Missoula Economic Partnership Video – Anchored in Community: The strategic growth of Missoula Makers Collective

Missoula Makers Collective didn’t have to leave their original space—but they knew that to grow into the business they envisioned, they’d need to take the next step: finding a storefront of their own. After more than a year of operating under a sublease within another business, co-founders Rachel Evans and Bailey Durnell had outgrown the limitations of their temporary setup. They had built a successful model connecting local artists with customers, but the path to securing a permanent space, and navigating the financial and logistical hurdles that come with it, was unclear.

That’s where Missoula Economic Partnership came in. MEP Business Development Director Christine Littig worked closely with the Missoula Makers team to demystify the financial side of business expansion, connecting them with people who could help them understand their cash flow, forecast revenue, and determine what they could realistically afford. With that clarity, the team moved from uncertainty to action and confidently began the search for a space that could support their long-term goals. Today, Missoula Makers operates out of a vibrant storefront 112 W Front Street that has significantly increased visibility, foot traffic, and sales for more than 80 local artists.

This story is just one example of how MEP helps local entrepreneurs turn ambition into actionable growth. By providing access to tools, expertise, and strategic partnerships, MEP empowers small businesses to scale thoughtfully and sustainably—strengthening our economy from the ground up.