Let's Play Games & Toys has moved into its forever home at 417 Central Ave in downtown Great Falls. Owners Lee and Nicole Wiegand financed the new retail location through the Montana State Small Business Credit Initiative 2.0 loan participation program administered by GFDA. When we filmed the Wiegands at their new location, Nicole shared her experience working with GFDA on various projects and how the new, permanent location has strengthened their business; Watch the video. If you have a business startup or expansion planned that could benefit from a loan participation, contact Jill at JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1056. 

1) GFDA's APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC) hosted a Malmstrom “Meeting With Industry” event this week. The purpose of the event was to provide details about an upcoming Multiple Award Construction Contract (MACC). It was intended to inform interested parties about the contract opportunity and provide relevant information to potential bidders. The event was attended by 72 individual businesses with 90 people in attendance. If you would like to know more about this upcoming contract or would like a copy of the event slides, contact Lillian Sunwall at LSunwall@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

2) It's time to vote! Ballots due this Tuesday, June 6th. GFDA urges you to support the Great Falls Library Mill Levy. Let's keep our positive momentum going strong! The library is an important component of the health and vitality of the Great Falls community. We encourage you to spread the word and vote in favor of the levy on June 6.

3) The cost of living in the Great Falls MSA dropped from 87% of the national average to 86% last quarter, according to the highly respected C2ER Cost of Living Index. Housing in Great Falls came in at 65.5% of the national average. GFDA's long-term goal is to strengthen and grow our regional economy while maintaining affordability. Bozeman came in at 121.4% cost of living with housing at 157.3% of the national average.

4) Mr. T’s Electronics has moved into 528 Central Avenue, the former Kenny’s Downtown convenience Store; Mrs. Wrights Pastys is moving to the Hi Ho Tavern; the West Bank Landing mixed use project is moving forward; the Airport warehouses are moving forward; and Best Donuts has announced a new Korean restaurant. Check out these and more in the Electric Business Bytes, click here.

5) GTF continues to be one of the most affordable airports in Montana, ranking second in average domestic airline itinerary fares for 2022, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

6) The State Small Business Credit Initiative 2.0 (SSBCI 2.0) low interest rate program is accepting new applications. These funds are limited and will be put to work very quickly to help our economy recover and come back stronger than ever. If you have a business startup or expansion planned that could benefit from a loan participation, contact Jill at JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1056.

7) Congratulations to Adam Lardy and his wife on their plans to re-open the Shelby Bowling Alley. The Lardy’s, a couple from Oregon, fell in love with the small town charm of Shelby and decided to move there and reopen the bowling alley. See Shelby Promoter.

8) Hello Glacier County! The GFDA team is heading North June 7th to spend time meeting with our partners and working with clients. We will have business development officers, lenders, and our business advisors available to you. There will be an Economic Development Partner Appreciation event at the Cut Bank Creek Brewery from 4-6 PM so please feel free to come network with our team and other partners growing business in North Central Montana. If you or your business have questions about our resources or would like to set up a time to meet please reach out to Tony at Tony@GrowGrestFalls.org or 406-750-2099. 

9) Congratulations to Matt Pipinich, the new owner of Luna Coffee Bar in Downtown Great Falls. Matt was born and raised in Great Falls and is excited to be a business owner in Downtown. Have you been interested in buying a business in Downtown Great Falls and not sure where to start? We can help with that! Contact Christian at 406.836.0136 and let's discuss the tools we have to help you become a new business owner. 

10) Are you an agricultural producer and/or professional wanting to learn about sustainable agricultural concepts and techniques?  The WSARE (Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) Professional Development Mini-Grant Program funds projects that include travel funding to attend a professional conference, organize a workshop, host an invited speaker at a workshop or field day, initiate a field demonstration and more! Click here for more information or contact Katesha at 4067880860 or Katesha@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

11) GFDA is sponsoring the 2nd annual Montana Multi-Cultural Fair in downtown Great Falls on August 17th starting at 5 PM. This event is a great partnership of the community and the military. Hope you join us in supporting and participating in a great fun event!

