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As part of our commitment to best practice and to maintain our status as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) the GFDA staff team participated in our annual Economic Development ethics training. We spent 2 hours together learning about and discussing ethics in the context of our profession and reviewing case studies. To read more about the codes of ethics we abide by, please check out the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) code of ethics. 

1) Congratulations to Hybrid Steel Design on their expansion to Ft. Benton. Read more about the project and what Governor Gianforte said about it on KRTV. 

2) We welcomed the return of an agri-business for their second site-visit to North Central Montana. We are very excited to continue to support their exploration of the region. If you know an agri-business or food manufacturer that is interested in moving to our area and would like assistance in facilitating a visit, please reach out to Anna at 1-406-590-1301 or Anna@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

3) Columbia Grain was featured as the cover story in World Grain!

4) Today is the deadline. Time is running out to nominate a female entrepreneur for a Fire Within award! Do you know a female entrepreneur who is absolutely rocking it?! Nominations close TODAY, March 3rd at 11:59PM MST. The Fire Within Awards began 13 years ago to celebrate female entrepreneurship in the Great Falls Region. Recognizing and honoring women in business is essential for fostering a supportive and inclusive entrepreneurial community. It not only celebrates individual accomplishments but also inspires others who may be considering entrepreneurship. There are two categories: Inspire Nominations (in business 5+ years), and Aspire Nominations (in business 1-5 years).

5) We were happy to have two health bioscience projects in town. We are also working with a broader partner team to move forward a stalled project. All while responding to additional requests for information and working on existing projects. 

6) Our Small Business Development Center hosted our popular Website Bootcamp, a half-day training empowering business owner to build and manage their websites. The upcoming Website Bootcamp in Cut Bank on March 13th is nearly at capacity, but you can join the waitlist. Additionally, we're excited to announce a new digital marketing class in Great Falls on March 27th, designed to enhance businesses' digital footprint, you can register for that class here. If you’re in a rural area in the Golden Triangle and you’d like our SBDC team to come to your town and host a class like this reach out to Rich Gannon at 1-406-836-2078 or email him at RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org

7) Congratulations on the Montana Food Hub's official incorporation! Montana Food Hub plans to offer Northern Central Montana access to locally grown foods, connect consumers to producers, and provide a sustainable and vibrant community connection through a variety of offerings and services.

8) 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.

9) We are pleased to announce that GFDA has been awarded a $50,000 grant from The Otto Bremer Trust to support our CDFI economic development efforts to create economic opportunity and improve quality of life in the metro, rural and tribal Great Falls region of north central Montana. The Otto Bremer Trust is a private charitable trust based in St. Paul, Minn. Created in 1944 by business and community leader Otto Bremer, it is committed to supporting an enhanced quality of life for residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Since its founding, OBT has invested more than $1 billion in its region’s people, places, and opportunities. This funding represents a significant step toward building a more resilient and thriving community, aligning with the shared vision of both the Otto Bremer Trust and GFDA for a better quality of life in the Great Falls region.

10) We hosted the Leland Consulting Group in downtown Great Falls for their initial visit kicking off our Downtown Market Assessment & Transformational Strategy project. They were able to tour our downtown, meet with business owners from many different sectors and Great Falls city leaders. They were thoroughly impressed with the positivity they heard from every person they spoke with and we will continue to work with them over the next few months on this project. If you’re interested in being part of this process, email Christian at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or call 1-406-836-0136.

11) Congratulations to Mighty Mo Brewing Co and Jeramiah Johnson Brewing Co for placing in the Top 3 in the Brown and Black Ales and Belgian and French Style Ales respectively during the 2024 Montana Beer Awards hosted by the Montana Brewers Association. 

