Construction of the 216-unit Arc Apartment Homes is well underway in Great Falls.
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Here is our Top 21 for the last two weeks celebrating work and successes to grow and strengthen the Great Falls regional economy -- Montana's Golden Triangle. And, sharing business resources and skill-building opportunities to empower your success.
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1) Networked with 20 site selection consultants at the Winter Consultant Forum in Tampa. Met with three dozen federal leaders at the White House Economic Development Summit. Discussed how federal programs and funding could work better for Montana. Met with Senator Tester to discuss how Montana can best compete for the competitive grants that will be coming from the recently passed Infrastructure Bill.
2) Malmstrom AFB won the Blanchard Trophy for being the best ICBM base for the fourth year in a row! Congratulations on this and the many other awards won at the Global Strike Challenge! See KRTV.
3) Met with developers, property owners, retail, restaurant, and hotel brands at the International Council for Shopping Centers RECON event in Las Vegas. Our biggest take-away was that the businesses are ready to make deals happen! Several brands that pre-pandemic were searching for locations put their deals on ice during the pandemic. They are back on the hunt. We highly recommend working with a commercial broker for your property listings and also listing your properties on LoopNet.com to get the word out and help brands land in Great Falls Montana!
4) It’s time to register for Ignite 2022 Presented by PayneWest Insurance! This is the go-to annual event that kicks-off the year’s development projects. We’re still accepting speakers. Projects must be starting or opening in 2022. Contact Jake at [email protected] to share your project. This hybrid event is January 7 at 8 AM either at the Meadow Lark Country Club or via Zoom. Click here to register. Thank you PayneWest Insurance for making this possible!
6) GFDA closed a gap loan to TC Glass Distributor, Inc. to aid in the expansion of their business in Great Falls. Gap financing is available to fill the difference between what a traditional bank or credit union can offer and the equity the client can bring to the table. Many thanks to Jon Boutilier from Stockman Bank for being such a strong client advocate and a great banking partner. If you want to discuss different financing options that GFDA may be able to provide, please contact Jill Kohles at 406-590-1056 or [email protected].
7) The loan mentioned above marked a major milestone in our lending. We have now closed over $50 million in bridge and gap loans to help businesses, entrepreneurs, developers and non-profits to make their endeavors possible. These loans have leveraged over $250 million of investment in the Great Falls region. We just won another financial award from the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund. Only two Montana CDFI's won awards this year. The $266,530 grant was made possible by a 1:1 match from our fantastic local GFDA Investors. The $500,000 loan was made possible by a matching $500,000 loan commitment from the Montana Board of Investments. Thank you!
9) We approved a Brownfields Phase 1 assessment for a complicated site with help from EPA and DEQ. Do you have a site that you are looking at for redevelopment, but think it might be too complex due to perceived contamination? Give us a call before you give up on the property to see if we can be of assistance. Contact Lillian Sunwall at (406) 750-1253 or [email protected].
10) Canadian companies have begun to drill for helium in the Golden Triangle; see Great Falls Tribune. The Little Shell Tribe secured a lease to manage Hell Creek State Park; see Tribune.
11) Our regional Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) did an in person training for a business on how to “Research Government Contract Opportunities”. They are a company who has previously held contracts with federal agencies but was having difficulty finding bids that fit their capabilities. We were able to show them how to market themselves to contracting officers and other tools that PTAC has available to make them more competitive. The company gave us an update on the workforce issues that a lot of companies in our area struggle with, giving us the opportunity to share the other services GFDA offers. For more information on how to be competitive in the government marketplace, contact Shannon Clancy at [email protected].
12) According to 2021 Google Search Trends, the world sought new entrepreneurship opportunities, searching for how to start a business more than how to get a job this year.
14) The Montana Department of Commerce announced a $500,000 Recovery Destination Event Grant application cycle to assist Montana communities as they re-schedule and plan for new events that will increase non-resident visitor traffic and expenditures. Eligible events could receive grant funding from $5,000 to $25,000 and no match is required. Applications open January 5. Submissions will be reviewed, scored, and awarded until all available funds are awarded or June 1st, whichever occurs first. For information, eligibility criteria, or to view a workshop about the grant cycle, visit the Tourism Grant Program website at MARKETMT.COM.
