January 2025

Investing in Downtown Great Falls

Welcome!

I'm Nicki Dallison, the Downtown Great Falls Business Development officer with Great Falls Development Alliance. We're thrilled to launch this monthly newsletter to keep you informed and connected to the heart of our vibrant city. Inside each edition, you'll find a curated mix of news, updates, and resources designed to celebrate and support our downtown Great Falls business and building owners!

Join us on this journey as we celebrate the spirit and success of our downtown!

Here's what you can expect:

Grant Opportunities: Learn about programs offered by the Business Improvement District (BID) to help businesses thrive.
Main Street Magic: Discover how the four pillars of the Main Street Approach – Promotion, Design, Organization, and Economic Vitality – are shaping our downtown.
Business Spotlights: Meet the passionate entrepreneurs who make our downtown unique.
Upcoming Events: Stay informed about exciting events, workshops, and happenings in Downtown Great Falls.
Small Business Support: Explore resources and training opportunities provided by the GFDA Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
Cohort Success Stories: Get inspired by the experiences of local business owners participating in impactful cohort programs.

This month, we're diving into business financing tips, highlighting the success of our recent cohort program, and sharing exciting updates from the organizations dedicated to making Downtown Great Falls a thriving destination.

Nicki@GrowGreatFalls.org

1-406-750-2099

SBDC Downtown Great Falls Cohorts

Our new Cohorts have been making a tremendous IMPACT in downtown Great Falls. The Fall Cohort completed their three-month experience on December 19^th. The participants felt that this was so useful, they have decided to continue meeting monthly through April. Within our current cohort format, there are six group sessions that happen throughout a 3-month time. The group sessions are broken into three

parts:

Sips—A time to connect as business owners around a common theme or topic related to our businesses.
Skills—A business skill or concept is taught and often there one of the business owners serves as an “avatar” to see the skill in “real-life application” on the spot.
Solutions-- This is where we will use our group think tank to help our businesses develop solutions. Participants are asked in advance if they have anything that could use a “solution” and we allocate time in each group meeting for this.

Another bonus of the cohorts is that we have each group session in one of the business owner’s locations. This gives us an opportunity to see other businesses!

In addition to the group format, all participants receive up to SIX 1/1 sessions with Deb McGregor, the Regional Director for the Small Business Development Center! This time can be used for a multitude of things related to each business owner and current needs.

The Winter Cohort will start on January 28th and meet every other Tuesday from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.

This cohort experience is different than anything else that I’ve ever been a part of as a business owner. It’s a great way to deep dive into your purpose and vision for the business as well as take a step back and look at it from a different angle. The cohort was a time for me to focus on me in my business and what I’m doing as well as where I’m going. This was important because sometimes that piece gets lost when we are busy running businesses. I would highly recommend the cohort to any business owner who needs to refresh, reignite and get rejuvenated again about being a business owner and identifying areas of growth while also building new skill sets.

Kirbi Siewing--

Owner, The Runway Salon

Deb McGregor

SBDC Regional Director

Deb@GrowGreatFalls.org

1-406-750-0314

How to Successfully Navigate the Business Loan Process

Every month, the GFDA Small Business Development Center partners with the Montana State University Extension Program to host informative and inspiring presenters on topics relevant to small business owners. One of our recent trainings was on Successfully Navigating the Business Loan Process and was presented by Erin Townsend, Bravera Business Banking Officer. In this webinar, you will discover the essential steps to becoming a strong loan candidate and finding the right lender. Whether you're a startup or an established business looking to expand, this session provides practical tips on building strong lender relationships and addressing potential challenges. Don't miss this opportunity to streamline your journey to securing the financing your business needs.

Watch the Webinar Here

Presentation Handouts

Business Improvement District Grant

The Great Falls Business Improvement District (BID) is dedicated to revitalizing our downtown and committed to creating a vibrant and attractive environment for everyone – shoppers, workers, residents, and tourists alike.

Want to be part of the excitement?

The BID has two grant programs to help businesses thrive in downtown Great Falls:

Business Incentive Grant: New to downtown? We'll help cover your first month's rent (up to $2,500)! This grant is perfect for businesses locating in the BID for the first time.
Minimum one-year lease required.
Apply within 60 days of your lease start date.
Interior Improvement Grant: Planning to upgrade your downtown space? This grant supports interior improvements that create a lasting impact.
Focus on permanent upgrades.
No funding for past projects or deferred maintenance.

Eligibility Requirements for Both Grants:

Business must be located within the BID boundaries.
Property owners must be current on all property taxes.

Learn More:

Contact Kellie Pierce with the Great Falls BID for details and application information.

Kellie Pierce, Kellie@DowntownGreatFalls.net or 1-406-727-5430

Downtown Great Falls: A Vibrant Main Street Community!

Did you know Downtown Great Falls is an accredited Main Street through Main Street America? We're proud to follow the "Four Points" of the Main Street Approach, ensuring a thriving and dynamic downtown:

Promotion: The Downtown Great Falls Association (DGFA) champions our downtown, promoting its unique businesses, events, and cultural attractions.
Design: The Business Improvement District (BID) enhances our downtown's beauty and appeal through initiatives like murals, flower displays, and seasonal decorations.
Economic Vitality: The Great Falls Development Alliance (GFDA) drives economic growth by attracting new businesses, supporting existing ones, and providing resources like the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
Organization: The Downtown Development Partnership (DDP) brings it all together! They guide revitalization efforts and foster collaboration among organizations and community members.

Nicki Dallison

Nicki@GrowGreatFalls.org

1-406-750-2099

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