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1) 194 businesses registered to join our Great Falls APEX and U.S. Forest Service Northern Rockies Contractor Liaison Brian Webber for an informational webinar on fire contract solicitations and equipment-related updates. Businesses gained clarity on what has changed, what remains the same, and what continues to evolve within the fire contracting landscape as VIPR Next Gen modernizes the agency’s incident procurement process and replaces the legacy platform. Participants gained insight into what is expected to impact the 2026 fire season, and how to strategically prepare during this transition. To learn more, contact SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.
2) Thank you to the 66 community members who participated in our inaugural Data Center Task Force meeting this week! See KRTV story. Your thoughtful input on key development considerations, practical mitigation strategies, and creative thinking about a data center project our community could take pride in was sincerely appreciated. We plan to share the results of the meeting soon and schedule a follow up community meeting in March. For questions about the Data Center Task Force, contact Jolene at JSchalper@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-4481.
3) Congratulations to the Little Shell Tribe on the opening of its new Ceremonial Center! See KRTV.
4) Save the date and join us for the launch of the River Activation Task Force on Thursday, April 2, from 5:00–6:30 PM at Great Falls College Heritage Hall. This kick-off meeting is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. Together, we’ll begin brainstorming ways to activate the Missouri and Sun Rivers through private investment, commercial development, and river-oriented businesses that grow tourism, recreation, and entertainment opportunities in Great Falls. Light refreshments will be provided. If you plan to attend, please contact Shauni at 1-406-788-6867 or Shauni@GrowGreatFalls.org.
5) We released our 2026 Great Falls Childcare market assessment. This report provides current data on childcare capacity, workforce needs, and gaps that impact employers and working families in the Great Falls workforce commute shed. Download the study. Childcare is one of the priorities in GFDA's 2026-2028 Economic Development Strategy. Our goal is to increase the availability of quality childcare to enable more parents and guardians to be employed. The availability of quality childcare is a key determinant of participation in the workforce.
6) The City of Great Falls hosted a roundtable discussion about the new Strategic Capital Investment Reserve (SCIR) program, Jake participated in the discussion. The SCIR is a funding mechanism established by the City of Great Falls to expand and improve system-wide public water, sewer, and stormwater utility infrastructure and support strategic development that aligns with adopted community plans. This week we met with several developers to compile feedback on the draft program. The overarching sentiment developers expressed is concern that the city may unintentionally hamper the use of funds by too restrictive or unclear language in the policy document. To learn more about the SCIR you can watch this informational video. We will be recommended revisions to City staff. If you’d like to share your feedback reach out to Jolene at JSchalper@GrowGreatFalls.org or to the city at SCIR@greatfallsmt.gov.
7) Registration is open for the first meeting of our new Opportunity Zone Task Force on March 12 at 3:30 PM at the Station District in Great Falls. There will be a Zoom in option. This task force will develop plans to secure designation of Opportunity Zones in our trade area and develop strategies to attract private investment in the zones. Contact Jake Clark at Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-403-4937 for more information.
8) The Central Montana Works board is planning a second Worlds of Work (WOW) a WOW 2.0. The focus of this is a hiring fair for employers who are exhibitors at Worlds of Work. If you’re interested in participating, reach out to David Dahl, ddahl@bravera.bank. The event is tentatively planned for April 14.
9) GFDA’s energy market assessment shows $11.5 billion dollars in regional wind investment potential. According to BloombergNEF, wind power has regained its position as the least expensive option for new electricity generation, overtaking gas fired power generation for the first time since 2023. By 2035, BNEF forecasts levelized cost of energy reductions of 30% in solar, 25% in battery storage, and 23% in onshore wind. To discuss energy project investment opportunities across all technologies, contact Kristen Blue at 1-406-788-4989 or Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org.
10) Thank you to the community leaders who gathered for a planning meeting of the new Central Montana Defense Coalition. The Coalition will be a team approach to achieve our goal of making Central Montana the most supportive and competitive region for current and future national defense missions. If you would like to be added to the Defense Coalition email distribution list, please let Tracy know at Tracy@GrowGreatFalls.org.
11) Our new Central Montana Defense Coalition has joined the new Air Force and Space Force Community Council of the Association of Defense Communities (ADC). ADC is comprised of over 300 defense communities across the country. Read about ADC's Strengthening Our National Security Begins at HOME initiative. HOME stands for: H - Harness the impact of essential DOD programs; O - Optimize investments in defense infrastructure; M - Modernize our approach to quality-of-life efforts; and, E - Enhance partnerships. To learn more, download ADC's Advancing National Security Starts at Home report.
12) The next MAFB Sentinel Town Halls have been confirmed: March 31, 6:00 PM at Fergus High School in Lewistown; April 1, 6:00 PM at Conrad High School in Conrad; April 2, 6:00 PM at West Elementary School in Great Falls. Here is a Flyer on the Town Halls.
