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Jesse Journey, owner of Fasst Extinguishers Inc. in Great Falls, attends the Strategic Teaming Alliance Roundtable (STAR) hosted by GFDA in partnership with Northrup Grumman and other prime contractors. STAR is designed to teach small businesses how to team up and/or bid on government contracts. "We are looking to grow the company and are working with GFDA to get certified as a Woman-Owned Small Business. Events like these are very informative."

GFDA's Top 10

Here is our Top 17 for this week celebrating work and successes to grow and strengthen the Great Falls regional economy -- Montana's Golden Triangle. And, sharing business resources and skill-building opportunities to empower your success.

1) The University of Providence and Touro University have partnered to help UP's pre-med students to have a leg-up in successfully gaining admission to Touro's Osteopathic Medical school in Great Falls; see KRTV.

2) Congratulations to Montana Premium Processing in Havre on processing the first animals in their new USDA inspected facility this week. They processed 4 cows and 3 sheep on their opening day. This is a much needed business in our region as most of our livestock end up being shipped out of state for processing. If you are interested in expanding, upgrading or starting up a meat processing business contact Justin at 406-590-1301 and learn how he can help.

3) We will be hosting a Business Pitch on February 21st from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Annie's Taphouse in downtown Great Falls. This is a great chance to network and pitch your business idea or current business. We have resources available to help your business or idea grow! Reach out to Tony Peres at 406-750-2099 or Tony@GrowGreatFalls.org with any questions.

4) Nominations for the Fire Within Inspire and Aspire Awards are open. The Fire Within Award program began 12 years ago to inspire and celebrate female entrepreneurs in North Central Montana's 13 county region. Since its inception, the women honored with Fire Within Awards have been successful, inspiring, and most importantly, impactful! If you know a stellar female entrepreneur who excels in her industry, nominate her for a Fire Within Award!

5) This week we had team members speak at the Society of Human Resource Management monthly meeting and the GFPS "High Voltage Weekend" event to help with talent attraction to Great Falls. We have a toolkit to help recruiters, human resources, and business owners/managers attract talent to key positions. Reach out to Lyndsay Bruno at Lyndsay@GrowGreatFalls.org for help attracting the best talent for your key positions.

6) Fresh Friday is a creative partnership between Conservation Grains and Nine Loaves turning Montana crops into Montana made products. If you have a creative partnership idea perhaps our next pitch event is the place to take your idea to the next step. Reach out to Tony Peres at 406-750-2099 or Tony@GrowGreatFalls.org to find out where the next pitch event will be or visit our events page for more information.

7) We held the third Strategic Teaming Alliance Roundtable (STAR) Event. Jayce Blood and Cody Babinecz from Malmstrom 341st Contracting Wing gave an update of contract opportunities along with a Q&A session. The event was attended by 25 people representing various businesses in our region. For follow up information on this event or other government contract opportunities, contact Lillian Sunwall at LSunwall@GrowGreatFalls.org or (406) 750-1253.

8) Northwest Distributors has expanded from their original location in Sweetgrass to a second location in Cut Bank. The company specializes in US and Canadian domestic and international shipping and receiving and FedEx and UPS shipping. The expansion creates a local shipping option for Cut Bank and the surrounding areas. Learn more in our Announcement of the Week.

9) The 341st Contracting Squadron, Malmstrom Air Force Base (AFB), is contemplating a solicitation for a multiple award contract (MAC) and is looking for responses to this Sources Sought Notification. Awarded MAC indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts would be for the construction of structures and facilities, repair, maintenance, and alteration of real property assets within the confines of Malmstrom AFB, Weapons Storage Area (WSA), and Missile Alert Facility (MAF) and Launch Facility (LF) sites located within the Missile Complex throughout Montana. This is a great opportunity to Introduce your company to the Contracting Wing at Malmstrom AFB. Do you have a Capability Statement prepared that you can provide with your Sources Sought reply? If not, contact us at LSunwall@GrowGreatFalls.org. For more information on the Notice, click here.

10) Great Falls College MSU is looking for more CDL candidates and business partners. The first step for CDL candidates is the CDL Information Session. These happen on the second Monday of each month on campus in room G45/46 at either 10 AM or 5:30 PM. The next session is February 13.

11) Wheat and barley aren't the only crops grown in North Central Montana. Our region is a top producer of peas, lentils, honey, and more! If you're applying for the USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant and need help, don't miss the upcoming Specialty Crop Technical Assistance Zoom meetings. Click here for more info or contact Katesha at 406.788.0860 or Katesha@GrowGreatFalls.org.

12) The Prospera Business Network is accepting applications for their Women's Business Center Impact Grants. This year they will be awarding two $6,000 grants, and two $3,000 grants. Montana women-owned businesses are eligible to apply. For a detailed eligibility information and to apply visit the Montana Women's Business Center Impact Grant page.

13) McLaughlin Research Institute in Great Falls has extended their summer internship application period to February 22. High school students who are rising seniors or recent graduates, or incoming freshman through seniors in college, are eligible for the internship. Internships run from June 12-Aug. 4. To learn more contact Brianne Laurin at Brianne@McLaughlinResearch.org. Read more in The Electric.

14) We help entrepreneurs make their dreams come true. We help you recruit talent to town. We help businesses grow. We fill financing gaps when your bank can't do the full financing. We help prepare you to secure government contracts. We help you clean up contaminated property. Anything business = GFDA. That's what we shared at the Great Falls Realtors Association quarterly luncheon. If you'd like a dynamic presenter for your team, association, club, or church group discussing business and economic growth in Great Falls, call Jolene 406.750.4481.

15) Testified in support of HB 355 that would allocate $265 million of the state surplus to local infrastructure repair and maintenance. Many local and state entities testified in support, including the Montana Infrastructure Coalition of which we are an active member, and no one testified in opposition. Exhibited during Economic Development Capitol Rotunda Day.

16) This week three team members met another key milestone on their way to certification as Economic Development Finance Professionals (EDFP) by passing their business credit analysis course. Our staff continues to up-skill and develop professionally so that we can better serve businesses in the Great Falls region. Congratulations Jill Kohles, Jake Clark, and Christian Leinhauser! Reach out to Jill Kohles to discuss financing needs for your next expansion project, JKohles@GrowGreatFalls.org.

17) A vibrant & successful economy is the result of deliberate choices and actions. Our team of INVESTORS and public partners are helping us improve the health of our local economy every day. Recent investments include: Community Division-ERA Advantage Realty and Flying S Title and Escrow of Montana. They are true advocates for the community and are the reason we can keep working towards growing the economy. Learn about them HERE. To find out how you can join the team that is improving the region, contact Investment Director, Jenn Gallmeier, at 406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org.

We're working with great entrepreneurs, companies, developers, and non-profits on some exciting new projects. There is tremendous opportunity in the Great Falls Montana region!