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HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen announced today that more than 8,000 new businesses submitted applications in Montana in June, setting another record month in the Treasure State’s ongoing business boom. This milestone continues the strong momentum of 2025 and early 2026, when multiple months surpassed 6,000 and even 7,500 new business applications.
“Montanans are some of the hardest working people you’ll find, and they bring passion and grit to everything they do,” Secretary Jacobsen said. “Whether it’s a Main Street storefront or a small rural shop serving customers nationwide, our entrepreneurs are proving that you can succeed anywhere in Montana.”
That spirit of hard work and innovation is seen statewide. Montana has been recognized as one of the nation’s best states to start a business, reflecting the confidence of business owners across the state. It’s evident in rural Wise River, where 83 active registered businesses serve residents, visitors, and outdoor enthusiasts drawn to the area’s blue-ribbon trout fishing. The Rod Shop, a small, family-owned business in Wise River, is a standout example of how rural Montana entrepreneurs are thriving by producing high-quality fishing rods and gear for customers across the country. By pairing local craftsmanship with an online customer base, The Rod Shop shows how even the smallest communities are contributing to Montana’s record-setting business climate.
“Stories like The Rod Shop in Wise River underscore what makes Montana so special,” Secretary Jacobsen said. “In a town along Montana’s iconic fishing waters, a local business is building world-class products and shipping them nationwide, all while strengthening its community. That spirit is exactly what we see reflected in these record application numbers.”
Secretary Jacobsen has prioritized cutting red tape and expanding convenient online services to make it easier for Montanans to start and grow a business. Registration fees were reduced, and several fees were waived entirely in recent years, helping support continued record growth in new filings. The Secretary of State’s office continues its effort to support Montana’s small businesses by waiving annual report filing fees for those that file between January 1 and April 15.
Montanans can quickly and securely register a new business or manage an existing registration through the Secretary of State’s online filing portal. For more information or to start a business in Montana, visit the Secretary of State’s Business Services website at sosmt.gov/business.