Great progress on construction of Clearwater Credit Union’s new branch on a very visible corner entrance to Downtown Great Falls!
1) Amazon opened its 35,000 square foot delivery facility in Great Falls; see KRTV. Winco applied to the City of Great Falls for a building permit; see TheElectric. MDT gave an update to the Great Falls Airport Authority Board on the Gore Hill Interchange, a high priority infrastructure project; see TheElectric. Construction of the new larger VA Clinic in Lewistown is making good progress; see Lewistown News. Frontline Ag Solutions celebrated the opening of its new location in Conrad; see Pioneer Press.
2) Congratulations to the Choteau Film and Arts Foundation on the purchase of the Roxy Theatre in Choteau; see KRTV. Keeping theaters operating in rural Montana is an important part life in a small town. Best wishes on the new chapter, and appreciation to the former owners, the Schilling family, for the many years of entertainment they provided to the people of Choteau.
3) Team Great Falls did an amazing job sharing who we are and why we choose to be here with an aerospace engineering company who is looking at our community for their next home. We couldn’t be prouder to be in Great Falls Montana! Thank you all!
4) 35 businesses across the region worked with our Great Falls Regional APEX this week to increase their visibility to government buyers by creating or strengthening their SBA Business Search profiles. SBA Business Search is used by federal agencies and prime contractors to identify qualified vendors when seeking solutions to mission needs, and as a market research tool. Strong profiles help businesses remain visible and competitive for federal contracting opportunities. This effort strengthens our regional pipeline of federal contract-ready businesses and positions companies across the region to connect with government buyers. For help maximizing your company’s visibility, contact SClancy@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1184.
5) GFDA’s Loan Committee approved two loans this week to support regional business growth and development. The first loan, totaling $600,000, will provide working capital to a local developer to help offset construction cost overruns associated with their newly completed project. The second loan provides $165,000 in gap financing to a regional food processor for the purchase and installation of new equipment in their co-packing facility. This investment will support expanded production and strengthen value-added food processing in our region. If your business could benefit from gap financing to complete a project or needs a capital bridge, please reach out to Shandi Gebhardt Jones at 1-406-590-9037 or Shandi@GrowGreatFalls.org to discuss available options.
6) Jake met with a successful housing developer about a new housing project in predevelopment for Great Falls to share market demand data. There is plenty of demand for new housing of all product types as concluded in the most recent Housing Market Demand Assessment. Let’s get your project to the next step, reach out to Jake at 1-406-403-4937 or Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org.
7) Registration is open for our Opportunity Zone Task Force first meeting on March 12 at 3:30 PM at the Station District in Great Falls. This task force will develop plans to secure designation of Opportunity Zones in our trade area and develop strategies to attract private investment in the zones. Contact Jake Clark at Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-403-4937 for more information.
8) Boots to Business is a comprehensive two-day business startup course offered to veterans at Malmstrom Air Force Base, designed to equip participants with the tools and knowledge needed to pursue entrepreneurship. Christian Nichols, one of our outstanding Small Business Advisors, and Justin Rigby of the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC), facilitated the program for 6 veterans exploring business ownership and the path of entrepreneurship. The next class is on June 25th and 26th. Whether you’re a veteran or not, if you’re interested in starting your business or making your business more profitable and expanding, please reach out to the Small Business Development Center — Christian at CNichols@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-9385 or Rich Gannon at RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-2078
9) Congratulations to P15 Ventures, LLC dba Mx2 Energy Solutions, Sapphire Technical Services, LLC, and Atlas Communications Corp on obtaining their Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)! This certification allows these businesses to compete for federal contracts specifically set aside for Woman-Owned Small Businesses, opening new doors in the government marketplace. Our Great Falls Regional APEX was proud to support these entrepreneurs through the SBA certification process, helping position their businesses for success and opening the door to new federal contracting opportunities. Their commitment to growth and readiness to compete in the federal marketplace is inspiring, and we’re excited to see what they accomplish next. Interested in certifications that help your business stand out and compete for government contracts? Find out if you’re eligible. Contact Mariah Liebing at Mariah@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-217-2174.
10) SBA 504 interest rates remain very competitive for small businesses looking to purchase commercial real estate or long-term equipment. The March effective rates are approximately 5.722% for 25-year loans, 5.783% for 20-year loans, and 5.611% for 10-year loans, with refinance options at 5.725% (25-year) and 5.786% (20-year). These rates are fixed for the life of the loan, providing long-term payment stability for growing businesses. The SBA 504 program can finance up to 90% of total project costs with terms of 10, 20, or 25 years, making it one of the most affordable ways for businesses to buy, build, or renovate owner-occupied commercial real estate. If you are considering purchasing a building or refinancing existing commercial real estate debt, contact Shandi Gebhardt Jones at Shandi@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-9037 to learn how SBA 504 financing can support your project.
