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1) Congratulations to Montana Renewables for winning the Groundbreaker of the Year award presented at the 17th Annual International Biomass Conference & Expo, produced by Biomass Magazine. The Groundbreaker of the Year Award recognizes an organization or company that has made meaningful headway on a sustainable commercial-scale biomass-to-energy project or has accomplished a bioenergy project or endeavor worthy of being deemed as “groundbreaking.” As the leading Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) producer in North America, Montana Renewables deserves this recognition!
2) Great Falls is a great place for Canadian companies looking to have a US location. We were in British Columbia telling that story at an event hosted by the Montana World Trade Center in collaboration with the Montana Department of Commerce and Export Canada. A huge thank you to Dan Rooney for sharing ADF’s story!
3) The Montana Department of Commerce announced the list of winners for the annual Indian Equity Fund business grant. The competitive grant is designed to assist start-up or expanding Native American business in Montana. Three Great Falls SBDC clients were among the handful of statewide winners. The Great Falls SBDC assisted these businesses with the grant application process including business plan writing and the creation of financial projections. If you are an enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe in Montana and you’d like to learn more about the Indian Equity Fund, contact Rich Gannon at RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org or call 1-406-836-2078.
4) Our Great Falls APEX (formerly PTAC) walked a small business through the Service-disabled Veteran-owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification process. Are you a small business looking for an edge in government contracting? We can provide guidance on how to navigate the certification process for small business programs such as Service-disabled Veteran-owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), or Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB). If you have specific questions about the certification process, feel free to reach out to Lillian Sunwall at LSunwall@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-1253.
5) Christian Leinhauser attended the Great Falls City Commission meeting to testify in support of the Business Improvement District's budget amendment allowing them to grow their programs in Downtown Great Falls. The amendment was passed unanimously by the City Commission and we thank the City for their continued support in the revitalization of Downtown Great Falls.
6) Are you considering expanding your business, either by purchasing a new facility or construction, but unsure if there are any hazardous contaminates that could possibly affect your plans? With our Brownfields Assessment Funds, we can help ensure your purchase or rebuild is free from any environmental hazards. These assessments can save you thousands by identifying and preventing unexpected liabilities. Before signing the dotted line, come talk to Christian Nichols. CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org 1-406-788-9585.
7) Shannon, Lillian and Christian Leinhauser attended the Malmstrom Weapons Generation Facility groundbreaking ceremony and the new MH-139A “Grey Wolf” arrival ceremony. The event was attended by Malmstrom AFB and City of Great Falls leadership welcoming new construction on base that will support the Sentinel ICBM upgrade as well as the new replacement for the current UH-1 “Huey” helicopters. If you are interested in learning more about registering for government contracting, please call Shannon Clancy at 1-406-590-1184.
8) Do you use Key Performance Indicators to drive your business forward?
What are KPIs? These are “key performance indicators,” these indicators can offer a clear and concise snapshot of various business activities and performance areas. By utilizing KPIs, businesses can track and measure their progress in real-time. This data-driven approach enables businesses to gain insights into strengths and weaknesses, allowing management to make informed decisions based on concrete evidence rather than mere intuition. With KPIs in place, businesses can identify areas of improvement and take proactive steps to optimize performance. KPIs serve as compasses guiding businesses toward their desired destinations. By selecting the right KPIs, regularly tracking them, and using the insights gained to make informed decisions, businesses can drive continuous improvement, seize upon opportunities, and steer operations toward success. KPIs transform data into actionable insights that allow businesses to stay ahead of the competition and achieve sustainable growth. Typical KPIs to use are: Financial KPIs, Operational KPIs, Customer KPIs, Employee KPIs, Marketing KPIs, and Sales KPIs.
Want to learn more about KPIs? Please reach out to Al Gohary at AGohary@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-0314.
9) Had an excellent meeting this week with an investor who is eager to put their resources and expertise to work in the Great Falls region as an angel investor! If you or someone you know is an accredited investor, contact Tyler Menzales at TMenzales@GrowGreatFalls.org or call 406.217.7862; We are looking to connect those who are looking for strategic investment opportunities within the Great Falls region with real estate developers, start-up entrepreneurs, and expanding businesses who are seeking equity in our first ever Angel Investor Networking Event.