15) Montana earned 5 best overall in the 2022 State Business Tax Climate Index from the Tax Foundation. You can read more about the rankings here.
16) Reviewed the feasibility study for an exciting proposed downtown redevelopment. Several projects in Downtown Great Falls continued to move forward this week and we hope to see most of these start construction or open in Q1 2022. If you are interested in exploring opportunities downtown, call Christian at 406.836.0136 or [email protected].
17) Testified before the Montana Economic Transformation Commission in support of two programs that will use American Rescue Plan Funds (ARPA) to help strengthen and grow our economy. The Accelerate MT program will provide rapid training for positions most needed by businesses. The Montana Down Payment Assistance loan program will provide gap financing for businesses seeking to purchase or expand real estate or purchase equipment. We'll spread the word about details as these programs are rolled out.
18) SBA Surety Bond Guarantee Program. Limited or no bonding experience? Difficulty qualifying for bonding? Want to increase your bond limits? Learn how to obtain contract bonds up to $10 million! Contract Bonds & Surety Bond Guarantee Webinar, Thursday, January 6, 1:00 — 2:00 pm Mountain Time. Join on your computer or mobile app. Click here to join the meeting or call in (audio only)
+1 202-765-1264,,632952297# United States, Washington DC
Phone Conference ID: 632 952 297# Hosted by Wyoming District Office, Deb Farris, Deputy District Director, (307) 247-3736 or [email protected] More info contact Surety Bond Denver Area Office -- Jennifer Vigil, Area Director, [email protected] or Tamara E. Murray, Marketing Specialist, [email protected]
19) The biennial application cycle for the Montana Historic Preservation Grant (MHPG) is now open. Grants are available for public and private entities to support the preservation of historic sites, historical societies, or history museums; this includes “brick-and-mortar” improvements to address various infrastructure, maintenance, building code, security, climate control, or fire protection issues. Funding decisions will be made during the 2023 legislative session. Application and further information here. Application Workshop on January 12 from 3:00 - 4:30 PM. This webinar will provide an overview of the program, timeline, and environmental review process. Register for the webinar here. If applicants have questions, contact the Community Development Division at 406.841.2770 or [email protected].
20) Our investors choose to support us each year because they are driven by the desire to help and support local businesses. They understand the importance of having a strong and diverse local economy. Without their support, we wouldn’t be able to provide the necessary tools and resources to those businesses to help them succeed. Recent investments include: Advance Division—Central Plumbing, Heating & Excavation; Leadership Division—Scheels and JCCS, Inc.; Community Division—Harp Financial Group, Travis Harp; and Supporter Division—Morrison-Maiele, Inc.. Because of their continuous generosity and support, we all can keep helping to Grow Great Falls! If you want to be part of our awesome team of investors, contact Investment Director, Jenn Gallmeier, at 406-781-9499 or [email protected].
Merry Christmas!
Brett
Brett Doney
President & CEO
Connect with me on LinkedIn to network with the Great Falls Montana region. Forward the GFDA Top 10 to friends and colleagues. You can join our distribution list HERE or text GFDA to 22828.
"Excellence is not a skill, it's an attitude."
Ralph Marston
We are HUNGRY to Grow the Great Falls regional economy, create higher wage jobs, build our tax base, improve our market competitiveness, and enhance the quality of life and economic opportunity for residents of Great Falls, Cascade County, and the entire 13-county Great Falls trade area.
Edition 514
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GFDA Career Opportunities
We have two exciting career opportunities for Content Marketing Director/Small Business Adviser, and Resource Director (grant writing). Download job postings and please help spread the word. GFDA has a year-round College Intern Program with five paid internship opportunities. Download application. Help us spread the word!
