Grow Great Falls Montana

Elevate and Manage Your Business Digital Footprint
2024-11-13 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Denver)
Is your business struggling with its digital presence? Join the Small Business Development Center as we share how to navigate the digital landscape effectively and basic AI (Artificial Intelligence) skills that can help:

Google Business Skills
SEO Success Tips
Facebook for Business
AI marketing Basics

To Register or Learn More, CLICK HERE!

ADU Public Information Forum with Brock Cherry
2024-11-14 09:00 - 10:15 (America/Denver)
The Great Falls Association of Realtors, in partnership with the Great Falls Development Alliance and the City of Great Falls, will host this public forum to provide essential information about Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and the implementation of Montana Code Annotated 76-2-345. Whether you’re a realtor, homeowner, builder, developer, or curious community member, this event is designed to offer valuable insights on ADU regulations, financing, and practical steps for moving forward.
To Register or Learn More, CLICK HERE!

MT APEX Virtual - Take Action! Move Beyond SAM!
2024-11-20 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Denver)
Please join the Montana APEX for a high-level VIRTUAL training on how the federal government and State of Montana purchases products and services.
Topics include:

Federal and State of MT purchasing thresholds
Conducting market research
Federal purchasing vehicles (methods)
Where to find opportunities and how to get automatic notices
Marketing your business to government agencies
Tips on finding subcontracting opportunities
Q & A session

Join us if you are interested in developing a focused market strategy for the government segment.
To Register or Learn More, CLICK HERE!

Tuesday Training: How to License Your New Meat Processing Business
2024-11-26 12:00 - 12:30 (America/Denver)
Have you been thinking about starting your own meat processing business? Are you an existing custom-exempt meat processor wanting to expand your market? Have you ever been curious about the difference between different levels of meat processing licensing?
If so, join GFDA’s Food and Ag Development Center and Alicia Love, Bureau Chief of the Meat, Milk, and Egg Inspection Bureau of the Montana Department of Livestock as she explains the different types of licenses for meat processors.
To Register or Learn More, CLICK HERE!

Let's Get Prepped: VAPG Webinar
2024-12-04 11:30 - 12:00 (America/Denver)
Interested in applying for funding for value-added agriculture? Join us as we discuss how to get ready for 2025 cycle.

SAM Registration
eAuthentication Requirements
Application Cycle Overview

CLICK HERE to Register or Learn More!

Small Business Webinar Series: How to successfully navigate the business loan process.
2024-12-05 11:00 - 11:30 (America/Denver)
Join Erin Townsend, Bravera Business Banking Officer, for an engaging webinar on how to successfully navigate the business loan process. Erin will walk you through the essential steps to become a strong loan candidate and find the right lender.
Whether you’re a startup or an established business looking to expand, this session will provide practical tips on building strong lender relationships and addressing potential challenges. Take advantage of this opportunity to streamline your journey to securing the financing your business needs!
CLICK HERE to Register!

Introduction to Motivational Interviewing: Guiding Behavior Change
2024-12-09 - 2024-12-10
Motivational Interviewing is the #1 researched and most effective method for helping people make changes. Nicotine Cessation, medical, social services, education, probation, counseling, and even dental fields all use Motivational Interviewing. This event will teach you what Motivational Interviewing is and how you can effectively use it in your workplace or practice.
CEU certificate available if attending both days.
To Learn More or Register, CLICK HERE!

Tuesday Training: It's in the Bag - Business & Ag Together
2024-12-10 12:00 - 12:30 (America/Denver)
Farms are businesses and can benefit from the same business planning, financial projecting, and market analysis as any other small business.
Join GFDA’s Food and Ag Development Center and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) as Regional Director, Deb McGregor discusses the “BAG” of resources and assistance available to farmers and value-added ag processors.
To Register, CLICK HERE!

Take Action! Move Beyond SAM! (Virtual Training)
2024-12-18 11:30 - 13:00 UTC
To Register CLICK HERE!
Please join the Montana APEX for a high-level VIRTUAL training on how the federal government and State of Montana purchases products and services.
Topics include:
– Federal and State of MT purchasing thresholds
– Conducting market research
– Federal purchasing vehicles (methods)
– Where to find opportunities and how to get automatic notices
– Marketing your business to government agencies
– Tips on finding subcontracting opportunities
– Q & A session
Who should attend? Any business in any industry that is interested in developing a focused market strategy for the government segment. It is not a requirement to already be registered in SAM or eMACS to attend the training. However, we will not be going over the registration process in this training.

Let's Get Prepped: Value Added Producer Grant Webinar
2025-01-07 12:00 - 13:30, 2025-01-08 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Denver)
USDA Rural Development and the MT Food & Ag Development Center Network training on the 2025 Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG).
Training available January 7th or January 8th.
Join Marlee Johnston, USDA Regional Director as we discuss:

getting started
application nuts and bolts
eligibility components
VAPG portal submissions
SAM registration
eAuthentication Verification

To Register, CLICK HERE!

