Governor Greg Gianforte and Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen announced that a record number of new businesses were created in Montana last year. More than 51,500 new businesses were registered with the Montana Secretary of State in 2021, surpassing the previous record set in 2020 by more than 12,000 businesses.

In Yellowstone County there were  838 new businesses registered in 2021.

 “Montana is open for business. In the last twelve months, we’ve seen a record low unemployment rate, a record number of Montanans working, and a record number of new businesses created in the state,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We’ll continue to foster a climate where businesses can thrive and create sustainable jobs and greater prosperity for more Montanans.”    

 “A key indicator for economic strength in Montana is the continued growth of new businesses,” said Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, “and the number of new businesses in Montana just continues to grow. Montana has been rated as one of the best states in the nation for business startups, including The Blueprint ranking Montana No. 1 in its Top 10 Best States to Start Your Small Business in 2021 report.” 

 The Secretary of State’s new Montana Business Economic Report revealed 51,508 new businesses registered in 2021, surpassing the 2020 total by more than 12,000. Nearly 30,000 Domestic Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) were registered in 2021. 

 Montana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd O’Hair celebrated the news.  

 “The record growth in business registrations clearly points to a strong Montana economy and a vibrant entrepreneurial base. You can feel the optimism growing for Montana’s future in every business sector,”?O’Hair said.  

Through the Secretary of State’s modern, user-friendly Montana Business Economic Report, valuable data is provided about the health of the business economy in Montana. Per the report, March had the largest number of business registrations in 2021, with 5,161 new businesses registering with the Secretary of State’s Office.  

 In addition to new business registrations, business renewals and businesses in good standing in 2021.

The Montana Business Economic Report contains information about where, by zip code, new businesses are located. The 59901 zip code (Flathead County) had the highest increase in 2021, with more than 7,000 new businesses registered.  

There were also 178,601 renewal filings in 2021 and 267,900 businesses in good standing, both increases over the prior year. 

The Montana Business Economic Report can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.