HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen highlighted her work in eliminating red tape for businesses during a fireside chat at the Montana Outfitters & Guides Association (MOGA) convention on Friday, January 17. MOGA President Chris Francis hosted the event with Secretary Jacobsen.
“When I was elected to my first term in 2020, I made a promise to partner with the Montana business community to make it easier for our businesses in their day-to-day operations,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “Cutting red tape and increasing efficiencies were important first steps in that process.
“We got to work in the Secretary of State’s Office and immediately cut registration fees in half for new Montana businesses and also eliminated several other fees entirely. I’m proud to have waived the Annual Report filing fees for all Montana businesses in 2024 and 2025. Our online filing portal allows businesses to register and access their documents 24/7, so their business filings are readily available when a business needs them.”
Secretary Jacobsen discussed the Red Tape Relief Project headed by the Governor’s Office, which has included extensive regulatory reviews by each state agency. The initiative has been a significant step in fostering economic growth and stability by streamlining regulatory processes, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and creating a more business-friendly Montana.
As a result, Secretary Jacobsen and the Governor have announced record new business creation in Montana in each of the past four years. On Wednesday, Secretary Jacobsen and Governor Gianforte celebrated Montana’s 2024 record at Granite Peak Athletics in East Helena.
“Here in Montana, we’re proud to support our local businesses and organizations,” Secretary Jacobsen said, referencing MOGA and its members who own a small business. “Our job is to serve you, to make it easier for your business to thrive, and to simplify and standardize the processes that allow you to focus on serving our Montana neighbors, family, and friends.”