The 38 Best Home-Based Businesses To Start In Montana [2024]
Interested in starting a business in Montana in 2024?
We put together 30 of the best businesses you can start in Montana today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of how you can start your profitable, home-based small business in Montana.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a cannabis business ($3.26M/year)
Starting a cannabis business in Montana could be an excellent opportunity given the state's favorable regulatory environment and growing consumer demand. With legal marijuana sales projected to hit $22 billion, tapping into this market can be highly lucrative. As the industry continues to evolve, there's ample room for new entrepreneurs to innovate and carve out their own niche.
Moreover, Montana's local market is ripe for growth, and you could benefit from less competition compared to more saturated markets. Whether you're interested in cultivation, retail, or even ancillary services like cannabis consulting, the potential for success is significant. For more details on how to get started, check out our in-depth guide on cannabis businesses and explore successful case studies of entrepreneurs who have already made their mark in this booming industry.
Plain Jane, an online CBD company founded by two college roommates, offers unique products and has generated over $20K a month in sales within five months, attracting and retaining customers through social media, authentic stories, and content.
2. Start a cbd business ($1.02M/year)
Starting a CBD business in Montana could offer a wealth of opportunities, thanks to the state's evolving legal landscape and increasing consumer interest in natural health alternatives. With the market for CBD expected to grow by a CAGR of 21.7% over the coming years, tapping into this burgeoning industry can set you on a path to profitable entrepreneurship.
Montana's relatively low cost of living and strong agricultural resources provide a significant advantage if you consider becoming a CBD distributor or forming CBD cooperatives. You could also explore niche opportunities like starting a CBD subscription box service or becoming a CBD blogger to share your unique insights and reviews. For inspiration and further guidance, you can check out successful CBD business case studies on our website.
Plain Jane, an online CBD company founded by two college roommates, offers unique products and has generated over $20K a month in sales within five months, attracting and retaining customers through social media, authentic stories, and content.
3. Start a supplements company ($4.71M/year)
Given Montana's growing focus on health and wellness, starting a supplements company could be a lucrative venture. With a large number of residents engaged in outdoor activities and fitness routines, you could target fitness enthusiasts, wellness influencers, and those prioritizing daily nutrition.
Additionally, Montana's relatively low cost of living makes it financially feasible to run this business from home. This makes it an ideal opportunity, especially since starting a supplement brand is relatively inexpensive. For inspiration and guidance, you can explore successful case studies of supplements companies on our website.
A military officer turned entrepreneur built sports nutrition brand Bare Performance Nutrition from $15,000 in year one to on track to generate $6m in revenue this year, leveraging social media platforms and creating interactive, relatable and valuable content to create a community and a brand voice.
4. Start a sneaker reseller business ($450K/year)
Starting a sneaker reseller business in Montana presents unique opportunities due to the burgeoning online marketplace and the state's lower cost of living. You could take advantage of Montana's vast network of hiking trails and outdoor activities to market high-demand, limited-edition athletic and outdoor sneakers to an engaged local audience. Additionally, with the rise of remote work, you could efficiently manage an online store from the comfort of your home, putting you at an advantage compared to bigger cities with higher overhead costs.
Furthermore, Montana's small-town vibe could make it easier to build strong relationships with local suppliers and loyal customers. By leveraging platforms like Starter Story, you could gain valuable insights and strategies from other successful sneaker resellers. Check out some successful case studies to understand how others have turned this business idea into a profitable venture.
This case study follows founder Chris Casseday's journey in creating 513 Kicks, an online sneaker shop that went from sporadic income to an average profit of $2,000 per month within two years through strategic branding, SEO, social media, and email marketing.
5. Start a specialty food business ($597K/year)
Starting a specialty food business in Montana could be a lucrative opportunity given the state's unique access to premium, locally-sourced ingredients. Whether it's huckleberries, wild game meats, or artisanal cheeses, Montana has a wealth of raw materials that could give your specialty food product a distinct edge in the market. Additionally, the growing trend towards health-conscious eating and sustainable food sourcing makes this an appealing business prospect.
