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Three of the fantastic new murals in Downtown Great Falls created during the Great Falls : Great Walls event this month. Thank you to the Business Improvement District, the City of Great Falls, property owners, sponsors, volunteers and the incredible artists who made this happen!

1) Great weekend in Great Falls! Congratulations to the Little Shell Tribe on an inspirational Powwow at the beautiful Little Shell Powwow Arbor on Mount Royal. Congratulations to the Montana Renewable Energy Association on holding its Clean Energy Fair in Great Falls for the first time. And congratulations to the Great Falls Voyagers on hosting Pedro Martinez night celebrating his career start in Great Falls. Those were just a few of the events this weekend!

2) The Great Falls City Commission unanimously approved annexation, zoning and preliminary plat for Peace Harbor, a 67-unit subdivision for single family homes by KIB Homes, Jake testified in support. We also had a site visit from a successful housing developer interested in the Great Falls market. Let’s get your housing project the support it needs, reach out to Jake Clark at 1-406-403-4937 or Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

3) We released the Opportunities in Pulse Processing for the State of Montana market assessment. This in-depth market assessment by Agralytica Consulting for opportunities in pulse processing in the state of Montana addresses four key areas: Pet food, snack food, custom pulse processing, and ingredient making. This project was funded through a grant from the Montana Pulse Crop Committee, so many thanks to them as well as the Montana Department of Agriculture for their support. 

4) We still need dinner hosts for Touro students on September 11th. This is a fun tradition that helps the new class feel welcome in our community. Hosts are recommended to take groups of 3-5 students to a restaurant of your choice. Reach out to Jenn if you’d like to participate at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

5) Our Great Falls Regional APEX is collaborating with DARPA to support its DARPA Connect pop-up event September 24th at the Montana State University Strand Union Building. DARPA, the Department of Defense’s premier research and development agency, is known for advancing innovation in AI, quantum technologies, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and cybersecurity. This event is designed for companies in aviation, research and development, software development, scientific and laboratory services, professional scientific and technical services, fuel, and petroleum distribution (including diesel and propane dealers), information technology, and manufacturing. It offers these select businesses the opportunity to connect with DARPA program managers, learn about the agency’s mission, and explore pathways to federal contracting. Register today: Click Here! To learn more about this event and others like it, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.

6) We’re on the hunt for transformational properties across Cascade County- Including Great Falls, Belt and Cascade! The Great Falls Development Authority is seeking potential sites that will spark investment and revitalize our communities. Know a property that fits the vision? Help us spread the word! These projects have the power to reshape neighborhoods and fuel regional growth. Contact Christian Nichols if you know of any properties at CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-9385.

7) The Montana Indian Equity Fund grant program is officially open. This highly competitive grant program provides an incredible opportunity for enrolled tribal members who want to start or expand a business. To help applicants prepare strong proposals, the GFDA Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering three in person application training sessions this fall along with one virtual training. On September 17 and October 9, GFDA SBDC will co-host trainings in Browning with NACDC. On September 30, a training will be held in Great Falls. Finally, our online training session will happen on October 13th.

8) The Electric announced the 2025 Great Falls Greats winners. Learn about new businesses under development in Great Falls on KRTV.

9) We commissioned an update to the Childcare Demand Assessment we did in 2021 (view or download the 2021 assessment from the Reports page of our website. The update will be a more robust assessment looking at supply and demand in the Great Falls commute shed, considering the unique needs of military families, and assessing interest in creating more employer-supported childcare. The assessment will provide valuable market data for existing and startup childcare providers. Camoin Associates, which did the 2021 assessment, will conduct the update, working with GFDA, local providers and partners. Thank you to the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation for giving us a grant of $20,000 to help fund the assessment.