12) Central Montana Works announced the Worlds of Work (WOW) career expo will be held on Tuesday, September 26th at Great Falls College MSU and University of Providence. To register your company for the event go to: Worlds of Work (WOW) 2023. If you need to edit your existing participant profile, need assistance with registration, or additional sponsorship information, please reach out to Alyssa at alarkey@greatfallschamber.org or call 761-4434.

13) Faith in Motion Dance Studio has moved into the Columbus Center. Snit’s has opened a new casino space with a private entry off the back alley. The owners of Best Donuts are planning a Korean restaurant in the space; see The Electric. 

14) GFDA's Board adopted a new Great Falls Montana Regional Economic Development Strategy 2023-2025 based on the deep-dive market assessments we have been doing over the last year and a half. The new strategy will be released at our Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 27th, 8 AM at The Newberry in downtown Great Falls. Register here. The Board also approved our preliminary budget for FY 2024 that starts on July 1st and appointed the first members of the GFDA Council who will be announced at the Annual Meeting.

15) Jill Kohles and Jake Clark received certification this week as Economic Development Finance Professionals (EDFP) from the National Development Council (NDC). EDFP Certification is a professional credential given to individuals who successfully complete NDC’s intensive economic development finance training series. The training provides individuals working in the field of economic development with instruction in business credit analysis, real estate financing, loan packaging, deal structuring and negotiating and the creation and implementation of development programs. Each of the four EDFP Certification Program courses are five days in length and concludes with an exam. Upon successful completion of all four courses, the candidate is awarded EDFP Certification. Our team is continually developing professionally to better serve the Great Falls region. Contact Jill or Jake to test their new abilities to bring your next project to fruition! JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org or Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

16) Did you know GFDA was the first Accredited Economic Development Organization in the Rocky Mountain West? Every three years all of our strategies, financials, minutes, marketing/communications; project work; and operations are reviewed by a panel of peers who make a recommendation to the wider committee on our accreditation. This week, Jolene facilitate a an International Economic Development Council panel discussion on the benefits of accreditation.

17) Fostering economic growth requires a collective effort. Our success hinges on the collaborative support we receive from our INVESTORS & public partners. Learn more about them HERE. Recent investments include: Flagship Division—ADF International, Inc; Community Division—Action Plumbing & Construction, Independence Bank, Montana Milling, Inc, Sharon Virgin, REALTOR. These investors, through their support of GFDA, actively contribute to the growth and economic vitality of our region. Their commitment fuels our mission and propels us forward. If you are interested in becoming a part of our team of investors and joining us in achieving our goals, please reach out to our Investment Director, Jenn Gallmeier, at 406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how your support can make a difference. Together, let's continue to nurture economic growth and create a thriving future for our residents.

Big week coming up as we're working with clients to close some exciting deals to move them forward. Have a great week!

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.

Subscribe to the Grow Great Falls Montana YouTube channel!

"Whatever you do in life, surround yourself with smart people who'll argue with you."

John Wooden

Edition 585

Download our GFDA Services and Staff Team handout or our GFDA 2023Q1 Quarter Index. View the We Are Great Falls video!

GFDA Staff Openings

We have two great career opportunities to join the GFDA staff team. Download info on Business Development Officer and Small Business Advisor -- Director Regional Small Business Development Center. GFDA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer!

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; download AgriTech Park Flyer. Contact Jolene Schalper at 1.406.750.4481 or JSchalper@GrowGreatFalls.org

May SBA 504 Loan Rates

The 25-year loan effective rate (including all fees) is 6.020%; 20-year at 6.072%; 10-year equipment loan at 6.036%; and, 20-year refinance 6.090%; 25-year refinance 6.038%. 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 JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org.

One of the many tools we have for renovating your building in Downtown Great Falls is the City's Downtown Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Grant. This 50% match grant can help with Façade, Building Code Compliance, and Safety & Security. One of the biggest uses of this grant is Fire Suppression and updating the face of your building. To find out more about this grant, call Christian at 406.836.0136 or email CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org and let's discuss how TIF and other tools can help you change the face of Downtown Great Falls. 

