Benefis Health System is making great progress on the Goodnow Healthy Aging Center under construction on 10th Avenue South in Great Falls.
1) We purchased 42 acres of land to expand the Great Falls AgriTech Park, a BNSF Certified Premier Park, which offers shovel-ready heavy industrial lots with rail, water, sewer, gas, electric, and fiber connections.
2) The Great Falls City Commission approved annexation and zoning for a new 150+ unit housing development; Jake testified in support of the project; see KRTV and TheElectric. Winter is just getting started but spring will be here shortly, if you are eyeing spring 2026 construction for your project please reach out to Jake at Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-403-4937.
3) Blackfeet Community College in Browning has received an $8 million unrestricted donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott—its largest single gift in the school’s 51-year history. College leaders say the funding will expand scholarships, support employees, and improve campus infrastructure, strengthening long-term programs for the Blackfeet Nation and the broader community. The gift builds on Scott’s $3 million contribution in 2020 and continues a wave of major philanthropic investment in Montana’s tribal colleges – see KRTV.
4) Ignite 2026 is set for January 9th at The Newberry, bringing together business and community leaders to kick off the new year with energy, inspiration, and a look ahead at new businesses, business expansions, real estate developments and infrastructure improvements planned for 2026 in the 13-county Great Falls trade area. Doors open at 7:30 AM with the event starting at 8:00 AM. This annual event will highlight momentum across our region and celebrate the partners, investors, and entrepreneurs who are helping drive it. Register here.
5) The Heart of Montana Farm in the Dell in Lewistown won a $1.8 million grant from the Montana Department of Commerce to build housing for adults with intellectual disabilities; see Lewistown News.
6) Preparations are underway for an upcoming site visit from a large-scale, multistate manufacturer exploring potential expansion opportunities in Great Falls. The visit will showcase our region’s industrial assets, workforce strengths, and pro-business environment, offering a valuable platform to demonstrate how local partners can support long-term growth. GFDA is coordinating closely with community and industry stakeholders to ensure the prospect experiences a clear picture of our advantages and collaborative ecosystem. If you know of a company that’s considering expansion, contact Christian at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or +1-406-836-0136.
7) Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs fame posted a great video on YouTube of his recent visit to Great Falls and his day with local high school students building this year’s High School House.
8) We invite you to attend a Public Outreach Meeting for the Brownfields Catalyst Redevelopment Project on January 13th from 5:00–6:00 PM at NeighborWorks Great Falls, located at 509 1st Avenue South. This meeting will focus on the potential redevelopment of the downtown city half-block parking lot at 600 1st Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59401. We will explore possible future uses for the site and gather input on what community members would like to see added to the downtown area. Please mark your calendars and join the Great Falls Development Alliance as we discuss this exciting opportunity. If you have any questions, please contact Christian Nichols at CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-9385.
9) Five on Black was named the Best Affordable Lunch in Montana — see XL Country 100.7 — and check them out in West Bank Landing on the Great Falls Missouri riverfront.
10) Help us create more childcare opportunities in the Great Falls area! As part of the childcare market assessment we have commissioned, we are conducting a short survey to understand local childcare needs. Your input will guide efforts to address unmet demand and improve options within the Great falls commute shed. The survey takes about 15 minutes. You will be asked to answer questions regarding current childcare arrangements, basics household characteristics, and future and preferred childcare needs. This information is for market research only. Results are completely confidential. Share your voice today and make a difference for your community! Please forward to friends and colleagues.
11) The City of Chinook won a $1,097,000 grant from the Montana Land and Water Conservation Fund at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks for the Chinook Pool and Park Rehabilitation Project — thanks to the efforts of the Chinook Friends of the Pool and Park; see Havre Daily News.
12) Boots to Business is a comprehensive two-day business startup course offered to veterans at Malmstrom Air Force Base, designed to equip participants with the tools and knowledge needed to pursue entrepreneurship. Christian Nichols, Small Business Advisor with the Great Falls Development Alliance, and Justin Rigby of the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC), facilitated the program for 6 veterans exploring business ownership and the path of entrepreneurship. The next class is March 5th and 6th. Whether you’re a veteran or not, if you’re interested in starting your business, please reach out to the Small Business Development Center at- Christian at CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-9385, Deb McGreggor at Deb@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-0314, or Rich Gannon at RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-2078.
13) The Montana Tourism Development Grant Program, formerly the Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program, will be accepting applications from December 15 to January 22. The program aims to strengthen rural and under-visited communities by improving infrastructure, accommodations, and amenities, while also enhancing visitation assets such as attractions, product development, wayfinding, access, and transportation. An informational webinar will be held via Zoom on December 9, at 9:00 AM, sign up here. Full program guidelines, scoring criteria, and additional details are available here. With any questions or for assistance reviewing your application, contact Shauni Seccombe at 1-406-788-6867 or Shauni@GrowGreatFalls.org
14) Is your SAM.gov registration active and ready for upcoming federal contracting opportunities? An active SAM.gov registration is required to bid on and receive federal contracts, and even a brief lapse can delay awards, interrupt payments, or remove your business from buyer searches. If your registration has expired, is expiring soon, or you’re new to the government marketplace, now is the time to take action and stay visible to government buyers! Great Falls Regional APEX is here to help! We can assist in verifying your status, guide you through renewing correctly and on time, and walk you through new registrations step by step so your business is positioned to compete with confidence. To learn more or get started today, contact Mariah Liebing at Mariah@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-217-2174.
