Whether you're just getting started, looking for new customers, wanting to grow sales through e-commerce, or focusing on workforce.
We're here to help.

Check out the upcoming trainings below!
Business Pitch
Business Pitch is a fun, informal way to share your business or project idea. Learn about valuable tools and resources to bring your business idea to life including:

How to refine your business plan;
Get feedback by others taking the same journey;
Learn steps to take your business idea to the next level!

Contact Tony with questions at (406) 750- 2099.


Great Falls Business Pitch
February 21
5:30-7:30 pm
Government Contracting
Small businesses are the backbone of the US economy and play a vital role in job creation, innovation, and community development. They also make up 99% of all employers and employ nearly half of the country's private-sector workforce. Join us for a 101-level introduction to what the government buys and if they are buying the products and services your business provides. 


Does the Government Buy My Products/Services?
March 22
11-11:30 am
Skill Building
Do you want to learn how to build on or begin your customer engagement and brand recognition by building media templates? Canva is a free graphic design tool for non-designers to create online and print media; static images, gif animations, email signatures, ads, cards, newsletters, etc. Files can be shared for viewing and editing. No prior Canva knowledge required.


Skill Session with Canva
March 2
11:00-11:30 am
Remote Work Course
Montana State University Extension has partnered with Utah State University Extension to offer the Remote Work Professional certificate program, a 1-month specialized course designed to equip workers and business owners with training needed to:
  • Find a job working remotely for a company
  • Expand a business to serve customers remotely
  • Increase skill levels for people already working remotely

Participants receive assistance with finding a remote job, with building their business and connecting to a network of other remote workers.


Remote Work Certificate Program
Begins March 6
Business Startup
Designed for individuals who would like to start their own business. This is a great overview of things to know about start-up costs, financing options, and business planning. A wealth of information and resources are provided free of charge.


Startup Roadmap
March 9
1:30 pm
Boots to Business
Join us for a two-day Boots to Business workshop on March 23-24. This is a pre-business workshop for transitioning military service members at Malmstrom Air Force Base as part of the Transition Assistance Program. Active duty military, veterans, and military families are welcome. 


Boots to Business
March 23-24
8:30-4:00 pm
Farmers Market Training
Questions about our training and programs?
Connect with Tony Peres

Tony Peres
Small Business Navigator
(406) 750-2099
Our Mission
Grow diverse economic opportunities that enhance quality of life.

Great Falls Region Community Vision
The Great Falls Region will be a proud, positive, and vibrant community, which welcomes new people, new investments, and innovative opportunities while celebrating its authentic and diverse Montana culture. Our community will be a safe and inclusive place to raise families and will offer opportunities for individual growth and quality of life, which retains and grows our population.

GFDA Organizational Vision
Great Falls Development Authority will be a change agent, catalyst, and facilitator in the Great Falls region, fostering collaboration and partnerships to support diverse economic opportunities, innovation, and growth. Our economic development organization will be a high performing leader in attracting new investment and talent. Our work providing access to capital, consulting, training and resources for entrepreneurs, businesses, developers, and nonprofits will transform Great Falls and the surrounding 13-county trade area into a thriving regional economy that enhances the standard of living for our people.    

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 and Lenders.

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.