Montana on Track for Fifth Consecutive Year of Record Business Formation

HELENA — Montana logged more than 6,000 new business registrations in September 2025, continuing the sustained growth pattern Western Montana News has tracked throughout the year and extending the state’s streak of strong monthly performance.

The September figure of approximately 6,000 registrations represents an increase from roughly 4,900 during the same month in 2024, according to the latest Montana Business Economic Report released by the Secretary of State’s office.

With the September numbers, Montana maintains its trajectory toward surpassing the 2024 record of nearly 64,000 total registrations, which would mark the fifth consecutive year of record business formation growth.

Monthly Performance Pattern

The state has consistently posted robust numbers throughout 2025, including over 6,000 registrations in January, 5,100 in February, 6,600 in March, 6,500 in May, more than 6,200 in June, a record-breaking nearly 7,000 in July, and nearly 6,000 in August before September’s latest figures.

The sustained momentum reflects Montana’s pattern of record business formation over recent years, with each of the past four years setting new benchmarks for new business registrations.

Policy Environment

The registration increases have coincided with several business-friendly reforms implemented by the Secretary of State’s office:

• Registration fees cut in half for new Montana businesses
• Annual report filing fees waived for 2024 and 2025, with additional waivers planned through 2027
• Enhanced online services providing 24/7 access to filing and document retrieval
• Eliminated fees for several other business-related services

According to the Secretary of State’s office, these changes have saved Montana businesses millions of dollars while streamlining the registration process.

Economic Context

According to Secretary of State data, small businesses account for more than 99 percent of Montana’s business landscape and represent a key driver of employment and economic activity throughout the state.

The new registrations span diverse sectors ranging from outdoor tourism to technology to agriculture-based enterprises, according to the Secretary of State’s office, with growth distributed across communities statewide.

The business registration data comes as some observers continue to raise questions about the composition of new filings, including whether some registrations may be connected to individuals seeking Montana residency for tax or vehicle registration benefits while maintaining primary residence elsewhere.

“Each new business is more than a statistic — it’s a sign of opportunity, job creation, and strengthened communities across Montana,” said Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen.

With three months remaining in 2025, Montana appears positioned to exceed its previous annual record when final numbers are tallied.