Ignite 2026 Recap 1 of 2

Ignite 2026 Recap Part One

On January 9 our community came together to celebrate the tenth annual Ignite! A celebration of capital investment in our region planned for the new year ahead. Thank you to all our presenters and everyone who is investing in the Great Falls Region of North Central Montana!

28+ projects were announced and statuses updated. This week we are recapping a few of those projects. Remember these are just a few of the dozens of projects that will move forward this year. We're poised to have an incredible year ahead.

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Let's Ignite 2026!

If you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out.

Jolene Schalper

1-406-750-4481

The Goodnow Healthy Aging Center brings together geriatric specialists and services focused on supporting health maintenance through aging and promoting patients’ continued independence. This 15,000-square-foot outpatient clinic will address issues of nutrition, medication, cognitive health, and mobility with dedicated specialists focusing on care gaps in prevention and adaptations.

Sanavita Estates includes 92 units for 55+ to live in an independent senior living community. Amenities include walking paths, fitness center and much more. Convenient, low-maintenance living with a variety of housing including 28 freestanding villas and a three story apartment building.

Benefis Village is modeled after highly successful European memory care facilities. This healthy living space offers amenities and freedom not typically associated with memory care. Residents will be able to live life safely in the village with a library, bistro, gym, outdoor gathering spaces and more. We're excited to learn more about this upcoming project!

Grid Operator Certification Program to Launch at Great Falls College MSU

This is a first of its kind North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)-certified electric system grid operator training program. This is made possible by a $1.4M donation to the Berkshire Hathaway Energy Foundation.

Malmstrom AFB and Montana Air National Guard Capital Projects in the Works

Gave updates on the projects in the works.

Last year, 2,254 government contracts were won by local businesses totaling $122.8 million. Is your company ready for government contracting? Reach out to Shannon, SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org

BHE

The 75MWx2hour battery storage will come online in 2026! The 120 MW Glacier Solar Park should be energized in the Fall of 2026.

Clearwater Credit Union is under construction

Clearwater Credit Union is going vertical on first avenue north and park drive north. This will be a beautiful additional to Downtown Great Falls.

IND Hemp is Leading the way

They are expanding their fiber production and products. Leaning into the construction industry and leading national hemp policy.

Advanced Practice Physical Therapy New Location

They are developing their new location at 601 9th street south. This will allow them additional treatment space and therapy rooms.

Get ready for an underground Atomic experience!

The O'Haire Inn announced the new Atomic Underground Lounge opening in the spring of 2026 with a '70's inspired vibe.

Spire Health Geraldine

Spire Health Incorporated is a nonprofit in Geraldine, MT, dedicated to building a wellness facility to bring health and fitness opportunities to the community and surrounding areas.

Heros Rise Expansion

Will open a location on 13th Avenue South and 9th Street. They are also working on new product offerings and their location in The Falls development.

Black Eagle Spillway Rehabilitation

Old structure was insufficient to sustain ice loads greater than 6 inches requiring the team to clear ice away from the dam, a dangerous job in harsh conditions. The upgrades are steel panels with a small mobile crane. The two year project budget is $12.4M.

TDS

TDS discussed updates to their fiber project. They are well over 1,000 customers now with plans to expand to Downtown Great Falls.

Texas Roadhouse

Grand opening on February 9! This scratch kitchen has a fun, vibrant atmosphere and is getting ready for opening day.

Tool Box

Tool Box is proud to offer woodworking, metalworking and other hand and power tools at our shop in Great Falls, MT.

Locally owned and operated for over 30 years, Jill Tranmore and family have grown Tool Box and this year will expanding their brand, Bearing Sales.

Hometana

Hometana is making great progress on their Central Avenue location. They continue to operate at 112 1st Avenue South, Great Falls.

Stay tuned for part two!

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Our Mission

Grow diverse economic opportunities that enhance quality of life for the Great Falls region.

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.

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