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HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen met Wednesday afternoon with officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Rocky Mountain Region to discuss the federal and state business climate, ongoing deregulation efforts, and continued support for Montana’s small businesses.
Secretary Jacobsen welcomed SBA Rocky Mountain Regional Administrator Justin Everett and Regional Advocate Trent Staggs, who shared information about SBA policies and priorities, including President Trump’s “Era of De-Regulation” agenda to cut burdensome federal regulations. Staggs, who serves as a regional advocate in the SBA’s Office of Advocacy, described the work of an elite “strike force” tasked with identifying and eliminating unnecessary federal rules across agencies, and encouraged Montana business owners to engage in the federal rulemaking process to help shape regulatory reforms.
“Montana is a national leader in making it easier for entrepreneurs to do business, and that starts by getting bureaucracy out of the way and letting those businesses focus on operations, growth, and quality products and services,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “Now, we’re seeing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to roll back federal red tape that has held small businesses back for far too long. Montana’s job creators deserve a government that gets out of the way so they can invest, hire, and grow, and I appreciate the SBA coming to Helena to hear directly from Montana about how federal regulations impact our businesses.”
During the discussion, SBA officials outlined current economic data and resources available to Montana businesses, including financing options, counseling, and tools to help small employers navigate federal programs. They also highlighted how the Trump Administration’s pro-growth agenda, combined with regulatory relief, is intended to create a stronger environment for entrepreneurs in Montana and across the Rocky Mountain region.
Secretary Jacobsen emphasized that reducing red tape has also been a top priority at the state level. Under her leadership, the Secretary of State’s Office has cut new business registration fees in half, eliminated or reduced several other business filing fees, and waived the annual report fee for all Montana businesses, saving Montana businesses tens of millions of dollars. She also streamlined business filings and reduced paperwork, making it faster and easier to start and maintain a business in the Treasure State.
Those efforts haven’t gone unnoticed by the business community. The Mountain States Policy Center presented Secretary Jacobsen with its Elevation Award, and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in Montana applauded her for standing up for the state’s small business community.
“My promise has been simple: make it easier and more affordable to do business in Montana,” Secretary Jacobsen said. “By cutting and waiving fees, removing unnecessary bureaucracy, and partnering with federal leaders who are focused on deregulation, we’re sending a clear message that Montana is open for business and committed to helping our small businesses succeed.”
Secretary Jacobsen and SBA officials agreed to continue working together to share information, connect Montana business owners with federal and state resources, and identify opportunities to further reduce regulatory burdens on employers in communities across the state.