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Three critical infrastructure project sites on the St. Mary Canal Milk River Project. Great progress being made!

1) GFDA's Loan Committee approved bridge loans for two separate housing developments this week, totaling $1,060,680. These are high-impact loans that focus on offering more housing choices to our community. Know a solid project that’s stuck and just needs the right financing to cross the finish line? If so, please connect with Shandi Gebhardt Jones at 1-406-590-9037 or Shandi@GrowGreatFalls.org to discuss options.

2) GFDA investors met at Touro COM for updates on catalyst projects and to hear new project announcements first. Heroes Rise Coffee Company announced that it plans to relocate its headquarters and roasting operations to Great Falls. View announcement on You Tube. If you’d like to be included in the next investor event, reach out to Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

3) Benefis Health System started sitework for its Sanavita Estates independent senior living development that will include free-standing villas and apartments. Great Falls International Airport started its west concourse expansion project; see KFBB.

4) We released our updated Economic Development Strategy for 2026-2028. We held a kickoff meeting with Camoin Associates for our childcare market assessment.

5) I toured the St. Mary Canal Milk River project sites to discuss progress with the Bureau of Reclamation and the Montana Infrastructure Coalition. Participated in the Coalition's annual meeting and was reelected to the board.

6) Jake was in Boise supporting an Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panel, applying economic development tools to meet neighborhood-level challenges. While there, Jake was also able to connect with developers active in the Montana market and some that are interested in expanding their reach potentially in our region. These visits out of the market help to elevate the profile Great Falls within the development community of the mountain West and potentially bring new resources to help projects move forward.

7) We submitted a Request for Information (RFI) to the Montana Department of Commerce on behalf of a company in the IT industry exploring expansion opportunities in the state. Our region’s infrastructure, talent pool, and business climate make North Central Montana a strong contender for tech growth. If you know of companies looking to expand or relocate, connect with Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1‑406‑836‑0136.

8) Last week’s GFDA Small Business Development Center/MSU Extension Small Business Webinar Series focused on Trade and International Relations – How MT Businesses Can Expand Globally. Angelyn DeYoung, International Trade Manager, Montana Department of Commerce provided expert information on how to take advantage of the international market as well as where to find technical and marketing assistance. A recording of the webinar and the Export 101 booklet can be found here. Our October 2nd Small Business Webinar Series will feature special guests Shannon Clancy and Mariah Liebing from the GFDA APEX. Did you know that the U.S. government purchases billions of dollars’ worth of products and services every year and they need businesses like yours. If you’ve ever wanted to sell to the government but weren’t sure where to begin, join us to learn the basics of government contracting, how it works, and how to assess your business readiness; the resources and services APEX provides to guide you through the process; and action steps you can take now to position your business for success in the government marketplace. Additional information and registration deals can be found here.

9) As Montana businesses win government contracts and strengthen the economy, Great Falls Regional APEX makes finding opportunities easier with BidMatch. This free service, available to all active APEX clients, serves as a powerful “one-stop-shop” by automatically scanning federal, state, and local opportunities that align with your company’s capabilities and delivering them straight to your inbox. If you haven’t set up your BidMatch profile yet, now is the perfect time to contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org and if your actively pursuing government contracts and haven't signed up for Great Falls APEX services, Click Here to get started!

10) Met with leadership of Malmstrom Air Force Base and with leadership of the Montana Air National Guard to discuss progress on defense missions. Cascade County secured a grant from the Department of Defense to create a community liaison position for construction of the Sentinel mission. This is a key part of our defense advocacy partnering. See The Electric.

11) Thinking about buying a building or upgrading equipment? The SBA 504 Loan Program makes it easier with as little as 10% down and long-term fixed rates that don’t change over the life of your loan. Right now, all-in rates are 6.233% for 25 years, 6.250% for 20 years, and 6.174% for a 10-year equipment loan. Refinance options are available too at 6.262% for 25 years or 6.280% for 20 years. It’s one of the most affordable ways to lock in stability, preserve cash, and invest in your business. Contact Jill Kohles at 1-406-590-1056 or JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org to get started today.

12) This week, we connected new business owners with property owners to explore opportunities, worked with current business owners who have their eyes on downtown Great Falls, and confirmed meetings with an out-of-town business interested in the Great Falls market. With resources available and growth on the horizon, downtown Great Falls is positioned for exciting expansion. If you’re curious about investing or expanding in downtown Great Falls, now is the time to reach out. Contact Katie Carvell at 1-406-217-7635 or Katie@GrowGreatFalls.org.

13) We assisted a Great Falls organization with a JobsEQ occupational overview to support their efforts in attracting talent for a key position. Tools like JobsEQ data analytics can help local businesses make data-informed hiring decisions by providing insights into labor supply, wage expectations, and regional workforce trends. If your business needs labor market data to grow, contact Christian Leinha user at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1‑406‑836‑0136.

14) Did you know that more than 90% of employees use personal devices for work. Lose one password, risk your email, files, and accounts. Cybercriminals don’t just target computers, your phone is fair game, too. In 2024 alone, more than 33 million smartphone attacks were detected worldwide. Over the past two weeks, our GFDA Small Business Development Center team completed the CyberMontana/University of Montana Missoula College Security Awareness Training: Guardians of the Gadgets-Keep Your Tech In Check. We will continue to integrate this knowledge into our work with clients.

15) GFDA investors met at Touro COM for updates on catalyst projects and to hear new project announcements first. If you’d like to be included in the next investor event, reach out to Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

16) Our GFDA Small Business Development Center team has been integrating new skills and information from the ASBDC conference we attended last week. Two key areas of integration have included working with clients on pricing strategy and click to conversation rates from websites and lead magnets. These are two areas that many of our small business owners struggle with on a regular basis. If you would like to review your pricing strategy or explore how you can increase your conversion rates, 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.

17) 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.

18) 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.

19) 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.

20) 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.

21) 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.

22) Every service we offer is a building block for our region’s future. With the support of our investors and partners, we’re stacking up new businesses, stronger communities, and more opportunities. Learn more about our team of supporters by viewing this short video. Recent investments include: Advance Division—General Distributing Co.; Leadership Division—Admiral Beverage/Pepsi of Great Falls; Community Division—All State Signs. Growth doesn’t wait, and neither do we! If you’d like to be a part of it, reach out to Jenn Gallmeier at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org. You can download updated GFDA Board & Council List and our GFDA Investor Honor Roll.

In Detroit for the International Economic Development Council's annual conference learning from colleagues from around the world and connecting with some site selection consultants. Have a fantastic 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.

Subscribe to the Grow Great Falls Montana YouTube channel!

"Integrity is the essence of everything successful."

R. Buckminster Fuller

Edition 702

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