Start a Business in Helena, MT: When it comes to starting a business, entrepreneurs must look for the place with the most potential. Whether a corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, or LLC, having a business in Helena, MT, is a plus for any entrepreneur. In general, setting up any form of business in Montana, US, is the initial step to building an international brand.
Entrepreneurs across the globe are interested in starting and expanding their businesses in Helena, MT. With an urban population of 32655 (estimate), the city has a lot to offer to all emerging entrepreneurs. The main reason for this is the economic environment and flexibility of the business structure in Montana. Like most places in the US, Helena, MT also offers business structures for all types of entrepreneurs; no matter what business you want to do, there’s a perfect solution for you. If you want to start limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation, or a sole proprietorship, Helena, MT has a proper business environment for all.
In this article, you will read about how to start a business in Helena and why you should choose Helena to start and run your business. We recommend you check below the important facts about Helena, MT; these might help you.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
Helena, MT Household Income Statistics
Helena Median household income | 60074 USD |
Helena households with dual income earners | 54 % |
Helena households $150K+ Income | 11.7 % |
Helena households $100K+ Income | 26.6 % |
Helena households $100-150K Income | 14.9 % |
Helena households $75-100K+ Income | 12.6 % |
Helena households $50-75K+ Income | 20.1 % |
Helena households $35-50K+ Income | 10.7 % |
Helena households $25-35K+ Income | 9.8 % |
Helena, MT Education & Labor force Facts
Helena residents with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) | 29.4 % |
Helena residents with at least a 4-year degree | 49 % |
Helena residents with a graduate degree | 19.6 % |
Helena residents with a high school diploma but no more | 19.4 % |
Helena residents with less than high school education | 3.8 % |
Helena residents with some college but no more | 27.7 % |
Helena residents with a Bachelor’s degree or higher (STEM fields) | 44.6 % |
Helena households that own (rather than rent) their residence | 57.3 % |
Helena residents 16 and older in the labor force | 66.1 % |
Helena residents unemployed | 3.6 % |
Helena, MT Demographics
Helena residents aged 0-9 | 10.4 % |
Helena residents aged 10-19 | 11.2 % |
Helena residents aged 20-29 | 13.8 % |
Helena residents aged 30-39 | 13.4 % |
Helena residents aged 40-49 | 11.7 % |
Helena residents aged 50-59 | 11.9 % |
Helena residents aged 60-69 | 13.9 % |
Helena residents aged 70-79 | 9 % |
Helena residents aged over 80 | 4.7 % |
The average size of resident families in Helena, MT | 2.88 |
Estimated population per square kilometer in Helena, MT | 749 |
Helena, MT urban population (estimate) | 32655 |
Helena, MT municipal population (estimate) | 32655 |
Now that you know what makes Helena of Montana good for business, let’s get started with the exact steps on how to start a business in Helena.
How to Start a Business in Helena, MT
Starting a business in Helena, MT, needs planning, financial decisions, legal procedures, and a handful of other things. Be it a corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, or LLC in Montana, you must go through the following steps. These steps are general steps. They are subject to change depending on the structure of your business.Generally, starting a Limited Liability Company is easy to form. Read our guide on how to start an LLC before you start your own business. Here are the steps to set up your business in Helena.
Step 0: Decide on What Business to Start
This is the first thing you work on, the type of business you want to start in Helena. Depending on that, you need to make your business plan. Apart from the legal documentation and process, you must include the following points in your business plan,
- Through market research on demand trend
- Complete Budget plan – funding your business. If you’re planning to start an LLC, then take a look at the cost of LLC
- What competitors are doing
- SWOT Analysis – check what your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats are
- Your targeted buyers
Once you have the entire plan with you, you can continue working on the legal structure of your business. LLCBuddy will guide you through the legal process of forming an LLC for your business. It’s very likely that you have already done this step 0, so that we won’t go deep into this step, let’s move to step 1.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure
The very first step after you decide on what type of business you want to start is to choose what type of business structure you want to form. You can form an LLC, a sole proprietorship, a corporation, or a partnership. Each type of structure has different rules and regulations. For example, if you want to start a Montana LLC, there are different types of tax and fee structures. An LLC formation is similar to forming a sole proprietorship. On the other hand, forming a corporation is much more complicated. The tax and fee structure is completely different in corporation formation.
