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Congratulations to the Wadsworth Pond Community Coalition on the successful celebration of “Wadsworth Pond Day.” Following Mayor Cory Reeves’ proclamation designating June 17 as Wadsworth Pond Day, the event highlighted recent improvements including enhanced fishing access, new picnic pavilions, restroom facilities, tree plantings, and other amenities. These investments are strengthening quality of life for residents by expanding opportunities for fishing, recreation, and outdoor enjoyment while enhancing Wadsworth Pond as a valuable and attractive community asset.

1) Our team worked with two entrepreneurs who ran out of working capital to manage their business growth. We are helping them calculate their new working capital needs and repackage all their debt to help them succeed into the future. We offer creative financing solutions to help businesses succeed. Financing questions, call Shandi to discuss 1-406-590-9037.


2) GFDA’s Food and Ag Development Center is resuming its Tuesday Training series! Join us on June 30 at 12pm to hear an update from the Montana Food Hub based in Great Falls. Register today to join the presentation live, or look for the recording on our YouTube page in July. Do you want to receive updates from the Food and Ag Development Centers? Reach out to Sara Niccum at 1(406) 590-1301 or Sara@GrowGreatFalls.org 


3) Congratulations to The Pony Up Bar, Casino, and Grub on its recent opening at 1600 25th Ave. N.E., the former location of The Pit Stop. The kitchen is now serving food daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., featuring a menu that includes chicken, gizzards, burgers, salads, and more. The owners, who also operate Magpie, are preparing to open Odd World Brewing in the adjoining former brewery space later this summer. See The Electric.


4) Energy is a critical economic development issue. Energy affects manufacturing expansion, new industry location, and overall business competitiveness. Montana has an opportunity to identify challenges, create solutions, and advance policies that will shape where businesses invest, where jobs are created, and how communities grow. GFDA is a founding member of the Montana Energy Business Alliance (MEBA). MEBA serves as a forum for collaboration, education, and advocacy around the policies and investments needed to support a reliable, affordable, and competitive energy future. To learn more about MEBA’s efforts in Montana and GFDA’s energy initiatives in North Central Montana, reach out to Kristen Blue at 1-406-788-4989 or Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org.


5) We had a site visit from a design team working for multiple developers interested in projects in the Great Falls market. Housing development was top of the list. Do you have a housing project and are looking for partners or investment? Reach out to Jake and let's get your opportunity ready to involve others, Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-403-4937.

 

6) We are now preparing to welcome the next class of Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and Master of Science students and are looking for businesses willing to donate 175 items for this year’s welcome bags. Touro has repeatedly shared how welcomed they feel in Great Falls, and that community support has helped strengthen their commitment to growing here. They have recently announced plans to add both a nursing school and a law school, bringing even more students and opportunities to our region. See: KRTV. If you would like to contribute, please reach out to Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org. The deadline to donate is July 20th. Thank you for helping make Great Falls a place students are excited to call home.


7) Malmstrom Air Force Base and the Montana Air National Guard have long been part of the foundation of our regional economy. The Central Montana Defense Coalition was created to ensure our community continues to support these missions and the people behind them. Thank you to the investors who are helping lead this effort. If you'd like to help support our defense community, contact Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org.


8) Are you positioned to take advantage of the growing federal contracting opportunities in the Great Falls region? From SAM.gov registration and renewals to market research, certifications, and proposal support, businesses need the right tools and strategy to compete effectively and connect with government buyers. Whether you're entering the federal marketplace for the first time or looking to expand your government business, Great Falls Regional APEX can help you gain a competitive edge in the federal marketplace. To learn more, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.


9) Thank you to everyone who joined us for this week's Boost Your Business training on AI. We're taking a summer break from the monthly series, but we'll be back this fall. First up in September: Getting Bank Ready. If you have a business idea and need financing, this interactive session covers what lenders look for and how to walk in prepared. Register here.


10) There is something special about summer in Montana. The longer days give us a chance to enjoy everything that makes this such a great place to call home. Places like this do not happen by accident. Our investors and partners are helping build a stronger future by supporting the work that creates opportunity and keeps the region moving forward. Learn more about them by viewing this short video. Recent investments include: Advance Division—Central Plumbing, Heating, & ExcavatingTDS Telecom. If you would like to join the growing network of people investing in the future, contact Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org.


Jolene


Jolene Schalper

Great Falls Development Alliance

JSchalper@GrowGreatFalls.org

1-406-750-4481


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"The greatest leaders don’t have all the answers, but they have the resilience to keep asking the right questions." Simon Sinek


Edition 742

Cost-Effective Rail-Served Industrial Sites Available

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

May SBA 504 Loan Interest Rates

SBA 504 rates remain an excellent option for businesses looking for long-term, fixed-rate financing. June 2026 effective rates are approximately 6.11% fixed for 25 years, 6.16% fixed for 20 years, and 5.88% fixed for 10 years, including program fees. Refinance projects are also eligible with effective rates of approximately 6.12% fixed for 25 years and 6.17% fixed for 20 years. Manufacturing businesses may qualify for even lower rates. SBA 504 loans offer fixed-for-life financing with as little as 10% down, helping businesses preserve working capital while investing in commercial real estate, construction, or equipment. As interest rates continue to fluctuate, locking in long-term fixed financing can provide certainty for growing businesses. Contact Shandi Gebhardt Jones at 406-590-1056 or Shandi@GrowGreatFalls.org to learn more.

Events, Business Trainings & Opportunities

Our Mission

Grow diverse economic opportunities that enhance quality of life for the Great Falls region.

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 | GrowGreatFalls.org | 1-406-564-0957

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