Cost-Effective Rail-Served Industrial Sites Available
If your company needs a rail-served, BNSF-Certified, shovel-ready site with all municipal services at your door, we have lots available for immediate construction in the Great Falls AgriTech Park. Contact Jolene Schalper at 1.406.750.4481 or [email protected]
December SBA 504 Loan Rates
The 25-year loan effective rate came in at 3.023%; 20-year at 2.875%; 10-year equipment loan at 2.793%; and, 20-year refinance 2.889%; 25-year refinance 3.036%. These rates are FIXED for the life of the loan and are inclusive of all fees. If you would like to find out how to get financing for commercial real estate and equipment at potentially lower rates than you're paying for your home mortgage, please contact Jill Kohles at 406-590-1056 or [email protected].
Invest in Great Falls Regional Economic Development
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Events, Business Training, and Opportunities
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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has released updated guidance and deadlines for applicants of the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Supplemental Advances. Click here to read the release and learn more. For anyone having difficulty applying for COVID EIDL relief funds, contact Jason at [email protected].
Attention female entrepreneurs. The 56Strong Montana Mentorship Program is accepting applications; due December 17. This is a free mentorship program being offered by the Women's Business Center hosted by the Prospera Business Network in Bozeman.
A number of state special business programs using American Rescue Plan funds are rolling out. The Workforce Training Grant Program has been launched by the Montana Department of Commerce and has up to $3,000 per eligible employee available for training expenses by businesses. The Apprenticeship Training Grant Program will be able to reimburse construction-related apprenticeship expenses up to a limit of $3,000. Track all state ARPA economic programs on the state's ARPA website.
December 15 is the deadline for Big Sky Trust Fund Planning Grants that can assist with engineering and design in the planning phase of a project and Big Sky Trust Fund Primary Sector Job Creation grants. You can find more information here. Questions about utilizing these programs? Call Jolene at 406.750.4481.
Attention Small Business doing Government Contracting: There has been an update to the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). The plans for the next iteration of CMMC which is being call CMMC 2.0 has been released. Like the initial CMMC (which was pilot tested but never implemented) this version has to go through the public comment and rulemaking process and nobody knows what changes will occur to the proposed CMMC 2.0 during those processes. A few proposed changes included in CMMC 2.0 include decreasing certification levels from 5 to 3 and increasing opportunities for (no-cost) self-assessments. While the rulemaking efforts are ongoing, the Department intends to suspend the current CMMC Piloting efforts and will not approve inclusion of a CMMC requirement in any DoD solicitation. The Department encourages contractors to continue to enhance their cybersecurity position during the interim period while the rulemaking is underway. Please visit the CMMC website and projectspectrum.io to learn more.
The Montana Department of Agriculture has launched the Agriculture Infrastructure Grant funded by ARPA (the American Rescue Plan Act). The goal of the grant program is to assist with the development of innovative agricultural business improvements. The first step of the grant funding process is to complete to a project proposal. If you'd like help reviewing your proposal before submitting please contact Rich Gannon at [email protected]. The project proposal deadline is December 15th.
The best resource we scan daily to stay abreast of business and community innovation is MATR.net (Montana Associated Technology Roundtables) which we are proud to help sponsor. Sign up for their free newsletter.
The Montana Department of Commerce launched an investment matchmaking website for Montana business projects. The Opportunity Exchange’s - Montana Investment Portal is a website where investors can easily view and connect to projects in the state. Click here to view listed projects. Click here to get your investment project listed on the portal. For help posting your project or property on the Montana Investment Portal, contact Kristian Richardson at 406-841-2032 or [email protected].
We deliver print copies of the Great Falls Livability talent attraction magazine around town every Friday – if you would like copies of this great recruitment tool, email Soren at [email protected].
Montana DPHHS will be accepting one-time Child Care Stabilization grant applications from now until December 31! These funds are meant to stabilize your business coming out of the public health emergency. The process is not competitive and licensed centers are eligible for up to 80-100% of their operating expenses. Go to https://dphhs.mt.gov/arpa/childcare/ and click on “Grants for Licensed & Registered Child Care Programs (Stabilization).”
