Helena restaurant cited as state business success story

Gov. Greg Gianforte and Secretary of State Kristi Jacobsen used Helena’s Copperline Smashburger. That comes after Wednesday morning’s announcement of a record number of new businesses founded in Montana last year.

Jacobsen reported that Montanans registered more than 59,420 new businesses with his office in 2023, surpassing the previous record of more than 6,000 businesses in 2022.

Copperline Smashburgers!, located at 1433 11th Ave., was one of last year’s new businesses.

Chris Abrego, who owns Copperline along with Copperline Smashburger and Hardware Cafe at 1018 Custer Ave. in Montana City, praised the business in Montana.

“It’s been a good thing for me,” he said, noting that between his three businesses he was serving 700 to 1,200 people a day. “Initial costs were reasonable.”

Abrego, whose 11th Street location has been open for three months, said the location near the state Capitol has been good for business at the former donut shop.

Gianforte said Montana has more people working than ever before, unemployment is at a record low, attracting new businesses to the state and entrepreneurs growing their new businesses. He said that’s why he chose Smashburger.

After speaking, they ate early morning hamburgers.

State officials said Jacobsen’s office has improved efficiencies, including an online business filing system, which has reduced review and processing times for SOS staff. Businesses now have 24/7 access to registrations, applications, and documents.

They will cut Jacobsen’s registration fees in half for new businesses in Montana, eliminate several other fees, and file 2024 annual reports for all businesses filing by the April 15 deadline. He pointed out that the fee had been waived.