Grow Great Falls Montana

Holiday: OFFICE CLOSED
2027-02-15 08:00 - 17:00, 2027-01-01 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-12-25 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-12-24 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-11-27 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-11-26 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-07 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Denver)

Customer Service for the Win
2026-11-19 08:30 - 09:30 (America/Denver) | Great Falls Association of Realtors, 401 13th Avenue S, Great Falls, MT, 59405, United States
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.
November Boost Your Business Workshop: Customer Service for the Win

The relationship you build with your customers makes all the difference in retention, referrals, increased sales, feedback and reviews. What does excellent customer service look like for your business? Join us for an interactive training and conversation on customer service for the WIN! Please bring your best customer service practices to share, as well as where you struggle with building customer relationships.
Brought to you by Great Falls Development Alliance and the Great Falls Area Chamber of CommerceClick Here for all 2026 Boost Your Business Workshops.

Getting the Right Message to the Right Audience
2026-10-15 08:30 - 09:30 (America/Denver) | Great Falls Association of Realtors, 401 13th Avenue S, Great Falls, MT, 59405, United States
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.
October Boost Your Business Workshop:Getting the Right Message to the Right Audience

Who you are marketing to matters! Are you getting the right message to the right audience? Join us for an interactive training and conversation on identifying key target markets and creating the right messages for those markets. We will put extra emphasis on holiday strategies.
Brought to you by Great Falls Development Alliance and the Great Falls Area Chamber of CommerceClick Here for all 2026 Boost Your Business Workshops.

Getting Ready for the Bank
2026-09-17 08:30 - 09:30 (America/Denver) | Great Falls Association of Realtors, 401 13th Avenue S, Great Falls, MT, 59405, United States
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.
September Boost Your Business Workshop: Getting Ready for the Bank

You have a business idea and need to get a loan to get started-where do you go and what do you need to have ready? Join us for this interactive training and conversation around what you need to be “bank ready”.
Brought to you by Great Falls Development Alliance and the Great Falls Area Chamber of CommerceClick Here for all 2026 Boost Your Business Workshops.

GFDA Executive Committee Meeting
2026-07-15 08:00 - 09:30, 2026-06-17 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Denver) | AE2S Conference Room, 405 3rd St NW, Suite 205, Great Falls, MT, 59404, United States
Click HERE for Minutes
AE2S CONFERENCE ROOMWest Bank Landing, Portage Bldg (behind The Peak)405 3rd St NW, Suite 205; Great Falls, MT 59404
OR
Join Zoom Meeting:https://zoom.us/j/97551413941?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 975 5141 3941Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile+16699009128,,97551413941#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (San Jose)+12532158782,,97551413941#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acHlCWKIWF

GFDA Board & Council Meeting
2026-07-09 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Denver) | Great Falls College: Heritage Hall, 2100 16th Ave South, Great Falls, MT, 59405, United States
Click HERE for Minutes
Great Falls College: Heritage Hall2100 16th Ave South; Great Falls, MT 59405
OR
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/94014829623?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 940 1482 9623Passcode: [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

Using AI to Generate Your Marketing Campaign
2026-06-18 08:30 - 09:30 (America/Denver) | Great Falls Association of Realtors, 401 13th Avenue S, Great Falls, MT, 59405, United States
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.
June Boost Your Business Workshop: Using AI to Generate Your Marketing Campaign

Join us as we explore some of the basic tools for AI and how you can use them to generate marketing campaigns. Please bring your laptop, tablet or phone as you will begin creating a campaign during this interactive workshop.
Brought to you by Great Falls Development Alliance and the Great Falls Area Chamber of CommerceClick Here for all 2026 Boost Your Business Workshops.

GFDA Board & Council Meeting
2026-06-04 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Denver) | Great Falls College: Heritage Hall, 2100 16th Ave South, Great Falls, MT, 59405, United States
AGENDA Attached BelowClick HERE for Minutes
Great Falls College: Heritage Hall2100 16th Ave South; Great Falls, MT 59405
OR
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/94014829623?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 940 1482 9623Passcode: [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

GFDA Board & Council Agenda 6-4-26Download

GFDA Annual Meeting
2026-06-02 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Denver) | The Newberry, 420 Central Avenue, Great Falls, 59405, United States
You’re invited to the Great Falls Development Alliance’s Annual Meeting!
Join us as we reflect on the past year’s achievements, share updates on significant ongoing projects, and outline our strategic priorities for the upcoming year. This also marks our 4th Annual Ally Awards, recognizing individuals who have shown exceptional commitment and support to our mission. It’s an excellent opportunity to hear directly from the GFDA team, connect with partners and investors, and learn how we’re working to strengthen the regional economy. No cost to attend. Bring a guest and join us!
We recommend parking in the North Parking Garage at 17 4th Street N.
View Past Meetings, Ally Award Winners and Photos Here:GFDA Annual Meeting

For more information, contact:

