Marcel and Tad of VACOM in front of the first step in the cleaning process. VACOM clean room technologies is able to provide support for optics, semi conductors, and more! VACOM has 30+ years in manufacturing in Germany and opened the Lewistown location to more efficiently serve the US market. We’re excited to have this incredible asset in our region. Congratulations to VACOM on your successful start!

2) We won three 2025 Impact Awards from the National Association of Development Organizations, a Washington, DC-based membership association of regional development organizations that promotes programs and policies that strengthen local governments, communities, and economies. Presented annually, the NADO Impact Awards honor regional development organizations and their partners for strengthening communities, building regional resilience, and enhancing local economies through innovative approaches to economic and community development. GFDA is the only economic development organization in Montana to win NADO Impact Awards this year, recognizing the successes of GFDA and its partners in Great Falls Housing Production, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Great Falls Montana, and GFDA State Small Business Credit Initiative 2.0 Partnership.

3) Wow! The generosity from our community in support of Touro’s incoming medical students was overwhelming. Every donation sends a powerful message: you’re welcome here, and this community is excited to have you.  Thank you to AE2S, Annie’s Tap House, Benefis Health System, Big Dipper Ice Cream Great Falls, Brett Harris Insurance, Celtic Cowboy, CM Russell Museum, Dragon Fly Dry Goods, Farmers Daughter Fibers, Great Falls Americans Hockey, Great Falls Montana Tourism, Great Falls Symphony, Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company, KellerGeist Pub Theater, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, McDonald’s, Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, Pasta Montana, Showdown Montana, Sip N’ Dip & Peddle Trolley, Sletten Construction, Stockman Bank, Studio Barre, Studio Montage, Teriyaki Madness, The History Museum, The Peak, The Press Club, and YWCA Great Falls. Your support makes it clear, these students aren’t just relocating for their education, they’re becoming part of a community that values their presence and is committed to their success. Thank you! If you’d like to learn about other opportunities to get involved in welcoming this year’s new class of students, reach out to Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or [email protected].

4) Demolition started for the future Panera construction on 10th Avenue South in Great Falls. Take 5 oil change opened on 10th Avenue South. The Collective-Vintage Emporium is opening August 1st in Downtown Great Falls. The Magpie downtown has opened a speakeasy called the Glass Bucket. Northwestern Energy has moved its customer service office to downtown. The Montana Swim Academy is opening a Great falls location on September 9th. See more info on these businesses and more in TheElectric’s Business Bites.

5) The average annual wage in the Great Falls MSA (Cascade County) increased 5.6% in the four quarters ending 2025Q1, beating the U.S. increase of 4.2%. Our average annual wage reached $55,479, equal to just under 75% of the national average. Total wage earnings in the Great Falls MSA increased 5.88% in the four quarters ending 2025Q1, an increase of $120 million. This data comes from the online JobsEQ system we subscribe to which provides us with very robust labor and industry data.

6) The Choteau Acantha had a great article about the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) members who toured Choteau as part of the IEDC Rural Retreat last month. See full article here.

7) We’re working closely with multiple international manufacturing companies considering North Central Montana for their first U.S. operations. They’re drawn by our region’s strategic location, strong workforce, affordable cost of doing business, and reliable infrastructure. From energy to logistics, we’re helping these companies see why Great Falls is a smart launch point for growth in the U.S. market. If you know of a global business looking to expand, reach out to Christian Leinhauser at [email protected] or 1-406-836-0136.

8) The Montana State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) 2.0 Loan Participation Program has reopened its application portal for tranche three funds with a firm deadline to apply by August 1st. This limited window may be the final opportunity for small businesses to access low-interest rate financing through the current SSBCI 2.0 program. Businesses interested in starting or expanding should contact GFDA as soon as possible to begin the application process. For more information or to get started, contact Jill Kohles at 1-406-590-1056 or [email protected].

9) We issued our Quarter Index for 2025Q2, celebrating the numbers that drive and inspire us. And we received our signed recertification agreement from the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund of the U.S. Treasury. GFDA has been a certified CDFI for over 20 years.

10) Thinking about selling your business? This week, the GFDA Small Business Development Center helped several business owners better understand what their company might be worth using industry-specific benchmark data and sales multiples. While we’re not certified appraisers, we can help you estimate value and prepare for a future sale. Contact the GFDA SBDC to learn more.