12) Do you know what Life Cycle your business is in? Is your business hitting an inflection point? Businesses, like humans, go through different life cycles. Regardless of location, industry, organizational formation, or number of owners, businesses move from one phase to the next phase in a predictable manner. It is important to understand the various stages in the business life cycle and be adaptable to changes as the business is faced with new issues and challenges. A business life cycle model might categorize the various phases as:

Formation/Development, Early Growth/Infancy, Late Growth/Established, and Stable/Mature.

Because a business operates differently based on its business life cycle, it is important to know which stage your business is in. The various life cycles of a business are a continuous process of decision-making based on operations, efficiency, profitability, sales, growth, customer needs, and more. Changes will be necessary as the business progresses from one stage to the next. Without change when change is needed, the business will hit stagnation or decline. Understand the various life cycles of a business and be ready for change.

Want to examine your business and know what cycle you are in? Need to work on your business Growth Plans? Please reach out to Al Gohary at AGohary@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-0314.

13) 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 20, 2024. 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.

14) The Montana Supreme Court ruled for the reinstatement of mining permits for the Black Butte Copper Project near White Sulphur Springs, MT. This ruling initiates a 2-year construction phase for the project including an estimated 200+ construction jobs and a full time workforce of over 200 employees when the mine is operational.  

15) Join BLM and Montana APEX Accelerator to learn about BLM contract business opportunities for your company. Emphasis on construction/trades, land stewardship, architecture and engineering, cultural resources/archeology, recreation services, veterinary services, professional services, and supplies. Meet one-on-one with BLM contract officers. March 28th; 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Billings. Register at MontanaAPEX.org/events. Click HERE to see what BLM buys. Want help to prepare? Contact Lillian at LSunwall@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-1253.

16) We Are Growing Our Awesome Staff Team. Download a description of openings for Loan Officer, Business Development Officer, and Communications & Marketing Specialist.

17) A community that rallies behind economic development is an unstoppable force, turning challenges into opportunities and aspirations into achievements. Our investors and public partners understand the importance of supporting our work because they see a future where our community is thriving. Learn more about these changemakers by viewing this short video. Recent investments include: Advance Division—VisionNet.; Community Division—Rocky Mountain Carriers. Their belief in our vision fuels our efforts to propel economic development, creating a ripple effect that elevates the overall well-being of our community. If you’d like to learn about our economic development strategy and how you can help us achieve our goals, reach out to Investment Director Jenn Gallmeier a 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org. Together, we can achieve extraordinary results that elevate our economy and enhance the quality of life for everyone involved!

I had the honor of chairing the annual Scout District Breakfast in Great Falls and in participating in the Rotary International leadership training in Denver. To all of the service club members, volunteers and generous donors who enrich our communities, THANK YOU!!!

Have a great 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.

Forward the GFDA Top 10 to friends and colleagues. You can join our distribution list HERE or text GFDA to 22828.

Subscribe to the Grow Great Falls Montana YouTube channel!

"My interest is in the future because I am going to spend the rest of my life there."

Charles Kettering

Edition 622

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 6.381%; 20-year at 6.49%; 10-year equipment loan at 6.526%; and, 20-year refinance 6.52%; 25-year refinance 6.41%. 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.

GFDA participates in the Montana State Small Business Initiative (SSBCI 2.0) program that helped provide a lower interest rate on 50% of the funding. We've been partnering with local banks and credit unions to put together some creative financing packages for business startups and expansions, but this low-interest money is vrey limited and first come, first serve so contact us today if you have a business startup or expansion planned that could benefit from a SSBCI 2.0 loan participation. Contact Jill at JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1056 or Brett at BDoney@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-2119.

The Montana Department of Commerce has extended the deadline for businesses to apply for a cybersecurity grant up to $8,000. Apply by April 30th. More info here.