Top Five For 2025—Integrating the Best HR Strategic Planning Steps
2025-01-09 11:00 - 11:30 (America/Denver)
Deborah Jenkins is a speaker, leadership development and workforce trainer, human resource (HR) management consultant, and executive coach with over 25 years of experience as an HR and accounting profession.
She’ll be discussing the top 5 things you can do in 2025 in for Human Resouces in your business.
Register Here!

Idea to Income
2025-01-14 17:30 - 18:30 UTC
Join us for our live one hour training designed to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the fundamentals of launching a successful small business. We’ll cover essential topics such as defining your target customers, understanding costs, and building a solid foundation for your business. Whether you’re in the idea stage or have just started, this class will provide the tools and insights you need to confidently move forward and bring your business vision to life. There is no fee to attend the session.

What happens after SAM? Unlock New Business Opportunities!
2025-01-15 11:30 - 13:00 UTC
Please join the Montana APEX Accelerator for a strategic VIRTUAL training on how YOU can sell your company’s products/services to federal and state agencies. Topics include: – Federal and State of MT purchasing thresholds – Conducting market research – Federal purchasing vehicles (methods) – Where to find opportunities and how to get automatic notices – Marketing your business to government agencies – Tips on finding subcontracting opportunities – Q & A session Who should attend? Any business in any industry that is interested in developing a focused market strategy for the government segment. It is not a requirement to already be registered in SAM or eMACS to attend the training. However, we will not be going over the registration process in this training.

NCATS SBIR/STTR Funding: Translating Your Research into Real-World Impact
2025-01-22 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Denver)
Join us to learn about the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs – non-dilutive funding and commercialization assistance tailored for translational science innovators! Discover how these programs can support researchers like you in navigating the journey to commercialization.
In this engaging session, you’ll gain:

Insight into the NCATS SBIR/STTR programs and upcoming funding opportunities
Tips for submitting a successful application
Guidance on building strong partnerships and achieving commercialization goals
A closer look at the Montana ecosystem and resources available to support your research

We’ll highlight the STTR program, which promotes collaboration between small businesses and research institutions, and be joined by technology transfer leadership from Montana State University and the University of Montana.
Learn more about our speakers and register HERE!

Explore Business Opportunities With The U.S. Forest Service
2025-01-23 13:00 - 16:00 UTC
To Register CLICK HERE!
At this in-person event, businesses will gain valuable insights on how to successfully engage with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). You’ll have the opportunity to network, present your capability statement, and connect directly with USFS representatives and potential partners. This is your chance to stay competitive and ready for the 2025 season.
Topics will include:
• USFS Mission and Overview
• Current Opportunities
• Commonly Purchased Products/Services
• Forecast of Upcoming Opportunities
• Requirements for Doing Business with USFS
• VIPR Solicitations
• AIMS Dispatch Priority Lists

Tuesday Training: Made in Montana, Agritourism, & More!
2025-01-28 12:00 - 12:30 UTC
Have you wanted to diversify your on farm income by inviting guests to learn more about your farm or ranch? Are you curious about what those colorful ‘Made in Montana’ stickers are all about? Do you want to know what support the MT Department of Commerce offers to producers and processors in our state? Join the Great Falls Development Alliance’s Food and Ag Development Center and Susan Joy of the MT Department of Commerce for a webinar to learn more about resources available to Montanan food and ag business owners. In this webinar you’ll learn about: – The Made in Montana Program and how it can help your business – Key take aways from the Dept of Commerce’s Agritourism Grant – Tips for starting or expanding your own Agritourism business – & much more!

The Small Business Webinar Series - Montana Manufacturing Extension Center
2025-02-06 11:00 - 11:30 UTC
The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center is a statewide manufacturing outreach and assistance center staffed by full-time professionals with extensive experience in manufacturing and business in a variety of industries. Our mission is to grow Montana’s economy by helping manufacturers succeed.

Strategic Teaming Alliance Roundtable (STAR)
2025-02-06 13:00 - 14:00 UTC
Join Montana APEX Accelerator and Northrop Grumman for the first-quarter update of the Strategic Teaming Alliance Roundtable (STAR) series. Representatives from Northrop Grumman will share valuable tips and proven strategies to help businesses across all industries on building successful partnerships with Northrop Grumman, their subcontractors, and first-tier primes. This is a series of events, and new panelists will provide unique insights at each roundtable!
To learn more or register, CLICK HERE!

Business Blitz
2025-02-11 08:30 - 15:30 (America/Denver)
This full-day workshop covers everything you need to start or grow your business. Each session is designed to run independently, so join us for one session—or stay for the whole day!
Sessions include:

Legal Entity Formation: Learn about business structures, their pros and cons, and compliance requirements.
Business Planning: Dive into the Business Model Canvas, plan essentials, and SWOT analysis.
Financial Basics: Understand key financial concepts, break-even points, and practice with a hands-on exercise.
Identifying Your Target Audience: Discover strategies to define and reach your ideal customer.
Business Tools and Resources: Explore free and affordable tools for managing and marketing your business.
Marketing Essentials: Create a marketing plan to effectively promote your business.

