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The Little Shell Tribe celebrated officially assuming operation of the Little Shell Health Clinic in Great Falls. This marks another major step forward for the Tribe. Congratulations!

1) Benefis Health System's Sanavita Estates Independent Living development, a 64-unit apartment building and 28-single family villas received unanimous approval for an adjustment to PUD zoning by the Great Falls City Commission. Brett spoke in favor of the project and there was no opposition during the public hearing. We have a great track record of municipal approvals by our elected commissioners in Great Falls. Let’s get your project up and rolling as well, reach out to Jake Clark at 1-406-403-4937 or Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org.

2) The Great Falls Montana trade area has strong potential for

new recreation and entertainment investment in the 13-county Great Falls Montana trade area, according to Market Findings we released this week. Hunden Partners, a leading global advisor in place strategy, conducted an in-depth market supply and demand analysis to determine market support for recreation, entertainment, sports and adventure-style business expansion opportunities in the region. GFDA commissioned the assessment to explore market drivers to grow the region's tourism industry and increase recreation and entertainment offerings that improve quality of life -- critical to retaining and recruiting workforce talent. Great Falls Tourism and Central Montana Tourism provided valuable partnership support to help make the assessment possible. The strongest market opportunities include hotels and hospitality, guided outfitters and tours, and recreation and natural environment. The findings identified three pillars of investment to pursue in the region: destination and experiential hospitality, family-centric activities, and adventure-oriented tours/guide services. View or Download the Market Findings on GFDA's website.

3) The GFDA Small Business Development Center Business Advisors met with eleven new clients this week. Our range of services to clients included putting together financial projections, learning how to understand a profit/loss statement, starting a business basics, preparing financial forecasts to purchase a building and two business expansions. Our Business Advisors love serving clients and we enjoy the variety of work we have an opportunity to do. You are not alone as an entrepreneur and small business owner. You have services and resources available to you. Our Small Business Development Services are provided at no cost to you. Please reach out to one of our Business Advisors if we can be of service to you: 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.

4) The Montana Department of Commerce is reopening the third tranche of the State Small Business Credit Inititiave (SSBCI) loan paarticipation program to fund a few more low interest loan participations. This is a great one-time opportunity for businesses and GFDA. If you know of a business looking to start or expand who has a financing need, please contact Jill at 1-406-590-1056 or JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org.

5) We joined the National Defense Industry Association (NDIA) as part of our effort to strengthen defense efforts in the Great Falls trade area. NDIA is the nation's largest defense industry association. NDIA drives strategic dialogue in national security by identifying key issues and leveraging the knowledge and experience of its military, government, industry, and academic members to overmatch capabilities to threats.

6) The new German high tech manufacturing company in Lewistown, Vacom, is celebrating its first year in Montana; read more in the Lewistown News Argus.

7) Connect face-to-face with key decision makers from government buyers and prime contractors!  Great Falls APEX advised 11 businesses in our region as they prepared for Montana APEX GovMatch taking place in Great Falls, MT on August 13th at the University of Providence. We guided them through updating registrations, refining capability statements, and developing strategies to effectively connect with government buyers and prime contractors. Our support has helped these businesses gain the confidence and tools needed to compete for government contracts at the local, state, and federal levels. By preparing companies of all sizes and industries, Great Falls APEX is strengthening the region’s presence in the government marketplace. Register for GovMatch and unlock new contracting opportunities CLICK HERE! To learn how we can help your business prepare for this upcoming event and future opportunities, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.

8) The Quinn Institute (QI) in Big Sandy will hold an open house and field day on July 9th from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM to celebrate its one year anniversary. QI is a regenerative organic research, education and health Institute. See Havre Daily News.

9) "This is the best conference I have ever attended,” an attendee noted. “The interactive sessions, good conversations, warm welcome, and rural setting were wonderful. This is the way to share ideas and learn from each other." The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) held its inaugural Rural Retreat in Great Falls, Montana, in late June, bringing together over 400 economic development professionals for three days of focused programming on rural and tribal community development in an inspiring setting! From game-changing discussions to career-defining connections, this retreat proved that when rural innovators unite, solutions follow. Attendees headed home with fresh strategies, powerful new networks, and the momentum to turn aspirations into action! See IEDC's Retreat Highlights. 

10) Starting and Owning a Business includes a lot of moving parts. It’s easy to get caught up in 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.

11) Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine is hosting a Community Vendor Fair on Thursday, July 31, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on its Great Falls campus.This event will help kick off the new academic year and is a great opportunity to introduce your business, organization, or services to over 100 medical students, as well as faculty and staff. Whether you’re a local shop, restaurant, nonprofit, healthcare provider, or service-based business, Touro would love to connect you with its campus community. There is no cost to participate, and they will provide a table and chairs for your setup. You’re welcome to bring promotional materials, coupons, giveaways, or samples to share. Here is the RSVP link for interested businesses.

12) Applications are open until July 25th for Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Fund. The funding available 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. If you are a small business considering investment in alternative energy systems and energy conservation measures, this may be a great opportunity to get your project going! To learn more and apply, contact Montana DEQ or Meranda Bass at 1-406-444-6586. To discuss your energy project or energy related opportunities in North Central Montana, contact Kristen Blue at 1-406-788-4989 or Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org.

13) Even during quieter weeks, momentum keeps building. We’ve been deepening conversations with prospects, refining follow-ups from SelectUSA, SHOT Show, and TDANA, and preparing for upcoming site visits and outreach opportunities. Every touchpoint helps grow awareness of what makes North Central Montana such a compelling place for investment—strategic location, affordable operating costs, and a community that’s ready for smart growth. Know a business exploring new opportunities? Let’s talk! Contact Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-0136.

14) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Todd Lindsay today announced that USDA will delay opening of the first grant application window for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The first window opens on July 1, 2025, and closes on Sept. 30, 2025. All REAP grant applications regardless of funding source will not be accepted during this time. This decision was made due to the overwhelming response and continued popularity of the program resulting in a backlog of applicants. This decision will allow USDA time to dedicate the necessary resources and attention to the backlog of applications. USDA anticipates accepting both REAP Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Farm Bill applications again starting on Oct. 1, 2025, for Fiscal Year 2026 funding. To learn more, read full Stakeholder Announcement

15) GFDA’s Annual Meeting was held Tuesday, June 17 at The Newberry. Congratulations to this year's Ally Award winners! We continue to get great media exposure as well as heartfelt thanks for these Ally Awards. This week the Montana Department of Commerce issued a state-wide eblast and press release about their team members who earned GFDA awards this year.

16) 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.

17) Data helps drive decisions in business. Our Small Business Development Center assists clients dig into real numbers using powerful tools like Profit Cents, Vertical IQ, and Bizminer for industry financial benchmarks. We help clients tap into wage data using Jobs EQ,  a labor market analytics platform loaded with up-to-date wage, employment, and industry trend data for our region. From startup research to expansion planning, we’ve got the data to back your business decisions—all at no cost to you. Need insights for your industry? Contact the Small Business Development Center today.

18) We are looking for two great new GFDA Staff Team members, an Accounting Assistant and a Downtown Business Development Officer. Download our Career Opportunities and please forward it to great candidates.

Great to see so many people around the region enjoying the Independence Day Weekend!

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.

Subscribe to the Grow Great Falls Montana YouTube channel!

"Independence is happiness."

Susan B. Anthony

Edition 692

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.

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