. You never know who’s hiring! Let’s work together to make Great Falls the perfect place for new opportunities. For more information contact our Marketing and Communications Officer Katie Carvell at 1-406-217-7635 or Katie@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

Are you interested in exploring government contract opportunities but unsure where to start?  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. 

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.

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.

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

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 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. 

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