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Whether you're just getting started, looking for new customers,

wanting to grow sales through e-commerce, or focusing on workforce.

We're here to help.

Check out the upcoming trainings below!

Join us for a free business training on the Indian Equity Fund Grant. The training will help you navigate through the ins and outs of the Indian Equity Fund Grant tailored for small businesses. This grant serves as a support for Native American businesses in Montana, whether they're startups or in a phase of expansion. To be eligible, you need to be an enrolled member of a Montana tribe.

Throughout the session, we'll dive into the grant's guidelines, walk through the application process, and provide practical assistance in crafting your business plans and developing financial projections for your application. We'll be using LivePlan, a user-friendly business planning program.

Indian Equity Fund Application Training - Browning

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

"What the heck is a Food Hub?" GFDA is partnering with Lyndsay Laursen, nutritionist, speaker and lover of local food systems to discuss "what the heck is a Food Hub?"as it relates to the new Montana Food Hub in Great Falls, MT.

Who is this for?

• You’re a producer or processor looking for non-traditional distribution systems
• You're a restaurant or food retailer interested in getting more Montana foods on Montana plates
• You're a consumer interested in supporting your health and your local community

Tuesday Training: What the Heck is a Food Hub?

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

12:00 PM via Zoom

"Should Your New Ag or Food Business be a Co-op?" GFDA is partnering with Tracy McIntyre of the Montana Cooperative Development Center to discuss tips and strategies to decide if your next business would thrive as a co-op.

Who is this for?

• You’re an entrepreneur exploring different business models for your new business
• You’re considering retirement and want your beloved business to continue to thrive in its next stage
• You’ve noticed a gap in your local market or supply chain that isn’t filled by traditional businesses and want to do something about it

Tuesday Training: Should Your New Ag or Food Business be a Co-op?

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

12:00 PM via Zoom

"What are the processes AFTER I win a federal contract?"

Join Montana APEX Accelerator and Mr. Conn McKelvey, Infrastructure Flight Chief for Construction and Architecture-Engineering for the 341 st Contracting Squadron (341CONS/PKA) at Malmstrom AFB to learn about your responsibilities AFTER you've won a contract.

This special in-person event features an informative presentation on the post award processes you must do. Businesses will receive information on Post-Award Process, Pre-Construction Conference, Project Execution, Quality Assurance and Control, Communication and Relationship Management, Performance Evaluation and Feedback.

Who should attend? Construction and A&E companies that have won federal (DoD and /or Civilian) contracts or have experience submitting bids.

Instructions: Bring your Capability Statement to share during the networking session.

"What are the processes AFTER I win a federal contract?"

Thursday, August 29, 2024

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (MDT)

Grow diverse economic opportunities that enhance quality of life.

Our Mission

Grow diverse economic opportunities that enhance quality of life.

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.

Great Falls Development Alliance | GrowGreatFallsMontana.org