Great Falls selected to host Montana’s first full-distance IRONMAN race – 8/15/27

The event will bring athletes from around the world to north-central Montana and put Great Falls on an international stage. General registration for IRONMAN Montana opens Oct. 29, 2026, with the first race scheduled for Aug. 15, 2027.

Writers’ Fall Opus Fundraiser Auction & Tasting – 10/23 – Missoula County Fairgrounds

Join the Missoula Writing Collaborative for an unforgettable evening at the Writers’ Fall Opus Fundraiser Auction & Tasting in the Home Arts Building at the Missoula County Fairgrounds! Enjoy a tasting of fine beverages, delicious food from Silk Road Catering, and an amazing collection of auction items while supporting the Missoula Writing Collaborative.

Why don’t we carpool to Montana conferences?

Have you heard anyone recommend a specific carpool/rideshare element that we could promote for conference organizers?   We think it could be a great addition to every conference announcement. 

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Oakland School Buses Power 1,000 Homes and Boost Grid Revenue

A fleet of 74 electric school buses equipped with vehicle-to-grid chargers has returned 1.7 gigawatt-hours of energy over two years, demonstrating how fleet electrification can stabilize the grid and create new revenue streams.

In San Francisco, a Family Earning $325,000 Qualifies for Government Aid

With the A.I. boom driving up prices, the city is subsidizing child care for households with high incomes. Even with the help, families say they are struggling.

Montana sheds more than 5,000 jobs in September – first job loss since 2020

Montana lost 5,300 jobs in the past year, reflecting broader national shifts. The state may find new opportunities if manufacturing investments like those in South Carolina arrive.

Montana Launches $8.5 Million Grants to Boost Childcare Services

Montana’s Early Childhood Account is awarding grants to support childcare providers with workforce training and expanding infant care. Providers will use funds for staff raises, equipment, and facility upgrades to improve service availability statewide.

Blue & Gold News from Montana State University President Tessman

It has been a beautiful, busy fall here on campus, and there are many activities yet to come! Thanks to all of you who joined us for Homecoming, and to all of you who are planning to come to Parent and Family Weekend on Oct. 23-24: we can’t wait to have you on campus.

Wyoming Business Council Launches Search for Interim CEO

    CHEYENNE, Wyo. (For Immediate Release) — The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) Board of Directors today announced it is seeking an experienced executive to serve as interim chief executive officer, providing steady leadership while…

TEDx event at Montana State University set for Nov. 4

  The Associated Students of Montana State University will host its sixth annual TEDxMontanaStateUniversity event on Wednesday, Nov. 4. The event will be held in Norm Asbjornson Hall’s Inspiration Hall from 7 to 9 p.m….

Forest Business News – Building History: The New Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library

I encourage you to make your way to Medora and see for yourself. I believe you’ll be as moved and renewed by Roosevelt’s legacy and work as I was, and you’ll tour a truly exceptional mass timber building while at it. The North Dakota Badlands will be the icing on the cake.

MSU event to showcase research resources and partnership opportunities for regional industries, scholars – 11/9 –

Alison Harmon, MSU’s vice president for research and economic development, said the event is designed to raise regional awareness of potential partnership opportunities available at MSU.

Manufacturing extension at Montana State awarded $840,000 to enable the center to continue assisting manufacturers across the state

MSU’s MMEC helps Montana manufacturers improve productivity, develop their workforces, strengthen their competitiveness and adopt new technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and 3D printing.

GFDA Quarter Index 2026Q3

Numbers to Celebrate

Scientists Create 3D-Printed Living Knee Replacements

Biomedical engineers developed a biologically living knee implant that mimics natural motion and could regenerate arthritic knees. This breakthrough may transform orthopedic treatments by enabling damaged knees to heal themselves rather than relying on traditional prosthetics.

Cheaper manufactured homes could be having a moment, is Montana catching up?

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act removes the steel chassis requirement, enabling more affordable, stackable manufactured homes. Montana must update its laws by 2027 to benefit from these cost savings and expand housing options.

Montana’s American Prairie preserving what was and still remains

Every year, more people flock to north central Montana to experience a rare and unspoiled prairie environment. American Prairie also remodeled a building in downtown Lewistown into a wonderful visitor center. Since American Prairie opened its doors, population has increased and unemployment has decreased in this economically depressed area.

Idaho falls…..

From childbirth to miscarriages, women’s health care in the state has become increasingly dangerous.

The Traditional Resume Is Dead. Here Is What Founders Should Look For Instead

Big firms like McKinsey and Google are dropping degree requirements in the AI era. Here is how startup founders can use their agility to win the war for top talent.

Montana Clean Energy Summit – 11/10 – Bozeman

Bringing Montana’s clean energy industry, policymakers, utilities, workforce leaders, and communities together.

University of Montana Launches First Human-Centered AI Career Certificate

The new nine-credit program equips students with skills to lead ethically in an AI-driven world. Courses emphasize critical thinking and keeping humans in control of technology.

