These past projects serve as a strong example of the impactful work GCED has been proud to support.
Each initiative represents meaningful growth and contribution to a stronger, more vibrant future for Glacier County.
Owner Grace King of Sparkles Salon in Cut Bank received an Economic Development Fund Grant which she used to update her current salon to meet her ever growing needs and replace worn equipment.
She says she has been very busy, and her clients have loved the new updates. We are excited to see Grace's salon keep growing and evolving.
Owner Morgan Hughson describes Montana IV as the high-line's wellness hub in Cut Bank. THE place to go for IV therapy, hydration, supplementation, and red light therapy.
These treatments have been known to boost immunity, lessen brain fog, increase metabolism, decrease your inflammatory response, increase blood flow, and can even help with weight loss and anti-aging.
Morgan offers a comfortable atmosphere in which to receive your IV therapy, and MT IV even has a mobile unit that travels to different locations!
We were able to help MT IV with a grant to purchase a red light therapy board to add to their repertoire and continue an upward trajectory for this small Glacier county business.
Photos courtesy of MT IV.
Lisa Cline, owner of Cut Bank's very own Marketplace on Main Street, applied for and received grant funding to help purchase some of the needed equipment to open a coffee shop inside her market space.
A sit-down coffee shop missing in the community, and it has been wonderful to see Lisa's vision not only come to life - but to create new jobs and opportunities in Glacier county.
Artique Brew was born out of this vision and opened in April of 2025. Lisa proudly serves locally roasted coffee from Folklore Coffee in Conrad, teas from Lake Missoula Tea Company in Missoula, and pastries made by the Whistle Stop Bakery in Shelby. In the seating area, you will find an art gallery with a rotation of incredible Montana artists.
We wish her the utmost success and appreciate those who invest so much into bringing spaces like this to small town communities.
Photos courtesy of Lisa Cine.
Charles "Sanford" Stone of Park Cabin Company, LLC was granted $2,000 by GCED to cover the cost of signage, as well as a small portion of an 8KW dual-tracking solar PV system. The grant will cover 6% of the overall cost of the project, and reduce payback of the system by over a year.
This project supported local electricians and general construction, as well as bolstered eco-tourism on the East side of Glacier Park. Park Cabin Company is open for business at 75 West Shore Duck Road, Babb, MT.
"The support and generosity of the GCED was incredibly beneficial as we started our new business. The many costs involved in getting a business off the ground can be overwhelming and we were so grateful to have GCED as a resource to help mitigate those expenses". - Park Cabin Co.
Photos courtesy of Park Cabin Co.
Friends of Glacier Co. Library
Little Free Library
GCED proudly assisted the Friends of Glacier County Library with a $1,500 award to assist the Free Little Library project.
The funding provided start-up shelving and books for the communities of Babb, Browning, Cut Bank, and East Glacier Park.
The goal is to increase reading at home for children ten years and younger and to provide access to quality books. New books will be supplemented with gently used donated books.
Cast A Lot - Hooked On Life is a new business which will include fishing apparel specific to the needs of women who enjoy outdoor adventure. Cast A Lot will provide an affordable, unique ultimate guide shirt built for superior performance in a pallet of bright colors created from moisture wicking material and a breathable mesh vent.
Another product line will include Cast A Lot Coffee Blend, a one of a kind ground gourmet coffee ready to market to everyone. All Cast A Lot merchandise is available both online and in local Glacier County shops.
GCED awarded $2,000 to Sonja Ray and Lisa Wyrick for their new business.
"The funding that we received through the Economic Development Fund award has allowed us to truly grow as new business entrepreneurs. The funding was the first stepping stone for our new business and we are very appreciative of the board supporting our vision in economic growth and community development," - Sonja and Lisa.
Photo courtesy of Sonja Ray
U Bet Betsy, doing business as Natural Warrior, is run by Glacier County's own Douglas Loring and Betsy Anderson Loring.
U Bet Betsy Herbal Liniment, their flagship product, is a natural herbal liniment that acts as a topical pain relief solution. U Bet Betsy has strict quality control and a strong ethic in supporting their neighbors.
"We at U Bet Betsy are extremely passionate about our products and it is the testimony of our clients that drives that passion. While it is our goal to get our product to as many as possible, we will remain dedicated to clean products."
GCED awarded a $2,000 grant to assist with a bulk order of carrier oil and product packaging.
Photos courtesy of U Bet Betsy and GCED.