The global specialty food ingredients market's annual growth rate of 6.4% underscores the increasing consumer demand for high-quality, unique food items. You could tap into this expanding market by identifying a niche that resonates with local tastes and broader culinary trends. For more details on this business idea, check this out. Also, be inspired by success stories of those who have already thrived in the specialty food business.
ChipMonk co-founders built a mail-order bakery selling low carb, gluten-free desserts, making around $25,000 a month with growth through e-commerce, and plans to tighten budgets and conserve cash in challenging times.
6. Start a beverages business ($21.5M/year)
Starting a beverage business in Montana is a fantastic idea due to the state’s growing focus on local and artisanal products. You could capitalize on the increasing demand for unique, high-quality beverages by offering locally sourced ingredients and flavors that resonate with Montana residents. Additionally, Montana's vibrant tourist industry, with attractions like Glacier National Park and Yellowstone, provides a steady market for refreshing beverages catering to visitors seeking local tastes.
Moreover, Montana boasts a supportive community for small businesses, making it easier to establish connections with local retailers and distribution channels. Whether you choose to create your own unique drinks or act as a distributor for popular brands, this business can thrive by meeting the preferences of health-conscious and adventurous consumers. For more insights on how to get started, click here and explore successful case studies for inspiration.
BruMate is a successful insulated drinkware brand focused on the adult beverage community, with a flagship product that generated $2.1M in sales in 2017 and is now doing over $1.1M per month in sales, with plans to do $20M this year.
7. Start an etsy shop ($570K/year)
Starting an Etsy shop in Montana offers unique entrepreneurial opportunities due to the state's thriving artisan community and abundant natural resources. You could leverage your skills in creating handmade goods or sourcing authentic vintage items to appeal to a global audience while showcasing local Montana craftsmanship.
Additionally, working from home allows you to take advantage of Montana’s cost of living, which is lower compared to many other states. You could also benefit from the strong support network of small business owners and artisans, providing valuable insights and collaborations. Check out some successful case studies to get inspired by how others have leveraged Etsy to build thriving businesses from their Montana homes.
Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.
8. Start an art business ($737K/year)
Starting an art business in Montana could be a fantastic opportunity if you have a passion for creativity. The state’s scenic landscapes and vibrant community cultures provide a rich backdrop for artistic inspiration, which you could leverage to create unique, Montana-inspired pieces that appeal to both locals and tourists.
You could take advantage of various avenues to sell your artwork, from online platforms like Etsy to local galleries and craft fairs. Plus, working on your schedule allows you the flexibility to explore different artistic styles and mediums, setting your prices based on the value you believe your work holds. For inspiration and practical advice from others who have successfully started their own art businesses, check out these successful case studies.
Innerglow Art is a successful custom abstract painting business that incorporates scripture and personable connection with buyers to produce beautiful and unique artwork.
9. Start a credit card comparison website
Starting a credit card comparison website in Montana could be a lucrative business opportunity due to the increasing reliance on digital financial tools in the state. With many Montanans looking for ways to optimize their finances, providing a comprehensive platform to compare credit card options can help residents make informed decisions. By offering a localized, user-friendly interface that presents Montana-specific information, you could attract a steady stream of users seeking to manage their finances more efficiently.
Additionally, establishing partnerships with regional banks and financial institutions could provide you with exclusive deals and content tailored to Montana residents. This localized focus can differentiate your website from national competitors and attract more traffic. For more details on starting a financial product business, you can visit Starter Story, and check out successful case studies of entrepreneurs who have thrived in this space.
10. Start a jewelry making business ($2.98M/year)
Starting a jewelry making business in Montana could be a fantastic opportunity to tap into a growing global market, valued at $278B in 2018 and expected to reach $292B by 2025. Montana's vibrant arts and crafts community provides a supportive environment, and you could easily connect with local artisans and find niche markets locally and online.
With natural beauty and a reputation for unique, handcrafted goods, Montana provides an excellent backdrop for marketing distinctive, locally-inspired jewelry. Moreover, this business can be home-based, offering flexibility and low overhead costs. For more insights and success stories in this field, check out more details on the business idea and successful jewelry making case studies.
A primary school teacher found his passion for jewelry-making, turning it into a successful business generating $2500-3000 per month through sales at the Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market, online, and through stockists, with plans to expand and eventually make it his full-time profession.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
