We’ve started to strategize for the Opportunity Zone 2.0 designations. Here is a screen shot of four census zones in Great Falls that will likely qualify to be designated. We also have several likely eligible rural census tracts in the region. Watch your email for our upcoming OZ task force meetings. Thanks to Novogradac for its OZ mapping system.
1) We announced formation of the new regional defense advocacy effort, the Central Montana Defense Coalition. If you would like to join this important effort to protect and support defense missions, contact Jenn Gallmeier to become a Founding Defense Coalition Investor, Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-781-9499. As with everything GFDA does, this is a partnership effort and we will post future meetings so stay tuned, but we need funding to pay for staffing, travel, memberships in national organizations and events.
2) Texas Roadhouse opened in Great Falls, see KRTV.
3) Brett participated in our Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) trade association DC fly-in and policy meetings of the Opportunity Finance Network. Discussed business and housing financing needs with Congressman Troy Downing, and staff of Sen. Daines and Sen. Sheehy. Made contact with potential new financing sources of capital. We’re on the hunt for more capital to fill capital gaps to get more housing developments under construction.
4) Congratulations to Still Point Wellness LLC on obtaining the Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB), and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certifications from the Small Business Administration (SBA) on their first submission! Holly Hamilton shared “Great Falls APEX helped me get everything set up to pursue federal contracting as a veteran-owned, women-owned business. They guided me through SAM registration and helped me understand a process that felt overwhelming at first. What sets APEX apart is that they don’t stop at getting you started and they’re still here guiding me through each step.” This achievement marks an important milestone that strengthens their competitive position and opens the door to federal contract opportunities set-aside for women and veteran owned businesses. Great Falls Regional APEX was proud to assist Still Point Wellness LLC throughout the application process, and we are ready to help you strengthen your contracting strategy and build a stronger presence in the government marketplace. If you’re ready to position your business to stand out from the competition like Still Point Wellness LLC, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or at 1-406-590-1184.
5) GFDA submitted another detailed response to a Request for Information from the Montana Department of Commerce on behalf of an advanced manufacturing company evaluating locations in Montana. This opportunity reflects continued momentum in attracting high value industry to our region and highlights the strength of our partnerships and preparedness. Thank you to everyone who responded to our recent site search outreach. Your quick coordination helps us present competitive, ready to go options for companies considering investment here. If you have available industrial sites or properties that could support advanced manufacturing projects, please contact Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or +1-406-836-0136 to share details so we can include them in future proposals.
6) We reviewed the draft of the childcare market assessment we commissioned. We expect to publish it this week.
7) Join us Thursday February 19th for our monthly Boost Your Business training series. This month’s topic is “How Small Changes Can Improve Cash Flow and Profit.” You don’t always need more sales to improve your bottom line, this free session will share practical insights on managing your P&L, identifying the key numbers that drive your business, and making small adjustments to receivables, payables, and margins that can strengthen profitability and cash flow. Thursday, February 19 from 8:30–9:30 AM at the Great Falls Association of Realtors. Register here.
8) Sara Niccum attended the Reimagining Rural event series in Browning, MT hosted by MSU Extension – Glacier County and Glacier County Economic Development. As reported by the Cut Bank Pioneer Press, 20 rural communities across Montana received artist grants from the Department of Public Transformation and were invited to participate in the Reimagining Rural program. Browning is participating in the program for the first time. There will be one more opportunity on February 18 to participate in community conversations and select projects for the grant funds. Connect with contacts in the Pioneer Press article to RSVP, or contact Sara Niccum at 1-406-590-1301 or Sara@GrowGreatFalls.org to learn about GFDA attendance.
9) Did you know foreign relationships can influence your eligibility for federal contracts? This week, Great Falls Regional APEX advised 20 businesses, and several of those conversations focused specifically on Understanding Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI). We met one-on-one with businesses to review ownership structures, manufacturer relationships, and equipment leases to help determine what may need to be disclosed. Even routine business arrangements, such as renting equipment from a foreign-owned company, can trigger reporting requirements. Addressing these issues early can prevent delays, reduce risk, and strengthen readiness before pursuing federal opportunities. To learn more, contact Shannon Clancy at SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184, or join us Wednesday, February 18, from 11:00 AM -12:00 PM for a free webinar on Understanding Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) in Federal Contracting, presented by Great Falls Regional APEX, with APEX Accelerators from Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Arizona, and Colorado joining us. Register here.
10) GFDA is hosting a community Data Center Task Force Meeting on Monday, February 23rd from 5:00 – 6:30 PM at Great Falls College MSU. This is a community discussion regarding data centers. We will discuss questions to ask potential projects, what would make for an exciting and positive project our region could be proud of, as well as what we want to avoid. All are welcome to attend and participate. Please register so we may know how many are planning to attend.
11) Central Montana Works does more than just the annual World of Work (WOW!) Event. We work year-round on workforce program implementation, career pathways, and resources for employers. Currently we are planning a hiring event for April. If you would like more information or to be involved, reach out to Jolene to get connected JSchalper@GrowGreatFalls.org.
12) The Rural Tourism Asset Grant (TAG) Program provides up to $75,000 for one-time, stand-alone projects that create long-term tourism improvements in rural communities by enhancing visitor experiences, strengthening tourism assets, and supporting economic growth. The Montana Department of Commerce will accept applications from March 2–26, 2026. To help applicants prepare, the Office of Tourism will host two informational webinars covering program details, eligibility and match requirements, selection criteria, and application and project timelines. Registration is required, sign up here.
13) Jolene and Jake were invited to a developer roundtable hosted by City of Great Falls staff soliciting feedback in regard to the proposed Strategic Capital Investment Reserve (SCIR) program. Comments may be submitted in writing to SCIR@greatfallsmt.gov, or may be discussed at an open house style meeting to be held on Wednesday, February 25th, from Noon-2:00 PM at the Civic Center, Gibson Room. The comment period closes at 5:00 PM on February 27th.
14) Registration opened for the Montana Downtown Conference being held April 29 to May 1 in Glasgow. More info and registration here.
15) It’s annual report filing season for businesses across Montana. As deadlines approach, be wary of third-party companies sending official-looking renewal notices. While not technically scams, these businesses often charge high fees for services you can complete yourself directly with the state for little or no cost. Before you respond to a notice or submit payment, stop and do your research. Make sure you know exactly who you’re communicating with. If you have questions, reach out directly to the Montana Secretary of State’s office.
16) Every new business or expansion builds capacity in the region. Jobs increase, wages circulate and rise, supply chains strengthen, and communities gain stability. Growth also creates demand for restaurants, retail, and entertainment that improve quality of life and make the region a place people want to live and play. The support of our investors and partners allows us to keep fueling that cycle. Learn more about them by viewing this video. Recent investments include: Advance Division—Dick Anderson Construction; Pacific Steel & Recycling, and TDS Telecom; Pacesetter Division—Great Falls Association of Realtors and Wipfli. Ready to join? Reach out to Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org to get connected.
Let’s make 2026 count by working together to get more projects into construction!
