Local Business Finds Forever Home
Let’s Play Games and Toys expands through SSBCI loan program
Let’s Play Games and Toys is a locally owned game and toy store in downtown Great Falls. The business is owned and operated by Lee and Nicole Wiegand, and was first located at 514 Central. When the building was sold, Wiegand’s lease was not renewed. They soon found themselves on the hunt for a new location. Lee and Nicole sought a space to purchase, rather than lease, and stay in downtown Great Falls.
The Wiegands worked with GFDA and the Small Business Development Center on their first retail location. When the time came to relocate, they reached out to Downtown Development Officer Christian Leinhauser and Vice President of Lending Jill Kohles to pursue financing. Through the Montana State Small Business Credit Initiative 2.0 loan participation program (SSBCI) administered by GFDA, the Wiegands funded the purchase of their new retail location at 417 Central Ave in Great Falls.
“Our mortgage payment is actually almost half of what we were paying for rent, so our monthly expenses have gone down significantly and we own it,” said Nicole. “There is no way we would be where we are today without the help of GFDA over the years. There is just absolutely no way. Even if they just want to kick around some ideas, the Small Business Development Center is perfect because you get help, especially with budgeting and analysis, and can even afford your idea. We now have a forever home.”
– Nicole and Lee Wiegand