GFDA Executive Committee Meeting
2026-05-29 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Denver) | AE2S Conference Room, 405 3rd St NW, Suite 205, Great Falls, MT, 59404, United States
See AGENDA Attached Below

Click HERE for Minutes

AE2S CONFERENCE ROOMWest Bank Landing, Portage Bldg (behind The Peak)405 3rd St NW, Suite 205; Great Falls, MT 59404
OR

Join Zoom Meeting:https://zoom.us/j/97551413941?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 975 5141 3941Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile+16699009128,,97551413941#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (San Jose)+12532158782,,97551413941#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acHlCWKIWF

GFDA Exec Agenda 5-29-26 Second RevisedDownload

OFFICE CLOSED: Memorial Day
2026-05-25

Understanding Financial Ratios & Why They Matter
2026-05-20 08:30 - 09:30 (America/Denver) | AE2S Conference Room, 405 3rd St NW, Suite 205, Great Falls, MT, 59404, United States
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.
May Boost your Business Workshop: Understanding Financial Ratios & Why They Matter in Your Business

Would your business benefit from understanding how well your company can meet debt obligations, generate profits, and use resources effectively? Join us as we learn how to do financial ratios and why they matter in your business. We will use real examples and demonstrate why integrating this practice into your forecasting and profit/loss analysis can make all the difference in running an efficient and effective high performing, profitable business.
Brought to you by Great Falls Development Alliance and the Great Falls Area Chamber of CommerceClick Here for all 2026 Boost Your Business Workshops.

Data Center Task Force Meeting
2026-05-18 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Denver) | Great Falls College MSU – Heritage Hall
Please join us for our third data center task force meeting. Alan Bronec, Director of Infrastructure for Cushing Terrell will be ourexpert speaker. Alan is a licensed professional engineer in 21 states and has over 30 years of experience designing complex electrical systems both domestically and internationally. Alan has designed a number of data centers of varying sizes and has deep expertisein data center trends, challenges, evolving technologies, and regulations. Agenda:

Introduction and Presentation by Alan Bronec, PE

Q and A

Debrief on notes from last meeting

Next Steps Details:Monday, May 185:00PM – 6:30PMGreat Falls College MSU – Heritage HallGreat Falls, MT 59405 Please RSVP:https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/9d8kjn2

GFDA Board & Council Meeting
2026-05-15 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Denver) | Great Falls College: Heritage Hall, 2100 16th Ave South, Great Falls, MT, 59405, United States
Agenda attached below.Click HERE for Minutes
Great Falls College: Heritage Hall2100 16th Ave South; Great Falls, MT 59405

GFDA Board & Council Agenda 5-15-26Download

What happens after SAM? - Unlock New Business Opportunities!
2026-05-13 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Denver)
What Happens After SAM? 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/41676Details:· Wednesday, May 13, 2026· 11:30 AM (MDT)· Virtual· Free

Meadowview Village Groundbreaking
2026-05-12 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Denver) | Meadowview Village, 27 46th Street South, Great Falls, MT, 59405
Meadowview Village is a 163-home community designed to bring new, attainable homeownership to Great Falls. Each home sits on its own lot and is built with a focus on efficient design, long-term durability, and predictable costs. These new homes will be initially sold directly to buyers, not held as rentals. That means real ownership, stable neighborhoods, and long-term value for the people who live there.There is strong demand for new homes in Great Falls, especially at price points that make sense for working families. Amenities will include two indoor pickleball courts, 40 feet of green space in front of each home, a clubhouse with a fitness center, a playground, and a dog run. This neighborhood is designed to meet local demand with a product that is practical, well-located, and built for how people actually live.The groundbreaking will be a short, focused event with project partners, community leaders, and local stakeholders.If you, or someone you know, are interested in following the project or exploring a future home in the community, join the interest list here:

If you have questions about the event, please reach out to:

Do Business with Malmstrom Air Force Base!
2026-05-12 08:30 - 12:00 (America/Denver) | Great Falls College, 2100 16th Ave S, Great Falls, MT
Great Falls College, 2100 16th Ave S, Great Falls, MT Register Here:https://mtapex.neoserra.com/conferences/41683

Free Agenda:8:30 AM – Social Hour9:00 AM – Presentations BeginApproximately 11:30 AM – Closing Remarks and Networking

Great Falls APEX and the 341st Contracting Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base invite regional businesses to a half-day industry event designed to connect you directly with key contracting personnel. Hear firsthand from contracting teams across the Infrastructure, Services & Commodities, and Government Purchase Card (GPC) flights on how to do business with Malmstrom AFB and learn how to win work.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with Malmstrom Air Force Base contracting teams, gain valuable insight on positioning your business for success in government contracting, and discover new opportunities. Space may be limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Who Should Attend:

Companies with skilled offerings.

Those interested in forming partnerships.

Companies with local or regional presence.