Step 2: Name Your Business
The next step in forming a business is to give it an appropriate name. Having a business name is not so easy task. You cannot pick a random name for your company. One has to follow proper naming guidelines before they name their company. Besides, before you settle a name, you must check if the name you are looking for is available to use. You can visit the official government site of Montana to do the Montana LLC name search before you pick the available name. Below are some of the naming rules you need to follow,
- You cannot name your business that has words or phrases like Bank, University, Government, or anything that can confuse people with a government sector.
- If you are forming an LLC in Montana, then you must include words like “LLC,” “LC,” “LLC,” “Liability Company,” and “L.L.C.” If it is an LLP, then you must include “LLP” in your business name.
- The name should reflect the nature of your business. Any name that can confuse people should not be picked.
- You can check if the name of your company is available. Through the business name search process, you can search if the desired name is available for use or not.
- You can reserve your business name for a certain time before you form your business in Helena, MT by filing a name reservation application.
The above-mentioned points are basic naming rules that all businesses have to follow while naming their company. As mentioned above, these rules are subjected to change depending on the structure of the business.
Step 3: Get a Registered Agent
A Registered Agent is a person who receives all types of legal and official documents on behalf of the business. Whether a suit against your company or formation-related documents from the state, a Montana LLC Registered Agent is responsible for receiving these documents at his/her official address. In general, anyone who has the right to conduct business in Helena can be a registered agent. However, there are some requirements to becoming a registered agent.
- The person has to be 18+ years of age.
- Must be a citizen of the Montana
- Must have a physical street address in the Montana
- Must have legal rights to conduct business in the Montana
Anyone who fulfills the requirements can be a registered agent. Also, anyone from the company, your spouse, any relative, or yourself can be a registered agent. But, it is recommended that you hire a professional registered agent to look after your documentation. You can choose from the best LLC services that also offer registered agent for LLCs.
Step 4: Register Your Business
The next step is to register your business under the Secretary of State, Montana. The Articles of Organization (or certificate of incorporation) of your company should be submitted online, by mail, in person, or by fax to the Montana SOS. You need to pay the state filing fee either by Credit Card or by check to the SOS while registering your business in the Helena, MT. Your Montana LLC articles of organization should have the following details about your business
- Company/Business name, address
- Registered Agent Name, address
- Member-managed or manager-managed (in case of LLC)
- Type of business
Depending on the type of business structure, you may have to add some more information to the formation document.
Step 5: Write the Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is a document that has all the structural information of your business. In most states, it is not mandatory to create an operating agreement. However, it is highly recommended to have one as an internal document. This document records information such as,
- About Business
- Members and management
- Capital contribution
- Profit Distribution
- Change of membership
- Dissolution
In future, if any member wants to leave the company or you want to dissolve the business, then the Montana operating agreement has everything recorded, from clauses to contributions.
Step 6: Obtain EIN
EIN or Employer Identification Number is required to file taxes, open a business bank account, and if your business has employees. EIN can be obtained from IRS. It is a 9-digit number similar to Social Security Number. However, EIN is different from SSN. It is solely used for business purposes, especially for general tax filing. You have to fill out the form and submit it to the IRS website. It does not cost you anything to obtain EIN.
Step 7: Get Business Bank Accounts
Once you obtain the EIN for your business, you are free to open a business account in the US. Having a US business bank account can ease your business transactions in Helena, MT. It increases your business credibility and liquidity. It will also be helpful for business loans.
Step 8: Create Your Business Website
Business websites are as important as your business structure. It is necessary to have a catchy business website with all the information regarding your company. Along with the website, you need some more things. Things such as logos, business cards, business emails, domain names, and social media accounts are needed to promote your business. You can hire a professional business service to get all of these services under one roof.
Other Things to do After Starting Your Business
- Once your company is set in the Helena, Montana, you need to file your taxes and apply for licenses (if needed).
- Apart from the license and permits, you need to get insurance for your business. Such as General Liability Insurance, Professional Liability Insurance, and Workers’ Compensation Insurance are some of the insurances you need to get if you are about to start an LLC.
