Meet Our Inspire Award Winners!

Since its inception 13 years ago GFDA has given the Fire Within Award to 84 female business owners whose hard work often goes unrecognized in the day-to-day. We are so proud to be awarding a record 31 Awards this year!

This Inspire Award will go to a Woman Business Owner in operation for 5+ years in an established business who has made a significant personal contribution to its success, growth, or expansion. Not only that, but these business-savvy women have helped or are helping other business owners or budding entrepreneurs. We invite you to meet our 2024 Inspire Award Winners.

2024 Aspire Award Winners

Keely Baker - Studio Barre

Denise Beeg - Linda Michaels

Deena Birdwell - Simple Style and Then Some

Raegen Breeden - Play N Learn

Victoria Davenport - Enlightening Minds

Amy Eisenzimer - Parker's Hangover Tonic

Bobbie Floerchinger - MyDirndl.com

Melissa Gaspar - Gentle Beginnings Family Care and Birth Center

Gena Gremaux - Ridgeline Real Estate

Christa Heisler Liscum - Black Eagle Brewery

Andrea Johnson - Advanced Practice Physical Therapy

Amber Kenner - Amber Kenner Photography

Wendy Newman - Associated Veterinary Services

Pamela Purdy - Rocky Mountain Portables/Double G Engraving

Jenn Rowell - The Electric

Colette Tihista-Longin - Grand Union Hotel

Erin Townsend - Hempl's Bakery

Tara Tronson - 5th and Wine

Join us in celebrating these incredible women on Thursday, April 18th - light refreshments will be served followed by a brief awards ceremony.

The Fire Within

Thursday, April 18 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Haute Hive

721 Central Ave

Great Falls

Grow diverse economic opportunities that enhance quality of life.

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 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.

Great Falls Development Alliance | GrowGreatFallsMontana.org