Past Events

Topic: Never before have we had four generations in the workforce. Why are work habits and communication styles so different between generations and how can we work together more effectively? Tara Mastel from MSU-Extension will share the importance of understanding generational differences in order to be successful going forward. This is a 30-minute webinar from 11-11:30am Mountain Time. Presenter: Tara Mastel, Associate Specialist - Leadership Development, Community Development Program Leader, MSU-Extension This training event will be presented online at:  http://www.msucommunitydevelopment.org/smallbusiness.html Hear…

In the coming weeks, food and drink establishments, caterers, mobile food operators, and other eligible applicants will be able to begin applying for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). The RRF will be making $28.6 billion in grants to hard-hit food service businesses to help offset lost revenue since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While details are not fully available, now is the time for eligible applicants to begin planning for the opening of the application portal. In partnership with…

In a world where social media can control your message, an email list is vital for your business. Social media is an amazing tool, but algorithms control your action. With an email list, no algorithms are involved – you are in control! They say your business grows as fast as your email list, so come learn how to start, grow, and cultivate your email list while making sales! Say goodbye to wasting money on advertising, and come to this ‘tutorial’…

Boots to Business - Reboot: Entity Selection and Resources for Your Business This is a pre-business workshop is being presented in partnership with the Malmstrom Air Force Base Diversity and Inclusion Council, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Region VIII Veterans Business Outreach Center and the Great Falls Small Business Development Center. Eligible attendees for Boots to Business are active duty service members, military spouses and families, and veterans of all branches of services. Content covered will include best practices…

Session #1 - Module 2 (Module 1 done prior to the workshop) 5/17/21 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (MDT) Session #2 - Modules 3-5 5/24/21 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (MDT) In our hands-on Profit Mastery workshops you'll learn to understand your financials, learn how to manage your business to increase profitability, and strengthen your relationship with your lender. Discover how to actively manage YOUR business and accomplish YOUR goals. Alongside other business owners and managers, you will analyze real-world…

Links to the agenda and Zoom meeting information can be found on our Executive Committee Page.

Have you been thinking about an idea and always wondered if you could make it a business? Are you a business owner but not a business school graduate? Are you passionate about the thing you do and don't know how to turn that passion into profit? Join GFDA and the Great Falls Small Business Development Center for The LaunchPoint, a business planning and strategies workshop that will walk through the key structures, available tools and why money is important before,…

Links to the agenda and Zoom meeting information can be found on our Board of Directors Page.

Topic: If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it's that consumer purchasing behavior has changed. Nearly every business in nearly every industry can use its website to take orders and receive payments. In this webinar, we'll highlight some of the largest e-commerce platforms, discuss the pros and cons of each, how to make your website generate revenue for your company, and why reducing payment friction will make for happier customers and a happier bank account. Register here - https://mtsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/4819

Developers, investors and business professionals throughout the Golden Triangle: join us Friday, June 4th at 7 AM as we continue our virtual installment of Investor Development Coffee. Come share and learn from other members with questions, concerns and updates about projects throughout the region. Now more than ever, keeping in touch and discussing how we find opportunities in the trade area is crucial. Join us via Zoom. If you would like to attend the meeting, email JSchalper@GrowGreatFalls.org or call 406.750.4481…

Links to the agenda and Zoom meeting information can be found on our Executive Committee Page.

Links to the agenda and Zoom meeting information can be found on our Board of Directors Page.

This webinar will discuss the hot topic of 2021...talent. As employers struggle to fill vacancies and are receiving fewer than normal applicants for openings, we'll discuss various ways to target, recruit, and attract labor. This won't be your standard 'pay more' or 'write a better job posting' presentation. We'll explore how seeking out underserved or untapped communities can help get your organization to full staffing. Learn more and register here - https://mtsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/4820  

Developers, investors and business professionals throughout the Golden Triangle: join us Friday, July 2nd at 7 AM as we continue our virtual installment of Investor Development Coffee. Come share and learn from other members with questions, concerns and updates about projects throughout the region. Now more than ever, keeping in touch and discussing how we find opportunities in the trade area is crucial. Join us via Zoom. If you would like to attend the meeting, email JSchalper@GrowGreatFalls.org or call 406.750.4481…

Links to the agenda and Zoom meeting information can be found on our Executive Committee Page.

