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Rendering of The Falls, a 100-acre mixed-use development in Great Falls announced at Ignite 2025 by local developer Ted Mitchell of Mitchell Development & Investments.

1) Welcomed a development team to town working through details of a large multi-family project. They were able to attend a growth policy workshop and meet with key stakeholders. We’re excited to have them evaluating our market! Call Jake Clark with any housing leads or questions, 1-406-403-4937.

2) In a step towards advancing housing development in Great Falls, GFDA has successfully closed two loans totaling $410,935 to Upslope Group LLC. The Upslope Group is a single family home community development company whose mission is to develop entry level housing to allow buyers to gain future equity, appreciation, and an opportunity to control their housing costs. The company is focused on building custom home communities that provide workforce housing.The loan funds will be used for predevelopment costs associated with an upcoming single-family housing project in the Great Falls area, paving the way for the project to progress to its next stages. This funding is crucial in addressing the growing demand for housing in the area. If you are considering a project that requires bridge funding to reach its next stage, we encourage you to reach out. Explore your options with GFDA by contacting Jill Kohles directly at 1-406-590-1056 or via email at JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org.

3) The Made in Montana Program and the Agritourism Grant Program are just two ways that the MT Department of Commerce is dedicated to helping Montanan producers and processors capture some of the tourism money entering our state. Susan Joy, of the MT Department of Commerce, joined GFDA's Food and Ag Development Center to discuss how these two programs can benefit your small business. To watch the recording, go HERE. To see some of the other great trainings and success stories, check out this play list HERE..

4) Six years ago we identified a potential manufacturing company for our market. We routinely find companies that would make sense here and build relationships over time so that when they are ready to expand we come to mind. We are excited that this company is ready to expand and Great Falls is their top location! Now our concierge services begins connecting them with Realtors and property owners, facilitating meetings with the city/county planning departments, and focusing on all the details necessary to make a project come together. Call Christian Leinhauser regarding our Business Attraction efforts1-406-836-0136. Nice perseverance Christian!

5) We have selected Agralytica Consulting to complete a state-wide Market Assessment of Opportunities in Pulse Processing for the State of Montana. This assessment will determine the viability of attracting, starting, or expanding pulse processing businesses in four fast growing areas: pet food, snack food, custom pulse processing, and ingredient making. Thank you to the Montana Pulse Crop Committee for funding this important assessment. In other exciting news, we have selected Fresh Bread Productions and Claude Smith of the Montana Manufacturing Expansion Center as our partners to create an 11 part video series on Food Manufacturing Safety 101. This video series will fill a needed gap in Montana's free educational materials to support specialty crop processors looking to expand to a national level of production. Thank you to the MT Department of Ag and USDA's Agricultural Marketing Services for funding this project.

6) We received $2,214,285.72 in grant funds from the Montana Department of Commerce to capitalize a new regional Tourism Development and Enhancement Loan Fund. These funds will be put to work in gap and bridge loans supporting tourism related businesses throughout our region. We use our loan capital to fill gapos and provide bridges that the great banks and credit unions in our region can't fill. This makes our limited capital go much further, enables conventional lenders to do deals that they otherwise couldn't, and makes it possible for business startups and expansions and real estate developments to happen that otherwise would not.

7) Placer.AI uses location-based smartphone data and tracks movement through communities over time. Data shows that in 2024, downtown Great Falls had 8,259,561 visits from 522,205 visitors! Now is the time to invest in downtown Great Falls, contact Nicki at Nicki@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-2099.

8) Our Great Falls Regional APEX had a busy and impactful week! We assisted 11 businesses with challenges such as creating their Small Business Administration (SBA)/Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) profile and selecting the right North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. A complete SBA profile and accurate NAICS codes within your SAM.gov profile is essential for government contracting, directly impacting your company’s eligibility and visibility for federal opportunities. By resolving technical issues, assisting with SBA profiles, and help researching relevant NAICS codes, we are helping businesses strengthen their position in the federal marketplace. To increase your visibility to the federal customer, contact SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-868-8343 or Mariah Liebing at Mariah@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-217-2174. 

9) Vintage Sellers has opened in West Bank Landing, the 16th business in the riverfront mixed-use development.

10) The cost of living in the Great Falls MSA (Cascade County) was 90.0% of the national average for the year 2024, according to data released by C2ER, the Council for Community & Economic Research. The Billings MSA was at 99.8%.

