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Whether you're just getting started, looking for new customers,

wanting to grow sales through e-commerce, or focusing on workforce.

We're here to help.


Check out the upcoming trainings below!

AI-powered Value Stream Mapping Webinar


Who Should Attend:

  • Operations Managers
  • Manufacturing Engineers
  • Lean Practitioners
  • Continuous Improvement Leaders
  • Anyone involved in optimizing manufacturing processes or value stream mapping

Understanding process variation and its impact on performance


Why You’ll Attend:

In traditional value stream mapping (VSM), the process is often done on paper or whiteboards, creating a static artifact that doesn’t evolve. This webinar introduces a more dynamic and collaborative approach with AI-embedded, ongoing value stream mapping. By using technology, you can engage subject matter experts (SMEs) from all stages of the operation, ensuring a more holistic and real-time perspective of your processes.


What You Will Learn:

The limitations of traditional, paper-based value stream mapping

How AI-embedded, collaborative VSM keeps your process improvement efforts continuous and evolving

The benefits of involving cross-functional SMEs in real-time decision-making


How to turn your value stream map into a living document that adapts as your operations change

Join us to discover how you can take your value stream mapping to the next level with AI and collaboration, creating a more effective tool for continuous improvement.


  • Tuesday, July 22, 2025
  • 11:00-11:45 AM (MDT)
  • Zoom
  • Free


Great Falls Regional APEX Invites You to Attend:

DOD APEX Accelerators Program

Small Business Webinar Training Series


Register today for the Summer 2025 Small Business Webinar Training sessions offered by the DoD Office of Small Business Programs and MT APEX Accelerator!



  • Thursday, July 31, 2025
  • 9:00 AM (MDT)
  • Zoom
  • Free

Marketing 101: Summer School

for Small Business Owners


This summer, sharpen your marketing skills with a practical, easy-to-follow training designed specifically for small business owners. Whether you're just getting started or looking to refresh your strategy, Marketing 101 will give you the tools to connect with your audience, grow your brand, and make your marketing work for you.  Missed the first session? No problem! There’s still plenty to gain from Sessions Two and Three.

 

Session 2: Marketing Channels & Content Strategy

Cover key marketing platforms (social media, email, websites, and local SEO), and guide them through creating a simple content plan tailored to their goals and audience.


Session 3: Measuring Success & Making It Sustainable

Introduce basic analytics tools (Google Analytics, social insights), tracking ROI, and how to set achievable goals for long-term marketing success without burnout.

 

Key Takeaways:

Clarity – You’ll know exactly who you’re targeting and how to speak to them. Confidence – Gain comfort using marketing tools and platforms tailored to small businesses. Consistency – Learn how to show up regularly without burning out. Connection – Start building relationships with your audience through valuable content. Control – Walk away with a personalized, actionable marketing plan for the fall season.


  • July 23, 2025 + August 27, 2025
  • 12:00 - 2:00 PM (MDT)
  • Zoom
  • $200.00

Montana Apex GovMatch 2025


This in-person premier matchmaking event is where businesses meet with government agencies to build relationships and explore opportunities to secure contracts. This event Is designed to facilitate introductions and connect agencies with quality leads while fostering impactful partnerships that benefit communities and drive economic growth. Click HERE for more information.


  • Wednesday, August 13, 2025
  • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (MDT)
  • University of Providence University Center
  • Free


July 16th: Crafting Winning SBIR Proposals: A Deep Dive into Technical Project Descriptions (Link)

September 3rd: Supply Chain Seminar (Link)

November 12-14: Women in Ag Community Well-Being Retreat (Link)

November 20-21: Montana Agritourism Conference (Link)

Questions about our trainings?



Contact Jolene!



Jolene Schalper

JSchalper@GrowGreatFalls.org

1-406-750-4481

Grow diverse economic opportunities that enhance quality of life.

Our Mission

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

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