Important Helena Stats for Starting a Business
Before you start a business in Helena, it is required that you know some facts about the city. Following are some of the stats to consider before starting a business.
Education & Employment
Helena has a diverse population that comes from various educational backgrounds. There are students who haven’t finished their high-school education, whereas there are people who are more than just college graduates. Check the table (Education & Labor Force) for detailed data. From the data, it is clear that the city has enough educated and skilled people who can contribute to the labor force.
Demography
As we talk about the urban population density, the young population percentage in the city is approximately 13.8 (people in their 20s) and 13.4 (people in their 30s). This means that having any business that is new and tech-based might be profitable. The median age of the population in the city is 41. On the contrary, if anyone wants to start a business that is related to any old-age service, such as caregiver, primary old-age support, or something of a similar sort, then Helena has approximately 4.7 (people in their 80s and above) percent of old people. Check out the table (Demography) above for more information.
Real Estate
Another important factor to mention about Helena is the home value of owned properties. The average value of owned houses is 263454. Also, the percentage of people living in their own houses is 57.3. This reflects the real estate market of the city. For a metropolitan city, this is a considerable number.
Health
It is inevitable that living in a big city is different from living in a town or a comparatively smaller city. It directly affects lifestyle and health. It is obvious that having health insurance is important, no matter which city or region you are residing in. But there are people in Helena who still do not have health insurance. The rate of people not having health insurance is 4.1. This depicts the lifestyle and overall health demography of Helena. As you plan to start your business in this city, you must consider this stat as well.
Income & Lifestyle
The income pattern of the people in this city is given in the table (Income) above. In Helena, a part of the population has a dual family income that reflects a better standard of living. As in, people have more than one source of income. The table above shows the income percentage of various slabs.
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Reasons to Start a Business in Helena
Helena offers a bunch of business-friendly services for entrepreneurs. A proper business environment, skilled labor, tax advances, deductions, and much more are awaiting if you are interested in starting your business in Helena. Here are some of the reasons,
Stable Economic Growth
Helena or any other city in Montana has stable economic growth and an environment that helps any business to grow successfully. The economic structure of Montana shows not only balanced but also a sustainable condition of economic growth, which in turn triggers the businesses to flourish in the state.
Minimize Personal Liabilities of the Entrepreneur
If you’re considering starting an LLC in Helena, then it will be your best choice. An LLC protects your personal assets and minimizes your personal liabilities. This is one of the many reasons why having an LLC in Helena is a wise choice. Also, if you are opting for an LLC, the tax deductions will be more than having a corporation.
Federal and State Tax Relaxation
There is a series of federal taxes that an entrepreneur has to pay when operating a business in the US. Depending on the state your company is located in, the state taxes are being imposed. For an LLC, both of these taxes are much lower compared to other business structures. Along with tax impositions, some tax deductions (state-wise) lower the filing fees and other government charges. Check out the Montana LLC tax structure to know more about the tax structures for LLCs in the state.
Government Incentives for Entrepreneurs
Federal and state governments in the US ensure that entrepreneurs get a proper business environment in the state or city they are operating their business. The government provides a few incentives to the business holders in Montana or any other state. That means if you are operating any business in Helena, then Montana State will provide an incentive for creating jobs, contributing to the state’s GDP, and/or balancing the state’s tax structure.
Low Corporate and Other Business Taxes
Corporations and other business structures (except for an LLC) are liable to pay a corporate tax in Montana. Also, there is a Sales Tax that all businesses, including LLCs, have to pay. However, the rate of taxes is very low. Besides, as the businesses receive incentives, the tax burden gets lower.
Skilled Labour & Quality Manpower
In Helena, it is easy to hire employees for your business. They are not only skilled but also well-educated to help your business grow. As mentioned above, the 66.1 is the percentage of labour participation. Hence, it is clear that having a business in Helena will make a lot of difference to the existing labor force.
Demand for New Market and Industry
In Helena, Montana, there is an uprising demand for new industries and new markets. Entrepreneurs who are willing to start a business in any of the cities of any state are given enough opportunities to stay in business. Business licensing, tax deductions, incentives, and relaxation of business taxes are some of the benefits that encourage start-ups and budding entrepreneurs to start their own businesses in Helena.
