GFDA Top Ten for 3-15-26

1) We are excited to share that our senior business advisor Rich Gannon has been promoted to the Director of the GFDA Small Business Development Center. Rich joined the GFDA in 2019. Over the past six years, he has counseled over 950 clients, supported 2,855 jobs and helped clients secure over $20,435,968 in funding. We will be posting the Business Advisor position this week. Are you looking for some business advising support, reach out to Rich at [email protected].

2) We held the first meeting of the Opportunity Zone 2.0 Task Force. Discussion centered around the selection process of Opportunity Zones under the 2.0 program and strategies to advocate for zones in our region where we feel the tool can have a higher likelihood of encouraging new investment. Want to be part of the conversation, reach out to Jake about next steps at 1-406-403-4937 or [email protected].

3) The Central Montana Defense Coalition brings business and community leaders together to support the defense missions that play a major role in our regional economy. Defense missions at Malmstrom Air Force Base and the Montana Air National Guard support families, jobs, and businesses and provide a strong economic base for the community. The Coalition focuses on advocacy and engagement to help protect these missions and position the region for future investment. We thank the founding members who stepped up to fund and support this effort for their recent investment: Peacekeeper Division—Gusto Distributing. Contact Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or [email protected] to learn how you can become a founding member.

4) The Board of High Plains Financial, our affiliate, approved a $751,950 SBA 504 loan for a borrower purchasing an assisted living facility in West Central Montana, with plans to expand care options and services. Through the SBA 504 loan program, the client was able to secure a lower down payment, preserving working capital for their acquisition and planned expansion. This financing option also provides the added benefit of low interest rates that are fixed for up to 25 years. If your business is ready to grow and explore expansion opportunities, please contact Shandi Gebhardt Jones at 406-590-9037 or [email protected] to discuss your options.

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