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Lieutenant General Andrew Gebara, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration, USAF, speaking at Nuclear Triad Symposium hosted by the Minot Task Force 21 in DC.

1) Travelled to DC to network with military and defense industry leaders at the Nuclear Triad Symposium. Met with Congressional staff, Association of Defense Communities, and the Little Shell Tribe’s DC attorney, and attended an ICSC commercial real estate reception.

2) Excited to announce that GFDA has helped form a new statewide organization, the Montana Energy Business Alliance (MEBA). Its mission is to advocate for the proper planning and investment required to realize a reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy supply. MEBA united business and energy leaders to shape policies that sustain Montana’s industries, strengthen communities, and deliver reliable, affordable energy for economic growth. Other founding members include Montana Resources, Grid United, Talen Energy, Headwaters Tech Hub, Sibanye Stillwater, Reliable Northwest, and Big Sky Economic Development. I’m serving as treasurer of the board. MEBA is hosting evening events in Billings on October 23rd and in Helena on November 5th. More details to follow.

3) The world's largest Pizza Ranch opened in Great Falls! Great Falls is seeing a new wave of retail development along 10th Avenue South and throughout the city. See KRTV. National retailers pay close attention to economic trends when selecting a new market, so while GFDA does not focus heavily on retail business attraction, we see this new wave of development as a positive indicator that the Great Falls region is ripe for investment. Let's get your project moving, reach out to Jake Clark at 1-406-403-4937 or Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

4) The Governor has launched an Energy Task Force. The priorities of the task force are to provide short and long term recommendations for greater certainty in the marketplace for energy producers and consumers, address stable delivery systems and expanded transmission, and establish efficient permitting and regulatory systems. Fall proposals for Universal System Benefits (USB) funding available through NorthWestern Energy opens on November 1. This program offers a limited amount of funding for renewable energy installations on nonprofit, government, and public buildings. US Department of Agriculture Rural Energy for America (USDA REAP) applications open October 1. USDA REAP supports agricultural producers and small rural businesses in installing renewable energy systems or making energy efficiency improvements. Tools available include grants, guaranteed loans or a combination of both. To discuss energy projects and initiatives of all sizes in North Central Montana, contact Kristen Blue at Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-4989.

5) Congratulations to the businesses and organizations involved in the Worlds of Work event this week! See KRTV and KFBB.

6) We continue to move several catalyst projects through the pipeline while responding to new out-of-state inquiries about Great Falls and the AgriTech Park. Interest in our region remains strong, with companies recognizing the advantages of our shovel-ready industrial sites, infrastructure capacity, and strategic location. These projects have the potential to bring significant investment and jobs to North Central Montana. If you know of businesses exploring expansion, contact Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-0136.

7) Mountain Colors Hand Painted Yarn opened in Downtown Great Falls. Amazon is opening a last mile delivery facility in Great Falls. Exciting news about new businesses and more on KFBB's Biz Buzz and The Electric's Business Bites this week.

8) Hosted a group of businesses from Taiwan. These grain buyers were part of a Montana Department of Ag Trip. The buyers work for multiple large companies in Taiwan and this was a great opportunity to discuss other business ventures and establishing value added agriculture processing opportunities. The Montana Department of Commerce brought a business development officer from India to Great Falls. We were able to chat about export opportunities. We will also be hosting a workshop intro to exporting - to any country in collaboration with the Montana Department of Commerce. Details to follow. If you're interested email Jolene and when we set the date you'll be notified, JSchalper@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

9) Kids' Education Yes! (KEY) is holding a lunch event in Great Falls on October 23rd, at The History Museum 11:30 AM-1:00 PM, “Our future starts at School! Connecting education and workforce in Great Falls.” Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry will keynote. RSVP to Jamie Marshall at jamiewyatt1@gmail.com by October 17th.

10) Our Great Falls Regional APEX was proud to participate in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Connect Regional Pop-Up event at the Montana State University in Bozeman. This event gave us direct access to program managers and a clearer understanding of the agency’s priorities in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and cybersecurity. This knowledge will help us advise businesses in our region on how to align their innovations with DARPA’s priorities and federal needs. By expanding our network of researchers, innovators, and industry leaders, we are opening new doors for collaboration and subcontracting opportunities that businesses can tap into. To learn how your business fits into this innovation landscape, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.

11) The City of Great Falls completed an $11 million dollar improvement to its Water Treatment Plant; see TheElectric. The City also completed a new inclusive playground in Morony Park; see KRTV.

12) Did you know that just about every business is providing a service or making something that government agencies are seeking? The U.S. Government purchases billions of dollars’ worth of products and services every year. On Thursday, October 2nd at 11:00 AM, our Small Business Development Center/MSU Extension Small Business Webinar On-Line Series will focus on Government Contracting. Special guests Shannon Clancy and Mariah Liebing are from the GFDA APEX. 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.

