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Great Falls College-MSU's faculty, moderators, and business advisors team for the Montana Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses at their recent kick-off training orientation in Great Falls. The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program teamed up with Great Falls College-MSU to offer entrepreneurs in the State of Montana a free, practical business training program and personalized support services to help grow their business. It's great to have this new entrepreneur resource partner!

1) Governor Gianforte signed House Bill 245 that removed the sunset on Montana's unique expanded Medicaid program. The GFDA Board endorsed this policy effort along with thee Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, Montana Chamber and many partners. Thank you to Rep. Ed Buttrey for sponsoring the bill and for all the legislators who supported it! See Montana Free Press.

2) Our High Plains Financial affiliate successfully closed an SBA 504 loan for a Great Falls-based business expanding its operations within the community. Benski Towing and Recovery enhanced its capabilities by acquiring TTT Repair, enabling the company to offer a comprehensive range of towing and repair services. Thanks to the great work from the banking partner, Erin Townsend from Bravera Bank, Benski Towing will benefit from a fixed, low-interest rate for 25 years, with only a 10% down payment required. If your business is ready to grow and explore expansion opportunities, please contact Jill Kohles at 1-406-590-1056 or via email at JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org.

3) Congratulations to the C.M. Russell Museum on over $9 million in sales at The Russell art auction, held March 20–22 in Great Falls, the star of Western Art Week. This year’s event was nothing short of extraordinary, featuring a record-breaking number of historic works in the auction’s 57-year history! See TheElectric.

4) Christian Leinhauser and Kristen Blue hosted a productive site visit with a growing renewable energy company that incorporates value-added agriculture into its operations. The intersection of energy generation and value-added ag represents a major opportunity for economic growth in our region, and we’re excited to support innovative companies exploring North Central Montana. A big thank you to all of our partners who took the time to meet with the company and help highlight the strengths of our region. To connect on energy-related initiatives, contact Kristen Blue at Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-4989. For information on business expansion and development opportunities, reach out to Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-0136.

5) Montana was ranked among the Top 5 Least Expensive States to Start a Business in 2025 and named the 4th best state with the fewest regulations, according to SimplifyLLC. With low startup costs, minimal red tape, no sales tax, affordable energy costs, and low commercial rent, Montana offers one of the most business-friendly and cost-effective environments in the country. These advantages, combined with strong infrastructure and workforce support, make North Central Montana an ideal location for entrepreneurs and expanding companies. If you're looking to start or grow your business, contact Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-0136.

6) Fast financing isn’t always the best financing. This week, the GFDA Small Business Development Center worked with a client who was able to get quick approval on equipment financing from an online lender -but the business owner wasn’t sure of the full terms. Business Advisor Rich Gannon helped them figure out that the 5-year loan had an APR of almost 34%. We are working with the client to seek other funding options. Our Small Business Development Advisors can assist you in financial forecasting, profit/loss statements, business plans, marketing plans and more. Don’t guess at the numbers. Let’s get something based on the real digits. 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.

7) The Montana Department of Commerce announced three tribes in our region will share more than $122,000 of grant funding to develop, expand and strengthen local tribal tourism assets and economies. The grant funding is provided through Commerce’s Tribal Tourism Grant Program. Chippewa Cree Tribes of Rocky Boy’s will receive $50,000 for the Rocky Boy Rodeo Enhancement Project in Box Elder. Fort Belknap Indian Community will receive $40,301 for repairs and upgrades to the Aaniih Nakoda Tours vacation rental property in Harlem. Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians will receive $32,350 for the Little Shell Pow Wow Arbor vendor and venue additions on Mount Royal in Great Falls. Congratulations!

8) We hosted an Angel Investor Networking Event on Wednesday, March 26th. GFDA will be hosting more events like this throughout the year. Contact Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org for more information.

9) Great Falls has been named one of the top 10 places to retire in the Western United States by Travel + Leisure magazine!

10) This week our Great Falls Regional APEX assisted 12 small business, one of which we assisted in successfully uploading their CMMC Level 1 self-assessment score into the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS), ensuring compliance with Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1 requirements. Cybersecurity is a top priority for the Department of Defense (DoD), and businesses involved in federal contracting must comply with new standards. Under Federal Acquisition Regulation FAR 52.204-21, “Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems,” companies handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI) must meet specific security measures. At a minimum, businesses must obtain CMMC Level 1 to ensure they are safeguarding sensitive data. To learn more about how you can complete your self-assessment for the CMMC Level 1 certification, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.

11) Central Montana Tourism is looking for tourism business leaders across the region for nominations to its Board of Directors. If you would be interested in applying contact Avery Hughes at 406-761-5036 or avery@centralmontana.com.