10) NorthWestern Energy announced they have entered into an agreement to merge with Black Hills Energy. The combination will create a regional regulated electric and natural gas utility company serving approximately 2.1 million customers across eight contiguous states – Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. The electric utility will serve approximately 700,000 customers, operate 38,000 miles of electric lines, and 2.9 gigawatts of owned generation capacity fueled by a mix of thermal, hydro, and wind. The natural gas utility will serve approximately 1.4 million customers and operate roughly 59,000 miles of natural gas lines. See KRTV.

11) We can still do low interest loan participations for businesses but there are limited funds. The Montana State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) 2.0 Loan Participation Program remains open This limited window offers small businesses a final opportunity to access the low-interest rate funding. Businesses interested in applying should begin conversations with GFDA immediately as this may be the last chance to secure financing under the current tranche. If you know of a business looking to start or expand who has a financing need, please contact Shandi at Shandi@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-9037.

12) First Interstate Bank approved a loan to GFDA which will enable us to purchase another 42 acres for the Great Falls AgriTech Park. GFDA’s Executive Committee approved borrowing an additional $300,000 for loan capital from CNote, an impact investing fund.

13) The Montana Infrastructure Coalition, of which GFDA is a part, is holding its annual meeting in Shelby on September 11-12. The event will include a full day tour of the St. Mary water project. More info and registration here. See you there!

14) Lock in today’s low SBA 504 fixed rates and give your business long term savings. All in rates, including fees, are 6.233 percent for 25 years, 6.250 percent for 20 years, and 6.174 percent for a 10-year equipment loan. Refinance at 6.262 percent for 25 years or 6.280 percent for 20 years. These rates stay fixed for the life of your loan, providing stability and peace of mind while you invest in commercial real estate or equipment. Contact Jill Kohles at 1-406-590-1056 or JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org to get started today.

15) The Montana Department of Commerce will accept applications for the Agritourism Grants Program September 24 through October 23. These grants support rural tribal and agricultural businesses and communities by assisting with diversifying operations, developing and enhancing agritourism opportunities and generating tourism revenue for the benefit of local communities.

16) GFDA Investors and potential new investors are invited to a special Fall Kick-off event on Tuesday, September 4th, 4:00 PM at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine. Register here.

17) We are looking for three dynamic team members, an Accounting Assistant, a Business Development Officer focused on food, ag and bio processing industries, and a Business Development Officer focused on online lead generation. Download our updated Career Opportunities and please forward it to great candidates.

18) Our strength is in our partnerships. From funding to project development, progress happens because of collaboration. None of this work is done alone. We thank our investors and partners for supporting and advancing our mission. Learn more by viewing this short video. Recent investments include: Advance Division—Transystems, LLC; Pacesetter Division—Montana Specialty Mills. If you’d like to learn more and join the team that is making things happen, reach out to Jenn Gallmeier at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org.

Keep making great things happen. We're eager to help!

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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"Frustration, although quite painful at times, is a very positive and essential part of success."

Bo Bennett

Edition 699

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 6.233%; 20-year at 6.250%; 10-year equipment loan at 6.174%; and, 25-year refinance 6.262%; 20-year refinance 6.280%. 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 missed the Housing Production Update event we held last week you can watch the video on the GFDA YouTube page. You will hear about a riverside development making moves, a new single-family development currently raising capital, and you'll get a teaser for a newly announced project on the East end of Great Falls. Let's get your housing project moving, reach out to Jake Clark at 1-406-403-4937 or Jake@GrowGreatfalls.org

Zero to Five has grants available for employers to help their employees with childcare. See ABC Fox.

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.

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.

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

USDA announced that the first grant application window for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) will open on October 1, 2025. USDA is using the remaining time in FY25 to implement the Secretary’s direction to disincentivize solar panels on productive farmland for future application windows. Read the full STAKEHOLDER ANNOUNCEMENT. We can help you prepare to apply. Contact Kristen Blue at 1-406-788-4989 or Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org.

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 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 1-406-590-1184 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 Assessments Director, 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 1-406-590-1184 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