The new TownePlace Suites by Marriott Great Falls is great addition to West Bank Landing! We now have three hotels in the riverside West Bank Urban Renewal District convenient to West Bank Park and ExpoPark.
1) Congratulations to Cara Wenz, owner of Practically Perfect Consignment & Boutique, 319 Main Street in Shelby on her ribbon cutting ceremony this weekend!
2) GFDA’s Loan Committee approved a $132,000 gap loan this week to support a local business acquisition, keeping a one-of-a-kind, relied-upon community business open and thriving under new ownership. Have a project that’s stuck and just needs the right financing to cross the finish line? Connect with Shandi Gebhardt Jones at 1-406-590-9037 or Shandi@GrowGreatFalls.org to talk through different financing options.
3) El Sabor de Jalisco, a new Mexican restaurant, opened in the Classic 50’s Casino in Great Falls; see KRTV. The Roadhouse Diner in Great Falls was named the Best Affordable Lunch in Montana by Chowhound; see XL Country 100.7. The show Lost In featured the Sip N’ Dip in Downtown Great Falls in its “Big Sky Country” episode; watch it on YouTube.
4) We helped three key housing projects move forward towards spring 2026 construction goals in Great Falls. Much of the work to bring new housing is done long before dirt moves in the spring. If you need some help keeping your project on track to meet your goals please reach out to Jake Clark at Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-403-4937.
5) Jenn and Kristen advanced GFDA’s energy connections this week at the Berkshire Hathaway Montana open house in Great Falls, touring their balancing facility and engaging with policy makers and industry leaders who are shaping the future of Montana’s energy ecosystem. The event provided a touchpoint to strengthen partnerships with decision makers focused on building resilient, modern energy infrastructure in North Central Montana. As transmission needs accelerate and generation opportunities expand, these partnerships are critical for positioning North Central Montana at the forefront of energy investment and innovation. Want to be part of the possibilities? Contact Kristen Blue at 1-406-788-4989 or Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org
6) I participated in the Strategic Deterrent Coalition’s Board of Directors meeting in DC with Steve Grooms of 1st Liberty FCU. Our defense advocacy effort, the Central Montana Defense Coalition, is a coalition member. The Coalition was formed to band together the host communities of military bases comprising the nation’s nuclear strategic deterrent forces. We both participated in the Threat Assessment workshop hosted by the Coalition’s Board of Regents comprised of retired military and key industry leaders.
7) Then I travelled to Orlando to participate in the Space Force Association’s annual conference, joined by hundreds of U.S. Space Force Guardians and key space industry and technology leaders.
8) Sara Niccum engaged alongside producers, policy advocates, and merchandisers from across the western United States at the Montana Organic Association annual conference. Attendees discussed opportunities and challenges in regenerative agriculture such as the USDA’s Make America Healthy Again strategies and recent investment into regenerative agriculture programs. Stakeholders are looking toward the Montana Legislature’s 2027 session to review key issues and program funding including Food and Ag Development Centers and the popular Growth Through Agriculture grant. If you want to participate in shaping Montana’s food and ag program development, reach out to Sara Niccum at Sara@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1301.
9) With four weeks to go, it’s time to register and get ready for Ignite 2026 on January 9th, 8AM at The Newberry in Downtown Great Falls. Come see GFDA’s annual spotlight on the capital investments shaping North Central Montana. The program will feature projects that will launch, expand, begin construction, or wrap up in 2026, offering a clear look at the momentum ahead while creating space to connect with industry leaders, explore new opportunities, and support region-wide growth. Organizations with a project to showcase or announce are encouraged to present, with slots open to businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits involved in 2026 project activity across the region. Register now! To learn more about presenting or announcing your project, contact Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or call +1-406-836-0136.
10) Did you know foreign relationships can influence your eligibility for federal contracts? Great Falls Regional APEX presented a statewide webinar on Understanding Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) in Federal Contracting, helping businesses understand how foreign ties can affect their ability to compete for federal opportunities. Attendees learned that if a foreign company or individual can influence decisions or access sensitive information, it may need to be reported. Even something as simple as renting or leasing equipment from a foreign-owned business can trigger these reporting requirements. We can help you recognize foreign interests that may require disclosure and strengthen your readiness for federal contracting. To learn more, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.