11) Congratulations to all the Food and Ag businesses in our region who submitted their full Growth Through Agriculture Program applications. If every business is awarded at their full request, North Central Montana will see an over $650,000 of investment in needed value-added agriculture infrastructure and equipment. If you have a value-added ag project and would like to discuss the feasibility of your idea, then reach out to Anna at Anna@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1301.

12) NeighborWorks Great Falls issued a press release about progress being made on creating their new Montana Community Reinvestment Organization home mortgage buydown program that GFDA is a strong supporter of. See KRTV story. Download press release here.

13) The GFDA Small Business Development Center kicked off the Downtown Great Falls Winter Cohort. There are 8 small businesses participating. The cohorts include 6 group sessions and in between these sessions, participants meet 1/1 with Deb McGregor, Regional Director of the GFDA Small Business Development Center. Business topics, skills training and intentional connection activities are included in the group sessions. We are currently starting a list of small business owners interested in a Spring Cohort. This cohort will include the entire Great Falls Trade area. For additional information, please contact Deb McGregor at 1-406-750-0314 or Deb@GrowGreatFalls.org.

14) Chik-fil-A has submitted a preliminary traffic impact study to the City of Great Falls, according to TheElectric's Business Bites.

15) Have you registered for the Strategic Teaming Alliance Roundtable (STAR) virtual event? Join the Great Falls Regional APEX and Northrop Grumman for the first-quarter update on Thursday, February 6th, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM (MDT). Representatives from Northrop Grumman will share valuable insights and proven strategies for building successful partnerships with Northrop Grumman, their subcontractors, and first-tier primes across various industries. To register, CLICK HERE! Learn how you can build a strong foundation to prepare for the government market, contact SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-868-8343 or Mariah Liebing at Mariah@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-217-2174. 

16) Congratulations to the Blackfeet Tribe for receiving $89,400 from the MT Department of Commerce's Tribal Business Development Grant to enhance meat processing and product distribution associated with the Blackfeet Tribe Buffalo Program in Browning. 

17) The GFDA Small Business Development Center team has been busy working on the launch of a new endeavor, the Business Blitz. This is a one-day training with multiple sessions on topics related to starting and running a business. Participants can attend as many sessions as they would like. There will be a lunch and panel discussion sponsored by GFDA. The event takes place on Tuesday, February 11th at the Springhill Suites in Great Falls. There is no charge to attend the event. Registration is required as space is limited. Please click here for additional information and to register for the event. Our Business Advisors are available and ready to answer questions about this event or to meet with you as you navigate the journey of business ownership. Please reach out to Christian Nichols CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org 1-406-788-9385, Rich Gannon RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org 1-406-836-2078 or Deb McGregor Deb@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-0314.

18) Great Falls Tourism and GFDA have selected DVA Public Relations to help us pitch Great Falls to attract more visitors, workforce talent, and entrepreneurs.

19) Gave the regional economic presentation as part of the Economic Outlook Seminar of the University of Montana's Bureau of Business & Economic Research (BBER) in Great Falls. The BBER economists project that wage earnings growth in Cascade County will continue to outpace inflation for the next four years. BBER also noted that job openings in Great Falls continue to outpace both Montana and the U.S.

20) Our team participated in most of the City of Great Falls' Growth Policy sessions this week. We stressed the importance of creating an aspirational plan that grows and strengthens our economy and tax base, and enables construction of housing, competitive business sites, and enhanced quality of life. The City has also posted a survey seeking input. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey.

21) I travelled to Cheyenne to meet with the local defense advocacy leader as part of our work to strengthen the Montana Defense Alliance.

22) Help drive economic growth in the Great Falls region by joining GFDA’s Investment Committee. This group plays a key role in securing resources and shaping our community’s future. If you’re passionate about making an impact and want to learn more, connect with Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org today!

23) A strong economy starts with strong partnerships. Thank you to our investors and public partners for fueling growth, innovation, and prosperity in the Great Falls region. Check out this short video to learn more. Recent investments include: Pacesetter Division—General Mills; Community Division—Big Sky Civil & Environmental, Inc. Thank you for your commitment to making Great Falls a better place to live and work! Want to get involved? Reach out to Investment Director Jenn Gallmeier at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org.