10) Anna presented GFDA's grant application to the Montana Pulse Crop Committee in Billings. If awarded, this grant will allow GFDA to commission a Market Assessment on Opportunities in Pulse Processing for the State of Montana with a focus in snack food, pet food, ingredient making and custom pulse processing. Results will be announced in June. Are you interested in starting or expanding a pulse processing business? Reach out to Anna at Anna@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1301.
11) Are you a real estate developer, start-up entrepreneur, or expanding business seeking equity? Great Falls Development Alliance is planning our inaugural Angel Investor Networking Event. The purpose of this event is to connect those seeking equity with potential equity investors. Unlike similar events, we won't play matchmaker – it's up to you to strike up conversations, share ideas, and build relationships. For more information, and assistance refining your equity ask, contact Al Gohary at AGohary@GrowGreatFalls.org or call 406.750.0314.
12) GFDA is seeking responses from qualified consultants in response to a Request for Proposals for an Energy Production Opportunity Assessment. Help us spread the word by sharing with your network! Proposals are due by 5:00PM MST on Wednesday, March 20th. Electronic submissions and any questions regarding the RFPs can be directed to Tyler Menzales at TMenzales@GrowGreatFalls.org or by calling 1-406-217-7862.
13) Jake spoke at the NeighborWorks Great Falls Fund Drive Kick-off event about his experience as a first time homebuyer in Great Falls and the critical need in our community for the services NeighborWorks can offer. Homeownership is important to the economic success of Great Falls and partners like NeighborWorks are key to that success.
14) Historic once-in-a-lifetime financing and resources are becoming available to help communities confront the climate crisis and reduce pollution through the EPA’s Inflation Reduction Act. Jenn went to Denver to connect with members of our regional EPA office and discuss the Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative to make sure our community is equipped to navigate these historic resources. To access these funds, entities must establish partnerships with community organizations and collaborate across public, non-profit, and civic sectors to formulate a comprehensive community plan. If interested in joining a community partnership and applying for funds, reach out to Brett at 1-406-750-2119 or BDoney@GrowGreatFalls.org.
15) Jake and Jolene attended the Introduction to Bond Finance WebCourse offered by the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). There are bond finance tools for large projects and we are pursuing all possible tools to increase housing production, attract new businesses, and help existing businesses expand in our service area. Are you considering bond financing for your next big move? Reach out to Jake at Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-403-4937.
16) We extend sincere gratitude to our investors and public partners. Their dedication and collaboration are the driving forces behind our shared mission to provide an enriched and improved quality of life for our residents. Learn more about them by viewing this short video. Recent investments include: Pacesetter Division—Great Falls Association of Realtors; Community Division—Arvon Block, LLC; Home Builders Association of Great Falls; Flying S Title & Escrow. Their partnership and shared vision are integral to the positive transformations we are witnessing in our community. To learn about our economic development strategy and how you can support our work, reach out to Investment Director Jenn Gallmeier at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org.
17) GFDA prepared several loan packages for businesses in anticipation of the State Small Business Credit Initiative 2.0 (SSBCI 2.0) low interest rate program opening their application portal. The state is expecting their third tranche of funding any day now and it is on a first come first served basis. All these businesses have a different financial need, including construction costs, equipment purchases and working capital needs. If you have a project that could move forward with the benefit of low interest rate funding start talking with GFDA now. Please reach out to Jill Kohles at JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1056.
18) We Are Growing Our Awesome Staff Team. Download a description of openings for Loan Officer and Communications & Marketing Specialist.
19) I invested the week by participating in the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) regional meeting in Portland, OFN trainings for rapidly growing Community Development Financial Institutions like GFDA, and networking at the National Interagency Community Reinvestment Conference. Connected with a number of potential loan capital sources. We are working to secure an additional $8 million of loan capital to fill financing gaps for housing production, business startups, expansions ans attractions, and commercial real estate development across the region.
Headed to DC today for a week of meetings with federal agencies, Congressional staff, and community economic development colleagues. Looking forward to getting back to Great Falls for Western Art 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.
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"There are many things that seem impossible only so long as one does not attempt them."
Andre Gide
Edition 623
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