If we follow the US Data, the median value of commute time for the residents to their work is approximately 13. If you are starting a business here, you must keep in mind that commutation can be a point to consider.
Intellectual Property Protection
The US government receives roughly more than 1 million applications for IPR every year. The federal government makes sure that there is no infringement of any patent or property rights. It does not matter which city in which state you are running your business. The rule of Intellectual Property Protection is the same for all. If you have a foreign business in the US, then you might get more benefits under the IPR act.
Other Benefits
Helena (aka ) is ranked at 2 in terms of importance. Apart from the above mentioned reasons, there are some other benefits that businesses enjoy in Helena. For example, technological advancement, a stable political environment, renewable resources, sustainable non-renewable resources, and some more benefits make things easier for entrepreneurs to start and run their businesses. According to US Data, the percentage of young people in Helena is 13.4. Hence, it would be great to start a business that is related to tech here as you might get a good number of clients.
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When Should You Start Business In Helena Montana
Depending on the type of business you are looking to start, there are a number of things to consider. The first thing to look for is the legal structure of the business. This may determine whether or not you need to get a license. There are several different structures available, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Choosing the right structure is not as simple as it may sound.
The biggest advantage of forming a corporation is the legal protection you will receive from the state of Montana. This is important to businesses with employees, as they need to register with the IRS for employee taxes. Businesses that have shareholders also have some legal protections. However, if you are a sole proprietor, you will not need to worry about filing any state tax returns.
There are also a number of free business counseling services available to Montana business owners. Western Montana SCORE is one of these organizations. They provide professional counseling to help prospective entrepreneurs get started. The organization’s website also features a business plan generator, which will guide you through writing a business plan.
Choosing the best location to open your business is a key factor to the success of your business. You’ll need to consider things like zoning laws and licensing requirements. You may also want to take a look at the area’s economic and population growth. This can drive traffic and interest in your products or services.
If you are planning to hire employees, you’ll need to get a federal employer identification number (FEIN), which is the equivalent of your personal Social Security number. This is a must for many businesses, including restaurants, construction companies, and daycares. You may also need a liquor license, if you intend to open a restaurant or bar.
Aside from getting the right permits, you’ll want to get a good look at the local market. Getting to know your target customers will help you formulate a marketing plan. The local Small Business Administration office will help you with this.
The most important part of the marketing plan is to determine who your target audience is. You can find out this information through surveys, focus groups, and SEO research. You should also consider the competition in your area. If you plan on marketing your business online, you’ll want to learn about search engine optimization. You can also use tools like Huckleberry to learn about your business’s insurance coverage. This will help you save thousands of dollars each year.
Besides researching the best possible location for your business, you will also want to check into the cost of operating your business. You may find that you need to pay for a website, advertising, or a social media account, for example. It’s also smart to calculate the costs of operating your business before you look for funding. This will help you choose the right funding source for your business.
The small business miracle that is Montana’s business climate may not be as easy as you think. For instance, you may need to get a license for your business, which is a lot more involved than most states. But Montana’s tax climate is among the best in the country.
FAQ About Helena, MT
In Helena, MT, you may set up a shop where customers can purchase rather unique clothing and footwear. You may advertise your ability to offer one-of-a-kind apparel and footwear created by independent designers. Inside the shop, you might also have a little café.
Helena, MT, offers a wide range of industries that might make you wealthy. Anyone doesn’t get wealthy over night, that much is true. You must wait until your company is established in Helena, MT, if you have founded one there.
When deciding where to reside in Helena, MT, consider where your career or company will be most successful. You may select where to reside in Helena, MT, depending on the customers you have in mind for your company.
Helena, MT, is a well-known city. The economy is also expanding quickly. Consequently, a lot of businesses are relocating to this city. Businesses like the food and restaurant industry, manufacturing, the hotel industry, and others are among the most well-known.
LLCs do not have to pay income tax on their company profits in Helena, MT. According to their individual income, LLC members are all required to pay income taxes. The other taxes are the franchise tax, employment tax, and sales tax.
Helena is a city with a lot to offer, but it also has some of the most expensive rents in the country. So, is it better to rent or buy in Helena, MT? It depends on the investment strategy of the person, whether he/she wants long-term or short-term investment.