We need your help! We are looking for accredited investors to join us at Great Falls Development Alliance’s inaugural Angel Investor Networking Event. The purpose of this event is 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. If you are an accredited investor looking to put your money to use in the Great Falls region, contact Tyler Menzales at TMenzales@GrowGreatFalls.org or call 1-406-217-7862

We have set the date for the initial cross-border partnership visit with Economic Development Lethbridge for May 8th through the 10th. This partnership will focus on creating an agri-food corridor to promote cross border trade and agri-business investment into North Central Montana and Southern Alberta. If you would like to learn more or are a business leader interested in traveling on this visit, please reach out to Anna at Anna@GrowGreatFalls.org or at 1-406-590-1301. Manufacturers, if you don't get the monthly newsletter from the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center you are missing out on great training and other resources. Check out MMEC's February Newsletter.

The Montana Department of Agriculture is partnering with the USDA and the Agricultural Marketing Services to help strengthen the resiliency of Montana food systems. Is your food company focused on middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, or distribution of targeted agricultural products? If so, there is a new funding opportunity for your projects. Discuss this new opportunity and check your eligibility with Anna by reaching out at Anna@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1301.

Are you planning any international marketing activities in 2024? 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.

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.

The Great Falls Housing Market Assessment shows a need for over 450 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.

USDA has launched a new online tool to assist small businesses in identifying procurement opportunities; see USDA's Procurement Forecast.

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 Christian at 1-406-836-0136 or email CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org. Let's discuss how TIF and other tools can help you change the face of Downtown Great Falls. 

Employers, are you looking for timely data on our local workforce? 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 Jake Clark at Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-403-4937 to be connected with a JobsEQ-trained Business Advisor today. To learn more about GFDA's other talent attraction tools, visit our website. 

We still have a few copies of the 2023 Livability Great Falls talent attraction magazine. Find and share Livability Great Falls online, or contact Tracy Heggem for hard copies: Tracy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-1192. 

Recruiters, are you hiring for a job position that is:  

• High level 
• High salary 
• Out-of-the-box/unique/creative? 

Help us attract workforce to move to Great Falls - send a one-sentence description of the job, 3-5 of your company's top employee benefits, salary (if listed), and a link to apply for your job to TMenzales@GrowGreatFalls.org to be included in the Hot Jobs in Great Falls blog post.  

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.

USDA opened a new round of Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants and loans. Rural small businesses and agricultural producers can use the funds to make energy-efficiency improvements, lower operating costs, or install renewable energy systems. Quarterly competitions will be held through March 31st. For for help applying, contact Anna Flies: Anna@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1301. 

The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center 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.



If you are trying to redevelop a property that involves an environmental cleanup (including lead paint and asbestos) and you have a gap in your financing, your project may qualify for our low-interest brownfield redevelopment loan funds. We can make loans anywhere in Cascade County or within 100 miles from the borders of Cascade County, which covers much of the region. We're eager to help make your project move forward. Contact Christian Nichols at 1-406-788-9385 or CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org. We also have some small business or nonprofit startup/expansion loan funds available for Glacier and Blaine counties.

Do you have open government contracts? Is your SAM.gov registration due to renew in the next few months? SAM.gov continues to have issues with the transition of the new validation process. It is recommended that businesses start early to renew their registration to keep from going inactive. If you are having trouble getting through the process, contact Shannon Clancy at 1-406-590-1184 or SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org for assistance. 

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.

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. “Your (Live in Great Falls) website is very impressive and helpful! Great Falls looks amazing, and we love what we've seen real estate-wise, and business-wise.” This quote was from an email sent to us from a couple considering relocation to Great Falls. We will be sharing their resumes (with their permission) on the Trailing Partner Email Group.

Visit our relocation website LiveInGreatFalls.com. This website was the #1 request we got from local recruiters and HR professionals for aiding in attracting talented workers to Great Falls.

Of our online business planning tool, LivePlan, one said: "LivePlan is Awesome!" The LivePlan tool is helping streamline her strategy in preparation for presenting to bank partners. We offer LivePlan licenses for FREE to active clients. Learn more about LivePlan on our website.

Grow diverse economic opportunities that enhance quality of life.

Our Mission

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