Main Street Business Insights

Crowdfunding for Small Businesses, Maine Downtown Conference Panel

In this episode, recorded in front of a live audience at the Maine Downtown Conference in November 2024 in Biddeford, Maine, host Matt Wagner explores the world of crowdfunding as a financing alternative for small businesses, featuring a crowdfunding expert and two Maine entrepreneurs who successfully used community crowdfunding. This episode’s featured guests are: 
Mary Chapman-Sissle: Owner of Sissle & Daughters, a cheese shop based in Portland, Maine 
John Stirratt: Owner of Otyokwa, a vacation rental facility in Bremen, Maine 
Ross Chanowski: Co-founder of NuMarket, a community crowdfunding platform 
This episode builds on an earlier episode featuring a conversation with NuMarket’s Ross Chanowski – listen to the episode here. 
In this conversation, we dive deep into: 
- The State of Crowdfunding: A comprehensive overview of crowdfunding, exploring its different types (donation-based, equity, and rewards-based), historical context, and current landscape. Ross explains how crowdfunding has evolved since the Jobs Act, highlighting its potential as a financing tool for small businesses, particularly those deeply connected to their local communities. 
- Business Stories: Mary explained how she used crowdfunding to expand her cheese shop, while John explored potential funding for his seasonal hospitality business. Both stories illuminate the challenges of traditional financing and the benefits of community-based funding. 
- Key Learnings from Crowdfunding Campaigns: The group discussed insights into running successful crowdfunding campaigns, including the importance of consistent communication, understanding nuanced messaging, and engaging directly with the community. Mary emphasized the need to be persistent, clear about the campaign's purpose, and actively involve potential contributors. The discussion reveals that successful campaigns are less about the number of followers and more about genuine community connections. 
- Audience Q&A: In an interactive session where audience members asked questions about the crowdfunding process, the group discussed topics such as business vetting, municipal support, campaign strategies, and the potential of crowdfunding as a financing tool. The discussion provides practical insights into how small businesses can leverage community support and alternative funding methods. 
Connect: 
Check out Sissle & Daughters’ website 
Check out NuMarket’s website 
Check out Otyokwa’s website 
Listen to our last interview with Ross 
Episode Links: 
- Watch video interview 
- Listen on Apple Podcasts 
- Listen on Spotify 
- Subscribe for updates 
 

Finding Passion & Following Intuition with James Langteaux, Trû North Café

Join host Matt Wagner for his conversation with James Langteaux , owner of Trû North Café in Livingston, Montana. In this episode, Matt and James explore the unique journey of starting a business during the pandemic, the challenges of running a small-town cafe, and the importance of community connection. 
In this episode, we dive deep into: 
- Journey to Ownership: James unexpectedly moved to Livingston, Montana during the pandemic after a spiritual moment in Hollywood, taking over a small cafe with no prior restaurant experience. He approached the business by carefully listening to local community needs and preferences, transforming an existing cafe into a thriving local destination. 
- Community-Focused Business Strategy: James actively promotes other local businesses, even competitors, and creates unique experiences through creative storytelling and playful customer interactions. He focuses on building genuine connections with customers and locals, making Tru North Cafe more than just a restaurant, but a community gathering space. 
- Business Challenges: James struggles with housing shortages that significantly impact workforce recruitment, navigates the complex dynamics of seasonal tourism, and deals with the challenges of online reviews and evolving customer expectations. These obstacles require constant innovation and adaptation. 
- Entrepreneurial Insights: James emphasizes the critical importance of passion in business, believing that when entrepreneurs find their true purpose, they can create something truly special. He advocates for trying new approaches, even if they might not succeed, and remains committed to serving the local community through both prosperous and challenging times. 
Connect: 
Check out Tru North’s website 
Follow Tru North on Facebook 
Follow Tru North on Instagram 
Episode Links: 
- Watch video interview 
- Listen on Apple Podcasts 
- Listen on Spotify 
- Subscribe for updates 
Join us next week for more insights into the evolving landscape of Main Street business. 