15) The Western Wool Growers Alliance has received a $35,000 grant to fund an Electric City Wool Mill Feasibility Study; see Choteau Acantha. If built, this project would mark a major infrastructure investment for central Montana wool growers and value added producers. Raw fleece can contain over 40% debris by weight, which incurs a hefty freight cost. Most wool growers in the Golden Triangle ship their fleece 350 miles or more for processing before it can be turned into usable fibers. Do you have an idea for adding value to central Montana agriculture? Reach out to Sara Niccum at 1-406-590-1301 or Sara@GrowGreatFalls.org.
16) Congratulations to Carrie Hayes of Life in Bloom as she celebrates her one-year anniversary. Carrie hosted an Open House for the public on Friday to thank everyone for making her feel so welcome in Great Falls and to celebrate being a small business owner.
17) More than 20 entrepreneurs participated in our monthly free small business webinar which featured Windrift Hill co-founder Amber Hofstad, who shared how the company grew from a small-batch side hustle into a 6,000-square-foot manufacturing facility with 15 full-time employees. The conversation offered a real Montana growth story and practical lessons on scaling while staying rooted in place. A recording will be posted soon on the MSU GFDA Small Business Webinar past-recordings page, and the next webinar is January 8 with IRS representative Phyllis Gartner on Savvy Business Strategies for 2026.
18) The Havre City Council created an urban renewal district to foster downtown revitalization; see HiLineToday. For more details see Bear Paw Development’s Havre Urban Renewal District webpage.
19) Kristen engaged in multiple conversations this week with participants across Montana’s energy landscape, including grid modernization initiatives and generation development opportunities. Each dialogue adds another formative piece to the energy puzzle for North Central Montana, moving our region from promise to preparedness. To ensure your project is part of the picture taking shape, reach out to Kristen Blue at Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-4989.
20) Great Falls High School is piloting a program to introduce internships and career opportunities to high school students. Industry in the classroom will be a career exploration class at GFHS. Geoff Habel, the Principal of Great Falls High School is seeking input from businesses. If you’d like to participate, send him an email, Geoffry_Habel@gfps.k12.mt.us.
21) This week the Montana Grain Growers Association hosted its 70th annual convention and trade show in Great Falls. GFDA’s Sara Niccum attended to network with industry leaders in food, ag, and bioprocessing and to learn from subject matter experts. Princeton University’s Jacob Shapiro examined the geopolitical climate influencing agricultural economics. He encouraged producers to continue prioritizing the superior quality and genetics of Montana ag products while prioritizing infrastructure that bolsters domestic sales and markets over foreign investment.
22) The new Montana Heritage Center opened in Helena which is sure to be a tourism boost for the central region of the state. See Montana Free Press article on 5 Montana Treasures to see at the new museum.
23) This month, our GFDA Small Business Development Team participated in an interactive cybersecurity training on the topic, Extra Layers, Extra Security: Passwords and Beyond, provided by CyberMontana/University of Montana Missoula College. We continue to stay on topic of topics that affect our small business owners. Our Business Advisors are here to assist with many different topics and support. You don’t have to do it alone. Please reach out to one of our Business Advisors: Christian Nichols, CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-9385; Rich Gannon, RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-2078; and Deb McGregor, Deb@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-750-0314. Our services are provided at no cost to you.
24) Little Light Coffee Co & Mini Donuts plans to open in Downtown Great Falls in January. See more about this and other local businesses in TheElectric’s Business Bites.
25) It’s been a busy week! Jamie Rapley started work as our first Online Business Development Officer. The GFDA Board and Council met to discuss lead generation efforts for 2026. Our High Plains Finance board held its quarterly meeting. We participated in discussions on redesigning parking management in Downtown Great Falls and we signed loan documents with the Montana Board of Investments to borrow an additional $250,000 in loan capital. As always, most of our time was invested in working with clients to help their deals to fruition.
26) Investor and partner support turns ideas into action and action into real results. Because they invest in our mission, we can provide capital, guidance, training, and resources that help businesses, developers, and nonprofits move projects forward. Their commitment fuels a stronger regional economy. Learn more about the team behind this work by viewing this short video. Recent investments include: Community Division—Shwintek General Contracting. Join the growing network and take part in the movement shaping our economy. Reach out to Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org to learn more.
Great to see so many people out and about for holiday festivities!
I flew out this morning on a three city trip to participate in the Strategic Deterrent Coalition board meeting in DC, the Space Force Association annual conference in Orlando, and the Area Development site selection consultant forum in Fort Lauderdale.
Make it a prosperous week!
