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We hosted 400 community economic developers from across the U.S., Canada and beyond for the International Economic Development Council's first ever Rural Retreat. These leaders participated in immersive experiences in Great Falls ands rural and tribal communities throughout the region. Thank you to the many partners and sponsors who helped make the event a great success! See KRTV and KFBB.

1) The St. Mary Diversion Project successfully restored water flow this week to the Milk River, a huge relief to our region. Congratulations and thank you to all involved in the $70 million Milk River Project! See KRTV.

2) Admiral Beverage/Pepsi Great Falls started site work on a new 100,000 square foot facility in the Great Falls AgriTech Park.

3) A growing number of Canadian companies are actively exploring expansion into North Central Montana, attracted by our region’s proximity to Alberta, strong infrastructure, zero sales tax, and access to both U.S. and international markets. With our shared supply chains, cultural ties, and efficient logistics routes, Montana offers a natural and strategic location for Canadian businesses looking to scale in the U.S. If you know of a Canadian company considering cross-border expansion, reach out to Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-0136 to start the conversation.

4) Prolific Montana Basketball Academy in Great Falls announced plans to build a new facility on Great Falls International Airport property; see KRTV. BASF announced a new canola seed designed to thrive in our region; see KRTV and KFBB. See more local business news on TheElectric's Business Bites and KFBB's Business Buzz.

5) The GFDA Small Business Development Center has received multiple phone calls related to taxes and expense strategy for small business owners. We refer many of these questions to the business owner’s accountant, attorney, and/or the IRS. We also have webinars and resources that are made available to our clients. There is an on-line opportunity coming up on Tuesday, July 15th from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM CDT that is hosted by the United States Department of Agriculture, Internal Revenue Service and Small Business Administration for the “Tax Education Webinar for Agricultural Enterprises and Small Businesses”. They have partnered to bring tax related matters impacting small and mid-sized businesses, including agricultural enterprises (farms and ranches). For more information and to register, please click HERE.

6) KFBB ran a great story about the importance of Great Falls Montana's strategic role in global national security. Over 150 Airmen with the Montana Air National Guard are currently serving our country in Africa.

7) As part of the inaugural International Economic Development Council (IEDC) rural retreat this week, nearly 100 participants from communities across the nation (including Puerto Rico!) experienced the fantastic power of the Electric City’s hydroelectric facility at Ryan Dam. Participants on the energy tours also learned about the economic impacts of Montana Renewables MAXSAF™ project. Being the largest sustainable aviation fuel producer in North America encompasses plenty of economic celebrations and challenges. As co-hosts, GFDA was proud to discuss Berkshire Hathaway’s ongoing commitment to development of renewable energy generation and storage in the heart of rural Montana. Energy is foundational to all economic development. Its availability, or lack thereof, is often an unseen constraint for development, particularly in rural communities. The IEDC conference allowed for deep conversations, connections, and collaborations on the crucial topic of energy generation, transmission, and distribution in rural America. A sincere thank you to our energetic economic partners NorthWestern Energy, Montana Renewables, and Berkshire Hathaway Energy Montana for sharing their time and knowledge with our visitors! To discuss energy projects or prospects in our region, reach out to Kristen Blue at 1-406-788-4989 or Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org.

8) Great Falls Regional APEX connected with rural businesses throughout our region who are proactively seeking to boost their revenue through government contracting. These businesses are exploring opportunities to expand their income streams, build long-term partnerships, and tap into steady contract work at the local, state, and federal levels. Learning to navigate the government market can be challenging, but aligning your products with the right agencies can reveal new opportunities you may not have considered. Government contracts strengthen rural economies by providing dependable business opportunities and supporting sustainable growth. If you're ready to start your contracting journey or want to enhance your current efforts, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.

9) The Shelby Promoter published a great story about one of our 2025 Ally Award recipients, Shane Adams, Executive Director of the Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce.

10) During the IEDC Rural Retreat Jake hosted over 100 economic developers for a local Great Falls tour highlighting Homes, Health and Hope. We collaborated on discussions of topics such as talent attraction, workforce development, and housing production. Jake took home a few ideas from our colleagues and shared our paths to recent wins in Great Falls. Time to get your housing project moving to the next step, reach out to Jake Clark today at 1-406-403-4937 or Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org 

11) Our GFDA Small Business Development Team was busy this week with several opportunities to visit many of our small businesses throughout the Great Falls Trade Area. One thing we love doing as Business Advisors is having opportunities to meet at the place of business to see the space, assist with product placement ideas, look at traffic patterns, explore the community and see small business owners and entrepreneurs in their place of passion and brilliance. We also love meeting with partners who help small business owners succeed and thrive. Here are just a few of the places we were able to visit this week: NACDC Financial Services, Siyeh Development, Lube and Tube Express, Paula’s all Occasion Gifts, The Rockin Outlaw, Cut Bank Creek Brewery, Marketplace on Main, Roxy Theatre Shelby, Ag Processing Solutions, Windrift Hill, Farm Power Malt and Dusty’s Bar. If your business could benefit from fresh eyes, a new lens, creative solutions, pricing, space solutions or profit/loss statement 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. Our services are provided at no cost to you.