Fill out the online SS-4 for an EIN number form in Helena, MT if you want to get an EIN number. When finished, print the application so that you may send it to the IRS. The IRS will get in touch with you if they have any more questions after receiving your application.
In Helena, MT, an LLC may deduct certain taxes. Some examples of tax deductions in Helena, MT include business insurance, home office expenditures, business-related travel expenses, bank fees, and any kind of business interest.
A registered agent must be hired in Helena, MT when forming a new LLC. It might be a friend, family member, partner, manager, or even you. The person who accepts all of your legal and official paperwork on your behalf is known as a registered agent.
A vibrant and culturally diverse city, Helena, MT. Its economy is strong, its cost of living is cheap, and its population is growing rapidly. Numerous green businesses call the city home, and it is highly renowned for its green activities. A successful company may be launched in Helena.
If you look at the data from the last few years in Helena, MT, you can see how fast the city is growing. It is because the industries, especially the service sectors, are doing really well in Helena, MT. Service sectors are making the economy stronger.
Here are some original business ideas for Helena, MT entrepreneurs. You may start by selling handcrafted home décor, DIY items, hygiene goods, etc. online. Additionally, you may consider starting a dog-walking or pet-sitting service.
You can make money with an LLC in Helena, MT. One way is to sell goods to other businesses. Another way is to provide services to other businesses. If you have a website-building business, for example, you might make a website for them. You could also provide consulting services.
In Helena, MT, LLCs must be renewed annually. There are a few things to bear in mind, but the procedure is straightforward. In the beginning, you must submit a paperwork to the Montana Secretary of State. To renew your LLC quickly, submit it online before the deadline.
Making money quickly in Helena, MT, or any other city, is challenging but not impossible. In Helena, MT, having a well-liked and in-demand company might speed up your financial progress. For instance, reputable possibilities include real estate, dining establishments, personal trainers, and construction companies.
You can find a seller’s permit in Helena, MT at a very low cost. A permit allows you to sell items in the city of Helena legally. There are many other permits and licenses that you may need to acquire before you can legally sell items.
You can start a business with no money (zero investment) in the Helena, MT. However, you might have to pay some government fees, such as filing fees and license fees. You need to check with the local authorities for details.
Creating a company in Helena, MT is difficult. However, with the right tools and a plan, you can make it happen. You can start with the company name and then make your way to other steps like filing and appointing a registered agent in Helena, MT.
Starting a company in Helena, MT requires a few legal paperwork. For your firm to get off the ground, you need a general business license. Depending on the nature of your firm, additional permissions and licenses can be needed. Additionally, you must the necessary paperwork for company registration.
If you’re looking to start a business in the great state of FL, you may be wondering how much it will cost to license a business in Helena. The price to license a company in Helena, MT varies according on the kind of enterprise you intend to launch.
When you plan to move to Helena, MT, make sure it suits you and your business. If there is an additional cost burden from the city authorities to run your business, then you shouldn’t move to this city.
The formation of an LLC in Helena, MT, is less costly than many people believe. If you already have a name, Helena LLC registration costs as low as $70. A DBA or assumed name may also be used to register an LLC in Helena.
In Helena, MT, $1000 may be used to launch a variety of company concepts. You may launch a company that sells webpages. companies that do internet sales are another. Using an excellent name as your company name, you might launch a computer and technology-related firm.
In Helena, MT, there are many different methods to get money for your company concept. You may go to a bank and request for a loan, seek a grant from the government, or utilize a crowdfunding website to raise money. You may look into the grants that are offered.
If you wonder why LLCs are so popular in Helena, MT, then the answer is pretty clear. LLCs are cheap, easy to form, and have a lot of tax advantages. Startups and small businesses prefer to start an LLC in Helena, MT.
At this time, unicorns may be found everywhere. There is little doubt that Helena, MT, is not an exception. The city of Helena, MT, is home to a few unicorns. Unicorns are very well-liked in Helena, some of them.
Helena, MT company income taxes are not a concern if you have an LLC. On your LLC revenue, you only have to pay federal income tax and, if applicable, state income tax.
In Helena, MT, the tax burden depends on the type of business structure you have. For example, if you have an LLC, you might have to pay a sales tax, franchise tax, and employment tax (if needed). On the other hand, corporations have to pay business income taxes.
