Grow Great Falls Montana

Webinar: Holiday Promos – How Small Businesses Can Capitalize on the Holiday Rush
2025-11-06 11:00 - 11:30 (America/Denver) | MT
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.

Veteran-to-Veteran Social Networking Event
2025-11-07 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Denver)
Annie’s Tap House, Oki Eats, Great Falls Development Alliance and Big Sky Economic Development are proud to host the 2025 Veteran-to-Veteran Social Gathering Event.
This special event will feature Joseph Mayden, a Montana based destination, wedding adventure photographer and 2024 Veteran Owned Business of the Year as our guest speaker.
Join us to connect, network and socialize with other Veterans.
Friday November 7th from 5:00-7:00 PM, at Annie’s Tap House in Downtown Great Falls, Montana.

For more information, contact Christian Nichols at 1-406-788-9385 or CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org.

Veterans Day
2025-11-11
Thank you, U.S. Military service members and families – we appreciate you!!

Unlocking Montana's Business Potential: Economic and Energy opportunities
2025-11-11 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Denver)
Montana’s leaders in business, energy, politics, and economic development are convening in Helena for a timely discussion on the state’s economic and energy opportunities. These experts will assess the challenges Montana faces with rising electricity prices and demand, as well as remedies required to keep Montana among the most attractive states for business investment.
Hosted by Montana Energy Business Alliance
November 11th in Helena, MT: 5 PM – 8 PM

RSVP here, or reach out to Kristen Blue at Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-4949 for more information.

GFDA Board & Council Meeting
2025-11-13 08:00 - 09:30 UTC
GFDA Board & Council Agenda 11-13-25 GFDA Board & Council Agenda 11-13-25
Click HERE for Minutes

Great Falls College: Heritage Hall
2100 16th Ave South; Great Falls, MT 59405
OR
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/94014829623?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 940 1482 9623
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
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Dial by your location
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Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adzGlXYsfN

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!

GFDA Executive Committee Meeting
2025-11-19 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Denver)
GFDA Exec Agenda 11-19-25
Click HERE for Minutes

AE2S CONFERENCE ROOM
West 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 3941
Passcode: [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

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

Entrepreneur Celebration
2025-11-19 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Denver)
Have you started a business in the Great Falls region? We want to celebrate YOU!
Starting a business is not easy! Join us for the second annual Entrepreneur Celebration at The Newberry on November 19th from 5-6 PM and get recognized for your awesome achievement.
This celebration is for anyone who has ever started a business in the entire 13-county Great Falls region:
Blaine, Cascade, Chouteau, Fergus, Glacier, Hill, Judith Basin, Lewis & Clark, Liberty, Meagher, Pondera, Teton or Toole County.
Register in advance here so we have a head count!
Contact Jake Clark for more information:
Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org
1-406-403-4937

Downtown Great Falls: Ladies’ Night Out
2025-11-20 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Denver)
Downtown Great Falls will celebrate Ladies’ Night Out on Thursday, November 20, from 5:00–8:00 PM, with participating restaurants extending the fun through dinner and cocktails until 10:00 PM.
This signature downtown event invites residents and visitors to enjoy an evening of shopping, dining, and community spirit—no tickets required. Retailers and restaurants will offer extended hours, exclusive promotions, and festive experiences that highlight the vibrant downtown scene and kick off the holiday season in style.
Full event details and business participation information are available here.

OFFICE CLOSED: Staff Holiday
2025-11-27, 2025-11-28

GFDA Board & Council Meeting
2025-12-04 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Denver)
GFDA Board & Council Agenda 12-4-25
Click HERE for Minutes

Great Falls College: Heritage Hall
2100 16th Ave South; Great Falls, MT 59405
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

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!

GFDA Brownfields Advisory Committee
2025-12-08 13:30 - 14:30 (America/Denver)
In-Person Committee Meeting with Zoom Option

Committee Roles & Expectations
Project Review/Update
Catalyst Redevelopment Project

Location:
Great Falls Development Alliance, Conference Room
405 3rd Street NW, Suite 203
Great Falls, MT 59404

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/93582590568?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 935 8259 0568
Passcode: [REDACTED]
—
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,93582590568#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (Houston)
+14086380968,,93582590568#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (San Jose)
Join instructions
https://zoom.us/meetings/93582590568/invitations?signature=7PQI9HOqFkfWd_zmngs8hM4wyULuLqPy93oJIgOnb6g

Understanding Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) in Federal Contracting
2025-12-10 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-08 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-28 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

GFDA Executive Committee Meeting
2025-12-19 08:00 - 09:30, 2026-01-21 08:00 - 09:30, 2026-02-18 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Denver)
Click HERE for Minutes

AE2S CONFERENCE ROOM
West 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 3941
Passcode: [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

OFFICE CLOSED: New Year's Day
2026-01-01

GFDA Board & Council Meeting
2026-01-08 08:00 - 09:30, 2026-02-05 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Denver)
Click HERE for Minutes

Great Falls College: Heritage Hall
2100 16th Ave South; Great Falls, MT 59405

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

Ignite
2026-01-09 07:30 - 11:00 (America/Denver)
Friday, January 9th
The Newberry
Downtown Great Falls, Montana

Attend The Event:
High energy, short presentations showcasing capital investments in our region that start or finish in 2026.
This is your chance to connect with industry leaders, explore new opportunities, and support the growth of our region.
Tentative Schedule:
Networking: 7:30-8:00AM
Presentations: 8:00-10:30AM
Networking: 10:30-11:00AM
We recommend parking in the North Parking Garage at 17 4th Street N!
REGISTER HERE!

Showcase or Announce your Capital Project:
We’re looking for presenters to join Ignite 2026 in downtown Great Falls! This annual event celebrates the exciting projects, expansions, and initiatives launching across Great Falls and North Central Montana in the coming year. Whether you’re a business, nonprofit, or public agency with something new on the horizon, we want to feature your story!
Presentations are open to all business, government agency, or non-profit projects launching, expanding, or finishing up construction in 2026 across the Great Falls Region of North Central Montana:
Blaine, Cascade, Chouteau, Fergus, Glacier, Hill, Judith Basin, Lewis & Clark, Liberty, Meagher, Pondera, Teton or Toole Counties

For more information or to be part of the lineup, contact:
Christian Leinhauser
CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org
1-406-836-0136

View Past Event Information and Photos Here: Ignite

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.

What Happens After SAM!
2026-01-21 08:00 - 17:00 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/41671

Wednesday, January 21, 2026
11:30 AM (MDT)
Virtual
Free

OFFICE CLOSED: President’s Day
2026-02-16

Boost Your Business: Pricing Strategy (Is Your Price Right)?
2026-02-19 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.

February: Pricing Strategy (Is Your Price Right)?

Do you know if you are charging the right amount for your products or services? We will cover breakeven analysis, considerations when setting prices, market fluctuations, adjustments for seasonal considerations and understanding cost basis.

Please bring “real” examples of your products/services if you would like on-the-spot counseling for your pricing strategy. We will do our best to accommodate as many examples as possible.

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.
