Grow Great Falls Montana

How to Obtain and Maintain DBE and SBE State Certifications Webinar
2024-05-30 13:00 - 14:00 UTC
Great Falls APEX Government Contracting Strategic Series for May.
Are you a small or disadvantaged business looking to unlock new opportunities in government contracting? Join Great Falls APEX for an informative session where we will be joined by Small Business Specialists for the Department of Transportation with the Civil Rights Bureau. Learn how to obtain and maintain the DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise for 51% woman or minority owned) and SBE (Small Business Enterprise for 50/50 husband/wife or 100% white male owned) state certifications.
To register, or learn more, visit the registration page HERE.

OFFICE CLOSED: Memorial Day
2024-05-27

Talent Attraction Reception for Employers
2024-05-15 16:00 - 17:00 UTC
Recruiters, HR directors, and individuals responsible for hiring within organizations; this event can offer valuable insights and strategies to enhance your recruitment efforts!
We will unveil the 2024 Livability magazine; share talent attraction resources available to employers; and have staff on hand to answer questions and help you connect with resources.
Your success is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

GFDA Executive Committee Meeting
2024-05-15 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-04-17 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-03-20 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-02-21 08:00 - 10:00 UTC
AE2S CONFERENCE ROOM
West Bank Landing, Portage Bldg (behind The Peak)
405 3rd St NW, Suite 205
OR
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/97551413941?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 975 5141 3941
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+16699009128,,97551413941#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (San Jose)
+12532158782,,97551413941#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location
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Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acHlCWKIWF

Business Plan Basics Webinar
2024-05-02 11:00 - 11:30 UTC
Learn the essential elements of crafting a compelling business plan and insights into structuring your plan effectively – making it a powerful tool for achieving your entrepreneurial goals.
REGISTER HERE or contact Small Business Advisor Rich Gannon with questions at 1-406-836-2078.

GFDA Board & Council Meeting
2024-05-02 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-04-04 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-02-29 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-01-04 08:00 - 10:00 UTC
Great Falls College: Heritage Hall
2100 16th Ave South
OR
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/94014829623?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 940 1482 9623
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,94014829623#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,94014829623#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (Houston)
Dial by your location
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adzGlXYsfN

Malmstrom Industry Day
2024-04-24 10:00 - 13:00 UTC
Join Great Falls APEX to engage with the 341st Contract Squadron Construction flight from Malmstrom Air Force Base to discover valuable insights on conducting business with the Air Force followed by an interactive question and answer Session.
This is an in-person event only!
For more information, or to register, CLICK HERE.

Have questions about how your business can do business with the government, or need help preparing for this event?
Contact Shannon Clancy: SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184

Government Contracting Strategic Series
2024-04-18 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Denver)
Join Great Falls APEX for an informative series that will focus on key topics in government contracting aimed at providing value and impact to Montana businesses.
This session will cover:

How to register as a vendor with Northrop Grumman
Creating an impactful Capability Statement and tips for submitting it effectively

Whether you’re a new or seasoned contractor navigating the complexities of government contracting, this is an opportunity to enhance your understanding and discover strategic tactics that will help with your success in the local, state, and federal marketplace.
For more information, or to register, CLICK HERE.

Fire Within
2024-04-18 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
Each year the Great Falls Development Alliance and community partners honor exemplary women in business through the Fire Within Award program. The program is comprised of two awards, the Inspire Award and the Aspire Award. We welcome nominations from the 13 county region we serve.
Since its inception 13 years ago, GFDA has given the Fire Within Award to 84 woman business owners.
Click Here to learn more!

Elevate and Manage Your Business Digital Footprint
2024-03-27 09:00 - 10:30 UTC
Date: 3/27/2024
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM (MDT)
Status: Open – 7 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 3/27/2024 8:00 AM (MDT)
Fee: No Fee
Workshop Address-
Great Falls Development Alliancce
405 3rd Street NW, Suite 203
Great Falls, MT
Register HERE
Point of Contact: Rich Gannon (406) 836-2078
Training Topics: eCommerce
Description:

Is your business struggling with its digital presence? Join our upcoming class to learn the skills necessary for navigating the digital landscape effectively. Additionally learn some basic AI (artificial intelligence) skills that can help with many aspects of digital marketing.
In this session 90-minute session we’ll cover the following:

Google Business Skills, learn how to create and optimization of your Google Business Profile to enhance visibility and attract a broader customer base.
SEO Success Tips, – help your website traffic grow by gaining practical insights into keyword research, on-page optimization, and off-page strategies to elevate your website’s search engine ranking.
Facebook for Business; Utilize Business Facebook to effectively communicate with your audience, create engaging content, and build a loyal customer base.
AI marketing basics: Learn how to access basic AI tools that can help round out your digital marketing effort.

You Got the Job, Now What?
2024-03-25 09:00 - 15:00 UTC
Are you interested in working on federal aid projects through the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), but are intimidated by all the requirements? Join us to learn from the experts what to expect when working on an MDT construction project. Whether you are new to working with MDT or have struggled to keep up with the requirements as a prime or subcontractor, this class is for you.
Date: March 25
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Hampton Inn – 2301 14th St SW Great Falls, Mt
Register HERE.
Event Contact: mdtdbeprogram@mt.gov

Night Out for Science
2024-03-23 16:00 - 20:00 UTC
Enjoy a steam-focused evening with fun activities, engaging speakers, appetizers, dinner, drinks, silent auction and more! Proceeds go to main scholarships for MSU students.
The cost is $100 per person or $550 per table (6 seats per table)

Exploring the DoD Mentor Protégé Program
2024-03-21 11:00 - 12:30 UTC
Date: 3/21/2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (MDT)
Status: Open – 500 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 3/21/2024 10:45 AM (MDT)
Fee: No Fee

Register HERE
Point of Contact: Shannon Clancy (406) 590-1184
Program Format: Online Meeting (Live)
Training Topics: DoD Mentor-Protégé Program Information
Description:
Join Great Falls Montana APEX as we host a virtual training on the DoD Mentor Protégé Program presented by Yolandra Nathaniel, Procurement Analyst, Office of Small Business Programs, Department of the Navy (DON). She will explore how this program helps eligible small businesses gain capacity and win government contracts through partnerships with more experienced companies and the various benefits as well as the participation requirements and regulations.

