We recommend NEXT, and encourage you to get several quotes to see what works best for you from insurance agencies like Simple Business, Progressive, Geico, or State Farm.

HONE YOUR ARTISTIC SKILL

While Birdhouse Collective does not offer traditional art classes such as painting or sewing, there are plenty of spaces in the area that do. Check out these local businesses and get those creative juices flowing!

Bozeman Public Library

Studio Wheelhouse

The Emerson

Bozeman Community Kiln

The Pottery Den

business LAUNCH GUIDE

Ready to launch your creative business but aren’t sure where to start? This section walks you through 8 steps to get your business off the ground (and only 3 of them are required in the beginning!) We’ve got you covered from registering your business to hiring an accountant and everything in between!

We know these tasks can seem daunting. But trust us — we’ve all been there and it’s much easier than you’d think.

1. REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS

You can register your business with the MT Secretary of State as a Sole Proprietorship or an LLC.

When to choose a sole proprietorship:

Small, low-risk businesses with minimal startup costs.
Single owner who wants a simple business structure with minimal paperwork.
Cost to register = $20

When to choose an LLC:

Businesses with high risk or potential for lawsuits.
Businesses with multiple owners.
Businesses that want to protect personal assets from business liabilities.
Cost to register = $35

More info

2. EIN APPLICATION

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to businesses operating in the United States. It functions like a Social Security number but is specifically for business-related purposes. You’ll need one to file business tax returns, open a business bank account, hire employees, and to apply for business licenses or permits.

It’s required for most businesses, including corporations, partnerships, and LLCs with employees, but sole proprietors without employees may not need one unless certain conditions apply. You can obtain an EIN for free by applying online through the IRS.

3. REGISTERED AGENT

A registered agent is a person or company that is designated to receive legal correspondence on behalf of the company and relay important messages to the owner in a timely manner. This includes government, tax, and legal correspondence.

There are a few legal requirements for a registered agent:

Physical address. The agent needs to be located in the same state as your business. They are required to list a physical address (not a post office box) and be physically present at this location during standard business hours.
Who can be a registered agent? You can list yourself, an employee, your lawyer or a trusted friend or relative as your registered agent, but this could pose issues if the person listed is out of town or not able to receive mail. A professional registered agent service can help solve this problem.
State–specific laws. Many states have specific laws regarding registered agents. Be sure to check with your state legislature to ensure you are following important guidelines.

More info

Montana registered agent services:

Montana 49, Montana Registered Agent, and more from mtsos.gov.

A quick note from Birdhouse:

While you can be your own registered agent, if your home address is your business address, that becomes public record. If you have an office, studio, or brick and mortar store, you can use that address, but you as your registered agent are required to be present at that address to receive certain documents. Some folks like the added layer of protection in having a separate registered agent for this reason.

Don’t want your home address used as your business address? The next section is for you!

4. PO BOX*

A business P.O. Box is a smart choice for small businesses that want a secure and professional way to handle mail. It protects your personal address, adds credibility to your business, and ensures you never miss important documents or packages. With consistent access and privacy, a P.O. Box is ideal for businesses that work from home.

USPS, UPS, and the Postal Annex offer these.

You cannot use a P.O. Box as a registered agent address.

5. ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE*

A small business should start using accounting software when it experiences growth, struggles with manual bookkeeping, needs faster access to financial information, integrates with other business systems, faces challenges in managing cash flow, or encounters difficulties in tax preparation.

We recommend Quickbooks or any alternatives listed HERE.

6. WEBSITE*

Having a website gives your small business a professional home base where customers can learn about you and browse your products. That said, you don’t have to start there. Platforms like Etsy or even selling through social media are great ways to get your business off the ground. As your business grows, a website can help you expand and build stronger connections with your customers.

We recommend Squarespace or Shopify!

Need help building your website? Here are some local web designers we love:

Digital Box Designs

Kindling Design

Summit Creative Co.

Aubrey Fite (Offset Print Shop and Birdhouse)

7. LIABILITY INSURANCE*

Liability insurance is essential for small businesses to protect against unexpected risks. It covers things like accidents, property damage, or legal claims, giving you peace of mind and financial protection. Whether you work with customers in person, sell products, or provide services, liability insurance helps safeguard your business and ensures you’re prepared for the unexpected.

An artist might use liability insurance in situations such as:

Art Shows or Markets: If someone trips over your display or your tent collapses into your neighbor’s booth, liability insurance can cover medical or repair costs.
Workshops or Classes: If a participant injures themselves using your materials or equipment, insurance can protect you from legal or medical claims.
Client Interactions: If a client claims your artwork caused damage to their property (e.g., a heavy piece falls and breaks something), insurance can help cover the costs.
Studio Spaces: If you rent a studio and accidentally cause damage, such as a fire or water leak, liability insurance can cover repairs or replacement.
Public Installations: If your public art piece causes an injury or damage, liability insurance helps manage potential lawsuits or claims.

For general liability insurance, we recommend NEXT, and encourage you to get quotes from other agencies like Simply Business, Progressive, Geico, and State Farm. For art markets, check out ACT! For a specific date range (i.e. painting a mural), check out Thimble!

8. ACCOUNTANT*

As your business starts to grow, an accountant can be a great resource to help keep things running smoothly. They can help with budgeting, taxes, and all the more complex financial tasks that come with growth. If you're managing payroll, looking to secure funding, or just finding that the numbers are becoming a bit overwhelming, an accountant can make a big difference. Bringing one in at the right time can save you a lot of time and stress, so you can focus on what you do best.

Accountants we love:

Clean Bookkeeping

Dory Dimes

* Not necessary at first, but recommended to acquire later.