We traveled to Sedro Wooley, WA, with a group of community leaders to learn about Janicki Industries firsthand. We toured, talked with people, and met several Montanan’s working at Janicki who are looking forward to moving home. Janicki Industries is moving to the big city, as their home town population is just 13,480. When you walk through the shop everyone from the top to the newest hire know each other by their first names. It’s truly a comradery. We’ll fit great together!
| 1) Curious about AI but not sure where to start? Join the GFDA SBDC team Thursday, June 18 (8:30–9:30 AM) for a free hands-on workshop where you’ll use AI to transform real customer feedback into polished marketing content. Bring your laptop, tablet, or phone. No cost to attend, but registration is required. For more information and to register click here. 2) The Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research at the University of Montana released their “2025 Estimates – Nonresident Visitation, Expenditures, and Economic Contribution” report last week, finding that Montana welcomed an estimated 13.24 million nonresident visitors in 2025 who generated $5.64 billion in traveler expenditures and contributed $7.11 billion in total economic output. Visitor spending supported more than 52,600 jobs and generated $360.4 million in state and local tax revenues, with summer remaining the peak travel season and vacation travelers accounting for the largest share of visitors. Read the full report here. 3) SBA 504 rates remain an excellent option for businesses looking for long-term, fixed-rate financing. June 2026 effective rates are approximately 6.11% fixed for 25 years, 6.16% fixed for 20 years, and 5.88% fixed for 10 years, including program fees. Refinance projects are also eligible with effective rates of approximately 6.12% fixed for 25 years and 6.17% fixed for 20 years. Manufacturing businesses may qualify for even lower rates. SBA 504 loans offer fixed-for-life financing with as little as 10% down, helping businesses preserve working capital while investing in commercial real estate, construction, or equipment. As interest rates continue to fluctuate, locking in long-term fixed financing can provide certainty for growing businesses. Contact Shandi Gebhardt Jones at 406-590-1056 or Shandi@GrowGreatFalls.org to learn more. 4) Jenn attended the Montana Rural Summit hosted by MSU Extension. Through a series of panel discussions, participants explored strategies for building local capacity, supporting underserved communities, and strengthening long term economic vitality. Jenn also had the opportunity to connect with leaders from partner organizations and expand relationships that support GFDA’s work throughout the region. 5) The 30% federal commercial and nonprofit solar tax credits end on December 31, 2027. Any project that is safe harbored by July 4, 2026 will be eligible for the tax credits through the end of 2029. Reach out to Kristen Blue at 1-406-788-4949 or Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org to discuss your commercial or nonprofit solar project. 6) Jake was able to meet with developers active in our market, landowners who are interested in housing being developed on their property, and builders interested in bringing their capability to Great Falls. It seems the recent announcements by Touro University and Janicki Industries are bringing wanted attention to our housing crunch. Are you moving forward with your housing project? Reach out to Jake 1-406-403-4937 or Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org. 7) Congratulations to DUC LLC on obtaining the Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) set-aside certification from the Small Business Administration (SBA) on their first submission! This marks a major milestone and a significant achievement, strengthening the company’s competitive standing and expanding access to federal contracting opportunities reserved for women-owned businesses. Great Falls Regional APEX helped DUC LLC successfully navigate the certification process, and we can help you too. Take your government contracting strategy to the next level, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184. 8) The intersection of agriculture and energy is increasingly important as energy demand grows while farms and ranches work to preserve land legacy. Organizations such as Farm to Power represent a source of useful information about emerging clean energy opportunities combined with economic growth and a sustainable future for America’s rural communities. For more information, see Farm to Power’s website, or reach out to Kristen Blue at 1-406-788-4949 or Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org to discuss energy project potential on your land. 9) The Montana Department of Environmental Quality Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program (AELRP), opens for applications July 1 – 31, 2026. AELRP offers loans at a 3.5% interest rate on qualifying projects. Businesses in North Central Montana receive scoring advantages. For more information or help with the application, contact Meranda Bass at msikes@mt.gov or 1-406-444-6586. 10) Could a foreign relationship affect your ability to win a federal contract? Great Falls Regional APEX can help you understand Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) requirements, identify foreign interests that may require disclosure, and strengthen your readiness to compete for federal contracting opportunities. To learn more, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184. 11) A new food co-packing operation is open for business in Conrad. From the Ground Up LLC employs state-of-the-art retort technology to produce shelf stable meals including meat sourced from Montana ranchers. A KRTV news story has more information about the project and owner, Lisa Schmidt. She used the FADC’s Business Enhancement Program to test recipes at Clemson University and identify inputs that will enable her to create meals in flexible pouches that can be sold across the country. This is a huge development for Montana value-added food manufacturers who want to utilize a USDA inspected facility and expand their customer base. From the Ground Up is now accepting new contracts with producers to use co-packing services. Are you interested in connecting with this Montana co-packer or using FADC services for your project? Reach out to Sara Niccum at Sara@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1301. 12) The Central Montana Defense Coalition was created to support and strengthen the defense missions that are critical to our region’s future. As our community prepares for the Sentinel modernization project and other opportunities at Malmstrom Air Force Base and the Montana Air National Guard, it is more important than ever that we remain engaged and competitive. These missions support jobs, local businesses, and economic activity across North Central Montana. Thank you to the investors helping make this work possible. Recent investments include: Atlas Division—Eagle Beverage. If you would like to help support this effort, contact Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org. 13) The work GFDA does cannot happen without our investors and partners. Their support allows us to stay focused on growth, keep projects moving, and help businesses succeed. They are a key part of the progress happening across our region. Learn more by viewing this video. Recent investments include: Pioneer Division—Culligan/Malsam Water Great Falls; Pacesetter Division—Eagle Beverage; Community Division—Falcon, Lester & Schaff P.C. Thank you for being part of the group that makes things move instead of waiting for them to. If you want to get involved, reach out to Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanore Roosevelt Edition 741 |