11) The Great Falls City Commission approved the agreement to move forward with 2026 construction of an exciting 2,200 foot new section of the River’s Edge Trail that will follow the riverfront in Downtown Great Falls.

12) Seeking Catalyst Redevelopment Sites – Your Insight Can Help Shape the Future. We’re seeking your help in identifying 5–10 properties across Cascade County, including the rural communities of Belt and Cascade, and others, that have the potential to serve as catalysts for community-wide transformation. Specifically, we’re looking for sites suitable for high-impact projects such as a conference hotel, sports complex or arena, or market-rate housing. These types of developments have the power to attract new investment, draw and retain talent, and reenergize surrounding neighborhoods. If you are aware of a property—either underutilized or available—that fits this vision, please reach out to: Christian Nichols at [email protected] or 1-406-788-9385. Together, we can help unlock new opportunities for economic growth and revitalization in our region.

13) The Montana APEX GovMatch Matchmaking Portal is open, and the countdown is on! Local, state, and federal government agencies, prime contractors, and businesses of all sizes and industries are gearing up for the Montana APEX matchmaking event of the year. Great Falls Regional APEX is proud to host this premier event at the University of Providence, located at 1301 20th Street South in Great Falls, on Wednesday, August 13th. We’re helping numerous businesses of all sizes and industries across the region get ready for the event by ensuring their SAM profiles are current and their capability statements are ready to present with confidence to government agencies and prime contractors. GovMatch is more than just a matchmaking and networking event. This event connects you directly with key decision makers looking for qualified businesses like yours. It’s a launchpad to help position your business for long-term success in the government marketplace. If you’re looking to increase revenue through government contracting, now is the time to invest in your success.  To Register:  CLICK HERE! To learn more and prepare for this event, contact Shannon Clancy at [email protected] or 1-406-590-1184. GovMatch Registration closes on August 8th at 12:00 PM (MDT).

14) Don’t miss the upcoming opportunity to access low interest capital for clean energy and efficiency projects. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Fund is accepting applications until July 31st. This program offers fixed-rate, low-interest loans for qualifying alternative energy and energy efficiency projects. Small businesses located in Great Falls and North Central Montana receive competitive application scoring preferences. If you are a small business ready to invest in energy innovation, this funding could be your launchpad. For more information or to apply, contact Montana DEQ or reach out to Meranda Bass at 1-406-444-6586.

15) Met with a client who is working on a redevelopment project in Great Falls and is interested in utilizing the Brownfield cleanup funding available through GFDA. This funding can be used to remediate environmental hazards such as asbestos, lead-based paint, or underground storage tanks that previously contained materials like petroleum or oil. For more information about this funding opportunity, please contact Shandi Gebhardt Jones at 1-406-590-9037 or [email protected].

16) Help us welcome the TouroCOM Montana Class of 2029 by sponsoring a white coat for an incoming medical student. A $50 tax-deductible gift provides a personalized, embroidered white coat and helps fund student scholarships. Sponsors can include a personal note of encouragement, which will be placed in the student’s coat pocket before the ceremony. To support, select “Montana student scholarship” from the dropdown menu when giving through the White Coat Campaign website. Let’s show these future physicians that Great Falls is behind them from day one. Questions? Email: [email protected]

17) Electricity first illuminated select New York City homes in 1882, but it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that electricity became standard in households across the U.S. In 1900, just 3% of American homes had power. By 1950, that number had surged to 90%, laying the foundation for decades of economic growth. As we enter a new Age of Electricity, the International Energy Agency projects that the U.S. must double grid investment by 2030. Public-private partnerships will be essential to drive this transformation. The Great Falls Development Alliance is uniquely positioned to help energy innovators, entrepreneurs, and businesses of all sizes tap into regional opportunities. To explore how North Central Montana can be part of your energy future, contact Kristen Blue at 1-406-788-4989 or [email protected].