11) Thinking about buying or constructing a new location or upgrading equipment? SBA 504 rates have dropped again and are below 6%, making them some of the most attractive rates in months. Right now, all-in 504 rates are 5.822% for 25 years, 5.883% for 20 years, and 5.652% for 10-year equipment loans. Refinance options are also available at 5.825% for 25 years and 5.886% for 20 years. Fixed interest rates for up to 25 years can create significant savings, making it easier to invest in your business and grow. Contact Jill Kohles at 1-406-590-1056 or JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org to get started today.
12) GFDA partnered with Great Falls Montana Tourism to conduct a series of public relations effort Interviews, supported by local partners and businesses, that highlight the full breadth of experiences and opportunities Great Falls has to offer. These interviews are laying the foundation for a live virtual media event that combines the immersive feel of a familiarization tour with the intimacy of a fireside chat, featuring compelling visual storytelling and authentic local voices. The upcoming event is designed to engage travel journalists and editors, relocation and lifestyle writers, business and economic development reporters, and influencers focused on small-city living, outdoor recreation, and entrepreneurship.
13) Downtown Great Falls collaboration continues as GFDA met with the City of Great Falls to deepen alignment and understanding around the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program and how it can better support redevelopment in the heart of Great Falls. The discussion focused on program goals, eligibility, and process clarity, reinforcing a shared commitment to making downtown projects more feasible and investor-ready. With TIF funds currently available, this coordination helps ensure prospective projects can move efficiently from concept to construction. Property owners and developers interested in learning how TIF could support their plans are encouraged to connect early. Contact Katie Carvell at 1-406-217-7635 or Katie@GrowGreatFalls.org for more information.
14) Congratulations to Ciara at Cassiopeia Books in Downtown Great Falls who received one of the James Patterson Holiday Bookstore Bonuses! Mr. Patterson pledged a personal contribution of $300,000, to be distributed in amounts of $500, to 600 booksellers from ABA member bookstores.
15) Our GFDA Small Business Development Center Business Advisors have started working with clients who are preparing their 2026 strategic plans and financial forecasts. We take time to evaluate the businesses’ performance from 2025 and gather data to make strategic decisions for the upcoming year. We can break down profit margins, pricing strategy, expenses and even look at financial ratios for specific products and services. Are you ready to make 2026 your best business year yet? Our services are provided at no cost to you. 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.
16) Jolene and Kristen brought GFDA’s energy leadership to the forefront this week as invited speakers on energy topics at the Montana Salinity Control Association. Jolene elevated GFDA’s profile with a new audience and facilitated a thoughtful and inclusive question session that expanded awareness of energy considerations in our region. Kristen engaged directly with landowners and stakeholders who manage and operate energy generation assets across the state, strengthening relationships with those who sit at the foundation of Montana’s energy economy. Energy is a universal connector across industry, agriculture, conservation, and the infrastructure that underpins long term growth and economic health. Each conversation sets the stage for broader collaboration and future investment. To shape the next wave of energy investment in our region, talk to Kristen Blue at Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-4989.
17) Congratulations to Tianta Stevens, owner of Escape the Falls in Downtown Great Falls on launching the new Whoville Christmas Adventure escape room. The room launched just in time for the holidays and all of the Downtown Great Falls festivities.
18) According to the University of Montana’s Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research report, Montana Agritourism in 2024: Opportunities and Challenges in a Changing Landscape, farms and ranches across Montana are seeking support to launch or expand agritourism ventures, particularly in setting up a business, developing a business plan, financing, and marketing. GFDA proudly delivers expert guidance and hands-on assistance in each of these areas. If you are ready to start or grow an agritourism business in north central Montana, connect with Shauni at 1-406-788-6867 or Shauni@GrowGreatFalls.org to get started.
19) Our Brownsfields Advisory Committee met to discuss potential redevelopment projects throughout Cascade County. We have funds available to provide free hazardous materials assessments and low interest loan capital for hazardous materials cleanup to support redevelopment. We invite you to attend a Public Outreach Meeting for our Brownfields Catalyst Redevelopment Project on January 13th from 5:00–6:00 PM at NeighborWorks Great Falls. 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.
20) 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.
21) Winter brings cold days and long nights, but the work continues. We thank our investors and public partners for staying engaged and supporting us so we can continue that work across the region. Learn more by watching this short video. Recent investments include: Advance Division—North 40 Outfitters; Leadership Division—Scheels; Pacesetter Division—Pasta Montana. Join the group investing in progress. Reach out to Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org.
Headed this morning to the Area Development Winter Site Selector Forum to network with several dozen leading site selection consultants. Have a wonderful week!
