GNDC Awarded $65,000 Through State Capacity Building Grant To Strengthen Economic Development In Northeast Montana

Great Northern Development Corporation (GNDC) has been awarded $65,000 through the Montana Department of Commerce’s Opportunities for Rural Economies (ORE) Development Organization Capacity Building Grant Program.

The funding is part of a more than $700,000 investment distributed to 17 economic development organizations across Montana, aimed at strengthening local capacity to support businesses, expand services, and drive long-term economic growth in rural communities.

GNDC will use the funding to enhance internal systems and service delivery through software and hardware upgrades, a comprehensive cybersecurity assessment, staff training, and expanded marketing efforts. These improvements are designed to increase efficiency, strengthen data security, and ultimately improve how GNDC supports businesses and communities across northeast Montana.

“This investment allows us to better serve the businesses and communities that rely on us every day,” said Tori Matejovsky, Executive Director of GNDC. “By strengthening our internal capacity, we’re able to provide more responsive, effective support to entrepreneurs, local governments, and community partners. The impact of this funding will extend well beyond our organization and will help drive sustainable economic growth across the entire region.”

The enhancements funded through this grant will have a direct trickle-down effect for small businesses and communities. Improved systems and training will allow GNDC to streamline access to capital, deliver more efficient technical assistance, and expand outreach to underserved and rural entrepreneurs. Investments in cybersecurity and technology will also ensure that business clients can confidently engage with GNDC’s services in a secure and modern environment.

The ORE Capacity Building Grant Program specifically targets organizations like GNDC that are actively engaged in economic development and business assistance in rural areas. By investing in these organizations, the state is reinforcing a network of local partners equipped to help Montana businesses grow and succeed.

Businesses, community leaders, and partners interested in learning more about GNDC’s loan programs, advising services, or economic development initiatives are encouraged to visit https://www.gndc.org or contact GNDC directly.

About Great Northern Development Corporation (GNDC)

Great Northern Development Corporation is the regional economic and small business development organization serving Northeastern Montana. As a mission-driven nonprofit, GNDC partners with local, state, federal, and private stakeholders to bring resources, investment, and opportunity to rural communities. GNDC’s programs include small business advising, business lending, community development, Brownfield assessment and infrastructure planning—all focused on building a more resilient and prosperous region.