12) SBA 504 financing is a great tool that an entrepreneur may be available to use to help start, innovate, or expand by providing fixed, low-interest rate financing for up to 25 years. The High Plains Financial Board approved an SBA 504 loan for a downtown Great Falls small business that is looking to expand. Does your project have a financing gap? Please reach out to Jill Kohles at 406-590-1056 or JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org to discuss your options.

13) Jake joined Brock Cherry, City of Great Falls Planning and Community Development Director, to speak at the annual membership breakfast for the Great Falls Association of Realtors. We spoke about the need for more housing in Great Falls and what the City, GFDA and our partners are doing to address development challenges. 

14) GFDA just launched our new Social Share email—your easy way to stay connected and make an impact! Every Friday, we’ll send you our top posts from the week across all platforms, formatted and ready to share. It’s a quick, effective way to help us spread the word, grow awareness, and support our mission. Want in? Click here to get on the list—your future inbox will thank you!

15) Jake testified in support of two new developments proposed for Great Falls at neighborhood council, one single family home development and a mixed-use development. We often attend neighborhood council meetings to hear concerns from the neighbors when new developments are proposed, as well as to advocate for new projects. Our business development officers are ready to walk with your project through all municipal approval processes, reach out to Jake to begin building a team around your project 1-406-403-4937 or Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

16) We were asked to participate in an SBDC Leadership Manufacturing RoundTable to share the insights we've gained working with area manufacturers. We are continuing to gather helpful insights to address the manufacturing regulatory environment. We welcome your insights. Please email Jolene at JSchalper@GrowGreatFalls.org. For concerns about federal regulations that impose excessive costs on small businesses, contact SBA's Office of Advocacy by calling 1-800-827-5722 and pressing option 3 or emailing RedTape@sba.gov.

17) What does it take to build a thriving downtown entrepreneurial ecosystem? Downtown Great Falls Association and the Business Improvement District hosted a Main Street America workshop regarding building an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Discussion surrounded uses for vacant space, resource sharing, new development, and more.

18) Join GFDA’s investment committee! Help us secure the resources that power business expansion, job creation, and community transformation across North Central Montana. Contact Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

19) I participated in the ICSC DC Fly-in, networking with commercial real estate leaders and meeting with Montana Congressional staff to discuss important tax policy issues that affect the viability of new construction and redevelopment projects. I serve as the volunteer ICSC Government Relations Chair. In 2023, Montana had 130 commercial marketplaces with 5,508 tenants and 120,764 jobs (16% of the state total jobs). These marketplaces paid $111.6 million in Montana property taxes in 2023 and invested $180 million in construction and redevelopment.

20) I also participated a board meeting of the Montana Infrastructure Coalition, discussing critical infrastructure policy issues that affect our region, and a board meeting of a new Montana energy transmission business advocacy organizing that we are helping to form.

21) We're growing our GFDA Staff Team with a new Accounting Assistant position and a new Business Development Officer - Defense position, and we have an opening for a Business Development Officer - Downtown Great Falls. Download our Career Opportunities and please forward it to great candidates.

22) The continued support of our investors and public partners for helps us deliver hands-on business support, deploy flexible financing, and move key projects forward. From housing to manufacturing, your investment makes an impact in every sector. Learn more about them by viewing this short video. Recent investments include: Leadership Division—Great Falls Montana Tourism; JCCS, Inc.; Pacesetter Division—Great Falls Association of Realtors; Community Division—The Fagenstrom Co. Without this team behind us, we wouldn’t be able to keep doing what we do. Thank you! Join us in supporting the people and projects shaping our region. Reach out to Vice President of Investment Jenn Gallmeier at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org.

Sending this Top 10 out a day early because I'm headed back to DC tomorrow morning for the Association of Defense Communities Summit with Cascade County, City of Great Falls, and Great Falls Area Chamber partners -- key stakeholders of the Montana Defense Alliance.

Have a productive week!

Brett

Brett Doney

Great Falls Development Alliance

BDoney@GrowGreatFalls.org

1-406-750-2119

Connect with me on LinkedIn.

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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“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”

Stephen Covey

Edition 678

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 6.243%; 20-year at 6.310%; 10-year equipment loan at 6.337%; and, 25-year refinance 6.272%; 20-year refinance 6.340%. 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.

It is important that the voices of the business community be heard in the Great Falls Growth Policy process. Please take a few minutes to complete the Future of Great Falls Survey.

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.

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 Jake at Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-403-4937.

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.

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. 



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!

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.

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