13) Great Falls Public Schools is going to invest $1.2 million in remodeling the former Great Falls High shop area into a district-wide enhanced learning center, funded by residents through the innovative educational tax credit program; see TheElectric. Thank you to the local taxpayers who made this possible!

14) Our GFDA Small Business Development Center received several calls this week from individuals thinking about starting a business. Questions ranged from how to pick the “right” idea from a list of many, registering the business with the Secretary of State, wondering if the business idea can “really make it” and more. If you’ve had an idea or maybe you’ve got a hobby and thinking about turning it into a business, join us Tuesday, October 7th for Idea to Income: Small Business Start Up Essentials at the GFDA Office from 5:30-6:30 PM. This live one-hour training is designed to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the fundamentals of launching a successful small business. We'll cover essential topics such as defining your target customers, understanding costs, and building a solid foundation for your business. This class will provide the tools and insights you need to confidently move forward and bring your business vision to life. Click here for additional information and registration.

15) Three new housing project leads came in in various stages of predevelopment. Great Falls still needs more than 650 new units of housing per year according to the 2024 Housing Market Demand Assessment. If you have a housing project you have been working on that we can support, please reach out to Jake Clark at 1-406-403-4937 or Jake@growgreatfalls.org. 

16) Our Small Business Development Center team helped several entrepreneurs with their Business Plan and Financial Forecasting as a part of their application for the Montana Department of Commerce’s Indian Equity Fund Grant program. The Indian Equity Fund is a competitive grant program from the State of Montana designed to help enrolled tribal members secure funding to start a new business or grow their businesses. It’s not too late to learn about the program and get trained on the process and tools that are available. The next training will be held on September 30 in Great Falls, followed by another on October 9 in Browning, and a statewide online session on October 13. Each training is designed to give tribal entrepreneurs the knowledge and confidence they need to compete for this important source of business funding. The grant application deadline is October 31st.^.

17) Did You Know? Downtown Great Falls is an Accredited Main Street America community, recognized for meeting high standards in revitalization and economic development. Guided by the Main Street Approach, our work is built on four pillars: Economic Vitality (led by the Great Falls Development Alliance), Design (supported by the Business Improvement District), Promotion (driven by the Downtown Great Falls Association), and Organization (coordinated by the Downtown Development Partnership). Together, these partners strengthen local businesses, enhance Downtown’s look and feel, and ensure Great Falls remains the cultural and economic heart of our community. Looking to grow? A whole team is here to help—reach out to Katie Carvell at 1-406-217-7635 or Katie@GrowGreatFalls.org.

18) Deb spoke as part of a panel for the Montana Project Management Institute-Professional Development Day. Participants included 40 Project Managers at private, local, state levels from across Montana. The Montana Project Management program works to advance project management throughout the state of Montana and northern Wyoming. Deb was able to share best practices related to project management and how GFDA effectively manages projects with team members, systems, partnerships and communities.Pleased to announce that GFDA team member, Shauni Seccombe, will be transitioning into a new role as Business Development Officer focused on growing our regional tourism, recreation, entertainment industries and creating a new effort to make greater use of the rivers in Great Falls. Contact Shauni at 1-406-788-6867 or Shauni@GrowGreatFalls.org.

19) Jenn attended the Montana Nonprofit Association Annual Meeting along with several other community partners, where she not only participated in sessions and round table discussions, but also spent time connecting with both current and prospective funders. The event offered an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and explore new partnerships while also gaining skills to support ongoing professional development. 

20) Real change happens when people come together, and that’s exactly what our investors and partners make possible. Because of their support, we’re able to provide the services that strengthen businesses and sustain growth across our region. Learn more about them by viewing this video. Recent investments include: Champion Division—Benefis Health System; Community Division: Bozeman Green Build; Such Group International, Inc., and United Formulas. Thank you! Join us in growing the region by reaching out to Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

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.

Headed to Williston. What a great day to drive the Hi-Line!

Brett

Brett Doney

Great Falls Development Alliance

BDoney@GrowGreatFalls.org

1-406-750-2119

Connect with me on LinkedIn.

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"Excellence can be obtained if you care more than others think is wise, risk more than others think is safe, dream more than others think is practical, and expect more than others think is possible."

Kip Tindell

Edition 704

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.

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.

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.

US Department of Agriculture Rural Energy for America Program (USDA REAP) applications open October 1st. USDA REAP supports agricultural producers and small rural businesses in installing renewable energy systems or making energy efficiency improvements. Tools available include grants, guaranteed loans or a combination of both. 

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.

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

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!

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