13) It's time to nominate women business owners for The Fire Within awards!
We are looking for women who have started or purchased and are running a business in North Central Montana, have been in business over one year, and are impacting our region with their goods and services. Submitting is easy. We want their name, business name, email, phone, and for you to tell us why you believe they should receive the Fire Within Award. You can nominate yourself! All submissions must be made prior to March 31. You can visit our website to see all our past winners and to learn more! Click here to nominate. The Fire Within 2026 event will be held April 16 at 5:00 PM at The Newberry in downtown Great Falls.
14) Jolene Schalper, GFDA’s Executive Vice President, will be recognized at the upcoming ATHENA Leadership Luncheon on March 12 at 11:30 AM at the Meadow Lark Country Club. This award honors her outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to strengthening our community. We encourage everyone who is able to attend and show support as Jolene receives this well‑deserved recognition! Register here.
15) We have launched the newly updated versions of our talent attraction website LiveInGreatFalls.com and our GFDA website GrowGreatFalls.org. These sites are now live with improved design, navigation, and overall user experience enhancements to better support business recruitment, talent attraction, and lead generation efforts. We’ll keep improving them!
16) The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is currently accepting applications for its fall cohort in Montana. The program is designed for small business owners who are ready to grow. Participants receive practical training in areas like leadership, marketing, financial management, and growth planning, all delivered in a cohort setting alongside other business owners from across the state. Applications are due in May. For more information and to apply online click here. You can also connect with our business advisors for free advising and training; contact Rich at RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-2078.
17) Great Falls High School is piloting a new program that brings employers into the classroom to inspire students. Jolene spoke this week on entrepreneurship and had the students engage in a hands on business start up activity. They had some great ideas and a good time, if you’d like to present, call Taylor at 1-406-268-6320 for more information or to sign up.
18) The Montana Department of Commerce announced Coal Endowment Program grants to 51 communities, including many in the 13 county Great Falls trade area. MDOC also released its Montana Main Street Program 2025 Annual Report. Our region includes a number of downtowns that benefit from this program.
19) The USDA Value Added Producer Grant has reopened for applications with an updated due date of April 22. Agricultural producers, producer cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based businesses are invited to apply. Applicants are advised to start the process as soon as possible and reach out to contacts at USDA Rural Development or Food and Ag Development Centers for assistance. All projects must maintain active SAM.gov registration and obtain Level 2 eAuth access in order to complete the application. Are you ready to invest in creating a value added product from your agricultural operation? Reach out to FADC Director and Food, Ag, and Bio Processing Business Development Officer Sara Niccum at 1-406-590-1301 or Sara@GrowGreatFalls.org.
20) Kristen attended several online sessions of the inaugural Carry the Fire: Tribal Energy Sovereignty Summit held in Billings and hosted by the North Star Public Benefit Corporation, Native American Development Corporation (NADC) and American Indian Consulting Services (AICS). The summit convened Tribal leaders, energy professionals, investors, and community partners to explore sustainable, sovereignty driven energy solutions and advance economic self determination in Indian Country.
21) The Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program (AERLP) applications open April 1. The AELRP provides low interest loans to increase investments in alternative energy systems and energy conservation measures in Montana. Business entities in North Central Montana receive application scoring advantages. For more information or help with the application, contact Meranda Bass at msikes@mt.gov or 1-406-444-6586.
22) Keeping our region competitive by supporting existing and future military missions is critical to sustaining our economy. GFDA recently launched the Central Montana Defense Coalition to ensure our region remains competitive & mission ready. Investment in the coalition is crucial to carry out the work needed to advocate and maintain consistent federal presence in Washington DC and with USAF stakeholders. We’d like to recognize and thank the following founding members and investors for laying the foundation: Peacekeeper Division—General Distributing Co., and Stahly Engineering & Associates; Titan Division—TD&H Engineering. Become a founding member, invest in and support the Coalition, reach out to Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org.
23) Brett taught the Revolving Loan Fund Design section of the Council of Development Finance Agencies' (CDFA) online Winter Training Institute. Brett was reelected to the Board of the statewide Montana Infrastructure Coalition. The coalition is working on finalizing legislative priorities for the next Montana session and regulatory reform priorities.
24) When communities invest in economic development, they invest in more housing, stronger wages, and more opportunity. It is how we create a community people choose to live and work in. The momentum across the region is not accidental, it's the result of effort, coordination, and investment from our partners and investors. Learn more about them by viewing this short video. As one team we push our economy ahead. The more partners at the table, the stronger our region becomes. Be part of the team that shapes what comes next, reach out to Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org.
Progress with a number of important clients this week -- more exciting things in the works. Have a great week!
Brett
Brett Doney
Great Falls Development Alliance
BDoney@GrowGreatFalls.org
1-406-750-2119
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"The secret of success is to be ready when your opportunity comes."
Benjamin Disraeli
Edition 726
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