Missoula Named Best College Sports Town in USA TODAY Poll
Missoula’s win highlights the University of Montana’s strong athletic programs and the community’s passionate support. Griz Athletics generates over $94 million annually for local businesses and supports hundreds of jobs.
University of Montana to Host First-of-its-Kind Montana AI Summit – 9/1-3 – Missoula
Designed for the AI curious and the skeptical alike, the summit will gather workers, business owners, educators and community members from across Montana to ask the questions that matter most: What is AI actually doing to jobs, industries and communities, and what should be done about it?
At Least 1 in 4 (maybe more…) N.F.L. Players Gets Brain Disease – Here’s how to minimize risk if your child plays football.
The actual prevalence, researchers said, may be much higher.
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School has started so here is a catalogue of free courses from MIT
Free lecture notes, exams, and videos from MIT.
No registration required.
New York Times – 36 Hours in Bozeman, Montana
What was once a charming mountain town is now a booming small city, with glossy storefronts lining its historic Main Street, high-end condominiums rising in its Northeast Neighborhood and a substantial redevelopment of its once-industrial Cannery District.
Companies that kept DEI policies doing better than those that didn’t
Research shows companies that stood by their diversity programs performed just as well as—or better than—those that folded under political pressure.
Montana Could Suffer Lasting Impacts Due to U.S. and Canada trade dispute
Canada is by far Montana’s largest international trade partner. Last year, Montana exported around $2.1 billion in goods worldwide. Around half of that went to Canada, mostly agricultural, chemical, energy, and mineral products.
Bozeman, Montana Asks Community to Help Find Housing for Teachers
The City of Bozeman Community Housing Program makes more housing options possible for the people who live, work, study, and contribute to Bozeman.
Blackfeet Community College Forgives $1 Million in Student Debt thanks to an unrestricted $8 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott
For over half a century, the college has helped students pursue higher education while also preserving Blackfeet tradition, the tribe’s history and language. The college has also increased its focus on career education.
Great Falls Development Alliance
“Anything Business – Think GFDA. The Great Falls trade area offers a strategic location, competitive operating costs, and strong industry advantages in food and agriculture, value-added processing, bioprocessing, energy, and advanced support services. As the…
California Law Eases Access to Affordable Balcony Solar Panels
Balcony solar is thriving in Europe — in Germany more than 4 million systems have been installed. Efforts to ease their deployment are gathering steam in other countries. This move could serve as a model for other states managing rising utility rates and climate challenges.
Flathead Reservation Pilot to Fight Homelessness Through Housing Development
A collaborative effort renovated a tribally owned home to house individuals focused on recovery and workforce enhancement. This pilot program combines housing development with supportive services to address the growing housing shortage on the reservation.
Montana Pushes to Restore Passenger Rail by 2030s – Greater Northwest Rail Summit in Helena
Montana transportation officials and local governments are working to reconnect major cities via the old Hiawatha rail route. The project aims to enhance connectivity and boost economic benefits.
There’s a place for roads. There’s a place for ATVs. It’s just not everywhere, it’s not all the time, and it’s certainly not everywhere all the time.
Building more roads, along with the “expanded opportunities” touted by the administration in removing barriers to off-road travel, will come at a grave cost: the loss of future hunting opportunity — and not just our backcountry opportunity, but all hunting opportunity across U.S. Forest Service lands.
A New Study Proves Jamie Dimon Is Wrong Yet Again About Remote Work
New data from a University of Colorado Boulder study found that remote workers had the highest level of well-being.
Missoula schools partner with organizations to provide affordable after-school care
For parents on a budget, there are options that won’t break the bank. Some elementary schools partner with local programs to give kids fun, safe and affordable care.
High Plains Financial
“High Plains Financial (HPF) is a Montana-based Certified Development Company and SBA 504 lender affiliated with the Great Falls Development Alliance (GFDA). HPF provides SBA 504 loans statewide, helping businesses access long-term, fixed-rate financing for…
A Heat-Pump Water Heater Should Be In Your Future
Heat-pump water heaters are about three times as efficient as gas-fired or electric-resistance varieties, cut planet-warming emissions, and often lower monthly utility bills.
Private equity’s struggles may be harbinger of a bigger economic crash
PE’s struggles are a potential early warning sign that the AI bubble is about to burst, threatening an already fragile consumer economy.
US fossil fuel lobbyists represent hundreds of cities fighting for climate damages
Congressional lobbyists working for fossil fuel firms that are exacerbating the climate crisis are simultaneously representing more than 300 local governments raising funding to recover from climate damage, according to a new analysis.
Solar and Wind Power Surge in Western U.S. Energy Grid, Pushing Coal to Historic Lows.
Solar and wind now dominate much of the Western U.S. energy grid, pushing coal to historic lows. Large-scale projects and new transmission corridors are driving this shift toward renewables.
Strong partnerships build strong economies – Jim Atchison – SEMDC
Can your community provide reliable, affordable energy?
What did Meta really accomplish by its multi-billion dollar settlement?
When you get into the details, you’ll find that Meta is trying to use the deal to handicap rivals and boost its own business.
High Plains Financial
“High Plains Financial (HPF) is a Montana-based Certified Development Company and SBA 504 lender affiliated with the Great Falls Development Alliance (GFDA). HPF provides SBA 504 loans statewide, helping businesses access long-term, fixed-rate financing for…
Montana Secures $127 Million from Meta Settlement on Teen Safety
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen won a major settlement requiring Meta to add safety features like time limits and Night Mode on social media. The funds will support youth mental health programs and could grow if other platforms follow suit.
Researchers Pioneer Dementia Care in Rural Communities
University of Minnesota teams are studying dementia care adaptations across 47 counties, focusing on rural and Indigenous populations often overlooked in research. Their findings on health risks and social isolation offer insights that could benefit Montana’s rural healthcare strategies.