Have you been thinking about an idea and always wondered if you could make it a business? Are you a business owner but not a business school graduate? Are you passionate about the thing you do and don't know how to turn that passion into profit? Join GFDA and the Great Falls Small Business Development Center for The LaunchPoint, a business planning and strategies workshop that will walk through the key structures, available tools and why money is important before,…

News flash! SAM.gov merged with beta.SAM.gov on May 24, 2021, giving a new modern look and feel to the platform that is now known only as SAM.gov. Join us while we explore the new modernized platform and cover what has changed, what will remain the same and the impactful advantages this will have when completing a new registration, updating an existing one, searching contract opportunities and much more. Registrants will receive a zoom link after completing their registration. This will…

Have you been thinking about an idea and always wondered if you could make it a business? Are you a business owner but not a business school graduate? Are you passionate about the thing you do and don't know how to turn that passion into profit? Join GFDA and the Great Falls Small Business Development Center for The LaunchPoint, a business planning and strategies workshop that will walk through the key structures, available tools and why money is important before,…

Links to the agenda and Zoom meeting information can be found on our Board of Directors Page.

Presenter: Brigitta Miranda-Freer, UM/MT World Trade Center This training event will be presented online at:  https://www.msucommunitydevelopment.org/smallbusiness.html Hear experts provide an overview of small business development topics and phone in or type/chat questions or comments. We will follow-up with requests for additional information. All webinars are free and open the public at 11 a.m. and will be recorded and archived. Learn more and register here - https://mtsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/4821  

Links to the agenda and Zoom meeting information can be found on our Executive Committee Page.

Presenter: Jennifer Stephens, SBDC Hear experts provide an overview of small business development topics and phone in or type/chat questions or comments. We will follow-up with requests for additional information. All webinars are free and open the public at 11 a.m. and will be recorded and archived. The Small Business Development Webinar Series is presented in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Montana Small Business Development Centers, Montana State University Extension, Montana Economic Developers Association, the Montana Department of…

Have you been thinking about an idea and always wondered if you could make it a business? Are you a business owner but not a business school graduate? Are you passionate about the thing you do and don't know how to turn that passion into profit? Join GFDA and the Great Falls Small Business Development Center for The LaunchPoint, a business planning and strategies workshop that will walk through the key structures, available tools and why money is important before,…

Links to the agenda and Zoom meeting information can be found on our Executive Committee Page.

Website Boot Camp, creating an E-commerce enabled website. 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?  Then join us for an in depth online training course we are calling our Website Bootcamp.  This three session course will teach participants how to create, build and maintain a business website from start to finish including the creation of an online store.  In…

Hear experts provide an overview of small business development topics and phone in or type/chat questions or comments. We will follow-up with requests for additional information. All webinars are free and open the public at 11 a.m. and will be recorded and archived. The Small Business Development Webinar Series is presented in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Montana Small Business Development Centers, Montana State University Extension, Montana Economic Developers Association, the Montana Department of Commerce with additional…

Is your business ready for the holiday shopping season? Within the next 3 years it is estimated that 20% of ALL retail sales will be done online.   If your business is not selling its products online you’re missing out on a valuable opportunity to grow and reach new customers. If you’d like to learn how to create an ecommerce enabled website, join us for our 3 part training series – the Website Bootcamp. We will teach participants to create a…

Links to the agenda and Zoom meeting information can be found on our Executive Committee Page.

Learn to create custom, branded graphics for your business quickly utilizing the powerful platform Canva. Presenter:  KJ Kahnle Register here - https://mtsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/4824

Links to the agenda and Zoom meeting information can be found on our Executive Committee Page.

Many blocks can occur in group interaction, competition, misunderstandings, resentment. In most cases, the origin of these blocks resides in a lack of clear communication. By learning how to express your ideas and being clear on purpose, you can create an atmosphere of growth and cooperation. During this course, participants will learn: The internal factors that block communication Opening channels of communication in team environments How to share and invite others into a project or idea Register here - https://mtsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/4825

Links to the agenda and Zoom meeting information can be found on our Executive Committee Page.