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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!

Register to attend the 15th Annual Fire Within Awards!

Each year we celebrate women entrepreneurs at the Fire Within! Join us for the fifteenth annual Fire Within on April 16, 2026 at 5 PM at the Newberry.



From Concept to Consumer

A new Concept to Consumer course is available now through the Montana Department of Ag and the Food and Ag Development Center network. The course was created to outline and give direction to Montana business surrounding food industry requirements and regulations, and to create an awareness of business considerations and processing resources and options. Users must have a Moodle account to sign up for the course. To enroll and get started, please visit: www.montanamoodle.org/.

At the bottom right of your screen, select “Choose a program.” From there, select “MT Dept of Agriculture – Food and Ag Development” and click “Choose program.” It will direct you to a login page.

If you have a Moodle account, please log in. If not, click on “Create new account” and follow the prompts to create an account. Once an account is created, log in and you will be brought to a main course page. Click on “My Courses” then select “Concept to Consumer.” You will automatically be enrolled.

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!

Statewide AI Training

This is a blended hybrid event where Quincy Walter, our SBDC advisor based in Wolf Point, will present live to multiple locations across Montana. Attendees will gather locally to watch the presentation and then discuss how AI can be applied in their own businesses.

• Tuesday, April 21
• 9-11 AM
• In person
• Free to attend

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