12) Last call for donations for Touro! Thank you to the local businesses that have already contributed. We are still looking for businesses willing to donate 155 items for this incoming class. We’re putting these together to help new students feel at home and encourage them to explore the local businesses, services, and experiences Great Falls has to offer. If you’d like to contribute this year, please reach out to Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

13) The University of Montana's Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) is holding it's "Mid Year Economic Update: Taxes, Tariffs and Trade Wars -- What's Ahead for the Montana Economy" in Great Falls on Tuesday, July 29th, Noon - 1:30 PM. Register here.

14) GFDA Small Business Development Center Regional Director Deb McGregor participated in an interactive webinar focused on strategies for encouraging job quality among small business clients. The webinar was facilitated by the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program. The webinar included a Shared Success demonstration. Their “hot off the press” Job Quality Advising Guide was developed in collaboration with business advisors based on the experience they have had in working with small businesses. Centered on business value, this guide provides tools, resources, and success stories that can help organizations working with small businesses coach clients on potential job quality improvements that can also enhance business resilience. Stay tuned as we continue looking for ways to create more awareness around job quality in our region as well as integrate some of the strategies presented in the webinar in day-to-day services.

15) As this fiscal year comes to an end, we’d like to thank the following outgoing leaders for their service: Dan Rearden of Liberty Electric (5 years on the High Plains Financial Board, 6 years on GFDA’s Board), Craig Nowak of Morrison Maierle (5 years on the High Plains Financial Board), Dwight Holman of Holman Aviation (6 years on GFDA’s Loan Committee), Denise Schnider of North 40 Outfitters (3 years on GFDA’s Board), Zach Mendenhall of Admiral Beverage/Pepsi Great Falls (3 years on GFDA’s Board), and Mark Cappis of Cappis Consulting (Board Chair, past 2 years). Your leadership and commitment have made a lasting impact on our region.

16) Thank you to the businesses, organizations, and public partners who invest in GFDA. Your support is what allows us to help grow jobs, attract new industry, and provide critical tools for entrepreneurs and communities. Learn more about our investors and why they choose to support us by viewing this short video. Recent investments include: Advance Division—North 40 Outfitters; Community Division—Contract Flooring Carpet One; Action Plumbing & Construction LTD Co. We look forward to continuing this work together in the years ahead. If you’d like to learn more about the work we are doing to grow the region and how you can get involved, reach out to Vice President of Investment Jenn Gallmeier at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org.

17) 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.

Have a great week! Happy Independence Day!!

Brett

Brett Doney

Great Falls Development Alliance

BDoney@GrowGreatFalls.org

1-406-750-2119

Connect with me on LinkedIn.

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"A great place is where you want to take the people you love."

David McCollough

Edition 691

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 6.373%; 20-year at 6.390%; 10-year equipment loan at 6.204%; and, 25-year refinance 6.401%; 20-year refinance 6.420%. 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.

If you are a small business considering investment in alternative energy systems and energy conservation measures, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has a program for you! The Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Fund offers fixed rate, low interest loans for qualifying projects and improvements. The interest rate for 2025 is 3.5 percent. Loans are awarded through a ranked application process; small business applicants located in Great Falls and North Central Montana have scoring advantages. To learn more and apply, contact Montana DEQ. The application window opens July 1st. To discuss energy projects or ideas, reach out to Kristen Blue at 1-406-788-4989 or Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org.

The 2025 Livability Great Falls magazines are here! This is a great tool for employers to use to recruit talent to relocate to the Great Falls region. Hard copies will be distributed this week -- the digital version is now live—with interactive links perfect for showcasing all that Great Falls has to offer. Last year’s digital magazine saw 24.3K views and over 200.3K social impressions—proof that people are looking at Great Falls and liking what they see. Help us spread the word about the lifestyle, opportunities, and energy of Great Falls. Contact Katie Carvell for support and ideas on how to make the most of this resource at 1-406-217-7635 or Katie@GrowGreatFalls.org.

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is offering an upcoming energy auditor training pilot program. DEQ is covering the costs for lodging, pre-requisites, class, and testing. For more information contact Sam Hall at 406-444-4960 or Sam.Hall@mt.gov

JOIN US FOR THE MONTANA APEX GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING MATCHMAKING EVENT OF THE YEAR! Great Falls Regional APEX is proud to host the Montana APEX GovMatch 2025 event at the University of Providence on Wednesday, August 13th. This event is designed to connect suppliers with federal, state, and local government buyers, as well as prime contractors, fostering relationships and creating opportunities for government contracting success. Whether you're a supplier showcasing your capabilities or a buyer seeking qualified suppliers to meet contracting needs, this GovMatch event is for you!  Registration is now open to both buyers and suppliers: CLICK HERE! For more details or to prepare for this event, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.

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.

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 2025 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