Employers are you looking for timely data on our local workforce? JobsEQ for Workforce is a software tool that provides timely data on our local workforce and employers—including demographics, occupations, wages, certifications, and more. Contact Lyndsay Bruno at Lyndsay@GrowGreatFalls.org or at (406) 590 – 1539 to be connected with a JobsEQ-trained Business Advisor today. To learn more about our talent attraction tools visit our website. 

We launched the new Livability Great Falls Magazine. Find and share Livability Great Falls online or contact Lyndsay Bruno at Lyndsay@GrowGreatFalls.org or (406) 590 – 1539 for hard copies of the magazine. 

Recruiters are you hiring for a job position that is a:  

• High level position 
• High salary position 
• Out-of-the-box/unique/creative position? 

Help us attract workforce to move to Great Falls - send us a one sentence description of the job, 3-5 of your company's top employee benefits, salary (if listed), and link to apply for your job to Lyndsay@GrowGreatFalls.org to be included in the Hot Jobs in Great Falls blog post.  

The 2023 Montana Food and Beverage Show, hosted by the Montana Department of Agriculture, is scheduled for October 16 in Missoula. The show allows Montana businesses ro showcase their food and beverage products to professional buyers from restaurants, hotels, bars, retailers, and more.

The Montana Department of Commerce has two new programs that we encourage businesses to take advantage of. The Montana Cybersecurity Program will provide up to $8,000 reimbursement for your cybersecurity expenses; applications due May 30. The Automation Loan Program offers 0% loans for up to 50% of the cost of automation equipment up to $500,000; deadline December 31. These are one-time programs funded through ARPA so don't miss out. And don't forget about funds available for your workforce through the Incumbent Worker Training Program and the Primary Workforce Training Grant. We can help you access these programs if you run into snags.

Navy Week - Doing Business with the Department of Navy & GovMatch Event (Billings Depot on Montana Avenue) - Join the Montana APEX Accelerator (formerly known as Procurement Technical Assistance Center - PTAC) August 9th from 9 AM – 5 PM as they welcome Mr. David E. Walz to Billings. Mr. Walz is the Deputy Small Business Program, Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport. He serves as the principal advisor and advocate to the commander, senior management, contracts, and the technical department on all matters pertaining to small business program. During this event, businesses will receive information on the following topics: 1. Department of the Navy (DON) Office of Small Business Programs' Achievements and Goals 2. The DON OSBP Mentor-Protégé Program 3. Preparing for the DON procurement process 4. Resources and assistance to help businesses 5. GovMatch event in the afternoon. You will be able to meet with various other federal agencies in the afternoon. To register, click here. If you have any questions, contact Shannon Clancy SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org.

USDA opened a new round of Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants and loans. Rural small businesses and agricultural producers can use the funds to make energy-efficiency improvements to lower operating costs or to install renewable energy systems. Quarterly competitions will be held through September 30th. See MATR.net for more info. USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grants program is also open. This program helps independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer and rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer businesses to start or expand processing operations or marketing of processed ag products. Applications are due May 11. Contact Katesha Campbell if you would like help with applying; Katesha@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-0860. 

The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center has launched an apprenticeship program. The Certified Manufacturing Associate Apprenticeship is a one-year program that combines on-the-job training with online technical classes on safety, math and measurements, manufacturing processes, and quality control.

The Montana Department of Commerce has an open Recovery Destination Event grant round. Eligible Montana events that attract tourists could win grants up to $25,000.

Are you in the planning and development phase of expanding your agricultural product or adding value to Montana agriculture by expanding your product into new markets? Montana’s Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) Business Acceleration Program (BAP) and Market Development Program (MDP) grants could help! Funds are available; click here for more information or contact Katesha at Katesha@GrowGreatFalls.org.