18) Join us in welcoming our newest members to the GFDA Board of Directors: Dr. Caroline Goulet, Interim President, Provost, and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Providence, and Dr. Alan Kadish, President of Touro University. We’re excited to welcome their leadership as we work to expand educational opportunities and high-wage career pathways across the region. Do you have a passion for advancing the Great Falls region? Join us at an upcoming Board & Council Meeting, contact Shauni Seccombe at 1-406-788-6867 or [email protected] to learn more. If interested, you can download our updated GFDA Board and Council list and the updated High Plains Financial Board list.

19) We say it a lot, but it’s worth repeating, thank you! To our investors and public partners, your support is the reason we’re able to keep doing this work. Learn more about them by viewing this short video. Recent investments include: Leadership Division—Admiral Beverage/Pepsi Great Falls; Community Division—Mighty Mo. Brew Co. Every project we take on, every business we help, you’re part of it. We couldn’t ask for better partners, and we’re proud to be in this with you. If you’d like to learn about our economic development strategy and how you can join the team supporting our work, reach out to Vice President of Investment Jenn Gallmeier at 1-406-781-9499 or [email protected].

20) Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine is hosting a Community Vendor Fair on Thursday, July 31, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on its Great Falls campus.This event will help kick off the new academic year and is a great opportunity to introduce your business, organization, or services to over 100 medical students, as well as faculty and staff. Whether you’re a local shop, restaurant, nonprofit, healthcare provider, or service-based business, Touro would love to connect you with its campus community. There is no cost to participate, and they will provide a table and chairs for your setup. You’re welcome to bring promotional materials, coupons, giveaways, or samples to share. Here is the RSVP link for interested businesses.

21) USDA announced that the first grant application window for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) will open on October 1, 2025. USDA is using the remaining time in FY25 to implement the Secretary’s direction to disincentivize solar panels on productive farmland for future application windows. Read the full STAKEHOLDER ANNOUNCEMENT. We can help you prepare to apply. Contact Kristen Blue at 1-406-788-4989 or [email protected].

22) Lock in long-term low-interest rates on business real estate and equipment loans by having your bank partner with SBA on a 504 loan. The 25-year loan effective rate (including all fees) is 6.37%; 20-year at 6.39%; 10-year equipment loan at 6.17%; and, 25-year refinance 6.40%; 20-year refinance 6.42%. These rates are FIXED for the life of the loan and are inclusive of all fees. If you would like to find out how to get financing for commercial real estate and equipment at potentially lower rates than you’re paying for your home mortgage, please contact Jill Kohles at 1-406-590-1056 or [email protected].

23) The University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) is holding it’s “Mid Year Economic Update: Taxes, Tariffs and Trade Wars — What’s Ahead for the Montana Economy” in Great Falls on Tuesday, July 29th, Noon – 1:30 PM. Register here.

24) The City of Great Falls has issued a draft stormwater management master plan and is seeking comments. This is a very important infrastructure plan to protect and support existing buildings and proposed developments throughout the city. See TheElectric for more info. A public meeting will be held on Thursday, August 14th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the Gibsopn Room of the Civic Center. The comment period closes on August 15th.

25) We are looking for two great new GFDA Staff Team members, an Accounting Assistant and a Downtown Business Development Officer. Download our Career Opportunities and please forward it to great candidates.

Thank you to the Downtown Summer Jam entrepreneurs for bringing these fun concerts to Downtown Great Falls!

Brett

Brett Doney

Great Falls Development Alliance

[email protected]

1-406-750-2119

Connect with me on LinkedIn.

Forward the GFDA Top 10 to friends and colleagues. You can join our distribution list here or text GFDA to 22828.

Subscribe to the Grow Great Falls Montana YouTube channel!

“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.”

Oprah Winfrey

Edition 694

Data helps drive decisions in business. Our Small Business Development Center assists clients dig into real numbers using powerful tools like Profit Cents, Vertical IQ, and Bizminer for industry financial benchmarks. We help clients tap into wage data using Jobs EQ,  a labor market analytics platform loaded with up-to-date wage, employment, and industry trend data for our region. From startup research to expansion planning, we’ve got the data to back your business decisions—all at no cost to you. Need insights for your industry? Contact the Small Business Development Center today.

