BUTTE, MT - What makes a business thrive here in the Copper City?

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From bars to sporting goods to restaurants, Butte is no stranger to seeing success with business, even in the most unlikely of areas. Though the pandemic just a few years ago proved to be the final nail on the coffin for many long-standing and successful businesses, we are lucky to say that opening a business in Butte America is something that is not only achievable, but also smart to do so.

Butte also offers a unique and fertile ground for businesses to thrive on, thanks to its well-known history, strategic location, and supportive community. The success stories of local businesses highlight the key factors that contribute to their achievements.

Strategic Location and Infrastructure

Butte, being the only location in Montana where the major transporters of the Interstates 15 and 90 cross, provides a significant logistical advantage to new businesses. The Montana Connections Business Development Park plays a pivotal role in attracting businesses with its excellent access to transportation networks. In fact, FedEx's $8 million shipping transfer center in the park serves as a critical hub for shipments to and from Canada, which makes it easier for shipping here in Butte as opposed to most other cities and rural areas.

Business owners can capitalize on this by selecting locations that maximize these logistical benefits, potentially reducing shipping costs and improving delivery times—a benefit many others in the state wish they had.

Diverse Industry Presence

Butte hosts a wide range of industries beyond the obvious restaurants and bars, from high-tech manufacturing to agriculture. Resodyn Corporation, one of the local leaders in technology development, has found success in Butte by leveraging the city's highly-skilled workforce—thanks to those hailing from Montana Tech. Similarly, REC Silicon, a global leader in the production of high-purity silicon, benefits from Butte's business-friendly environment and political support, which has helped it navigate challenges in international trade.

The point is: a Butte business has the unique opportunity of hiring a workforce that is very knowledgeable, well-trained, and—for the most part—young. A new business should consider the local talent pool and existing industry clusters when planning their operations.

Strong Community Support

One of the best aspects about Butte? The community. The enthusiasm for any new businesses is a significant asset to anyone looking to start up their business here. The success of massive food corporations like Pita Pit, which saw record-breaking grand openings in Butte, value the community's eagerness to support local ventures. This strong community engagement is complemented by a vibrant culture of outdoor recreation and a high quality of life, making Butte an attractive place to not only work, but live!

Innovation and Adaptability

It's no secret that—in a place where mining was so prevalent—innovation is no stranger to Butte. Headframe Spirits and Montana Precision Products have thrived by embracing innovation and adapting to market demands. With Headframe, who has grown rapidly since its inception, they have mastered the art of leveraging Butte's rich mining history to craft a unique brand identity, evident in their spirit names. Plus, anyone who has ever had a Dirty Girl knows a success when they taste it.

Businesses should seek to innovate in their products, services, or branding to differentiate themselves by offering unique products, leveraging local history or culture, or adopting new technologies to improve operations.

So it turns out that Butte's strategic location, diverse industries, strong community support, and innovative business climate make it an ideal place for businesses to establish and grow. Plus, Butte's unique combination of historical charm and always-updating infrastructure offers a compelling environment for both established companies and new ventures alike.

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