Great week thanks to our fantastic staff team, outstanding partners, supportive investors, and exceptional clients.

Let's work together to keep making great things happen!

Brett

Brett Doney

Great Falls Development Alliance

BDoney@GrowGreatFalls.org

1-406-750-2119

Connect with me on LinkedIn.

Forward the GFDA Top 10 to friends and colleagues. You can join our distribution list HERE or text GFDA to 22828.

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"We aim above the mark, to hit the mark."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Edition 670

If your company needs a rail-served, BNSF-Certified, shovel-ready site with all municipal services at your door, we have lots available for immediate construction in the Great Falls AgriTech Park. Contact Jolene Schalper at 1-406-750-4481 or JSchalper@GrowGreatFalls.org

The 25-year loan effective rate (including all fees) is 6.512%; 20-year at 6.581%; 10-year equipment loan at 6.642%; and, 20-year refinance 6.611%; 25-year refinance 6.541%. These rates are FIXED for the life of the loan and are inclusive of all fees. If you would like to find out how to get financing for commercial real estate and equipment at potentially lower rates than you're paying for your home mortgage, please contact Jill Kohles at 1-406-590-1056 or JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org.

The Big Sky Film Grant is open and closes Feb. 7, 2025. This grant program aims to build and support partnerships with filmmakers and production companies to create Montana film industry jobs. Up to $1.5 million in awards is available to filmmakers.

Inside each monthly edition of our new newsletter, Investing in Downtown Great Falls you’ll find a curated mix of news, updates, and resources designed to celebrate and support our downtown Great Falls businesses and building owners. If you are ready to invest in Downtown Great Falls, contact Nicki at Nicki@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-2099.

Zero to Five Montana is offering a one-time grant opportunity for Montana employers to develop employer-sponsored child care programs. Grants range from $10,000 to $100,000; applications are due February 7th Apply Here. Great Falls Public Schools is holding a Job Fair on January 22nd. See more details on both and much more in The Electric's Business Bites.

Are you a specialty crop (ie anything not wheat, barley, oilseeds, or soy) producer or processor? Or do you work with specialty crop producers or processors? If so, please not that the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant is now opened. Applications are due by Feb 28th at 5:00 PM. If you would like to discuss your project or find other funding opportunities for your value-added ag project, reach out to Anna at Anna@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1301.

SAVE THE DATE! Get ready for Montana APEX GovMatch 2025, the government contracting matchmaking event of the year hosted by our Great Falls Regional APEX. This premier matchmaking event is where businesses meet with government agencies to build relationships and explore opportunities to secure contracts. This event is designed to facilitate introductions and connect agencies with quality leads while fostering impactful partnerships that benefit communities and drive economic growth. When: Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Where: University of Providence in Great Falls. For more information, contact SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-868-8343 and Mariah Liebing at Mariah@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-217-2174.

The Great Falls Business Improvement District has grants available for businesses and property owners located in the BID. Contact Kellie Pierce at 1-406-727-5430 or kellie@downtowngreatfalls.net. Stay ahead of the curve in Downtown Great Falls! Our new monthly newsletter, "Investing in Downtown Great Falls," delivers monthly insights and opportunities for business and building owners downtown. Sign up today! Questions? Contact Nicki at Nicki@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-2099.

Are you hiring? Our Hot Jobs Program is the perfect platform for employers to share their job openings! By sending us your listings, your opportunities could be featured on our Hot Jobs blog and shared across our social media channels for maximum visibility. Relocating with a partner or family member? Our Trailing Partner Program ensures no one gets left behind. Many times, for someone to accept a position, their partner also needs a job secure – and we’re here to help! Send us their resume (with permission), and we’ll share it within our network. You never know who’s hiring! Let’s work together to make Great Falls the perfect place for new opportunities. For more information contact our Marketing and Communications Officer Katie Carvell at 1-406-217-7635 or Katie@GrowGreatFalls.org. 

Are you interested in exploring government contract opportunities but unsure where to start?  Great Falls Regional APEX provides the tools, knowledge, and guidance needed to navigate the government marketplace. We simplify the key steps of registration, research, and response, streamlining the process to ensure your business is prepared for contract opportunities. Whether you’re new to contracting or looking to expand your reach, we can help you identify opportunities, build valuable connections, and achieve your goals. To learn more, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-868-8343 and Mariah Liebing at Mariah@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-217-2174. 