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced changes to the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). Changes include increases to maximum loan amount and expansion in the uses of funds for paying and prepaying existing business debt. If your business is still struggling to stabilize and recover from the pandemic or are seeing new challenges related to the Delta variant, GFDA’s business advisors are here to help. Connect with Jason at [email protected]. Apply for COVID EIDL on the SBA’s website.
Join the Trailing Partner Email Group specifically for employers to share resumes of trailing spouses/partners across the Great Falls region with other employers looking to hire. Connect with Talent Attraction Director Soren to learn about more great talent attraction tools for employers. “Your (Live in Great Falls) website is very impressive and helpful! Great Falls looks amazing, and we love what we've seen real estate-wise, and business-wise.” This quote was from an email sent to us from a couple considering relocation to Great Falls. We will be sharing their resumes (with their permission) on the Trailing Partner Email Group.
Looking to take control of your business’s financials, increase profit, and improve your bottom line? We have had interest from businesses in scheduling a Profit Mastery course. These courses are scheduled by demand. If you are interested in taking this two-day workshop, contact Jason Nitschke at [email protected] or call (406) 750-0314.
Pro-tip: Post positivity! When you’re using Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn and share something positive about Great Falls, tag @LiveinGreatFalls or @GrowGreatFallsMontana. We will like and share your posts. Follow our talent attraction effort, Live in Great Falls, on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, and follow the Great Falls Development Authority to help us attract entrepreneurs and business investment on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
You are facing tough decisions right now. We’ve developed toolkits to help you decide what is best for your business. Toolkits include: Crisis Toolkit, Hibernation Toolkit, Business Resiliency Guide, Re-Opening Toolkit, and a Child Care Whitepaper. All of these can be found on our website.
A new access to capital option for businesses has launched. Crowdfund Montana is an investment crowdfunding platform, affiliated with the national platform Crowdfund Mainstreet, to bring people together to fund good business projects. Unlike traditional crowdfunding, investment crowdfunding allows funders to receive a financial return on their contribution, and in some cases own shares in the companies they are funding. NBC Montana has published this story about the platform's launch.
Visit our relocation website LiveInGreatFalls.com. This website was the #1 request we got from local recruiters and HR professionals for aiding in attracting talented workers to Great Falls. The Great Falls At-A-Glance two-pager is a great complementary resource that highlights Great Falls for people unfamiliar with our community.
We have Brownfield Clean-Up money that we want to put to work! Our low interest Brownfield Loans can be used to clean up hazardous materials including but not limited to lead paint, asbestos, etc. Are you working on a project that could use some clean up? Call Lillian today to discuss eligibility 406.750.1253 or [email protected].
Manufacturers, if you're not engaged with the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center hosted by MSU, you're missing out on powerful resources, services, and networking. MMEC clients report cost savings of $160.3 million, new investment of $328.4 million, $1.3 billion in new and retained sales, and 6,186 new and retained jobs since 2000. We're proud to host an MMEC business adviser who covers the Golden Triangle region. Contact Doug Roberts at [email protected] or (937) 489-3985.
Of our online business planning tool, LivePlan, one said: "LivePlan is Awesome!" The LivePlan tool is helping her streamline her strategy in preparation for presenting to bank partners. We offer LivePlan licenses for free to active clients. Learn more about LivePlan on our website.
All of our recorded monthly business strategy webinars are available online for viewing anytime, click them out here.
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Vision
Hungry to Grow the Great Falls region
Mission
Grow and diversify the Great Falls regional economy.
Create higher wage career opportunities.
Improve market competitiveness.
The first economic development organization in the Rocky Mountain West to earn accreditation from the International Economic Development Council.
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 and Lenders.
GFDA is proud to host a Montana Small Business Development Center, a Montana Procurement Technical Assistance Center, and a Montana Food & Ag Development Center. We are also proud to provide office space for MSU's Montana Manufacturing Extension Center.
For more info, click to our website.
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