Below are updates from our partners. We will continue sending COVID-19 updates as they are received and the information is verified.

More COVID-19 tools and resources can be found on our website .
GFDA Stabilization and Recovery Loans Still Available

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, GFDA set aside a portion of loan funds to aid businesses (including non-profits and real estate developers) throughout the Golden Triangle who were profitable pre-COVID to recover and stabilize.

If your business is looking for working capital that your bank or credit union can't provide, contact Jolene to discuss at [email protected] or call 406.750.4481.
Having Workforce Challenges?

The Reality of Unemployment Benefits in the Wake of COVID-19 Reopening

As businesses throughout the Golden Triangle reopen, stabilize, and recover from the COVID-19 shutdown, our staff at GFDA is receiving a significant volume of inquiries related to bringing employees back. In particular, the topic of unemployment insurance (UI) benefits and ongoing eligibility for unemployment benefits are being debated. 

Jason Nitschke, Vice President at Great Falls Development Authority, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Regional Director has written an article addressing topics such as:

  • If an employee refuses to return to work, is the employee still eligible for UI benefits?
  • What happens if an employee is offered work again and refuses?
  • Is it legal to hire employees back and paying them "under the table?
Please refer any business that needs help.
Every single business in the Golden Triangle is important.


For all NEW loan inquiries, please contact:

Jolene Schalper
Senior Vice President, Business Development

For all existing GFDA and High Plains Financial loans, please contact:

Jill Kohles
Loan Officer

We have business advisors who are happy to provide assistance during these uncertain times:

Jason Nitschke
Cash flow, operational management, messaging.

Rich Gannon
Website, digital marketing, search engine optimization.

Barnett G. Sporkin-Morrison
Food, agriculture, energy, operational efficiency.

Tyler Menzales
Website, digital marketing, social media.


If this email was forwarded to you, please Sign Up to receive these emails directly to your inbox.

Receiving some of our emails, but not all of them? Make sure you whitelist the @GrowGreatFalls.org domain in your email settings.
Connect with us