Crafting a Creative Business Journey with Phoebe and Jonathan Carpenter Eells, elSage Designs

In this episode, host Matt Wagner sits down with husband-and-wife duo, Phoebe and Jonathan Carpenter Eells, co-owners of elSage Designs in Mount Vernon, Washington. Phoebe and Jonathan share their journey from teachers and parents to working artists then thriving business owners. 
Key Takeaways: 
Journey to Business Ownership: Started with block printing as a creative side project, gradually scaling from home-based operations to farmers markets, mobile vending, and eventually a downtown storefront. 
Innovative Funding Strategy: Successfully used Kickstarter not just for funding equipment, but as a powerful community-building and brand awareness tool that created a sense of ownership among supporters 
Adaptive Business Model: Continuously pivoted and experimented with different revenue streams, including mobile vending, e-commerce, wholesale, and hyper-personalization options to stay responsive to market needs. 
Community-Centered Approach: Created collaborative opportunities by hosting pop-up events, supporting local artisans, and bringing other small businesses into their space to create a supportive ecosystem 
Brand Philosophy: Developed a distinctive brand identity around positive, meaningful designs that feature hand-carved block prints with an intentionally authentic, "gritty" aesthetic that resonates with customers. 
Connect: 
Visit elSage website 
Follow elSage on Facebook 
Follow elSage on Instagram 
Follow elSage on TikTok 
 
Episode Links: 
- Listen on Apple Podcasts 
- Listen on Spotify 
- Subscribe for updates 
Join us next week for more insights into the evolving landscape of Main Street business. 

Revitalizing a Legacy Business with Dale Sexton, Dan Bailey’s Outdoor Co.

In this episode, host Matt Wagner sits down with Dale Sexton, owner of the legendary Dan Bailey's Outdoor Co. in Livingston, Montana. Dale shares his journey of taking over the iconic outdoor retail business and navigating the evolving outdoor industry and customer landscape. 
Key Takeaways: 
Journey to Business Ownership: Dale discusses his process of transitioning ownership of Dan Bailey's Outdoor Co. from his father, integrating new ideas while preserving the business's long-standing reputation and traditions. 
Adapting to Industry Change: He explores how the outdoor retail sector has transformed, from the rise of e-commerce to shifting consumer preferences, and how Dan Bailey's has adapted its in-store experience and product mix in response. 
Cultivating Community: As a Main Street business, Dale emphasizes Dan Bailey's critical role in the Livingston community. He shares strategies for engaging locals and tourists through events, partnerships, and more. 
Weathering Challenges: Dale reflects on navigating challenges like supply chain disruptions and the pandemic, offering advice on maintaining resilience as a small business owner. 
Vision for the Future: Dale outlines his plans to further strengthen Dan Bailey's position as a premier outdoor outfitter while preserving the business's authentic character and local roots. 
Connect: 
Visit Dan Bailey's Outdoor Co. website 
Follow Dan Bailey's on Facebook 
Follow Dan Bailey's on Instagram 
 
Episode Links: 
- Watch video interview 
- Listen on Apple Podcasts 
- Listen on Spotify 
- Subscribe for updates 
Join us next week for more insights into the evolving landscape of Main Street business. 

Building Brand and Community with Mallory Dabney, Heyday

Join host Matt Wagner for his conversation with Mallory Dabney, owner of Heyday, a home goods store in Bozeman, Montana. In this episode, Mallory shares her journey from moving to Bozeman from California, learning how to work in retail, and eventually becoming the owner of one of her favorite downtown shops.  
In this episode, we dive deep into: 
- Journey to Ownership: Mallory describes the process of acquiring the business through an SBA loan, working closely with the previous owner, and navigating the financial and work-life balance considerations as a new business owner and young mother. 
- Brand Identity & Marketing: Mallory discusses the importance of brand identity and how she thinks of Heyday as a person with a specific personality and voice. This guides their product curation, marketing, and overall customer experience. 
- Balancing In-Store & E-Commerce: They discuss Heyday's successful e-commerce channel, which has seen significant growth, and how Mallory's team manages the inventory, marketing, and sales between the online and in-store channels. 
- Focus on Community: Mallory emphasizes the critical role community plays for Heyday, from hosting local events to partnering with the downtown business association. She sees Heyday as an anchor for the community. 
- Advice for Other Small Business Owners: Mallory provides advice for other small business owners, focusing on cultivating a strong, empowered team, maintaining a positive mindset through challenges, and extending grace to themselves as entrepreneurs. 
Connect: 
Check out Heyday’s website 
Follow Heyday on Facebook 
Follow Heyday on Instagram 
Follow Heyday on Pinterest 
Episode Links: 
- Watch video interview 
- Listen on Apple Podcasts 
- Listen on Spotify 
- Subscribe for updates 
Join us next week for more insights into the evolving landscape of Main Street business. 