The 2025 Livability Great Falls magazines are here! This is a great tool for employers to use to recruit talent to relocate to the Great Falls region. Hard copies will be distributed this week — the digital version is now live—with interactive links perfect for showcasing all that Great Falls has to offer. Last year’s digital magazine saw 24.3K views and over 200.3K social impressions—proof that people are looking at Great Falls and liking what they see. Help us spread the word about the lifestyle, opportunities, and energy of Great Falls. Contact Katie Carvell for support and ideas on how to make the most of this resource at 1-406-217-7635 or [email protected].

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is offering an upcoming energy auditor training pilot program. DEQ is covering the costs for lodging, pre-requisites, class, and testing. For more information contact Sam Hall at 406-444-4960 or [email protected]

JOIN US FOR THE MONTANA APEX GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING MATCHMAKING EVENT OF THE YEAR! Great Falls Regional APEX is proud to host the Montana APEX GovMatch 2025 event at the University of Providence on Wednesday, August 13th. This event is designed to connect suppliers with federal, state, and local government buyers, as well as prime contractors, fostering relationships and creating opportunities for government contracting success. Whether you’re a supplier showcasing your capabilities or a buyer seeking qualified suppliers to meet contracting needs, this GovMatch event is for you!  Registration is now open to both buyers and suppliers: CLICK HERE! For more details or to prepare for this event, contact Shannon Clancy at [email protected] or 1-406-590-1184.

Starting and Owning a Business includes a lot of moving parts. It’s easy to get caught up in all of the day-to-day tasks and not take a step back to pause, evaluate, make adjustments and gain new perspective. Our GFDA Small Business Development Center Advisors are ready and equipped to help entrepreneurs and business owners throughout the many stages of owning a business. If you are ready to evaluate where you are at and where you want to be, set some business goals, get a snapshot of your current financial situation or review your marketing strategy, please reach out to one of our Business Advisors: Christian Nichols, [email protected] or 1-406-788-9385; Rich Gannon, [email protected] or 1-406-836-2078; and Deb McGregor, [email protected] or 1-406-750-0314.

The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC) has a new advisor in our region. Carolyn Kelman joins the staff as a business advisor for the Great Falls Region and Northeastern Montana. She has a broad skill set in manufacturing operations with particular expertise in continuous improvement, supply chain optimization, logistics, and warehouse management. Learn more about her experience reading the MMEC newsletter, here. Welcome to the team Carolyn! You can reach her at [email protected].

Inside each monthly edition of our new newsletter, Investing in Downtown Great Falls you’ll find a curated mix of news, updates, and resources designed to celebrate and support our downtown Great Falls businesses and building owners. If you are ready to invest in Downtown Great Falls, contact Jake at [email protected] or 1-406-403-4937.

The Great Falls Business Improvement District has grants available for businesses and property owners located in the BID. Contact Kellie Pierce at 1-406-727-5430 or [email protected]. Stay ahead of the curve in Downtown Great Falls!

Are you hiring? Our Hot Jobs Program is the perfect platform for employers to share their job openings! By sending us your listings, your opportunities could be featured on our Hot Jobs blog and shared across our social media channels for maximum visibility. Relocating with a partner or family member? Our Trailing Partner Program ensures no one gets left behind. Many times, for someone to accept a position, their partner also needs a job secure – and we’re here to help! Send us their resume (with permission), and we’ll share it within our network. You never know who’s hiring! Let’s work together to make Great Falls the perfect place for new opportunities. For more information contact our Marketing and Communications Officer Katie Carvell at 1-406-217-7635 or [email protected].

Are you interested in exploring government contract opportunities but unsure where to start?  Great Falls Regional APEX provides the tools, knowledge, and guidance needed to navigate the government marketplace. We simplify the key steps of registration, research, and response, streamlining the process to ensure your business is prepared for contract opportunities. Whether you’re new to contracting or looking to expand your reach, we can help you identify opportunities, build valuable connections, and achieve your goals. To learn more, contact Shannon Clancy at [email protected] or 1-406-590-1184 and Mariah Liebing at [email protected] or 1-406-217-2174.

If you’re looking to expand or start your business through purchasing a commercial building for your future location, make sure to talk to Christian Nichols, Brownfields Project Manager, so we can see if you qualify for an Environmental Site Assessment paid for by EPA. You don’t know what environmental conditions or possible contaminates exist until you have an assessment completed. With our help you could save thousands of dollars and have confidence in your purchase knowing all contaminates are identified and assessed. For more information, please call Christian Nichols at 1-406-788-9385 or email at [email protected].