How Civic, Community Engagement, and Branding Strengthen Rural Communities
2026-05-07 11:00 - 11:30 (America/Denver) | Virtual-Online Only
MSU and SBDC Small Business monthly webinar.Blazing New Trails into the Future: How Civic, Community Engagement, and Branding Strengthen Rural Communities Join special guest presenter Jennifer Anderson, Associate Specialist with MSU Extension Community Vitality, as she shares her experience and insights on bridging tradition and transformation—and how to strengthen rural communities.Webinar is Free. Please register at: https://mtsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/6216

SAME Big Sky Post-Sentinel Industry Day In-Person Event
2026-05-07 09:00 - 17:30 (America/Denver) | University of Providence, 1301 20th Street S, Great Falls, MT, 59405
The Great Falls Development Alliance is proud to serve as a sponsor of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Big Sky Post Sentinel Industry Day, with the Great Falls APEX Accelerator team in attendance and hosting a table at the event. This event will provide updates on the Sentinel Program, featuring insights from the United States Air Force (USAF), United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and industry leaders.The Sentinel Industry Day is an essential gathering for professionals in the Architecture/Engineering/Construction sector interested in the Sentinel Program. The day will focus on providing comprehensive updates on the Sentinel Program, featuring key presentations from the U.S. Air Force (USAF), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Omaha District and Northwestern Division. Learn about the current status of the program, explore upcoming projects, and gain insights into future planning initiatives for the largest Defense Infrastructure investment in recent history.To Register for this event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/same-big-sky-post-sentinel-industry-day-tickets-1983087356667

To sponsor this event contact Nicole Rediske at Nicole.Rediske@tdhengineering.com

SAME Industry Day InviteDownload

Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Big Sky Post for a Pre–Industry Day Social Gathering
2026-05-06 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Denver) | The Station District Bar and Eatery (119 River Dr, Great Falls, MT, United States)
Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Big Sky Post Pre–Industry Day Social Gathering· Thursday, May 6, 2026· 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM (MDT)· Station District Bar and Eatery, 119 River Dr N, Great Falls, MT
The Great Falls Development Alliance is proud to serve as a sponsor of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Big Sky Post for a pre–Industry Day social gathering at The Station District Bar and Eatery in Great Falls, Montana.
This informal networking event takes place the evening before the Sentinel Industry Day and offers a valuable opportunity to connect with representatives from the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Omaha District and Northwestern Division, along with other industry professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction sectors.
Participation in the social event is available through the Industry Day registration; be sure to RSVP for this social event when securing your ticket: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/same-big-sky-post-sentinel-industry-day-tickets-1983087356667
To sponsor this event contact Nicole Rediske at Nicole.Rediske@tdhengineering.com

Cybersecurity Readiness
2026-04-29 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Denver) | Virtual/Zoom
Great Falls Regional SBDC and Great Falls Regional APEX will be presenting Cybersecurity Readiness: Basics + Government Contracting Requirements
Register: https://mtsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/6244
Date: 4/29/2026Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (MDT)Registration Deadline: 4/28/2026 5:00 PM (MDT)Fee: No Fee
Point of Contact = Rich Gannon: rgannon@growgreatfalls.org or (406) 836-2078
Program Format: Webinar – Live Online MeetingTraining Topics: Government Contracting
Description:
Join the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Great Falls APEX Advisors for a one-hour webinar focused on cybersecurity for small businesses. This session will be divided into two parts.
In Part One, the SBDC team will cover cybersecurity basics and provide a brief overview of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, helping businesses understand key steps to protect their operations.
In Part Two, the Great Falls APEX team will discuss the importance of cybersecurity in government contracting and outline practical ways to assess your organization’s cyber readiness when pursuing government contracts.
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River Activation Task Force Meeting
2026-04-23 17:00 - 18:30 UTC | Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, 4201 Giant Springs Road, Great Falls, Montana, 59405, United States
Join us for the launch of the River Activation Task Force on Thursday, April 23, from 5:00–6:30 PM at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. This kick-off meeting is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. Together, we’ll begin brainstorming ways to activate the Missouri and Sun Rivers through private investment, commercial development, and river-oriented businesses that grow tourism, recreation, and entertainment opportunities in Great Falls.Admission is free, but please register if you plan to attend. Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information, contact:

Using AI in Your Business: Shelby
2026-04-21 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Denver) | Shelby Comfort Inn, 455 McKinley Ave., Shelby, Montana, 59474, United States
Artificial intelligence isn’t just for big companies with big budgets. This session breaks down how small businesses can use AI right now to save time, reduce workload, and improve everyday operations—without needing technical skills.

Participants will leave with: Clear examples of AI tools small businesses can use today Simple prompts and workflows to improve efficiency Guidance on risks, limitations, and ethical use Ideas they can implement the same week, not “someday” This training is part of a statewide initiative with Small Business Development Centers across Montana.

You’ll attend in your local community, and your room will be connected with other cities across the state. This workshop is not designed for at-home individual participation—we’re creating an interactive, collaborative learning environment.

Location:Comfort Inn455 McKinley Ave.Shelby, MT 59474

Learn More/Register: https://mtsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/6251
