Strengthening Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Across America Playbook
Nine lessons learned from the Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystems pilot program.
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Back to the Pivot — Navigating Your Small Business in a Challenging Economy
In this episode, host Matt Wagner discusses the current economic challenges facing small businesses and offers strategies and innovative pivots to better navigate these turbulent headwinds.
Join host Matt Wagner for his conversation on the current economic challenges facing small businesses and the strategies and innovative pivots that can help better navigate these turbulent headwinds.
Discussion topics include:
- Navigating Economic Uncertainty: Consumer confidence is at its lowest in 12 years.
- Strategies for Customer Retention: Retaining existing customers is more cost-effective than acquiring new ones.
- Maximizing Value and ROI: Regularly auditing pricing structures is essential for profitability.
- Adapting Marketing Strategies: Marketing strategies should adapt to changing consumer behaviors and exploring new markets can open up opportunities for growth.
- Innovative Business Pivots and Community Building: Small businesses should leverage their unique identity and strengths to stand out.
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Join us next week for more insights into the evolving landscape of Main Street business.
About the Main Street Business Insights Podcast
Each week, join host Matt Wagner, Ph.D., as he travels the country and takes a deep dive into the personal journeys of downtown and neighborhood entrepreneurs. The stories that far too often go unheard. Learn about the innovative ways that these Main Street businesses have overcome adversity, whether it’s starting a new enterprise or keeping a multi-generation business alive, and the advice they have for others on how to keep their businesses on track. Main Street Business Insights is powered by Main Street America.
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Patrice Hull, Stuff We Wanna Say
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2024 Trend Forecast: Get Your Business Holiday-Ready
In this episode, Matt reveals the data-driven trends that will define the 2024 holiday shopping season — and shows you exactly how to leverage them for your small business.
Tee Rowe, America’s SBDC
In this episode, Matt chats with Tee Rowe, the President and CEO of America’s Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC). The centers offer training, advice, and resources to help small business owners thrive in their communities.
Mileyka Burgos-Flores, Allapattah Collaborative CDC
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt talks with Mileyka Burgos-Flores, executive director of the Allapattah Collaborative CDC in Miami, Florida, the only designated Main Street community in Miami. Mileyka is this year’s recipient of the prestigious Mary Means Leadership Award.
Nicole Fleetwood and McKinzie Hodges, Scratch Made Bakery
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Nicole Fleetwood and McKinzie Hodges, co-owners of Scratch Made Bakery in Amarillo, Texas.
State of Main: Winter 2018
With articles written by industry experts on topics ranging from the future of retail to Main Street advocacy, the publication is brimming with tools, tips, and strategies that will help you lead a results-oriented revitalization effort.
Katie Pinard and Michael Macomber, Elements: Coffee Books Beer
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Ebenezer Akakpo, Akakpo Design Group & Maine Culture
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Ross Chanowski, NuMarket
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Glen Ellis, Sycamore Education and Milady Coffeehouse
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Jaime Courtney and Derek King, Shoalwater Seafood, Shane Thomas, Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Jaime Courtney, President of Shoalwater Seafood, Derek King, Oyster Farm Director of Shoalwater Seafood, and Shane Thomas, Tribal Council Vice Chair of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe.
Casey Woods, Emporia Main Street
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Casey Woods, Executive Director of Emporia Main Street in Emporia, Kansas.
Tiffany Fixter, Owner of Brewability
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Tiffany Fixter, owner of Brewability in Englewood, Colorado.
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Janet Hurn, Future Ready Consulting
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Cincinnati, Ohio © Janet Hurn
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Bonus Episode 2: Featuring Season 1 Guests
Learn about small business owners who are succeeding along Main Street, and the advice they have for others doing the same.
© Ketut Subiyanto
Bonus Episode 3: Featuring Season 1 Guests
In this episode, you'll hear from small business owners from our first season who make connecting with their community a top priority.
Bonus Episode 1: Featuring Season 1 Guests
Learn how local entrepreneurs have leveraged the power of a Main Street community to establish, maintain, and grow their ventures.
Jamie & Jerry Baker, Trendy Teachers
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Anette Soto Landeros, Casa Azul Coffee
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Danny Reynolds, Stephenson’s Clothing
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Harvey Williams, Delta Dirt Distillery
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Lindsay Goodson McDonald, Keith McDonald Plumbing
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Christina Hollerbach, Hollerbach’s German Restaurant
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The Barbershop Conversation Podcast Team
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Martha Moore and Ashley Owens, Martha & Ash Custom Drapery
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Terrand Smith, 37 Oaks
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Amber Lambke, Maine Grains
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This training from Indiana Main Street explains the best practices for getting to know your downtown business owners and getting them engaged in the Main Street organization.
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Use this self-guided training to understand how to build a robust environment to support small business creation and sustainability.
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Skowhegan Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development Plan
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Sjowhegan, ME
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The Future of Retail
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The Future of Retail
Explore research on how businesses can adapt to the evolving retail landscape using place-based and community-driven stratgies.
Atlanta, GA © Blulz60
National Report on Early-Stage Entrepreneurship in the United States: 2020
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State of Main: Winter 2019
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17th Avenue – Allapattah Action Plan
A sample entrepreneurial action plan to provide support for local small business owners in Miami, Florida. Published by Allapattah Collaborative.
The Importance of Inclusive Entrepreneurship Ecosystems
An article from State of Main exploring the impact of entrepreneurship and examining ways to create inclusion in the development of entrepreneurship ecosystems. Published in State of Main.
Metuchen, NJ © Isaac Kremer
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and the Role of Commercial Districts
A comprehensive guide to local small business support to encourage entrepreneurs and create a vibrant downtown commercial district.
The Future of Retail (State of Main)
There’s no doubt about it, the retail landscape is changing and getting more complex. Main Street has a unique competitive advantage and it’s up to local leaders and local business owners to understand how to tap into this opportunity.
Metuchen, NJ © Isaac Kremer
Manufacturers Finding New Homes along Main Street
Independent makers and manufacturers are helping to fuel a renaissance in downtowns and commercial districts, harnessing renewed interest in locally produced materials and experiential shopping. Published in State of Main.
Read the Street
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Measuring the Economic Impact of Special Events
Two Mississippi Main Street communities explain how they collected data on the small business impact of downtown events.
The Arkansas DeltaMade Program
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Siloam Springs, AR © Brandonrush
Cash Mobs
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Multicultural Merchandising
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Community-Owned Businesses
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