Do you know the benefits of C-PACE financing for your multifamily housing project? Last Best PACE, Montana’s program, brings value to Montana commercial building owners by improving their bottom line. Last Best PACE can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs and payments are repaid through a special property tax assessment with terms of 20+ years. Reach out to Jake to find out how this tool can help your project move forward [email protected] or 1-406-403-4937.

Are you planning any international marketing activities in 2025? The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) run by the Export Montana team at the Montana Department of Commerce has a host of export support services and federal grants available for businesses up to $12,000. They’re awesome to work with! Our Small Business Advisor, Rich Gannon, can help too and he is also awesome! [email protected] or 1-406-836-2078.

Cybersecurity is a top priority for the Department of Defense (DoD)! Is your business prepared for the new cybersecurity standards in federal contracting? If your company manages Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI), you must comply with specific standards. For contractors working with the federal government, the minimum requirement is Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1. This self-certification verifies that your organization has implemented fundamental security measures to safeguard FCI. To begin your self-assessment journey, contact Shannon Clancy at [email protected] or 1-406-590-1184 and Mariah Liebing at [email protected] or 1-406-217-2174

Our freight logistics consultants, Moffat & Nichols, completed key findings of the Great Falls Region Freight Market Assessment and Economic Development Strategy Recommendations. This comprehensive study offers valuable insights into the logistics industry and its potential in our region. We have already begujn work implementing some of the recommendations. Others will need to wait until we work with our partners to secure more resources. Logistics are a key consideration for existing manufacturers in our region, and in attracting new investment in manufacturing operations.

The 2024 Great Falls Housing Market Assessment shows a need for 650 new housing units per year in the immediate Great Falls area. For assistance with housing development, contact Jake Clark at [email protected] or 1-406-403-4937.

Great Falls Recruiters and HR professionals! Here is a link to our Talent Attraction Toolkit and the 2025 Great Falls Livability Magazine, part of our effort to help local businesses attract the talent they need for key positions. Join our Trailing Partner Email Group specifically for local employers to share resumes of trailing spouses/partners across the Great Falls region with other employers looking to hire. Visit our relocation website LiveInGreatFalls.com. JobsEQ for Workforce is a software tool that provides timely data on our local workforce and employers—including demographics, occupations, wages, certifications, and more. Contact Katie Carvell at [email protected] or 1-406-217-7635.

Cybersecurity challenges for businesses continue to grow. The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC) is offering an array of useful resources to help Montana businesses to protect themselves. MMEC has launched the Certified Manufacturing Associate Apprenticeship program. This one-year program combines on-the-job training with online technical classes on safety, math and measurements, manufacturing processes, and quality control.

Have you created or updated your Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) profile? A strong profile can significantly boost your contracting success by increasing your visibility to local, state, and federal agencies seeking goods and services. If you would like more information on how to create or update your DSBS profile, contact Shannon Clancy at [email protected] or 1-406-590-1184.

Zero to 5 has launched the Montana Child Care Business Connect website to help support the startup and expansion of early childcare businesses. The Great Falls Childcare Demand Assessment shows a need for additional childcare facilities to serve 580 children in Great Falls. For assistance with childcare facility business planning, contact Rich Gannon at [email protected] or 1-406-836-2078.

The Montana Innovation Partnership is offering a number of trainings and an accelerator program for companies interested in pursuing Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants.

The best resource we scan daily to stay abreast of business and community innovation is MATR.net (Montana Associated Technology Roundtables), which we are proud to help sponsor. Sign up for their free newsletter.

GFDA is a certified Community Development Financial Institution and a 501(c)3 charitable organization. High Plains Financial is a certified Community Development Corporation that offers SBA 504 loans statewide. GFDA and High Plains Financial are Equal Opportunity Employers, Lenders and Providers.

GFDA is proud to host a Montana Small Business Development Center, a Montana APEX Accelerator, and a Montana Food & Ag Development Center. GFDA is a certified Montana MicroBusiness Development Corporation.

GFDA was the first economic development organization in the Rocky Mountain West to earn accreditation from the International Economic Development Council.