Montana Named Top State to Start a Business

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte today announced that Montana was ranked as the 12th best state to start a business in 2026.

"Montana is open for business," Gov. Gianforte said. "Since taking office, we've removed burdensome regulations, cut taxes, strengthened our workforce, and increased the supply of affordable housing to support the businesses choosing to invest in Montana and create more good-paying jobs."

Gov. Gianforte talking with Todd O'Hair at the Big Sky, Bright Futures Economic Summit in Bozeman in 2024

According to a recent report released by WalletHub, all 50 states were compared using 25 measures categorized in three dimensions: business environment, access to resources, and business costs. In each section, the study looked at metrics such as number of startups per capita, access to capital, and cost of living, to name a few. Montana ranked in the top 15 states behind the top 10 states which include: Florida, Utah, Texas, Oklahoma, Idaho, Mississippi, Georgia, Indiana, Nevada, and California.

"The Montana Chamber of Commerce is proud to support Governor Gianforte's priorities that support Montana businesses and attract new investment to the Treasure State. Businesses are choosing to invest in Montana and create jobs that strengthen local economies and expand opportunities for communities across our state," said President and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, Todd O'Hair.

Since taking office, Gov. Gianforte has prioritized creating the best environment for business and more opportunities for Montanans by simplifying state income tax brackets from seven to two, providing tax cuts for Montanans at every income level, securing immediate and long-term property tax relief, and increasing the supply of affordable workforce housing.

Last year, Gov. Gianforte announced Montana was ranked the best state for business startups according to Entrepreneur Media. In another recent study, WalletHub named Bozeman as the fourth-best small city in America to start a business.

View the WalletHub report here .

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