Free workshop takes mystery out of starting a business in Montana

A free workshop designed to take the mystery out of launching, organizing and financing a business will be offered at eight locations across the state in September.

The half-day workshop, "From Filing to Finance," is sponsored by Secretary of State Bob Brown in cooperation with the Galusha, Higgins & Galusha accounting firm, as well as local banks and chambers of commerce.

"This workshop is for anyone who’s thinking of going into business, who has gone into business recently, or who’s interested in restructuring a business they already own," Brown said. "We want to help smooth the path for budding entrepreneurs so that their first step as business people in Montana is a positive and productive one."

The workshop will cover such topics as:

– How to get financial assistance to start, expand or buy a business.

– How to determine the tax advantages of various organizational structures such as corporation, sole proprietorship and partnership.

– How to use the Internet to help register a business and file annual reports.

– How the 2003 Legislature changed state laws relating to businesses.

All workshops will be from 1 to 5 p.m. on the following dates and at the following locations:

– Billings: Sept. 3, Chamber of Commerce

– Helena: Sept. 8, Chamber of Commerce

– Butte: Sept. 9, Chamber of Commerce

– Bozeman: Sept. 15, Chamber of Commerce

– Great Falls: Sept. 21, Chamber of Commerce

– Missoula: Sept. 22 Ruby’s Inn

– Kalispell: Sept. 23, Chamber of Commerce

Brown said the workshops have been well received with hundreds of Montana business-people, attorneys and accountants attending From Filing to Finance annually.

People are encouraged to register early, at least one week prior to the workshop.

To register or get more information, visit the Secretary of State’s website at http://sos.state.mt.us/ and click on the "Free Business Workshop" button, or call 444-2034, e-mail [email protected], or fill in the registration form online, print it, and mail it in to the Secretary of State’s Office.