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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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- Monday, November 4, 2024
- 5:30 - 7:00 PM (MST)
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GFDA Regional Small Business Development Center, 405 3rd Street NW, Suite 203, Great Falls, Montana
- FREE
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We all have stress in our lives and business owners often experience unique challenges that increase stress levels. While some stress may be good, too much stress can lead to overwhelm, brain fog, inability to make decisions, irritability and extra frustration. Whether you are just getting started in your business or you are a seasoned professional, join us to understand the impact of stress, identify the “just right” amount of stress and learn practical tips and strategies for navigating stress.
- Thursday, November 7, 2024
- 11-11:30 AM (MST)
- Online
- FREE
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Are you a food or agriculture entrepreneur seeing fresh capital to fuel your growth? Looking for funding other than traditional bank loans and grants? Venture capital might be the answer you've been searching for.
Join the Great Falls Development Alliance and Judy Cornell, owner of Conservation Grains, for an exclusive webinar. As a newcomer to the world of investing, Judy recently attended the prestigious Regenerative Food System Investment Forum (RFSI-Forum) in Denver, where she gained invaluable insights into attracting investors and building a resilient business.
- Tuesday, November 12, 2024
- 12:00 PM (MDT)
- Online
- Free
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Is your business struggling with its digital presence? Join our webinar to learn the skills necessary for navigating the digital landscape effectively. Additionally learn some basic AI (artificial intelligence) skills that can help with many aspects of digital marketing.
In this 60 minute online session we’ll cover the following:
- Google Business Skills, learn how to create and optimization of your Google Business Profile to enhance visibility and attract a broader customer base.
- SEO Success Tips, - help your website traffic grow by gaining practical insights into keyword research, on-page optimization, and off-page strategies to elevate your website's search engine ranking
- Facebook for Business; Utilize Business Facebook to effectively communicate with your audience, create engaging content, and build a loyal customer base.
- AI marketing basics; Learn how to access basic AI tools that can help round out your digital marketing effort.
- Wednesday, November 13, 2024
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (MDT)
- Online
- Free
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An overview of how to sell homemade food items under the MT Local Food Choice Act- aka SB199- its purpose, regulations, and exemptions.
This session will be led byAssociate Professor and MSU Extension Food & Family Extension Specialist, Dr. Brianna Routh.
- Wednesday, November 13, 2024
- 11:30 AM (MDT)
- Online
- Free
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Please join the Montana APEX for a high-level VIRTUAL training on how the federal government and State of Montana purchases products and services.
Topics include: - Federal and State of MT purchasing thresholds - Conducting market research - Federal purchasing vehicles (methods) - Where to find opportunities and how to get automatic notices - Marketing your business to government agencies - Tips on finding subcontracting opportunities - Q & A session
Who should attend? Any business in any industry that is interested in developing a focused market strategy for the government segment.
It is not a requirement to already be registered in SAM or eMACS to attend the training. However, we will not be going over the registration process in this training.
- Wednesday, November 20, 2024
- 11:30AM - 1:00 PM (MDT)
- Online
- Free
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Are you an entrepreneur? Or is there a special entrepreneur in your life? We want to CELEBRATE everyone who's started a business in our region. Meet other business owners, commiserate, share a toast, and be thanked for your hard work. Open to all Entrepreneurs in North Central Montana.
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Have you been thinking about starting your own meat processing business? Are you an existing custom-exempt meat processor wanting to expand your market? Have you ever been curious about the difference between different levels of meat processing licensing?
If so, join GFDA's Food and Ag Development Center and Alicia Love, Bureau Chief of the Meat, Milk, and Egg Inspection Bureau of the Montana Department of Livestock as she explains the different types of licenses for meat processors. In this webinar you will learn:
- The difference between custom exempt, state inspected, and federally inspected facilities
- How the Cooperative Interstate Shipping Program could benefit your market
- Additional details about the on farm slaughter regulations
- Tuesday, November 26, 2024
- 12:00 - 12:30 PM (MDT)
- Online
- Free
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Farms are businesses and can benefit from the same business planning, financial projecting, and market analysis as any other small business. Join GFDA’s Food and Ag Development Center and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) as Regional Director, Deb McGregor discusses the “BAG” of resources and assistance available to farmers and value-added ag processors.
- Wednesday, December 10, 2024
- 12:00 PM (MDT)
- Online
- Free
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Please join the Montana APEX for a high-level VIRTUAL training on how the federal government and State of Montana purchases products and services.
Topics include: - Federal and State of MT purchasing thresholds - Conducting market research - Federal purchasing vehicles (methods) - Where to find opportunities and how to get automatic notices - Marketing your business to government agencies - Tips on finding subcontracting opportunities - Q & A session
Who should attend? Any business in any industry that is interested in developing a focused market strategy for the government segment.
It is not a requirement to already be registered in SAM or eMACS to attend the training. However, we will not be going over the registration process in this training.
- Wednesday, December 18, 2024
- 11:30AM - 1:00 PM (MDT)
- Online
- Free
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Grow diverse economic opportunities that enhance quality of life. | |
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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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