The Montana Chamber of Commerce is thankful for all the wonderful members we have. Entrepreneurs come in all shapes and sizes, and every business plays a critical role in keeping Montana’s towns vibrant. The Treasure State consistently ranks among the top five in reports from the Kauffman Foundation in rates of business ownership and business sustainability.
Please take a few minutes to learn about one of our newest members, Gather MT!
Q: What is your name and title?
A: Hannah Honey, owner
Q: What is the name of your business?
A: Gather MT
Q: How long has your business been in operation?
A: One year
Q: What does your business do?
A: Inside each Gather MT gift box you will find a delicious variety of gourmet food products from around the state. We feature our favorite hand-made, small batch products that are carefully created by artisans who truly care about their craft. Each gift box sold supports an entire community of Montana makers and small business owners.
Our corporate gifting program makes it easy to send a locally-sourced gift box to your valued clients, employees, or event attendees. You can choose from one of our existing gift boxes or we will work with you to curate a custom gift that will surprise and delight any recipient, show your gratitude, increase customer loyalty, and raise brand awareness. We’ll add branded materials and even a handwritten note for the ultimate personal touch.
Q: Why did you decide to join the Montana Chamber of Commerce?
A: I joined the Missoula Chamber of Commerce last summer and was immediately greeted by an amazing and supportive community that cared about the success of my business. I quickly realized the value of being an active member of my local business community so joining the Montana Chamber of Commerce was a no brainer.
Q: Why did you decide to start your business?
A: Deciding to start my own business started out as a lifestyle choice. I knew that in order to keep enjoying all my favorite Montana adventures I would need the flexibility that comes with owning an online business.
Deciding to start Gather MT was my way of combining my passion for community and love for locally-made food. The goal was to create an easy way for other shop-local enthusiasts to find beautiful gifts online.
Q: What has surprised you about starting your own business?
A: The most surprising thing is how quickly I became an expert in my field. With zero gifting or retail experience prior to opening Gather, I was pretty much winging in at the beginning. Turns out, when you throw yourself head first into a business, you can (and have to) learn a lot really fast. I am still learning every day, but I was surprised how quickly I could talk the talk and walk the walk.
Q: Why should someone start a business in Montana?
A: For the adventure. Many of us choose to live in Montana because we are adventure seekers already. In my experience, starting my own business is much like reaching that next summit: challenging, satisfying, and inspiring. In business and in Montana, the more you discover the more there is to discover.
Q: Out of the four core objectives of Envision 2026, which objective are you most interested in?
A: Entrepreneurship. I especially like the idea of working with high school students in rural communities to encourage the kind of thinking that leads to entrepreneurship later in life.
Are you interested in joining the Montana Chamber of Commerce? Visit our membership page to learn more and join today!