HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen says more than 5,200 new business registrations were filed with the Secretary of State’s Office in January 2024, according to the Montana Business Economic Report.

For comparison, roughly 5,100 new business registrations were filed in January last year.

“We were proud to announce Montana had another record year of new business registration in 2023,” Secretary Jacobsen said, “and we’re beginning 2024 with more Montanans creating their businesses. Our office is honored to serve them as they begin their journey.”

Last month, Secretary Jacobsen joined Governor Greg Gianforte in announcing Montana’s record new business growth – more than 59,000 businesses were registered in Montana in 2023, surpassing the previous record by nearly 6,000 businesses.

Montana has had record new business registration each year since Secretary Jacobsen took office. In 2021, roughly 50,000 new businesses registered, while more than 53,000 registered with the Secretary of State’s Office in 2022.

Under the leadership of Secretary Jacobsen, the Secretary of State’s Office has increased efficiencies, including through the online business filing system, which reduces review and processing time by the SOS staff. Businesses now enjoy 24/7 access to their registrations, filings, and documents.

As a result, Secretary Jacobsen cut registration fees in half for new Montana businesses, eliminated several other fees, and waived the 2024 Annual Report filing fee for all businesses that file by the April 15th deadline.

“We’re proud to partner with Montana’s business community to make their jobs easier,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “Thank you for doing business in Montana.”

Last year, Secretary Jacobsen was honored by the Mountain States Policy Center (MSPC) for making it easier to do business in Montana. Secretary Jacobsen received the organization’s “Elevation Award” which is the highest honor of the MSPC.