Rose Petal Floral
.jpg)
In 2020, with new ownership by Ashley Kavanagh, the Rose Petal completed a full interior and exterior remodel and rebrand. With this development, the Rose Petal wished to update their exterior signage to match the interior updates and draw Main Street traffic awareness to their business. GCED recognized the need for a local flower shop and is proud of what the Rose Petal has become. The Rose Petal was awarded a $2,000 grant to assist with the funding of new signage.
Photos courtesy of the Cut Bank Pioneer Press.
The Glacier County Historical Museum will be offering new experiences in history to visitors and residents alike. Programs such as "Overnight In History" will allow guests to spend the night in a caboose, oil house, or homestead, with the primary goal of promoting learning through historic accuracy (and breakfast in the morning!).
The museum requested funding to build a 12' x 12' restroom and shower facility next to their building in order to create a comfortable stay for guests. GCED was able to provide a $2,000 grant, combined with a low interest $8,000 loan, with which to complete the project.
Glacier County has a jewel of a museum, and we are proud to be involved in such a unique project.
Photos courtesy of Glacier County Historical Museum.
The Glacier Park Women's Club was organized on December 4, 1920 and joined the Federation in 1921. By 1927, the club needed a meeting place and the town needed a community facility, so the process began to build the Community Hall. By 1934 the women had accomplished their goal and the town had a beautiful center for activities.
The Glacier Park Women's Club is proud to be one of the few Montana public libraries started by a Women's Club that is still run by the Club.
In past years, the hall has been used for a multitude of events including bingo parties, dances, game nights, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H, and so much more. The Community Hall remains an official polling place for all local, state, and national elections, and has provided refuge for stranded travelers during blizzards. (Written by Janet Keyser Carnes, November 1997, Revised by Ursula Mattson October 2008).
GCED was approached by the club, which had already raised funds for the past eight years with which to replace the $15,000 roof. They were still in need of assistance to replace five of the original windows. A $2,000 grant award went towards assisting with these projects.
"Folklore Coffee is, ultimately, about giving thirsty people a drink." Nestled in small-town Montana on the Rocky Mountain front, Folklore Coffee was dreamt into existence by founders Andy and Anna were living overseas on the east coast of Africa. Andy's coffee obsession and Anna's love of baking both healthy and unhealthy treats alike, along with their hope to see community growth in rural Conrad, Montana, culminated into Folklore Coffee. Andy attended the American Barista & Coffee School in Portland and the rest, as they say, is history.
"We are so excited to be opening in Cut Bank!", said Andy and Anna. "Our vision, when we opened our first store, was to bring coffee to small towns at a quality level that they don't normally get to experience. We now have our coffee being served all over the state and beyond. We ship coffee from New York to Hawaii every month, but what we are most proud of is to see our coffee spreading in North Central Montana via small, community focused shops where people can get to know their neighbors better and pride for these great little towns can grow."
Andy and Anna opened up a new store inside the Rose Petal in Cut Bank, and GCED was able to assist with a $2,000 grant award for a new exterior sign.
Photos courtesy of Folklore Coffee.
Johnson's is a seasonal resort located on the East side of Glacier National Park, open from mid-May to mid-September. Johnson's is the longest operated family-owned business on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.
Anyone who has lived in this region knows how brutal the weather can be, particular in the winter months. The wind had given the Johnson's signage a run for its money, and we were asked for a grant award to assist with the purchase of "wraps" for the signs. In December, 2020, we proudly assisted Johnson's with their request.
Photos courtesy of Johnson's of St. Mary.
In February of 2021, Claire Reynolds, Family Nurse Practitioner, introduced GCED to Functional Medicine - A Personal Approach. Claire was in the process of renovating an area building for her start-up business, Illuminate Wellness, and requested grant funding to provide furniture for the patient waiting area.
While taking time to make their decision, the board was enlightened by Claire's concepts. One beautiful renovation later, GCED was able to provide the furniture in Claire's new business.
Photos courtesy of Illuminate Wellness.
Sunshine Stables is a passion project of Cut Bank's Kalen McKelvey started in 2020. The mission has been to meet a need in the community by providing a place for horses and their people to thrive in a safe and enjoyable environment.
The facility now includes year round horse boarding, as well as a riding lesson program for students of all ages. Sunshine Stables is run by Kalen and her husband Jake, who both desire to carry on a legacy of horsemanship for years to come!
GCED is proud to have assisted Sunshine Stables with a grant award with which to purchase an additional lesson horse.
Photos courtesy of Sunshine Stables.