Please REGISTER here. Lunch is included, and you’ll leave with practical tools and resources to help your business succeed!

Selling Homemade Food 101: Food Law and Liability
2025-02-19 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Denver)
Limited regulations does not mean limited liability under SB199. This webinar will provide an overview of what legal and liability considerations you need to keep in mind as a home-food producer. This session will be led by Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Montana, Cort Jensen.

What happens after SAM? - Unlock New Business Opportunities!
2025-02-19 11:30 - 13:00 UTC

Webinar: Holiday Promos – How Small Businesses Can Capitalize on the Holiday Rush
2025-11-06 11:00 - 11:30 (America/Denver)
Does your business have a strategy in place to maximize the holiday season? Join the MSU Extension/SBDC training program on Thursday, November 6th at 11:00 AM for a 30-minute interactive webinar focused on getting your business holiday-ready!
Quincy Walter, Small Business Advisor with Great Northern Development Corporate will be sharing ideas for promotions, marketing tactics and planning tools to help boost visibility and sales during the busiest time of the year.
Click here for more information and registration details.
This webinar is provided at no cost to you.

Montana World Trade Center Regulated Export Training
2025-11-13 08:25 - 12:30 (America/Denver)
Montana World Trade Center Regulated Export/Export Control Training with Justin Cook
My company has Department of Defense contracts –what does that mean for my firm for Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)? Does my product need a license for export? What’s considered dual use? Is my conversation with a prospective foreign buyer considered a deemed export? What actually constitutes controlled unclassified information? And what are my cybersecurity and data security obligations when dealing with the federal government and export licensing?
Take a deep dive with MWTC Tech Export Team member Justin Cook about the dos and do nots of export licensing and compliance. Learn about export control policies, regulations, and compliance programs before you engage in export. If you’re already engaged, make sure your entire team understands the basics.

Thursday, 11/13
8:25 AM – 12:30 PM
Virtual
$99–Morning session only
$159–Morning session + 1:1 afternoon consultation

CLICK HERE to register!

NOVEMBER-What Happens After SAM!
2025-11-19 11:30 - 13:00 UTC
Unlock New Business Opportunities!
Please join the Montana APEX Accelerator for a strategic VIRTUAL training on how YOU can sell your company’s products and services to federal and state agencies.

Who Should Attend?
Any business in any industry that is interested in developing a focused market strategy for the government segment. It is not a requirement to already be registered in SAM or eMACS to attend the training. However, we will not be going over the registration process in this training. Register here: https://mtapex.ecenterdirect.com/events/41645

Wednesday, November 19, 2025
11:30 AM (MDT)
Virtual
Free

Small Business Webinar: Entrepreneur Spotlight – From Side Hustle to National Sales
2025-12-04 11:00 - 11:30 (America/Denver)
Join us for a special 30-minute webinar interview with entrepreneur Amber Hofstad, co-founder of Windrift Hill, a Montana-based goat’s milk soap company. Amber will share how she turned a small-batch side hustle into a full-time business with a production team and nationwide shipping—all while keeping her products handmade and locally made in Montana.
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about growth, grit, and building a brand from the ground up.
CLICK HERE for more information or to register!

Understanding Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) in Federal Contracting
2025-12-10 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-08 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Denver)
Join Montana APEX Accelerator for a high-level overview of Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI). Gain a clear understanding of how it can impact your ability to compete for and maintain federal contracts.
This session will demystify the concept, explain compliance requirements, and outline practical steps to identify and mitigate potential FOCI risks. Whether your business is currently contracting with the government or exploring new contract opportunities, this overview will help you strengthen your readiness and protect your eligibility in the federal marketplace.
REGISTER HERE!

DECEMBER-What Happens After SAM!
2025-12-17 11:30 - 13:00 UTC
Unlock New Business Opportunities!
Please join the Montana APEX Accelerator for a strategic VIRTUAL training on how YOU can sell your company’s products and services to federal and state agencies.

Who Should Attend?
Any business in any industry that is interested in developing a focused market strategy for the government segment. It is not a requirement to already be registered in SAM or eMACS to attend the training. However, we will not be going over the registration process in this training. Register here: https://mtapex.ecenterdirect.com/events/41645

Wednesday, December 17, 2025
11:30 AM (MDT)
Virtual
Free

Boost Your Business: Google Business Pages & SEO
2026-01-15 08:30 - 09:30 (America/Denver)
Level up your business skills and stay ahead of the curve with Boost Your Business, a FREE in-person training series designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals across all industries. Each month, we dive into a new topic—marketing, leadership, finance, operations, technology, and more—to give you practical tools you can use right away.

January 15th: Google Business Pages & SEO
This is a hands-on opportunity to work on your Google page and website throughout the session. Business Advisors will be present and ready to assist you.

Dig into your Google page: Make sure your listing is accurate, learn how to receive referrals and deal with negative comments.
Dig into your website’s SEO: Learn how to make changes to help your website’s performance.

CLICK HERE to Register!

Brought to you by Great Falls Development Alliance and the Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
Click Here for all 2026 Boost Your Business Workshops.
