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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!

MEDA : U.S. Small Business

Administration Office of Advocacy


Join us for July’s Lunch & Learn, featuring Trent Staggs, Region 8 Advocate for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy.



Trent will share how the SBA Office of Advocacy champions small business interests across the region—ensuring entrepreneurs have a voice in federal rulemaking and that policies reflect the unique challenges and opportunities facing businesses in Montana and the broader Mountain West.


As Region 8 Advocate, Trent represents small businesses in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. He works closely with small business owners, local officials, and trade organizations to identify regulatory burdens and communicate those concerns directly to policymakers in Washington, D.C.



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


https://zoom.us/j/92765346093?pwd=Y3dIc245RHBiWktEZHRZcWtpYzFnUT09


Meeting ID: 927 6534 6093

Passcode: 745836



What happens after SAM? - Unlock New Business Opportunities!


Please join the Montana APEX Accelerator for a strategic VIRTUAL training on how YOU can sell your company's products and services to federal and state agencies.


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, July 16, 2025
  • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM (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



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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