Finding a tax identification number in Helena, MT, is surprisingly simple. To submit an application, all you have to do is go to the IRS website. In Helena, MT, it costs nothing and just takes a short while to get a tax identification number.
Businesses in Helena, MT who are interested in insurance should get in touch with an agent to see how much it will cost. There are many various kinds of insurance plans available, so it’s crucial to choose which is ideal for your company. Asking the agent is an excellent place to start.
Helena is a great place to start a business. Before you start your business, you need to create an LLC in Helena. If you’re wondering how long it takes to create an LLC in Helena, MT, you’re not alone. You can create an LLC in Helena in a few minutes.
If you want to operate a company in Helena, MT, you need a few things. Get a solid business strategy first. Next, look at what your rivals are doing and who your customers are. Once your study is complete, register your firm with the state and launch it.
In Helena, MT, the first thing you need is a detailed business plan. It should have all the details from business idea, expected budget, type of business structure, marketing plans, and selling strategy. Then, you can start your business successfully.
Yes, a registered agent is mandatory for your LLC in Helena, MT. A registered agent is a person who receives all the government and legal documents on behalf of your LLC. Hence, it is mandatory to have a registered agent.
A few things need to be considered before you move to Helena, MT. Apart from the cost of living, you must know whether you have opportunities to earn. If you want to set up your business in Helena, then know about target clients before moving to Helena.
How Fast Can You Start Business in Helena, MT
Helena’s business-friendly environment sets the stage for expedited start-ups. With a streamlined process and minimal bureaucratic hurdles, entrepreneurs can hit the ground running. The city boasts an efficient licensing and permit system, ensuring that aspiring business owners can quickly procure the necessary paperwork to get started. Approvals, authorizations, and certifications move swiftly, enabling entrepreneurs to bring their visions to fruition expeditiously.
In addition to its seamless bureaucratic processes, Helena is brimming with resources to empower prospective business owners. The community is teeming with individuals who are eager to lend a helping hand to entrepreneurs at every stage of the process. Here, experienced mentors, networking events, and support groups form an essential backbone for new businesses looking to thrive in this vibrant ecosystem.
Moreover, Helena’s strategic geographical location contributes significantly to the speed at which businesses can be established. Situated in close proximity to important transportation corridors, including major highways and regional airports, Helena provides easy access to vital distribution networks. This logistical advantage plays a crucial role in reducing delivery times, thereby ensuring prompt service and satisfaction for customers.
Furthermore, Helena boasts a robust infrastructure that supports businesses of all sizes. From modern office spaces to state-of-the-art technology, the city offers a comprehensive suite of services to meet the varying needs of entrepreneurs. Moreover, Helena provides a favorable real estate landscape with a wide range of options, allowing business owners to find the perfect space for their operations, regardless of industry.
Among Helena’s chief strengths is its strong sense of community. Locals genuinely believe in supporting local businesses and strive to make them flourish. This culture of supporting local enterprises acts as a catalyst for new entrepreneurs and facilitates rapid business growth. Whether it’s partnering with like-minded businesses, offering collaborative opportunities, or engaging in mutually beneficial collaborations, Helena’s tight-knit community consistently propels businesses towards success.
Furthermore, the city’s access to a well-educated and skilled talent pool plays a vital role in expediting businesses. Helena is home to several renowned educational institutions producing a steady stream of talented individuals ready to join the workforce. This readily accessible pool of skilled workers ensures that businesses can hire the right people quickly, saving time and effort in the recruitment process.
In conclusion, Helena, Montana provides a fertile ground for entrepreneurs to start businesses at a rapid pace. From expedited bureaucratic processes to an array of resources and robust infrastructure, the city has all the vital elements necessary for entrepreneurs to transform their dreams into remarkable ventures. Helena’s advantageous location and strong community dynamics add further strength, allowing businesses to launch swiftly and grow exponentially in this thriving city.
*Note: This comment is generic and does not include any specific data or statistics regarding the business scene in Helena, MT.
In Conclusion
Starting a business in Helena is not only easy but also profitable. A large portion of the US and even people from other countries are registering their business in the US for intercontinental brand building. Besides, Montana has a sustainable economic atmosphere that is enough to encourage newbies to start and run their businesses in Helena, MT.