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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!
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Navigate Government Contracting
Join Shannon Clancy and Mariah Liebing of the Great Falls Development Alliance APEX Accelerator team on Thursday, October 16th at 2:00 PM for a 30-minute overview of how APEX advisors can help your business navigate the world of government contracting. Shannon and Mariah will explain the fundamentals of selling to local, state, and federal agencies—and how your business can get started. Whether you're curious about government work or ready to pursue contracts, this webinar will provide helpful guidance and resources to support your next steps. Register here or email Mariah for more information, Mariah@GrowGreatFalls.org
- Thursday, October 16, 2025
- 2:00 PM (MDT)
- Zoom
- Free
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Digital Marketing Essentials for
Small Business
Tuesday, October 21st: Digital Marketing Essentials for Small Business-Great Falls-University of Providence (Providence Forum): 9:00-11:00 AM
Level up your digital presence—on social media, search platforms, and more—while building meaningful connections with fellow entrepreneurs and small businesses in your community.
What you will learn:
- Optimizing Your Google Business Profile
- Low-Cost Website Development Tools
- Basic SEO Techniques
- Social Media Best Practices
Additional Information and Registration: https://mtsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/6115
- Tuesday, October 21st, 2025
- 9:00 - 11:00 AM (MDT)
- University of Providence Forum
- Free
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Montanans at Work
The Montana Department of Labor & Industry will be traveling across Montana to meet with local community members to discuss exciting new programs and innovations happening within our department. Topics will include the 406 JOBS Initiative, upcoming and current legislative changes, plus more informational sessions presented to you by staff experts and professionals.
- Thursday, October 23
- 9 AM - 3:45 PM
- Great Falls College MSU
- Free
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Discover How AI Can Strengthen Your Government Proposals
This free live webinar, hosted by Montana APEX Accelerator and Unanet, shows Montana businesses how to harness today’s most common AI tools to streamline proposal writing and improve the quality of submissions for government contracts. What You’ll Learn Explore practical ways to incorporate AI into your proposal process, from drafting to final polish, and see how these tools can help you compete more effectively for federal, state, and local opportunities.
Meet the Presenter Alexander (Sasha) Jackson, Senior AI Solutions Engineer at Unanet Proposal AI, brings a unique perspective from his work with GovPro AI, Hebbia AI, and GovCompete, as well as his experience as a senior policy official at the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Register here: https://mtapex.ecenterdirect.com/events/41666
- Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025
- 12 PM (MDT)
- Virtual
- Free
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Powering Savings: Energy Tools and Financial Opportunities for Montana Businesses
Join energy professionals, financials partners, and state and federal experts to learn about programs and opportunities for commercial energy efficiencies. This event is perfect for municipalities, nonprofits, schools, hospitals, farms, and businesses of all sizes. Attendees will gain practical insights and clear next steps to potentially capture long term savings, improve operations, and gain financial benefits through energy savings.
- Tuesday, October 28nd, 2025
- 11 AM - Noon
- Springhill Suites, 421 3rd St. NW
- Free
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Holiday Promos: How small businesses can capitalize on the holiday rush
Get your business holiday-ready with this free 30-minute webinar led by Quincy Walter, Small Business Advisor with Great Northern Development Corporation. Learn practical tips for seasonal promotions, smart marketing tactics, and planning tools to maximize visibility and sales during the busiest shopping season of the year. Register here: https://mtsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/6105
- Thursday, November 6, 2025
- 11-11:30 AM (MST)
- Virtual
- Free
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Entrepreneur Celebration
Have you started a business in the Great Falls region? We want to celebrate you. Join us for the second annual Entrepreneur Celebration at the Newberry on November 19th from 5-6 PM and get recognized for your awesome achievement. Starting a business is not easy! This celebration is for anyone who has ever started a business in the entire 13-county Great Falls region. Sign up in advance here so we have a head count!
- Wednesday, November 19, 2025
- 5 PM (MST)
- Newberry, 420 Central
- 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.
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