Almost 60,000 Of These Came To Montana In 2023.

We are constantly hearing about all of these people from other states moving to Montana and "ruining" it. Here is the deal, it's not just a huge uptick in west coast folks moving here.

The Secretary of State, Christi Jacobsen, released some jaw dropping information recently. I'm still a bit in shock of the actual numbers that came with 2023 and what does this mean for 2024?

According to the Montana Business Economic Report, in 2023 the state of Montana had 4800 new businesses in February. That number seems like a lot right?! Well, compared to February of 2024, that number is low.

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In February of this year, 5,000 new business registrations were filed with the Secretary of State’s Office. So 200 more than last year at this time. I am wondering what types of businesses these are? Maybe in the field of construction or hair dressers or other independent contractors. I am not exactly sure.

Family, friends, and neighbors are excited to begin their new endeavors, and we’re excited to partner with the business community to help them achieve their goals. -Secretary Jacobsen

In 2023 there were 59,000 NEW businesses filing with the state. To put it into prospective, that would be like every single person in Bozeman registering a business with the state. Literally everyone you pass would be a business owner.

Montana is known across the U.S., as a top ranked state to start a business in, I just can't imagine having that many new businesses last year.

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If you are thinking of starting a new business in Montana, do it before April 15th. If you register prior to the 15th, you will have a one-time fee waiver for all Montana businesses filing their annual report.

I suppose if you think of all of the people who, after COVID, decided they didn't want to be the middle man anymore and took up working for themselves the number seems attainable.

With home and office prices on the rise once again, it will be interesting to see what numbers come in 2024.

cc: Secretary of State Official Website

5 Stores Montanans Miss The Most From The Gallatin Valley Mall

For those of a certain age, hanging out at the Mall was a huge part of our youth. Shopping, going to the movies, hitting up the music stores, going to the arcade, and grabbing a bite at the food court were some things we did regularly. While there are still a handful of Malls across Montana, some of our favorite stores are no longer part of them.

Gallery Credit: Derek Wolf

5 Businesses Montanans Wishes Would Come Back

As most know, Bozeman, Montana is a growing town/city. The population has almost doubled in the last few years, housing prices have skyrocketed, and businesses have either strived or suffered.

The one thing that Bozeman residents all say, is they miss the "old Bozeman". What they mean is they miss the small-town feel, the minimal traffic, and the affordable living. Along with those, there are a few businesses Bozemanites really wish would return.

Here are the Top 5 Businesses Montanans Miss.

Gallery Credit: Megan Shaul, Derek Wolf

Source: Almost 60,000 Of These Came To Montana In 2023.