• About
  • Boards
  • Grants + Loans
  • Public Participation
  • Meetings + Events
  • News
  • Contact Us
Department Of Commerce Logo Department Of Commerce
  • DATA + RESEARCH
    • Business + Industry
    • Business Climate
    • Business Assets and Opportunities
    • Resort Tax Analysis
    • Tourism
    • Workforce
      •  
    Government
      •  
    State Government Finances
      •  
    US Census Bureau Programs
     
      •  
    People and Housing
      •  
    Additional Resources
      •  
    Community Profiles
      •  
    Housing
      •  
    Income and Employment
      •  
    Population
  • HOUSING
    • Homeownership
    • FAQs
    • Reverse Annuity Mortgages
    • Home Loans
    • Down Payment Assistance
    • Borrower Portal
    • Current Rates, Income and Purchase Price Limits
    • Participating Lenders
    • Homebuyer Education
    • Recapture Tax
    • Homeowner Assistance Fund
    • Homeowners
    • Montana Emergency Rental Assistance Program
    • Search Montana Rentals
    • Housing Choice Voucher Program
    • Landlords
    • Utility Allowances
    • Emergency Housing Voucher Program
    • Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing
    • Project-Based Section 8
    • Section 811 Supportive Housing
    • Field Agencies
    • HOME-ARP and ESFG
    • HOME Program
    • Housing Trust Fund
    • Uniform Application
    • Community Development Block Grant
    • Community Development Block Grant Cares
     
