Member Marketplace Inc.

5 Steps Your Community Can Take to Counter the “Amazon Effect” on Local Businesses

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With e-commerce and online shopping becoming more popular, it is becoming increasingly difficult for brick-and-mortar stores to stay competitive. Consumers are drawn to the convenience of online shopping through marketplaces, and often opt for the convenience rather than physically going to a store. As a result, many traditional businesses have been hurt by the rise in popularity of online … [Read more...] about 5 Steps Your Community Can Take to Counter the “Amazon Effect” on Local Businesses

A Love Letter to America’s SBDC’s

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Small Business Development Centers (SBDC’s) have a special place in our heart. When I was embarking on my entrepreneurial adventure 5 years ago, I found myself speaking with an SBDC counselor for the first time. Today I still work closely with the Iowa SBDC, not only to help support the growth of my business, but also to support businesses all across the state of Iowa and beyond. Small Business … [Read more...] about A Love Letter to America’s SBDC’s

How Economic Development Can Support Black Businesses

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August is #NationalBlackBusinessMonth. Founded by Black entrepreneur Frederick E. Jordan Sr and historian John William Templeton, National Black Business month brings awareness to the strengths and struggles of Black founders in the United States. Black-owned businesses with employees represent an estimated 2% of all employer businesses.  Black, minority and historically underrepresented … [Read more...] about How Economic Development Can Support Black Businesses

Making It Easy for You to Shop Locally

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The idea of shopping local has grown popular in recent years, and it’s no wonder why; supporting your local community can benefit everyone involved, not just the business owners, but you as well! No matter your reasons for choosing to shop local, it’s nice to know that small businesses are making it easier than ever to do so. Small business owners across America are selling their products online … [Read more...] about Making It Easy for You to Shop Locally

What it means to be mission based

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For the last two years, we’ve put together an annual report which summarizes what we’ve accomplished for the year with the help of our public and nonprofit partners, our thoughts and plans on where we are headed, and overall trends which impact the small businesses we support. This has been a time for us to reflect and reset at the beginning of the year, looking at goals and asking ourselves … [Read more...] about What it means to be mission based