HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen said nearly 5,000 new business registrations were filed with the Secretary of State’s Office in February 2024, according to the Montana Business Economic Report.

For comparison, nearly 4,800 new businesses registered with the state in February of 2023.

“Montanans continue to register new businesses and our office is honored to assist with the first step in their journey,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “Family, friends, and neighbors are excited to begin their new endeavors, and we’re excited to partner with the business community to help them achieve their goals.”

Since taking office, Secretary Jacobsen has cut registration fees in half for Montana businesses, while waiving several other fees entirely. The Secretary of State’s Office is currently providing a one-time fee waiver for all Montana businesses filing their Annual Report by the April 15th deadline.

As a result, Montana has had record new business registrations each year under Secretary Jacobsen’s leadership. In January, Secretary Jacobsen joined Governor Greg Gianforte at local Helena business Copperline Smashburgers! to announce more than 59,000 new businesses were registered in Montana in 2023.

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. 

“New business growth remains a key indicator of Montana’s economic success, and we’re proud that our state has been rated the No. 1 state to start a new small business,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “Thank you for doing business in Montana.”