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Dear Friends,
We're proud to share some exciting news for the Great Falls region.
GFDA has been honored with three 2026 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Awards from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), recognizing innovative projects that strengthen communities, expand economic opportunity, and improve quality of life through regional collaboration.
This year's awards recognize GFDA for three very different, but equally impactful, initiatives:
Great Falls Montana Economic Development Strategy 2026–2029
- Our nationally recognized strategic planning process helps our region stay agile in a rapidly changing economy through continuous planning, deep market research, and collaboration with businesses, local governments, investors, and community partners. The strategy has become a roadmap for creating opportunities across North Central Montana.
Great Falls Montana Gap Financing: 30 Years of Success
- Over the last 30 years, GFDA's revolving loan funds have helped businesses and developers secure financing to launch, expand, and invest in our communities. What began as approximately $4 million in loan capital has grown to more than $40 million, creating a powerful tool for economic growth across our trade area.
Great Falls Regional Small Business Development Center
- For decades, the Great Falls Regional SBDC has helped entrepreneurs turn ideas into successful businesses through expert advising, training, and partnerships. Serving five counties, the center continues to strengthen Montana's small business community by helping local businesses start, grow, and thrive.
Presented annually, the NADO Impact Awards recognize regional development organizations and their partners for creative approaches that strengthen communities, build regional resilience, and enhance local economies. This year's awards include 94 projects from 58 organizations across 20 states.
We are also pleased to celebrate our friends at Bear Paw Development Corporation, another outstanding Montana organization recognized this year with two national NADO Impact Awards for the Bear With Us Podcast and the Havre Tourism Enhancement Project. Congratulations to the Bear Paw team on this well-deserved national recognition. It's exciting to see Montana organizations leading the way in innovative economic and community development.
These awards reflect what is possible through strong partnerships. We share this recognition with our investors, board members, local governments, funding partners, businesses, entrepreneurs, volunteers, and countless community leaders who work alongside us every day. Together, we are building a stronger economy and creating lasting opportunities for the Great Falls region.
Thank you for being part of this journey!
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