11) Save the date and join us for the launch of our River Activation Task Force on Thursday, April 2, from 5:00–6:30 PM at Great Falls College Heritage Hall. 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. Light refreshments will be provided. If you plan to attend, please contact Shauni at 1-406-788-6867 or Shauni@GrowGreatFalls.org.
12) Kristen and Sara visited clients and stakeholders in Conrad to receive updates on upcoming manufacturing projects and the current network of ag service providers. Energy development projects often intersect with the ag and bio processing sectors, so GFDA business development officers from both industries collaborate to identify opportunities for joint projects, grants, and expanded networking opportunities. If you have an idea that could fit the food, agriculture, bio processing, or energy industries, reach out to Kristen Blue at Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-4989 or Sara Niccum at Sara@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-1301.
13) The National Main Street America Center approved the 2026 transformation strategy workplan of the Downtown Development Partnership of Great Falls (DDP). Download the DDP’s transformation strategies here.
14) Brett participated in the launch meeting of the Air & Space Force Community Council of the Association of Defense Communities on behalf of the Central Montana Defense Coalition, as well as the first immersion tour for the new Malmstrom AFB Honorary Commanders. Brett was invited by the Secretary of USAF to participate in the National Security Forum this spring.
15) Jenn participated in the Montana Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Summit, joining CEOs, founders, state agency directors, and elected officials from across Montana engaging in conversations around capital access and business growth. Participation in events like this keeps us informed, strengthens our network, and positions our region for future investment and opportunity.
16) The Montana Outdoor Expo returns March 27–29, 2026, at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds in Helena, bringing together outdoor enthusiasts, families, and industry experts for a weekend celebrating Montana’s outdoor lifestyle. Explore 75+ vendors featuring the latest guns, gear, fishing equipment, and outdoor apparel, while connecting with outfitters and guides offering booking opportunities for 2026 and beyond. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your gear, plan your next adventure, or learn more about conservation and outdoor skills, the Expo offers something for everyone. Tickets are $10 for the entire weekend, and kids 12 and under get in free. Register here.
17) Brett and Jolene were in DC at the International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) Leadership Summit. In addition to excellent sessions, Brett facilitated an Ignite Presentation featuring five economic development leaders sharing leadership skills economic developers have used to successfully adapt to rapid change and uncertainty. Brett shared one of GFDA’s core values — the power of transparency. Jolene was asked to be a presenter at the inaugural IEDC Capital Hill Staffer briefing. She presented with IEDC President, Nathan Ohle, and Board Chair Danielle Casey. It was a great opportunity to share some of the ways regulations have unintended consequences for Montana businesses.
18) The Central Montana Defense Coalition is a business led effort focused on protecting the defense missions that drive more than $435 million in annual economic impact in our region. These missions are critical to national security and are essential for long-term economic stability. We thank the following founding members for their recent investment: Peacekeeper Division—Great Falls International Airport. If protecting and advancing our defense presence while growing a strong regional economy matters to you, join the Coalition as a founding member. Contact Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org to learn more.
19) GFDA’s Board and Council received a briefing on the Great Falls Childcare Market Assessment. You can download the presentation slides. If you would like to be added to the GFDA Board distribution list to receive agendas and board reports, please email Tracy at Tracy@GrowGreatFalls.org.
20) Jake met with leaders of the Great Falls Business Improvement District and City of Great Falls Planning and Community Development staff to gather input on our upcoming job posting for the Downtown Great Falls Business Development Officer position. We are always looking at ways to become more productive and impactful. Our partnerships are essential to the economic vitality and revitalization of our Downtown urban core in Great Falls. We have good momentum downtown and want to step it up by attracting more high impact private investment. We will post the new opportunity to join our team soon. Until then please direct downtown Great Falls inquiries to Jake Clark at 1-406-403-4937 or Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org.
21) Partnership is at the core of GFDA. As a public and private organization, we rely on investors and partners who believe in long term growth. Their steady support gives us the capacity to pursue housing, strengthen small businesses, and attract new employers. Watch this video to learn more about the team behind the work. Recent investment includes Community Division– Home Builders Association of Great Falls. They are helping drive measurable progress in our region. If you are ready to invest in results, contact Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org.
I was supposed to fly back to DC early Saturday morning to participate in the board meeting of the National Association of Development Organizations, but Delta had mechanical issues so I get to stay in Great Falls! Hey Delta, time to bring back our Minneapolis flights, and bring back almonds too!
Thank you again for the tremendous help we received this week from GFDA Investors and partners!