Montana Eyes Major Overhaul of Public Service Commission
Governor Gianforte’s task force proposes shifting the PSC from elected to appointed members to improve energy governance. The 2027 Legislature will debate reforms that could reshape regulatory stability and energy policy for Montana businesses.
The City of Billings, Montana has established a Technology Advisory Council and is looking for local / area techies and business-techies who may have an interest in serving the community on this council.
The Information Technology Advisory Commission (ITAC) was created by Billings City Council Resolution 26-11319 on March 23, 2026 with the purpose of enhancing its decision-making capacity regarding technology, cybersecurity, and digital services through expert, non-binding guidance from local technology professionals.
HCBD announced 2027 health insurance coverage for state employees. You won’t believe these increased costs
There has to be a better solution, this is going to bankrupt families. This coverage is horrendous and not comparable at all to private or even federal government health insurance.
Congress Must Secure Farmers’ Right to Repair John Deere Equipment
A recent FTC settlement requires John Deere to share repair resources, but advocates say only congressional action can guarantee lasting protections. Montana farmers face unique challenges due to distance and equipment costs, making permanent right-to-repair laws crucial for their survival.
Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority
The purpose of regional rail authorities in Montana is to preserve and improve abandoned rail services for agriculture, industry, or passenger traffic and to preserve the abandoned railroad right-of-way for future transportation uses, when determined…
Investing in Early Education Could Boost Global Economy Trillions
Early childhood education is key to building brain capital, the foundation for future workforce adaptability and creativity. Montana businesses can leverage this strategy to address local workforce challenges and prepare for an AI-driven economy.
Destination Creation Workshop: Shelby, MT – 10/6
Learn the proven principles of Destination Creation® from internationally recognized expert Jon Schallert. This immersive workshop teaches businesses and communities how to stand out, attract more visitors, increase customer loyalty, and become destinations people actively seek out. Walk away with practical strategies to strengthen your brand, grow revenue, and create lasting economic impact.
Hosted by the Great Falls Development Alliance and The Montana Department of Commerce.
Free Destination Creation Workshop: Great Falls, MT – 10/7
This immersive workshop teaches businesses and communities how to stand out, attract more visitors, increase customer loyalty, and become destinations people actively seek out.
Conservation Summit Tackles Yellowstone Ecosystem Threats
Over 200 experts gathered to address growing human impacts on Yellowstone’s wildlife and habitats. Discussions focused on migration tracking, private land conservation, and the challenges posed by recent policy changes.
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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority
The purpose of regional rail authorities in Montana is to preserve and improve abandoned rail services for agriculture, industry, or passenger traffic and to preserve the abandoned railroad right-of-way for future transportation uses, when determined…
“For Montana” – University of Montana Launches Renewable Scholarship Initiative
The For Montana Scholarship Initiative aims to reduce financial barriers by funding scholarships that support students from enrollment through graduation. This coordinated effort involves alumni, local businesses, and athletic programs to strengthen Montana’s workforce and economy.
The Trump administration upended how we fight wildfires. Then came the West’s worst fire season in years.
Full suppression and reorganization: Inside a changed world of wildland firefighting.
MontanaSky and Vero Fiber Merge to Boost Northwest Montana Broadband
The merger combines MontanaSky’s local expertise with Vero Fiber’s national network skills to enhance fiber access. This partnership aims to improve competition and service quality while focusing on underserved communities.
Silicon Valley Executives Are Tech Fans. Just Not for Their Own Kids.
At home, moderation and restraint are the rule for tech parents. Boredom is exalted. Maybe they’re onto something.
Does You Community Have a Repair Cafe? What You Can Do.
Repair Cafés are free meeting places and they’re all about repairing things (together). In the place where a Repair Café is located, you’ll find tools and materials to help you make any repairs you need. On clothes, furniture, electrical appliances, bicycles, crockery, appliances, toys, et cetera. You’ll also find expert volunteers, with repair skills in all kinds of fields.
The Invisible Font Résumé Hack Is Breaking AI Job Screeners. As a Recruiter, I Don’t Blame Candidates
We’ve built hiring systems that reward people who know how to talk to machines rather than people who can actually do the job.
ADROIT Employer Resources
ADROIT Employer Resources is a Montana-based workforce and talent solutions partner that helps employers solve complex hiring challenges through recruiting, workforce strategy, and employment consulting. We specialize in supporting organizations including deep tech, advanced technology,…
New $3.2M Grant Boosts Drug Access for Rural Hospitals in 9 States Including Montana
The Civica Rural Hospital program offers reliable generic drug supplies to 330 rural hospitals across nine states, including Montana. This pilot aims to reduce drug shortages and costs, benefiting isolated communities with limited purchasing power.
AI Tools Slash Housing Permit Delays in U.S. Cities
Cities like Denver and Honolulu are using AI to cut permit approval times and reduce errors. Federal funding supports these efforts, promising faster housing development pipelines nationwide.
College Enrollment Rises Despite Growing Public Skepticism
While only 35% of adults now see college as very important, bachelor’s degrees awarded have increased significantly. Tuition costs have decreased and degree holders earn substantially more, suggesting financial benefits often outweigh costs.
GFDA Top Ten for 8/23/26 + a New Mural
GFDA has some great Career Opportunities! We’re looking for two Business Development Officers, one to focus on attracting investment in Downtown Great Falls and one to focus on expanding food, ag and bio processing industry in the region. We’re looking for two business advisors, one to focus on helping businesses with government contracting and one to focus on helping existing businesses to thrive and entrepreneurs to start new businesses including business plans, profitability, market research, and securing capital.



















