By Kelsi Gambill, MSPR, CTA, PR & Communications Manager
Billings is Montana’s thriving regional trade center, where a diverse economy and stunning natural surroundings create endless opportunities.
It is the starting point for business growth, development, and the gateway to finding community and raising a family. Our vibrant city is powered by industries like healthcare, agriculture, tourism, finance, and natural resources, alongside exceptional educational opportunities.
Billings isn’t just a place—it’s a destination where Montana does business, encompassing a trade area reaching 500,000 people due to its unique position in southeast Montana as the largest city between Calgary and Denver, Spokane and Minneapolis.
As the seasons change from fall to winter, the holiday season begins with decorations, gifts, get-togethers, and celebrations. Before the holiday hustle and bustle begins, let’s pause to reflect on the importance of supporting small businesses locally this season and beyond.
SUPPORT LOCAL
Supporting local is big for business. Locally owned and operated businesses are job creators and economic drivers. They are the ones supporting our community—deeply engaged and actively giving back through volunteering, sponsoring community events and causes, developing partnerships with other businesses, and more.
“Nearly half of consumers (47%) said a key reason they choose to shop at a small business over a larger retailer is their desire to contribute to their communities and support overall entrepreneurial success,” shares the U.S. Chamber.
SHOP LOCAL
We encourage our members, residents and visitors alike to support local businesses and do business with those who are fellow Chamber members along with driving tourism to Montana’s City and the region as tourism is the number two economic driver for our state.
In Montana, there are over 130,560 small businesses, of which 8,200 are based in Billings and 1,000 businesses representing 45,000 employees in Billings invest in their community through being a member of the Billings Chamber.
Nationally, according to the U.S. Chamber: “There are 33.2 million small businesses in the U.S. and they make up 99% of all businesses. For the past 20 years, small businesses have accounted for roughly 40% of the United States’ gross domestic output (GDP), which equates to trillions of dollars of economic activity.”
Billings is a shopping hub of local shops, national stores with local ownership, and unique boutiques dotted throughout the city. These diverse businesses offer goods, services, and customer care that is unparalleled to online shopping.
If you’re seeking Montana items, look no further than Aspinwall; items for her, check out The White Feather Boutique; one of a kind finds for him or her—Brass Velvet Trading Co.; something special for the men in your life—Jasons Clothing Store, items for the nature enthusiast—Wild Birds Unlimited, or something for the home, look no further than Rustic Mountain Furnishings.
EXPERIENCE LOCAL
Beyond the food, beverages, and gifts that are hallmarks of the holidays, why not choose the gift of experiences and making memories with loved ones? Our city is home to vibrant arts, culture, history, and outdoor adventures. Many businesses offer gift cards in any denomination of choice.
We invite you to check out a few of our holiday picks including Art House Cinema and Pub, Crooked Line Studio, Grand Escape Room, Western Heritage Center, Yellowstone Art Museum, Moss Mansion, Oasis Water Park, Pub Station, and Yellowstone County Museum.
Speaking of the outdoors, the opportunities are endless and often without a cost other than the necessary gear for the outing. Shaped by the Yellowstone River and sheltered by the sandstone Rimrocks, Billings is a place of forever views and forever memories, where urban amenities and modern conveniences meet the edge of the genuine frontier, and the adventure of the untamed wilderness and history are at your front door. Enjoy a round of golf in person at Exchange City Golf Corp., Hilands Golf Club, The Briarwood or virtual any time of year at Back 9 Lounge. Horseback adventures await at Bitter Creek Outfitters, while water and thrills are at the Montana Whitewater Rafting & Zipline Company, and history comes to life at the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center.
Warm, genuine people take the time to welcome you and greet you with a smile. It is this character and candor that makes Billings and Southeastern Montana unique – where relationships are formed from this core characteristic of the small business owners and residents that choose Montana’s City as the place where they live, work and play.
THINK LOCAL
The Billings Chamber encourages everyone to think locally first this holiday season and beyond. Explore our membership directory at BillingsChamber.com/directory to support local, shop local, dine local and experience local.
This article originally published in Winter 2025 Edition of LiNK, powered by Simply Local.
