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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 can help in your success!

Check out the upcoming trainings below!

Food, Financials, Freedom and Fun

Join special guests Lauren Storeby and Tiffany Helton, two female hospitality leaders and community advocates dedicated to strengthening food businesses through people-first leadership, real career experience and thoughtful service. These inspirational entrepreneurs will share their journey of starting, owning and scaling their restaurant businesses.

• April 2
• 11 - 11:30 AM
• Online
• Free but registration is required

PCQI Training with the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC)

Does your company need a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) on staff to fulfill the requirements of the Preventive Controls for Human Food regulation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)? Participants will receive a certificate of completion directly from the FSPCA after completing the course. This course was revised to Version 2.0 in 2025. The updated version addresses important updates in FDA guidance documents; PCQIs will need this knowledge to keep their Food Safety Plans up-to-date.

April 8-10 there will be an all-day PCQI training offering with MMEC. Participants must be present for eight hours all three days, lunch will be included. This is offered at no cost to participants due to support from GFDA’s FADC resources. The training is capped at 20 participants. 

• April 8, 9, and 10
• 8 AM to 5 PM
• Great Falls College MSU
• Free but registration is required

Nominations Due TODAY!

Each year the Great Falls Development Alliance and community partners celebrate women in business through the Fire Within Celebration! The program is comprised of two recognition categories, women business owners who Inspire (in business over five years) and those that Aspire (those in business under five years). For several years we awarded one award in each category, but in 2023 we completely changed the program from awards to celebrating all women business owners.

Since its inception 14 years ago GFDA has given the Fire Within Award to 84 woman business owners. We welcome nominations from the 13 county region we serve.

Learn more about the Fire Within and view our previous winners here!

• Nominations due March 31
• Nominate here



Register to attend the 15th Annual Fire Within Awards!

April 16, 2026 at 5 PM at the Newberry.



Succession Planning for Your Business

Succession planning isn't just about having a plan for when you want to sell your business or pass it on to a family member. It's also about planning for the unexpected-a car accident, debilitating illness or anything that would potentially take you away from your business. Having a succession plan is part of owning a successful business. The plan provides a map and framework to follow. Join us to learn about what you should include in succession planning and how to get started today.

• Thursday, April 16
• 8:30-9:30 AM
• Great Falls Association of Realtors
• Free but RSVP recommended

Boost Your Business in 2026

Level up your business skills and stay ahead of the curve with Boost Your Business, a FREE in-person training series designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals across all industries.

Each month, we dive into a new topic—marketing, leadership, finance, operations, technology, and more—to give you practical tools you can use right away.

Click here to register for individual sessions. Feel free to register for one or all!

Grant Writing 101

Grant Writing101: From Readiness to Results 

A practical, entry-level, in-person workshop for Montana cooperatives, non-profits, community leaders and beginning grant writers considering pursuing grant funding.

• Tuesday, April 21
• 8 AM - 5 PM
• In person
• Price in link

Cybersecurity Readiness

Join the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and APEX Advisors for a one-hour webinar focused on cybersecurity for small businesses. This session will be divided into two parts.

In Part One, the SBDC team will cover cybersecurity basics and provide a brief overview of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, helping businesses understand key steps to protect their operations.



In Part Two, the Great Falls APEX team will discuss the importance of cybersecurity in government contracting and outline practical ways to assess your organization’s cyber readiness when pursuing government contracts.

• Wednesday, April 29
• 11 AM to Noon
• Online
• Free

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