Grow Great Falls Montana

OFFICE CLOSED: Staff Holiday
2024-12-25, 2025-05-16 | MT

OFFICE CLOSED: New Year's Day
2025-01-01

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!

GFDA Board & Council Meeting
2025-01-09 08:00 - 10:00 UTC
GFDA Board & Council Agenda 1-9-25 SECOND REVISED
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

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!

Ignite
2025-01-10 07:30 - 11:00 (America/Denver)
High energy, short presentations showcasing capital investments in our region that start or finish in 2025. This is your chance to connect with industry leaders, explore new opportunities, and support the growth of our region.
REGISTER to save your seat!

SCHEDULE
Networking: 7:30-8AM
Presentations: 8-10AM
Networking: 10-10:30AM
PARKING & ZOOM DETAILS

Do you want to showcase or announce your project?
Presentations are open to all business, government agency, or non-profit projects launching, expanding, or finishing up construction in 2025 across the Great Falls Region of North Central Montana, email Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or call 1-406-836-0136.

CLICK HERE to learn more.

Zoom in to Ignite 2025!
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 871 9421 7330
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Housing Forum
2025-01-14 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Denver)
Join us for a look into what other Montana communities have done to grow their housing infrastructure through a presentation from Nathan Bilyeu, municipal bond attorney. Following the presentation, we will have a brief Q&A session with Nathan about how such tools could be used to support housing production in the Great Falls Region.
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.

GFDA Executive Committee Meeting
2025-01-15 08:00 - 10:00 UTC
GFDA Exec Agenda 1-15-25
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

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!

GFDA Board & Council Meeting
2025-02-06 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Denver)
GFDA Board & Council Agenda 2-6-25
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

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!

OFFICE CLOSED: President's Day
2025-02-17

GFDA Executive Committee Meeting
2025-02-19 08:00 - 10:00 UTC
GFDA Exec Agenda 2-19-25 REVISED
Click HERE for Agenda/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

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

Special GFDA Board & Council Meeting
2025-02-21 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Denver)
GFDA Board & Council Agenda 2-21-25
Click HERE for Minutes

**NOTE LOCATION CHANGE**
Meadowlark Country Club
300 Country Club Blvd, Great Falls, MT 59404
Main Dining Room
Special joint GFDA Board & Council meeting with the Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and Great Falls Montana Tourism Boards.
Brock Cherry and City of Great Falls Planning staff will give a Growth Policy update, then take us through activities and discussion to provide input for the community survey.
Attendance is IN PERSON ONLY.

GFDA Board & Council Meeting
2025-03-06 08:00 - 10:00 UTC
GFDA Board & Council Agenda 3-6-25
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

The Fire Within
2025-03-06 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Denver)
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 (for established business owners) and the Aspire Award (for new business owners). We welcome nominations from the 13-county region GFDA serves.
Help us celebrate the power, resilience, and innovation of female entrepreneurs in our region.
Agenda:
Doors Open/Networking 5:00 PM
Celebration Begins at 6:00PM
Click HERE to learn more.
RSVP now—seats are filling fast!
For questions, contact Katie Carvell at 406-217-7635 or Katie@GrowGreatFalls.org.

GFDA Executive Committee Meeting
2025-03-19 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
GFDA Exec Agenda 3-19-25
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

GFDA Board & Council Meeting
2025-04-03 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
GFDA Board & Council Agenda 4-3-25
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

GFDA Executive Committee Meeting
2025-04-16 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
GFDA Exec Agenda 4-16-25
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

GFDA Board & Council Meeting
2025-05-09 08:00 - 10:00 UTC
GFDA Board & Council Agenda 5-9-25
Click HERE for Minutes

Strategic Planning Session
IN-PERSON ONLY – No Zoom Option this Meeting

**NOTE LOCATION CHANGE**
Meadowlark Country Club
300 Country Club Blvd, Great Falls, MT 59404
Back 1/2 of Main Dining Room