    • Multifamily Development
    • Compliance
    • Housing Credit
    • Housing Preservation Resources
    • Multifamily Funding Sources
    • Lenders + Realtors
    • Down Payment Assistance
    • Set-aside Programs
    • Veterans' Home Loan Program
    • Community Land Trust
    • 80% Combined Program
    • Habitat for Humanity
    • Mortgage Credit Certificate Program
    • Current Rates, Income and Purchase Limits
    • Recapture Tax
    • Become a Participating Lender
    • Homebuyer Education
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Program Updates
    • Montana Board of Housing
    • 50 Years (1975-2025)
    • Investors
    • Landlord Portal
    • Forms
    • Field Agencies
    • Borrower Portal
    • About
    • Fair Housing
    • Housing Coordinating Team
    • Montana Housing Partnership Conference
    • Resources
  • INFRASTRUCTURE + PLANNING
    • Programs + Services
    • Community Technical Assistance
    • Grants + Loans
    • Pilot Communities
    • Montana Main Street Program
    • Montana Ready Communities Initiative
    • Montana Emergency Tourism Assistance Program
    • Delivering Local Assistance Program
    • Opportunity Zones
    • Montana Facility Finance Authority
    • Montana Coal Endowment
    • State-Local Infrastructure Partnership Act
    • Community Development Block Grant Program
    • Montana Community Reinvestment
    • Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing
    • Consolidated Plan
    • Boards
    • Grant Information
    • Montana Historic Preservation Grant
  • BUSINESS
    • Start Up
    • Business Planning Tools
    • Business Counseling
    • Small Business Development Center
    • Grants and Loans
    • Expand
    • Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit
    • Grants and Loans
    • Small Business Development Center
    • Business Counseling
    • Export Montana
    • Locate
    • Invest
    • Workforce
    • Infrastructure
    • Business Climate
    • Programs + Services
    • Montana Film Office
    • Programs + Services
    • Montana Film Office
    • Made in Montana
    • Choose Montana
    • Montana Facility Finance Authority
    • Tourism and Marketing
    • C-PACE
    • Small Business Development Center
    • Indian Country
    • Indian Country Financial Assistance
    • State Tribal Economic Development Commission
    • Tribal Tourism
    • Success Stories
    • Export Resources
    • Indian Country Resources
    • Small Business Disaster
    • Resources
    • Government Contracting
    • Veteran Entrepreneurs
    • Business Licensing
    • Women Entrepreneurs
    • Training and Workshops
    • Partners
    • Intellectual Property
  • About
  • Boards
  • Grants + Loans
  • Public Participation
  • Meetings + Events
  • News
  • Contact Us
  • Business
    Resources
    • Business
      Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business
    Export Resources Intellectual Property Small Business Disaster Resources Partners Resources Government Contracting The Montana Financial Assistance Center Women Entrepreneurs Veteran Entrepreneurs Business Licensing Training and Workshops Small Business Development Center Indian Country Resources
    Indian Country
    • Business
      Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business
    Indian Country Financial Assistance Indian Country State Tribal Economic Development Commission Tribal Tourism Success Stories Indian Country Programs
    Programs and Services
    • Business
      Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business
    C-PACE Tourism & Marketing Montana Film Office Choose Montana Small Business Development Center Made in Montana Montana Facility Finance Authority Programs and Services
    Locate
    • Business
      Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business
    Locate Workforce Invest Business Assets and Opportunities Business Climate
    Expand
    • Business
      Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business
    Export-Montana Expand Small Business Development Center Business Counseling Grants and Loans
    Start Up
    • Business
      Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business
    Small Business Development Startup Business Planning Tools Grants and Loans Business Counseling
    Business Assistance
    • Business
      Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business Business
    Business Assistance The Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund Microbusiness Finance Program Montana Automation Loan Program Montana SBIR/STTR Matching Funds Program Montana State Small Business Credit Initiative Montana Wood Products Revolving Loan Program Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit Certified Regional Development Corporations Opportunities in Rural Economies Small Business Development Center
  • Infrastructure + Planning
    Grants and Loans
    • Infrastructure + Planning
      Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning
    Grants and Loans Montana Historic Preservation Grant
    Resources
    • Infrastructure + Planning
      Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning
    Opportunity Zones Consolidated Plan Resources Past Programs Census and Target Rate Census Geography Map Income and Rent Limits Resources for Flooding Recovery
    Programs and Services
    • Infrastructure + Planning
      Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning
    Community Planning Platform Community Technical Assistance Community Development Block Grant Montana Coal Endowment Program Montana Main Street Program Montana Ready Communities Initiative Programs and Services Delivering Local Assistance Program Montana Emergency Tourism Assistance Program Pilot Communities Montana Community Reinvestment Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing State-Local Infrastructure Partnership Act Montana Facility Finance Authority
    Past Programs
    • Infrastructure + Planning
      Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning Infrastructure + Planning
    Past Programs Delivering Local Assistance Program
  • Housing
    Borrower Portal Landlords
    • Housing
      Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Borrower Portal Housing Resources Housing Coordinating Team Fair Housing About Montana Housing Partnership Conference
    Landlords Field Agencies Forms Landlord Portal
    Montana Board of Housing
    • Housing
      Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Borrower Portal Housing Resources Housing Coordinating Team Fair Housing About Montana Housing Partnership Conference
    Montana Board of Housing Investors 50 Years
    Lenders and Realtors
    • Housing
      Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Borrower Portal Housing Resources Housing Coordinating Team Fair Housing About Montana Housing Partnership Conference
    Lenders and Realtors Regular Bond Loan Program Set-aside Programs Veterans Home Loan Program Community Land Trust 80% Combined Program Habitat for Humanity Mortgage Credit Certificate Program Frequently Asked Questions Program Updates Become a Participating Lender Down Payment Assistance Current Rates, Income and Purchase Price Limits Recapture Tax
    Developers
    • Housing
      Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Borrower Portal Housing Resources Housing Coordinating Team Fair Housing About Montana Housing Partnership Conference
    Compliance Housing Credit Developers Multifamily Funding Sources Multifamily Development Housing Preservation Resources
    Homeownership
    • Housing
      Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Borrower Portal Housing Resources Housing Coordinating Team Fair Housing About Montana Housing Partnership Conference
    Homeownership Homebuyers Home Loans Down Payment Assistance Current Rates, Income and Purchase Price Limits Participating Lenders Homebuyer Education Recapture Tax Mortgage FAQs Reverse Annuity Mortgages Homeowner Assistance Fund Homeowner Assistance Fund FAQs Homeowners
    Rental Assistance
    • Housing
      Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Borrower Portal Housing Resources Housing Coordinating Team Fair Housing About Montana Housing Partnership Conference
    Project-Based Section 8 Portability Rental Assistance Montana Emergency Rental Assistance Program Search Montana Rentals Housing Choice Voucher Program Emergency Housing Voucher Program Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Section 811 Supportive Housing Landlords Utility Allowances Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) Referring Agencies Admin Plan Field Agencies
    Community Housing
    • Housing
      Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Borrower Portal Housing Resources Housing Coordinating Team Fair Housing About Montana Housing Partnership Conference
    Community Housing HOME Investment Partnerships Program HOME-ARP and Emergency Shelter Facility Grant Housing Trust Fund Uniform Application Community Development Block Grant - Housing Community Development Block Grant CARES
    Resources Housing Coordinating Team Fair Housing About Montana Housing Partnership Conference
  • Data + Research
    Tourism Research
    • Data + Research
      Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Resort Tax Analysis Data + Research
    Programs Industry Industry Development Program Business Research and Information Services Research Tourism Research Business Climate Workforce
    Business + Industry
    • Data + Research
      Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Resort Tax Analysis Data + Research
    Tourism Business + Industry Business Assets and Opportunities Industry Economic Indicators Business Development
    People and Housing
    • Data + Research
      Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Resort Tax Analysis Data + Research
    Population Housing People and Housing Income and Employment Community Profiles Additional Resources
    Resort Tax Analysis Government
    • Data + Research
      Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Data + Research Resort Tax Analysis Data + Research
    US Census Bureau Programs Government State Government Finances Apportionment Montana State Data Center

Business Start-Up Checklist

  • Small Business Development Center
    • Services
      • Business Counseling
      • Business Start-Up Checklist
      • Existing Business Planning
      • New Business Planning
      • Online Classroom
      • Profit Mastery
      • Training and Workshops

Business Start-Up Recommendation List

View a printable version here

Inquire with the Montana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network to assist with navigating business ventures.