If you’re looking to expand or start your business through purchasing a commercial building for your future location, make sure to talk to Christian Nichols, Brownfields Project Manager, so we can see if you qualify for an Environmental Site Assessment paid for by EPA. You don’t know what environmental conditions or possible contaminates exist until you have an assessment completed. With our help you could save thousands of dollars and have confidence in your purchase knowing all contaminates are identified and assessed. For more information, please call Christian Nichols at 1-406-788-9385 or email at CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org.

Do you know the benefits of C-PACE financing for your multifamily housing project? Last Best PACE, Montana's program, brings value to Montana commercial building owners by improving their bottom line. Last Best PACE can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs and payments are repaid through a special property tax assessment with terms of 20+ years. Reach out to Jake to find out how this tool can help your project move forward Jake@GrowGreatalls.org or 1-406-403-4937. 

Are you planning any international marketing activities in 2025? The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) run by the Export Montana team at the Montana Department of Commerce has a host of export support services and federal grants available for businesses up to $12,000. They're awesome to work with! Our Small Business Advisor, Rich Gannon, can help too and he is also awesome! RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-2078.

Cybersecurity is a top priority for the Department of Defense (DoD)! Is your business prepared for the new cybersecurity standards in federal contracting? If your company manages Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI), you must comply with specific standards. For contractors working with the federal government, the minimum requirement is Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1. This self-certification verifies that your organization has implemented fundamental security measures to safeguard FCI. To begin your self-assessment journey, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-868-8343 and Mariah Liebing at Mariah@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-217-2174

Our freight logistics consultants, Moffat & Nichols, completed key findings of the Great Falls Region Freight Market Assessment and Economic Development Strategy Recommendations. This comprehensive study offers valuable insights into the logistics industry and its potential in our region. We have already begujn work implementing some of the recommendations. Others will need to wait until we work with our partners to secure more resources. Logistics are a key consideration for existing manufacturers in our region, and in attracting new investment in manufacturing operations.

The 2024 Great Falls Housing Market Assessment shows a need for 650 new housing units per year in the immediate Great Falls area. For assistance with housing development, contact Jake Clark at Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-403-4937.

Great Falls Recruiters and HR professionals! Here is a link to our Talent Attraction Toolkit and the 2024 Great Falls Livability Magazine, part of our effort to help local businesses attract the talent they need for key positions. Join our Trailing Partner Email Group specifically for local employers to share resumes of trailing spouses/partners across the Great Falls region with other employers looking to hire. Visit our relocation website LiveInGreatFalls.com. JobsEQ for Workforce is a software tool that provides timely data on our local workforce and employers—including demographics, occupations, wages, certifications, and more. Contact Katie Carvell at Katie@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-217-7635.

Cybersecurity challenges for businesses continue to grow. The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC) is offering an array of useful resources to help Montana businesses to protect themselves. MMEC has launched the Certified Manufacturing Associate Apprenticeship program. This one-year program combines on-the-job training with online technical classes on safety, math and measurements, manufacturing processes, and quality control.

Have you created or updated your Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) profile? A strong profile can significantly boost your contracting success by increasing your visibility to local, state, and federal agencies seeking goods and services. If you would like more information on how to create or update your DSBS profile, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.

Zero to 5 has launched the Montana Child Care Business Connect website to help support the startup and expansion of early childcare businesses. The Great Falls Childcare Demand Assessment shows a need for additional childcare facilities to serve 580 children in Great Falls. For assistance with childcare facility business planning, contact Rich Gannon at RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-2078.

One of the many tools we have for renovating your building in Downtown Great Falls is the City's Downtown Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Grant. This 50% match grant can help with Façade, Building Code Compliance, and Safety & Security. One of the biggest uses of this grant is Fire Suppression and updating the face of your building. To find out more about this grant, call Nicki at 1-406-750-2099 or Nicki@GrowGreatFalls.org. Let's discuss how TIF and other tools can help you change the face of Downtown Great Falls. 

The Montana Innovation Partnership is offering a number of trainings and an accelerator program for companies interested in pursuing Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants.

The best resource we scan daily to stay abreast of business and community innovation is MATR.net (Montana Associated Technology Roundtables), which we are proud to help sponsor. Sign up for their free newsletter.

Our Mission is to 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