4 Montana Cities Shine as Top Spots for New Businesses

Montana cities rank among the top small U.S. cities for launching a business despite mixed broader state rankings. WalletHub placed Bozeman fourth overall and second for business environment, with Helena, Missoula, and Great Falls also making the list, highlighting pockets of entrepreneurial strength.

WalletHub’s rankings, based on 18 factors including costs and business environment, underscore Montana’s appeal at the city level. Meanwhile, CNBC’s 2025 state rankings reveal Montana’s challenges: a workforce grade of F, infrastructure rated D-, and an overall rank near the bottom nationally. These contrasting assessments suggest structural tensions between local opportunity and statewide hurdles.

Retail and restaurant chains across the country are undergoing significant closures through 2025 and 2026, with dozens of brands shuttering hundreds of stores. Some chains, like Foot Locker and 7-Eleven, are rebranding or opening new locations even as closures continue, illustrating a complex industry realignment.

Montana’s favorable city rankings could attract entrepreneurs seeking a strong local business environment amid national retail disruption. However, statewide weaknesses in workforce and infrastructure may temper growth prospects, particularly for businesses reliant on broader state support or capital access. Montana’s wide-open spaces and smaller urban centers might offer distinct advantages or challenges compared to more densely populated markets.

Bozeman Named One Of The Best Towns To Start A New Business
By KMBR Montana’s Best Rock