GCED was able to assist and support the development of a new Browning, Montana business, Big Dan the Frybread Man. Grant money was awarded to pay for a year of land lease and liability insurance.
We wish them the very best.
Photo courtesy of Big Dan the Frybread Man.
Glacier County Healthy Foods
Nisto Amsskapi Pikanii ki niitsii topii abastan.
Hello, my name is Abbi Fitzpatrick. I am Southern Blackfoot, and I am from Cut Bank. My home is near the backbone of the world, Glacier National Park. Most of my family lives on the Blackfeet Reservation. My father is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe. I am aware of hardships living in a reservation-border town as well as on the reservation. I have tremendous pride for this challenging environment that has made me resilient.
My greatest interest stems from my involvement in 4-H. As a member of Blackfeet 4-H, I was introduced to the Intertribal Agriculture Youth Council. Intertribal Agriculture Council is a network of people who advocate for tribal food sovereignty for all tribes across our great nation. For the last three years, I have gained tremendous opportunities from my experiences through IAC. My greatest interest has been food sovereignty in Indian Country. I have learned several solutions reservations are pursuing to enhance healthy and independent food choices. Having the opportunity to work with the Intertribal Agriculture Council, I have a voice as a youth leader for my tribe and my community.
Today, food related health diseases, poverty, and food deserts are challenges for Indian Country. As an adcvocate for food sovereignty, I understand the importance of traditional foods and their relation to healthy living. With the high percentage of poverty on reservations, Native Americans receiving assistance through commodities or the SNAP program have limited funds for nutritious foods. Furthermore, whether they are SNAP recipients or can afford to fill their cupboards with groceries on their own, healthy food choices are limited due to food desert areas. A food desert is an area removed from access to affordable, nutritious food options. We have a few designated food desert areas in my immediate community.
In January of 2017, I began fund-raising to purchase 100 cases of mini-produce boxes to be distributed to two community programs. The project was covered by $570 from local and GoFundMe donations while Glacier County Port Authority funded $1,030. The project's goal is to share with low-income families about how they can provide their families with healthy produce at a low cost through a local vendor. The first group of 50 boxes was delivered to the community of Heart Butte, Montana during the first part of May 2017. Fifty food boxes were then delivered to the local kid-pack program in my hometown of Cut Bank at the end of May 2017. Heart Butte is a designated food desert along with several reservation towns in Indian Country. I included a flyer for each mini-box with easy recipes using the ingredients in the boxes along with an introduction about the local vendor.
On June 2, 2017, I was notified that I had been chosen from a competitive applicant pool for a grant from the Red Ants Pants Foundation. I received $500 to put towards my project. I also raised an additional $90 to add to the sum during the summer. On November 16, 2017, I was notified that Glacier County Port Authority would again fund the project with an added $910 to complete a second drop of 100 boxes. In December, I also learned that the Siyeh Corporation will be adding to the drop with an additional $2,000.
In January of 2018, I will organize a distribution of boxes to Seville Head Start, Cut Bank Head Start, and Browning Public Schools. I am hopeful to get the cooperation of my local student council along with the student council of Browning High School for such a large distribution of over 230 boxes."
-Abbi Fitzpatrick, Glacier County Healthy Foods
Photos courtesy of Abbi Fitzpatrick.
.jpeg)
"This letter is written with the intent of expressing our sincere THANK YOU for awarding us a grant of $10,000. As promised, the entire amount of the grant will be used to construct an inclusive playground within the City of Cut Bank.
Your grant, when combined with other revenue sources, is bringing the first accessible public playground to our community. As the project continues, I will update the Port Authority on the progress of the playground construction. Please take a moment to reflect upon the impact of your work on the children, parents, and grandparents in our community. Once again, thank you."
-Nicholas Bradford, Glacier County EMS
Photo courtesy of Cut Bank Pioneer Press.
.jpg)
"The City of Cut Bank would like to thank the Port Authority for their generous donation of $10,000 towards the pavilion cover at the City Park stage. Without donations like this, these projects would not be possible. The Port Authority is a valuable asset to the citizens and communities in our area by helping to support worthwhile projects that enhance our communities.
The 38' x 46' pavilion cover will protect the stage at the City Park from the weather and allow more events, including in the spring and fall, making the stage a three-season venue. More events will not only make Cut Bank a more attractive tourist destination; it will make the City Park more inviting to both those who live and visit our community. Thank you for your support."
-Mayor Raemaeker
Photo courtesy of Cut Bank Pioneer Press
