Great Falls Development Alliance

• 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.

Montana Business

• 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.”

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Funding and Building your Montana Business

• 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.

Regional Economic Development

• This startup is turning fallen leaves into biodegradable plastic

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

Montana’s 21st Century Education Initiative – “You Should Care…”

• 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.”

• 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.

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