Montana is one of the most sparsely populated states in the US, with a population of just over 1 million. The state’s economy is largely based on agriculture, forestry and mining, and it is one of the top producers of wheat, barley, hay, sugar beets and potatoes in the country. Small businesses are a vital part of Montana’s economy, accounting for over half of all private sector jobs in the state. If you’re thinking of starting a small business in Montana, there are a few things you should know.
First, Montana is a great place to start a business if you’re looking for a low-cost option. The state has no personal income tax and a relatively low corporate tax rate, making it a very attractive option for businesses. Additionally, the cost of living in Montana is relatively low, which can help keep your operating costs down.
Second, Montana is a great place to start a business if you’re looking for a supportive environment. The state offers a number of programs and resources to help small businesses get started and grow. For example, the Montana Small Business Development Center provides free or low-cost business counseling and training to small businesses in the state.
If you’re thinking of starting a small business in Montana, there are a few things you should know. Montana is a great place to start a business if you’re looking for a low-cost option, and the state offers a number of programs and resources to help small businesses get started and grow.
Comparing SBA loan types in Montana
Three SBA programs come up most often for Montana businesses, and they do different jobs.
SBA 7(a) loan: program overview
Maximum loan
$5 million (sba.gov, fetched 2026-07-24)
What it funds
Working capital, equipment, owner-occupied commercial real estate, refinancing business debt, and business acquisition.
Who lends
Participating banks and non-bank lenders. The SBA guarantees a portion of the loan; it does not lend directly to borrowers.
Rate structure
Negotiated between lender and borrower, capped at the SBA maximum. Most 7(a) loans price off the WSJ prime rate plus a spread.
Personal guaranty
Required from every owner of 20% or more of the business (13 CFR 120.160(a)).
Program facts confirmed against sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/7a-loans on Jul 24, 2026. Confirm current fees and maximum rates with your lender before relying on them.
SBA 504 loan: program overview
Maximum loan
$5.5 million per the SBA-backed debenture (sba.gov, fetched 2026-07-24). Total project size can be larger because a bank funds the first mortgage alongside it.
What it funds
Major fixed assets: owner-occupied commercial real estate and long-life machinery and equipment. Not working capital or inventory.
Structure
A conventional first-mortgage lender, a Certified Development Company holding the SBA-backed second, and a borrower down payment.
Rate
The CDC portion is fixed for the full term and set at the monthly debenture sale.
Program facts confirmed against sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/504-loans on Jul 24, 2026.
SBA Express: program overview
What it is
A delivery method inside the 7(a) program. The lender uses its own forms and procedures and gets an accelerated SBA response, in exchange for a lower SBA guarantee percentage than Standard 7(a).
What it funds
The same uses as 7(a), including revolving lines of credit, which Standard 7(a) term loans do not offer.
Trade-off
Faster turnaround and lighter paperwork, against a smaller guaranteed portion, which some lenders price for.
Current SBA Express maximum loan size and guarantee percentage are set by SBA notice and change. Confirm them on sba.gov or with your lender; this site does not publish an unverified figure.
Small business loans available in Montana
An SBA 7(a) loan made to a Montana business is made by a participating lender, not by the SBA.
The lender underwrites it, sets the rate within the SBA maximum, and services it. What varies locally is
which lenders are active, not the program rules.