Collaboration is not new for small businesses. What is changing is which collaborations are worth your time. As we look ahead to 2026, the partnerships that matter most are not about chasing reach or jumping on every opportunity. They are about alignment, visibility, and shared value. Here are the collaborations that are making a real difference. Local-first partnerships.Businesses that work … [Read more...] about 2026 Collabs That Actually Matter
You’re Not Behind. You’re Just Running a Business.
If your business feels a little behind right now, you are not alone. Behind on posting, behind on updates, behind on trying the latest tool everyone says you need. It can feel like everyone else is moving faster while you are just trying to keep up. But here is the truth most small business owners do not hear enough. You are not behind. You are just running a business. Running a real business … [Read more...] about You’re Not Behind. You’re Just Running a Business.
Shopping Small Isn’t Always Convenient. That’s the Point We Need to Fix.
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
Marketing with Maddie: Consistency Over Everything
If there's one thing I could get every small business owner to really believe when it comes to marketing, it's this: Consistency. Is. Everything. You don’t have to be a video editing pro. You don’t need to go viral. You don’t need a perfect Instagram grid or animations in every Reel. What matters most is showing up. The algorithms on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook are literally … [Read more...] about Marketing with Maddie: Consistency Over Everything