Great Northern Development Corporation

06/08/2026

Rural business owners are feeling the pressure of rising costs, and this conversation is built for exactly that.

Join the upcoming Rural Business Roundtable: Anticipating Rising Costs for Rural Business Owners on Monday, June 8 from 11:30 AM–1:00 PM via Zoom.

You’ll hear from economic developer and business advisor Julie Jaksha, economist Bryce Ward, and a panel of rural business owners sharing real-world experiences and practical insight.

If your business is navigating higher costs for goods, supplies, labor, or operations, this is a conversation worth joining.

Register here: https://buff.ly/nAWEZq3

What cost increase has impacted your business the most this year?

06/05/2026

Rising costs are not just a “big city” issue. Rural business owners are feeling it too. From supplies and inventory to utilities, wages, freight, and daily operating expenses, small businesses are having to make tough decisions and plan ahead.

The final 2026 Rural Business Roundtable, sponsored by Wells Fargo, will focus on Anticipating Rising Costs for Rural Business Owners.

📅 Monday, June 8
⏰ 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
📍 Online via Zoom

Hear from industry experts, an economist, an economic developer/business advisor, and rural business owners who understand the challenges firsthand.

Register here: https://buff.ly/nAWEZq3

Tag a rural business owner who should be part of this conversation.

06/05/2026

World Environment Day is a good time to think about the ground beneath our feet and the opportunities we may be overlooking.

Across our communities, there are properties sitting idle that once played an important role. Today, they may look like liabilities, but with the right support, they can become assets again.

Ever had an idea for one of those spaces but hesitated because of possible environmental concerns? You’re not alone and you don’t have to tackle it by yourself.

Our Brownfields program works to identify and address those concerns, helping turn uncertainty into a clear path forward. Reusing these sites protects open land, supports local growth, and keeps the character of our towns intact.

If you see potential where others see problems, we’d like to hear from you. Let’s put those properties back to work.

06/04/2026

One large desk and a hutch left! Call 406-768-8604 or message us 🙂

06/04/2026

Interactive Workshop! Register now ⤵️

Dreaming of starting your own business? Make it happen with Start Smart! This interactive workshop is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs ready to dive into their journey. Learn how to build a strong foundation for your business by exploring startup costs, financing options, and how to create a practical business plan you can actually use. You'll leave with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to take the smart approach to launching your business. Don't just start---Start Smart! Join us to set your entrepreneurial journey on the right track. Register: https://tinyurl.com/bddczce4



📸: Commerce

06/04/2026

06/04/2026

Small business owners: are rising costs making it harder to plan, price, or grow? You’re not alone.
Join the upcoming Rural Business Roundtable on Monday, June 8 from 11:30 AM–1:00 PM for a practical conversation on how rural businesses can prepare for increasing costs of goods and other expenses.
This Zoom-based event will feature:
✅ Julie Jaksha, economic developer and business advisor
✅ Bryce Ward, economist
✅ A panel of rural business owners sharing real experiences

This is the final session in the 2026 Rural Business Roundtable Series, sponsored by Wells Fargo. Register here: https://buff.ly/nAWEZq3
Drop a “costs” in the comments if rising expenses are something your business is watching closely.

06/03/2026

Honored to represent Great Northern Development Corporation’s Brownfields Program at the EPA Region 8 Conference in Denver this May.

I had the opportunity to present on the Miles City Depot and Milligan Hotel projects, sharing how community support and owner commitment can make the difference between a project succeeding or falling apart.

Thankful for the partnerships with EPA, Montana DEQ, and everyone helping revitalize our communities.

06/03/2026

Your small business voice matters! The latest Voice of Main Street Survey is open, and small business owners are encouraged to share what they’re experiencing right now.
This quarter’s survey focuses on:
*Current business conditions
*Tariffs and refunds
*Operating challenges
*Access to workplace supports, including paid leave and childcare
The survey only takes a few minutes, and responses help identify the real-time challenges small businesses are facing. That information helps shape advocacy efforts around the issues that matter most to business owners today.

Survey closes June 8, 2026. Take the survey today and make sure your voice is heard:
https://buff.ly/JYOrnVd

06/03/2026

We are so proud to support Oo Shiny Fabrics in Glasgow and celebrate the growth of this wonderful local business.

Leila’s passion for her business, her customers, and her community is exactly why we do the work we do. Small businesses like Oo Shiny Fabrics bring energy, creativity, jobs, and connection to our rural communities, and we are grateful to be a small part of their story.

If you find yourself in Glasgow, make sure to stop in and check out Oo Shiny Fabrics. You will find beautiful fabrics, a welcoming space, and a business owner who truly cares about what she does.

Congratulations, Leila. We are cheering you on! 👏

In January 2024, Leila Seyfert attended “The Blueprint for Business Prosperity” workshop hosted by Great Northern Development Corporation. Inspired by the training and guidance from SBDC staff, she registered Oo Shiny Fabrics LLC in Glasgow that same evening. Since then, the business has grown to employ nine people, with one team member promoted into a leadership role. Leila also surveyed her community to better understand customer needs. Read the full success story and others: http://tinyurl.com/37zszyzu


📸: Leila Seyfert