Website Bootcamp - Great Falls
2024-02-21 09:00 - 14:00 UTC
Date: 2/21/2024
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (MST)
Status: Open – 8 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 2/21/2024 8:00 AM (MST)
Fee: No Fee
Register for this workshop here.
Point of Contact: Rich Gannon (406) 836-2078
Training Topics: eCommerce
Description:

Does your business need a website? Are you intimidated or confused by the process? Would you like to learn how to create and manage your own business website?
Join us for an in-depth, one day training course, the Website Boot Camp – Website in a Day. This one day course will teach participants how to create, build and maintain a business website from start to finish, including the creating of an online store. Small Business Development Center (SBDC) business advisor Rich Gannon will teach users how to create websites using the Wix design platform. Wix is a powerful, all-inclusive website design tool that is easy to use and requires no coding skills.
You must supply your own laptop! Class is from 9AM -2PM with a break for lunch.

OFFICE CLOSED: President's Day
2024-02-19

GFDA Board & Council Meeting
2024-02-01 08:00 - 10:00 UTC
Great Falls College: Heritage Hall
2100 16th Ave South
OR
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/94014829623?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 940 1482 9623
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,94014829623#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,94014829623#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (Houston)
Dial by your location
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adzGlXYsfN

Is Your Computer System Secure Enough?
2024-01-24 08:00 - 10:00 UTC
Date: 1/24/2024 10:00
Status: Open – 54 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 1/24/2024 8:00 AM (MST)
Fee: No Fee
Register for this workshop here.
Point of Contact: Lynnette Hale (406) 869-8413
Program Format: Online Meeting (Live)
Training Topics: Cybersecurity Assistance, Project Spectrum Training
Description:
Please join the Montana APEX and Project Spectrum for a VIRTUAL webinar to learn more about Cybersecurity requirements for Federal Contracting. Project Spectrum is a U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) recognized cybersecurity awareness initiative offering resources, training, and tools toward increasing cybersecurity awareness for businesses. The webinar will be an overview of Project Spectrum support and resources & overview cybersecurity requirements. Topics to Cover: * Current Cyber Threat Landscape * Why Small Businesses are Lucrative Targets * Government Guidance, Mandates and Requirements (NIST, CMMC, FAR, DFARS) * Project Spectrum’s Cyber Advisory Services * Project Spectrum’s Training Courses * Project Spectrum’s Proprietary Cybersecurity Tool Development * Engagement with Project Spectrum Who should attend? Any business in any industry who are interested in learning more about cybersecurity compliance. The importance of cybersecurity compliance will be essential when pursuing government contracts. Join the webinar to learn more about CMMC levels (1,2 & 3), NIST SP 800-171, FAR 52.204.21 and DFARS 252.204-7020 compliance. Don’t miss this FREE webinar to learn more about cybersecurity and cybersecurity tools aimed toward improving overall cyber hygiene for ALL businesses!
Instructions: This is a virtual event. A zoom link and calendar invite will be provided upon registration.

Securing America's Supply! Defending Together
2024-01-10 11:00 - 12:00 UTC
Date: 1/10/2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (MST)
Status: Open – 100 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 1/10/2023 8:00 AM (MST)
Fee: No FeePoint of Contact: Lillian Sunwall, GFDA APEX Accelerator
If you have questions about this workshop please contact Lillian Sunwall at 1-406-750-1253 or at LSunwall@GrowGreatFalls.org.
Program Format: Online Meeting (Live)
Training Topics: Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III Support

Description:
Learn how the Defense Production Act Title III may provide government contracting opportunities for your company. DPA Title III is a program dedicated to ensuring the timely availability of essential domestic industrial resources to support national defense and homeland security requirements. The program works in partnership with the uniformed services, other government agencies, and industry to identify areas where critical industrial capacity is lagging or non-existent. Why Attend? DPA Title III offers a powerful, nontraditional way for companies to do business with the federal government. Under Title III, contractors may receive loans, direct investments, purchase commitments and other assistance to help address actual or projected shortfalls in the domestic supply of certain industrial resources and critical technology items.
Instructions: Zoom link will be sent via email after registration is completed.

Ignite
2024-01-05 08:00 - 10:00 UTC
This in-person and online event format is simple and quick – three-minute presentations on business startups, business expansions, real estate developments and capital projects that will either start or open in 2024. This event is a go-to for market information.
Click Here to learn more!

GFDA Board & Council Meeting
2023-11-02 08:00 - 10:00, 2023-10-05 08:00 - 10:00 UTC

Get Cybersecurity Ready!
2023-10-24 10:00 - 23:00 UTC
Join the Montana APEX and Project Spectrum for a webinar on October 24 at 10 AM to learn more about cybersecurity requirements for federal contracting. Project Spectrum is a U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) recognized cybersecurity awareness initiative offering resources, training, and tools toward increasing cybersecurity awareness for businesses. The webinar will be an overview of Project Spectrum support and resources & overview cybersecurity requirements.

Invest Downtown
2023-10-18 09:00 - 11:00 UTC