The 341st Contracting Squadron, Malmstrom Air Force Base (AFB), is contemplating a solicitation for a multiple award contract (MAC) and is looking for responses to this Sources Sought Notification. Awarded MAC indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts would be for the construction of structures and facilities, repair, maintenance, and alteration of real property assets within the confines of Malmstrom AFB, Weapons Storage Area (WSA), and Missile Alert Facility (MAF) and Launch Facility (LF) sites located within the Missile Complex throughout Montana. This is a great opportunity to Introduce your company to the Contracting Wing at Malmstrom AFB. Do you have a Capability Statement prepared that you can provide with your Sources Sought reply? If not, contact us at LSunwall@GrowGreatFalls.org. For more information on the Notice, click here.

Are you working on a project that will not only bring new agricultural opportunities to Montana's rural communities but also provide education to youth and adults alike? Then the Montana Farmers Union Grant might be for you! Competitive grants are open to anyone in Montana. Deadline to apply is May 1, 2023; click here for more information or to apply. Additional questions, call 406.788.0860 or email Katesha@GrowGreatFalls.org.



ArtsFest Montana will return to downtown Great Falls August 11-18. The Business Improvement District is looking for property owners who would like to have a professionally painted mural installed on their building. Contact Kellie at kellie@downtowngreatfalls.net or 1-406-727-5430. See TheElectric for more details.

If you are trying to redevelop a property that involves an environmental cleanup (including lead paint and asbestos) and you have a gap in your financing, your project may qualify for our low-interest brownfield redevelopment loan funds. We can make loans anywhere in Cascade County or within 100 miles from the borders of Cascade County which covers much of the region. We're eager to help make your project move forward. Contact Tony Peres at 1-406-750-2099 or Tony@GrowGreatFalls.org. We also have some small business or nonprofit startup or expansion loan funds available for Glacier and Blaine counties.

Employers, are you aware of the Incumbent Worker Training program, Trades education & Training Tax Credit, and other resources available at the Montana Department of Labor & Industry? Check out their latest resource newsletter.

The Montana Bioscience Cluster Initiative is offering funding through its 4th "F" Fund (4FF) to provide direct assistance to Montana bioscience entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses in need of money for travel to key conferences, small equipment purchases, or temporary staff assistance in relation to proposal development, etc. This fund is designed for maximum flexibility in support of new and established businesses and entrepreneurs in the bioscience industry. The fund will provide grants of $250 to $5,000. In exceptional circumstances the fund may consider larger applications. Grants may be awarded in phases (e.g. $1,000 initially with additional $1,000 on achieving specific milestone). More info and application here.

Cybersecurity challenges for businesses continue to grow. The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC) is offering an array of useful resources to help Montana businesses to protect themselves.

Do you have open government contracts? Is your SAM.gov registered due to renew in the next few months? SAM.gov continues to have issues with the transition of the new validation process. It is recommended that businesses start early to renew their registration to keep from going inactive. If you are having trouble getting through the process, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org for assistance. 

The Montana Innovation Partnership is offering a number of trainings and an accelerator program for companies interested in pursuing Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants.

Montana STEP grants can pay for 75% of your international export marketing efforts up to $10,000. The Montana TechLink Center at MSU is offering a new round of workshops on how to win Small Business Innovation Research funding.

We have migrated our pre-business workshop for early stage and pre-venture startups to a self-paced, video-facilitated, online format. Business Basics for Startups is now live and ready for beta testing. If you’d like to check out the content and provide feedback, we’d appreciate it. Click here to check out the new modules and resources. Please direct feedback to Rich at RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org.

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 Great Falls Childcare Demand Assessment shows a need for additional childcare facilities to serve 580 children in Great Falls. For assistance with childcare facility business planning, contact Rich Gannon at RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-2078.

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. “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.

The Great Falls Housing Market Assessment shows a need for over 450 new housing units per year in the immediate Great Falls area. For assistance with housing development, contact Jake Clark at Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-403-4937.

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 LSunwall@GrowGreatFalls.org.

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.

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 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 and an SBA Women's Business Center in partnership with the University of Montana and the Montana Native Growth Fund.

GFDA was the first economic development organization in the Rocky Mountain West to earn accreditation from the International Economic Development Council.

For more info, click to our website.