Congratulations to the newest downtown addition –
the Atomic Underground Lounge!
| 1) We are excited to share that our senior business advisor Rich Gannon has been promoted to the Director of the GFDA Small Business Development Center. Rich joined the GFDA in 2019. Over the past six years, he has counseled over 950 clients, supported 2,855 jobs and helped clients secure over $20,435,968 in funding. We will be posting the Business Advisor position this week. Are you looking for some business advising support, reach out to Rich at RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org. 2) We held the first meeting of the Opportunity Zone 2.0 Task Force. Discussion centered around the selection process of Opportunity Zones under the 2.0 program and strategies to advocate for zones in our region where we feel the tool can have a higher likelihood of encouraging new investment. Want to be part of the conversation, reach out to Jake about next steps at 1-406-403-4937 or Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org. 3) The Central Montana Defense Coalition brings business and community leaders together to support the defense missions that play a major role in our regional economy. Defense missions at Malmstrom Air Force Base and the Montana Air National Guard support families, jobs, and businesses and provide a strong economic base for the community. The Coalition focuses on advocacy and engagement to help protect these missions and position the region for future investment. We thank the founding members who stepped up to fund and support this effort for their recent investment: Peacekeeper Division—Gusto Distributing. Contact Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org to learn how you can become a founding member. 4) The Board of High Plains Financial, our affiliate, approved a $751,950 SBA 504 loan for a borrower purchasing an assisted living facility in West Central Montana, with plans to expand care options and services. Through the SBA 504 loan program, the client was able to secure a lower down payment, preserving working capital for their acquisition and planned expansion. This financing option also provides the added benefit of low interest rates that are fixed for up to 25 years. If your business is ready to grow and explore expansion opportunities, please contact Shandi Gebhardt Jones at 406-590-9037 or Shandi@GrowGreatFalls.org to discuss your options. 5) The Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program (AERLP) applications open April 1, 2026. The AELRP provides low interest loans to increase investments in alternative energy systems and energy conservation measures in Montana. Business entities in North Central Montana receive application scoring advantages. For more information or help with the application, contact Meranda Bass at msikes@mt.gov or 1-406-444-6586. 6) Montana’s leaders in business, energy, politics, and economic development are convening in Great Falls on Monday, April 13, 5:00 – 8:00 pm for a timely discussion on the state’s economic and energy opportunities. Energy experts will assess the challenges Montana faces, as well as remedies required to keep Montana among the most attractive states for business investment. The event is hosted by the Great Falls Development Alliance in conjunction with the Montana Energy Business Alliance. Advance registration is required. Reach out to Kristen Blue at Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-4989 with questions or for more information. 7) Great Falls is entering a period of significant growth. New business expansions and industry opportunities are moving from planning into action. These projects will strengthen our economy and create long term opportunity. Getting them across the finish line will take strong partnerships. Our investors and partners provide the support that helps turn plans into completed projects. Learn more about them by viewing this short video. Recent investments include: Advance Division—Sletten Construction. Some people watch growth happen. Others help make it happen. If you’re in the second group, you belong on this team! Reach out to Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org to learn more. 8) Jake connected with a new housing project lead for Great Falls and is working to schedule a site visit later this spring. Housing project interest has intensified in the first quarter of 2026 with over 20 projects in stages of pre-development and 6 unique product types looking to break ground this year. Time to look at your project and get it to the next step, reach out to Jake at 1-406-403-4937 or Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org. 9) Great Falls Regional APEX is helping small businesses strengthen their presence in the government marketplace by focusing on the development of impactful capability statements. Businesses are learning how to create targeted statements that clearly highlight their strengths and align with the needs of government buyers. A well-crafted capability statement is a powerful marketing tool that helps businesses stand out, build relationships with agencies and prime contractors, and position themselves for new contracting opportunities. To develop a capability statement that gives your business a competitive edge, contact Mariah Liebing at Mariah@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-217-2174. 10) This week the GFDA SBDC advising team worked with two clients on opposite sides of a business transition. One client is moving forward with the purchase of a business, while another is preparing their company for sale. Both situations require thoughtful preparation, clear financials, and careful planning. If buying or selling a business is on your horizon, contact our SBDC advising team: Rich Gannon at RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org, 1-406-836-2078, or Christian Nichols at CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org, 1-406-788-9385. 11) We’re excited to share that Helena Field School is expanding their services and will soon offer outdoor, play-based learning classes in Great Falls for children ages 18 months to 8 years. Classes take place primarily outdoors and feature hands-on activities like nature exploration, creative play, storytelling, and seasonal learning that help children build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. Fill out this form to be the first to hear about free trial classes and open enrollment for the upcoming Spring Session. For more information, contact Morgan Marks at ramblingandrooted@gmail.com. 12) Join us for the second Data Center Task Force meeting where we will hear from Rob Worden, President and CEO of Vision Net. Vision Net delivers innovative and reliable communications technology solutions that enable our customers to securely access, store, process and back up the information that is vital to their success. Hear about their existing data center and learn about their ideas for the future of data centers. March 30 from 5-6:30 PM at the Springhill Suites you can register here. We held our first task force meeting on February 23 and you can click here for the notes from our first Data Center Task force. 13) The Department of Defense SkillBridge program offers a valuable but underutilized pathway for employers to connect with transitioning service members ready to enter the civilian workforce. Spring application enrollment is open February 1–April 1, and new providers can begin the process through the DoD SkillBridge Application 2026. Businesses interested in participating can also learn more during the SkillBridge New Provider Application Process Information Session on March 18, 2026, from 2:00–3:30 PM EST, with registration opening March 13; see the recent KRTV coverage highlighting the program’s impact in Montana. Learn how your organization can participate in SkillBridge and connect with talented transitioning service members. 14) Sara Niccum assisted regional businesses who are preparing applications for USDA’s Value Added Producer Grant. The grant funds operating expenses for producer-owned projects including salaries, supplies, and feasibility studies. This grant, along with the Ag West Farm Credit New Producer Grant offer equitable opportunities for producers who are trying to create new value through the agriculture economy. If you have ideas for creating new business through food and agriculture, reach out the GFDA’s Food and Ag Development Center director at (406) 590-1301 or Sara@GrowGreatFalls.org. We couldn’t do this without our amazing Investors and partners, thank you! “Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.” Samuel Johnson Edition 728 |
