Montana provides a range of incentives to encourage business growth, job creation, and infrastructure development.  The state's incentives focus on supporting industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, technology, renewable energy, and tourism.  Below are some of the key business incentives available in Montana.

Montana Business Investment Incentive (MBII)

Overview

The MBII program offers tax incentives for businesses that make substantial investments in new or expanding operations in Montana.  This program is designed to support job creation and encourage business growth.

Eligibility

• The business must create at least 10 new jobs within two years of receiving the incentive.

• The business must make a significant capital investment in equipment or facilities.

Incentive Value

• The program offers a tax credit for up to 5% of qualified investments made by the business.

• The program also provides additional credits based on the number of new jobs created and the overall economic impact of the business.

Application Process

Businesses must apply to the Montana Department of Commerce (MDC), providing a detailed project plan that includes job creation, capital investment, and economic benefits.

Montana Small Business Tax Credit (SBTC)

Overview

The Montana SBTC is designed to support small businesses by offering a credit for certain business expenses, including equipment purchases, employee wages, and facility improvements.  This credit helps small businesses offset costs and expand their operations.

Eligibility

• The business must have fewer than 100 employees.

• The business must be involved in a project that supports economic development, such as purchasing new equipment, creating jobs, or improving facilities.

Incentive Value

• The program provides a tax credit of up to $10,000 per year for eligible expenses.

• The credit is applied against the business’s state income tax liability.

Application Process

Small businesses must apply to the Montana Department of Revenue, submitting documentation of eligible expenses.

Montana Economic Development Tax Credit

Overview

The Montana Economic Development Tax Credit is aimed at businesses that invest in the state’s economy by creating jobs and stimulating local growth.  The credit is designed to encourage companies to locate or expand operations in Montana.

Eligibility

• The business must create a minimum number of jobs (typically 10 or more).

• The business must make a significant capital investment in facilities, equipment, or infrastructure.

Incentive Value

• The tax credit provides up to $1,000 per new employee hired.

• The program also offers credits based on capital investments made in the state.

Application Process

Businesses must submit an application to MDC, providing a business plan and job creation projections.

Montana Film Tax Credit

Overview

The Montana Film Tax Credit is designed to attract film and television productions to Montana.  This program offers financial incentives to companies that produce films, commercials, or other media in the state, bringing jobs and economic benefits to local communities.

Eligibility

• The production must meet certain minimum spending requirements within Montana.

• The production must create a significant number of jobs for Montana residents.

Incentive Value

• The program provides a refundable tax credit of up to 25% of eligible production expenditures.

• The credit can cover a wide range of production-related expenses, including labor, equipment, and location costs.

Application Process

Film productions must apply to the Montana Film Office, providing a production budget and detailed information on expected expenditures and job creation.

Montana Green Power Incentives

Overview

Montana offers several incentives for businesses that invest in renewable energy technologies or energy efficiency projects.  These incentives are aimed at supporting the state's clean energy goals while helping businesses reduce energy costs.

Eligibility

• The business must invest in renewable energy technologies, such as wind, solar, or bioenergy, or implement energy-saving technologies in their operations.

• The business must operate within Montana.

Incentive Value

• Businesses can receive tax credits for up to 30% of the cost of qualifying renewable energy systems.

• Additional grants and low-interest loans may be available for energy efficiency improvements.

Application Process

Businesses must apply to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), submitting a project plan detailing the energy-saving technologies or renewable energy investments.

Montana High-Tech Growth Incentives

Overview

Montana offers various incentives to encourage the growth of the state’s technology sector.  These incentives support tech startups, innovation, and research and development activities, helping technology companies thrive in Montana.

Eligibility

• The business must be involved in high-tech industries, such as software development, biotech, or advanced manufacturing.

• The business must conduct research and development or technology commercialization activities.

Incentive Value

• The program offers grants, tax credits, and low-interest loans for qualifying projects.

• Funding can cover up to 50% of research and development costs, with additional incentives for job creation.

Application Process

Tech businesses must apply to MDC, submitting a proposal for their research and development activities and providing financial projections.

Montana Job Training Program (JTP)

Overview

The Montana Job Training Program (JTP) offers grants and other incentives to businesses that provide workforce training to new or existing employees.  This program helps businesses improve productivity and competitiveness by enhancing employee skills.

Eligibility

• The business must create new jobs or provide training to existing employees.

• The business must be able to demonstrate a need for workforce training.

Incentive Value

• The program offers grants to cover up to 50% of training costs.

• The grant amount can vary depending on the number of employees being trained and the training program's duration.

Application Process

Businesses must apply to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, providing detailed training plans and cost estimates.

Montana Tax Increment Financing (TIF)

Overview

Montana’s TIF program helps cities and counties fund infrastructure improvements by capturing the increase in property tax revenue generated by new development.  This program is designed to promote urban revitalization and economic development.

Eligibility

• The business must be located within a designated TIF district.

• The business must contribute to the revitalization of the district by making new investments or improving existing properties.

Incentive Value

• The program allows businesses to access funding for infrastructure improvements, such as roads, utilities, and public facilities, using future property tax revenues generated by new development.

Application Process

Businesses must work with local governments to establish a TIF district, submit development plans, and demonstrate the expected economic impact of the project.

Montana Opportunity Fund

Overview

The Montana Opportunity Fund provides funding to businesses located in underserved or economically distressed areas of the state.  The fund supports infrastructure projects, job creation, and community development.

Eligibility

• The business must be located in an economically distressed area as designated by the state.

• The business must create jobs and support economic development in the area.

Incentive Value

• The program offers grants and low-interest loans to businesses for infrastructure improvements, such as roads, water systems, and telecommunications.

• The fund can provide up to 50% of the total project cost, with a maximum award of $500,000.

Application Process

Businesses must apply to MDC, submitting a detailed proposal for the infrastructure project and its expected benefits to the community.