Prospera – Mentees and Mentors Still Needed For Women’s Mentorship Programs

Are you interested in giving back and supporting the next generation of Montana, women-owned businesses? If yes, apply to 56Strong as a mentor!

Applications Open for Commerce’s Opportunities in Rural Economies Planning Grant Program

“Commerce’s ORE Planning Grant Program creates good-paying jobs for Montana residents by promoting long-term stable economic growth, retaining or expanding existing businesses and supporting workforce development across the state,” said Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio.

Yellowstone National Park and Tallgrass Launch $105 Million Conservation Fund

The Tallgrass WYld Yellowstone Initiative will fund infrastructure upgrades and conservation projects, including a new visitor center. This historic private gift aims to address deferred maintenance and boost visitor engagement across Yellowstone’s vast landscape.

University of Montana Graduates First Women Leaders in Educational Administration

“As educators, we ultimately need to prepare kids to enter the world,” Baldwin said. “The Women in Educational Leadership program gave me important knowledge, frameworks and exposure to the many different parts of leadership. Perhaps the most important thing it made me do was figure out what kind of leader I want to be.”highlighting the program’s impact on female representation in education leadership.

What Are Payment Tokens? Why Nonprofits Should Own Their Stripe Account

What is a Payment Token?

Jobs Junction – Helena – 10/28

Jobs Junction will bring together Helena-area employers and candidates representing a wide range of industries, experience levels and backgrounds.

Flathead Valley, Montana Firms Boost Safety and Efficiency with AI

Local businesses are adopting AI and automation to improve operations while addressing workforce concerns. Industry leaders highlight a shift that balances technology with human expertise and emphasizes retraining and safety.

CoBuild Summit October 20-22, 2026 UC Center, University of Montana, Missoula

Across three days, you’ll engage with educators, investors, founders, cooperative leaders and community builders — people doing the work of building a stronger, more self-reliant Montana. Whether you come with a plan, a question, or simply the drive to be part of something bigger, there’s a place for you here.

Montana Growth Through Agriculture Grant & Loan Program requesting proposals

“I strongly encourage producers, ag business owners, and those with innovative ideas to advance Montana agriculture to apply so we as an industry can continue to elevate our agricultural ecosystem and economy.”

GFDA Top Ten for 10/18/26

President Trump announced that Department of War is going to establish a new super range in Montana for testing advanced weapons and technologies, including potential autonomous weapons, space and electronic warfare technologies, supersonics and hypersonics. See Sen. Sheehy’s release regarding the range.

Trump funding cuts halt repairs, critical work at national parks

In August, the National Park Service halted funding for 133 projects across the country, claiming they don’t align with the administration’s priorities. Critics disagree and are scratching their heads.

Data centers are now the largest financial bet ($10 trillion) in US history raising concerns

Data center investment in the US is surging to nearly 4% of GDP, driven by AI expansion. This growth raises issues around tax revenue, energy demands, and housing displacement that states are beginning to address.

Missoula Security Services – Fulcrum

We can help you assess your security needs and develop a customized security plan that meets your specific requirements. Whether you need a simple alarm system or a comprehensive security solution. All at an affordable price.

Own land? Turn it into income — effortlessly with RECX

With RECX, your private land becomes a destination for responsible outdoor adventures. You decide what’s allowed. We take care of the rest.

The University of Montana’s expanding identity leaves humanities wanting more

“If I was a faculty member in a different humanistic area of study here,” Costello Wecker said, “I would have a sense of unease.”

Trump announces new Montana ‘super range’ for DOD to test advanced military technology

Trump did not mention where the new range would be located in Montana, how much the project would cost, or when testing operations would start.

Why Workforce Training Looks Different in Rural Montana

The barriers are real, but so are the opportunities to think creatively about locally-rooted approaches.

This startup is turning fallen leaves into biodegradable plastic

Perennial Polymers is turning urban leaf waste into biodegradable plastic without using food crops.

University of Montana College of Business Ranks In Top 15 Percent Nationally

The University of Montana College of Business earned No. 89 among public undergraduate programs, reflecting strong growth and academic recognition. This ranking highlights UM’s leadership in the Big Sky Conference and its appeal to both local and out-of-state students.

Prospera – Crafting Your Business Plan 11/12 – (VIRTUAL)

Through practical exercises and group discussions, attendees will begin crafting their own business plans while also learning how to use industry data to justify and strengthen their strategies.

Prospera – The Small Business Guide to Effective & High Quality Marketing on a Budget – 10/22 – (VIRTUAL)

You’ll learn how to identify the marketing details that make a business feel polished, professional, and trustworthy, as well as when it makes sense to DIY—and where cutting corners can actually hurt your credibility.

These Brothers Built a $1.1 Billion Company Without Venture Capital. Their Customers Funded It Upfront

EasyA co-founders Phil and Dom Kwok funded growth with upfront payments from companies like Ripple and Google, and kept 100 percent of the equity.