Recently, a local consumer sent us a private message expressing frustration with the messaging to shop small. Winter weather had led to closures around Small Business Saturday, which she understood. What felt harder to reconcile was that when she wanted to shop small during the week, many local stores were closed. She travels through multiple towns Monday through Wednesday and genuinely wants to … [Read more...] about Shopping Small Isn’t Always Convenient. That’s the Point We Need to Fix.
5 Things Small Businesses Are Doing in August to Prepare for the Holiday Season
5 Things Small Businesses Are Doing in August to Prepare for the Holiday Season August may still feel like the dog days of summer, but for smart small business owners, it’s go-time for gearing up for the holiday season. With planning and prep starting earlier each year, August offers a valuable window to get ahead of the Q4 rush. Here are five things savvy small businesses are doing right now to … [Read more...] about 5 Things Small Businesses Are Doing in August to Prepare for the Holiday Season
Facebook Groups vs. Local Marketplaces: What’s Best for Supporting Small Business?
If a community wants to help small businesses succeed, you might ask: “Can’t we just create a Facebook group?” You can. And many communities do. But if you’ve ever been in one of those groups, you’ve probably noticed something... It’s noisy.It’s random.And it rarely moves the needle for the businesses who need help the most. So what’s the difference between a Buy Local Facebook Group and a … [Read more...] about Facebook Groups vs. Local Marketplaces: What’s Best for Supporting Small Business?
AI for Small Businesses: The Game Changer Main Street Retailers & Handmade Businesses Can’t Ignore
If you’re a small business owner, especially a local retailer or handmade seller, you probably remember the shift that e-commerce brought in 2020. As the world moved online, businesses that adapted thrived, while those that resisted struggled to keep up. Now, a new wave of transformation is here—Artificial Intelligence (AI). And just like e-commerce, it’s not just for big brands. For small … [Read more...] about AI for Small Businesses: The Game Changer Main Street Retailers & Handmade Businesses Can’t Ignore
How the Marketplace Request Feature Can Help Drive Leads to Your Businesses
The "Request" feature on the new Member Connection Marketplace is here to empower organizations by strengthening ties within their networks and communities. It’s designed to encourage businesses and individuals to "look local first" when seeking products or services. Whether you’re a membership organization connecting businesses across regions or a local economic development group supporting … [Read more...] about How the Marketplace Request Feature Can Help Drive Leads to Your Businesses