1Ō5 Brewing: A Small Business Success Story in Billings
In 2021, Billings native Travis Zeilstra decided to open 1Ō5 Brewing. With over 20 years of experience in the craft beer industry and a passion for traditional brewing techniques, Zeilstra was well prepared to make his mark on the craft brewery scene. But when it came to pinpointing financial projections and crafting a business plan, he knew he needed help.
Zeilstra partnered with the Billings Small Business Development Center, part of the Montana SBDC. Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Montana Department of Commerce, the Montana SBDC exists to provide tools and guidance for people who want to start or grow a small business in Montana.
Lorene Hintz, regional director of the Billings SBDC, said, “Travis has been one of the most persistent and creative clients I’ve had the pleasure of working with. His unwavering determination turned his dream into reality. It’s incredibly rewarding to see his vision come to life and enjoy a cup of his exceptional coffee.”
With the Montana SBDC’s guidance, Zeilstra put together a business plan and financial projections. He secured a location and funding, covering the $4.3 million startup costs through a combination of personal investments, local partners and a loan from Stockman Bank.
“I faced a lengthy and challenging process to bring this project to the finish line,” Zeilstra said. “The thorough review by the SBDC ensured that my financial projections were solid and well-prepared to address the many different scenarios that arose during questioning. The guidance I received from the SBDC was instrumental in helping me achieve my dream.”
In January 2025, 1Ō5 Brewing opened its coffee shop. In late April, the craft brewery launched alongside it. Now with four full-time and 11 part-part staff, 1Ō5 Brewing has eight to ten beers on tap, with a fall Scotch lager debuting soon and a darker winter lager planned for a Christmastime launch. Events at the brewery include trivia and bingo, with food trucks parked outside. Zeilstra said the response from the neighborhood has been great, and people are thankful for the community space he’s created.
Growing with the neighborhood and creating local, loyal customers is a long-term opportunity for 1Ō5 Brewing. It’s located in the Heights, which is isolated from the rest of Billings. The neighborhood, while populous, has plenty of room to develop into a community of its own where residents spend time at local businesses rather than driving past them. Zeilstra is working to increase drive-thru coffee shop business during the early morning hours and brewery business in the 6:30-8 p.m. window. He’s currently running a marketing campaign to support this vision.
Zeilstra said, “We’re trying to be a community hub for the Heights, to create a place where family and friends can meet and get things done over a coffee, soda or beer. We’ve been very well received here. The neighborhood is very thankful for what we have to offer.”
For more information about the Montana SBDC, to explore resources or to reach out for assistance, visit commerce.mt.gov.
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