Montana SBDC Locations | Montana SBDC Training


DETERMINE YOUR ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Resource:

  • Small Business Administration: Choose Your Business Structure
  • Montana SBDC: Legal Structures
  • Internal Revenue Service: Business Structures

REGISTER YOUR ASSUMED BUSINESS NAME

Resource:

  • Montana Secretary of State's Office: Register A Business

Contact:

  • 406.444.3665

FILE APPROPRIATE ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS

Resource:

  • Montana Secretary of State’s Office: Montana Business Name Search

Contact:

  • 406.444.3665

APPLY FOR FEDERAL AND STATE TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS

Resource:

  • Internal Revenue Service: How to Apply for an EIN
  • Internal Revenue Service: SS-4 Form & Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Montana Department of Revenue: Taxpayer Access Point (For Businesses)

Contact:

  • Internal Revenue Service: 1.800.829.4933 |   Montana Locations
  • Montana Department of Revenue: 406.444.6900

DETERMINE BUSINESS LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

Resource:

  • Montana Department of Revenue: State of Montana Licenses

Contact:

  • Montana Department of Revenue: 406.444.6900 | eStop Business Licenses
  • Montana Department of Labor & Industry: 406.841.2300 | Professional & Occupational Licensing
  • Montana Department of Agriculture: 406.444.3144 | Technical Service Bureau
  • Montana Department of Revenue: 406.444.6900 | Liquor Licensing Division
  • Montana Department of Justice: 406.444.1971 | Gambling Control Division
  • Montana Department of Labor & Industry: 406.444.9029 | Independent Contractor Central Unit
  • Montana Department of Labor & Industry: 406.444.0563 | Construction Contractor Registration Unit

EMPLOYMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS

Resource:

  • Montana Department of Revenue: Employee Tax
  • Montana Department of Labor & Industry: Employment Laws
  • Montana Department of Labor & Industry: Worker’s Compensation and Occupational Disease Blue Book
  • Montana Department of Labor & Industry: Montana Unemployment Insurance Employer Handbook
  • Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services: New Hire Booklet

Contact:

  • Montana Association of Labor & Industry: 406.444.0566 | Worker’s Compensation Regulations Bureau
  • Montana Association of Labor & Industry: 406.444.3783 | Unemployment Insurance Division
  • Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services: 406.444.9290 | New Hire Reporting System

DETERMINE TAX OBLIGATIONS AND SETTING UP WITHHOLDING RECORDS

Resource:

  • IRS Publication 583: Starting a Business and Keeping Records
  • IRS Publication 334: Tax Guide for Small Business
  • IRS Publication 505: Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax
  • Montana Department of Revenue: Montana Wage Withholding Tax Information

Contact:

  • Internal Revenue Service: 1.800.829.4933 | Montana Locations

PROTECT YOUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Contact:

  • Montana Technology Innovation Partnership (MTIP): 406.994.3885
  • U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: 1.800.786.9199
  • U.S. Copyright Office: 1.877.476.0778

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

  • Business Resources: 406.841.2870 | Business MT
  • Exporting: 406.841.2783 | Export Montana
  • Government Contracting: 406.256.6871 | Montana Procurement Technical Assistance Centers
  • Healthcare Reform: 406.444.2040 | Montana Health Insurance Answers
  • Manufacturing: 406.994.3812 | Montana Manufacturing Extension Centers
  • Market Research: 406.532.3265 | Montana Site Selector
  • Market Research: 406.841.2740 | Data and Research
  • Market Research: 406.841.2740 | Census and Economic Information Center
  • Market Research: 1.800.923.8282 | U.S. Census Bureau
  • Market Research: 406.444.4100 | Montana Labor Market Information
  • Montana Products: 406.841.2757 | Made in Montana
  • Veteran Business Outreach Center: 406.869.8411 | VBOC
  • Women in Business: 406.587.3113 | Montana Women’s Business Center
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Montana Department of Commerce.
state shape of Montana

Department of Commerce Logo - An outline of the state of Montana with the word Commerce displayed laterally to the left.

  • BOARDS
  • CONTACT US
  • EVENTS
  • GRANTS + LOANS
  • LEGAL AFFAIRS
  • NEWS
  • PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
  • Newsletter Sign-Up

Montana Department of Commerce
301 S Park Ave, Helena, MT 59620
Contact Us | 406-841-2700
Montana Relay 711
Equal Housing Logo



  • Social Media Policy