We employ a continuous strategic planning process focused on producing results that positively impact our region. Our public/private investors determine our strategic priorities through our elected and appointed Board of Directors. Below please find our current Strategic Plan which you can also download as a PDF here. You can also download our 2021 Business Development Plan, 2021 Talent Attraction Plan, and 2021 Operations Plan.

In September 2019, our Board approved Five New Initiatives which you can download here.

Our Mission
Grow diverse economic opportunities that enhance quality of life.

Our  Organizational Vision
Great Falls Development Authority will be a change agent, catalyst, and facilitator in the Great Falls region, fostering collaboration and partnerships to support diverse economic opportunities, innovation, and growth. Our economic development organization will be a high performing leader in attracting new investment and talent. Our work providing access to capital, consulting, training and resources for entrepreneurs, businesses, developers, and nonprofits will transform Great Falls and the surrounding 13-county trade area into a thriving regional economy that enhances the standard of living for our people.

Great Falls Region Community Vision 
The Great Falls Region will be a proud, positive, and vibrant community, which welcomes new people, new investments, and innovative opportunities while celebrating its authentic and diverse Montana culture. Our community will be a safe and inclusive place to raise families and will offer opportunities for individual growth and quality of life, which retains and grows our population. 

Value Proposition
Leadership and resources to make things happen that otherwise would not.

Business Startup, Retention & Expansion
Work with companies and entrepreneurs throughout our trade area to support business retention, expansion, and new business startups.

Business Attraction
Seek new, diversified business investment through market-based, targeted business attraction efforts.

Workforce
Work with partners to develop workforce skills and attract more talent.

Manufacturing Partnership
Work to expand and diversify targeted manufacturing industry clusters.

Downtown & Riverfront Redevelopment
Attract real estate and business investment in downtown Great Falls and the urban river corridor.

Commercial & Housing Development
Work with and attract real estate developers and retailers to invest in renovations, new construction, and new businesses.

Great Falls AgriTech Park
Develop and market shovel-ready, competitive heavy industrial sites to support business business retention, expansion, startups, and attraction.

Higher Wage Primary Sector Job Creation
Secure one new or expanded large employer.

Talent Attraction
Launch relocation marketing effort.

Digital Marketing
Enhance web sites and digital content marketing.

Digital/IT Industries
Assess opportunities to grow digital and information technology industries in the region.

River Corridor
Seek new private investment in development and businesses along Great Falls Missouri River corridor.

AgriTech Park
Secure one new capital-intensive park tenant.

Investment
Increase local investment in GFDA’s economic development efforts.

Advanced Manufacturing
Business Services
Defense
Energy
Food/Agriculture/BioScience
Healthcare
Logistics
Regional Retail/Services
Tourism

Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)
Provide gap and bridge financing for entrepreneurs, businesses, developers, and non-profits in our trade area. Facilitate access to additional sources and capital and tax incentives. Priority to grow our capital base to $15 million.

Community Development Corporation (CDC)
Provide SBA 504 loans statewide. Priority to grow our portfolio to $25 million.

Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Provide coaching, training and technical assistance to entrepreneurs and businesses in our trade area. Priority to increase resources/revenue to enhance value to more clients.

Food & Ag Development Center (FADC)
Grow and diversify food, agriculture, bioscience, and renewable energy industries in our trade area. Priority to increase agricultural production and value-added processing within region.

Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)
Provide coaching and training on government contracting to businesses in our trade area. Priority to increase resources/revenue to enhance value to more clients.

Brownfield Redevelopment
Provide environmental assessments and cleanup financing to businesses, developers and non-profits in our trade area. Priority to increase redevelopment of Great Falls downtown and riverfront properties.

Partnerships
Be a catalyst and leader for creation and strengthening of key community partnerships, including Downtown Development Partnership, Great Falls Tourism, and Montana Defense Alliance. See our Partnerships page.

• Benefit regional 13-county Great Falls trade area.
• Build on existing assets. Address weaknesses.
• Be driven by market threats and opportunities.
• Focus on maximum ROI for our investors.
• Balance mission impact and organizational health.

1. Documented investment, job creation, wages and benefits, revenue growth, business starts, and real estate success of our clients.
2. Our clients’ and partners’ evaluation of the value we bring to their success.
3. Key economic indicators of Great Falls MSA.