Gen Z Entrepreneurship with Patrick Jackowski and Matt Horne, Firehouse Coffee 1881

Join host Matt Wagner for his conversation with Patrick Jackowski and Matt Horne, the duo behind Firehouse Coffee 1881, a thriving coffee shop housed in a firehouse in historic Fort Monroe, a decommissioned military compound located in Hampton, Virginia. Fresh from their appearance as featured panelists at the Virginia Retail Alliance's Retail Matters Summit, these young entrepreneurs are redefining what it means to be business owners in today's rapidly evolving retail landscape. 
In this episode, we dive deep into: 
- Introduction to Patrick and Matt: Discover how two lifelong best friends transformed their childhood bond into a powerful business partnership. Patrick and Matt share candid insights about how their complementary strengths and lifelong friendship created the perfect foundation for their entrepreneurial venture. 
- Gen Z Entrepreneurs: Step into the world of Gen Z entrepreneurship, making up only 8 percent of all business owners – but not for long. Learn why this generation is uniquely positioned to disrupt traditional business models and how their digital-native perspective is reshaping customer experiences. Patrick and Matt offer a fascinating glimpse into how their generation's values and vision are influencing their business decisions. 
- Journey to Ownership: Follow the remarkable story of how these young entrepreneurs' longtime dream of business ownership collided with an unexpected opportunity. Hear about how a historic firehouse-turned-coffee shop caught their attention and how they knew instantly it was their chance to create something special. They share the serendipitous way they decided take the leap and the gut instincts that told them this was their path. 
- Success Stories and Challenges: From forming their business plan to overcoming funding challenges, Patrick and Matt share their innovative solutions to funding obstacles, their strategies for winning over their community, and the valuable lessons they learned about perseverance in the face of doubt. 
Connect: 
Check out Firehouse Coffee 1881’s website 
Follow Firehouse Coffee on Facebook 
Follow Firehouse Coffee on Instagram 
Subscribe to Firehouse Coffee’s YouTube channel 
Follow Firehouse Coffee on LinkedIn 
 
Episode Links: 
- Watch video interview 
- Listen on Apple Podcasts 
- Listen on Spotify 
- Subscribe for updates 
Join us next week for more insights into the evolving landscape of Main Street business. 

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. 
You'll discover: 
Fresh Retail Data: Current consumer insights and market analysis to inform your holiday strategy 
5 Game-Changing Shifts: Evidence-based predictions for holiday shopping behavior—and how to adapt your business 
Marketing Playbook: Proven tactics to capture customer attention when it matters most 
Whether you're a seasoned retailer or preparing for your first holiday season, this episode delivers actionable strategies to help your business thrive during retail's most critical period. 
Episode Links: 
- Watch episode video 
- Listen on Apple Podcasts 
- Listen on Spotify 
- Subscribe for updates 
Join us next week for more insights into the evolving landscape of Main Street business. 

BFFs to Business Partners with Kaycee McCoy, Pawsnickety Pets

Join host Matt Wagner as he welcomes Kaycee McCoy, co-owner and creative lead at Pawsnickety Pets in Norfolk, Virginia. Kaycee and her best friend, Shizuka Benton, launched the all-natural and organic pet supply business in Norfolk at the start of the pandemic, but have used their combined talents – Kaycee's passion for all-things marketing and Shizuka’s penchant for operations and management – to keep the business growing and thriving over the last four years. 
Here’s what we'll cover: 
- Introduction to Kaycee McCoy: Learn about Kaycee’s journey to entrepreneurship and what brought her to owning her own pet supply business – without any experience in the pet industry or retail! 
- Success Stories and Challenges: Hear about obstacles Kaycee and her team have overcome over the years, as well as the wins they’ve had along the way. 
- Marketing & Using New Tools: Kaycee is a whiz at all-things marketing – and a self-proclaimed “marketing alchemist”! Learn about the tools, resources, and strategies she implements with her team to keep their business growing year over year. 
- Owning a Business with a Friend: Kaycee and Shuzuka have been friends over 12 years – and they’re often asked how they can stay friends while also managing a business together. Learn about the ways the friends cultivate a thriving business while keeping their BFF-hood strong. 
- Advice for Other Entrepreneurs: Kaycee shares her advice and insights for other entrepreneurs that own Main Street businesses. Tune in to hear her wisdom! 
  
Further Reading:  
Take a look at the Pawsnickety Pets website (designed by Kaycee!) 
Explore the Downtown Norfolk site 
Learn about the Virginia Main Street program 
  
Connect: 
Follow Pawsnickety Pets on Facebook 
Tune into Pawsnickety’s YouTube channel 
Follow Pawsnickety Pets on TikTok 
 
Episode Links: 
- Watch video interview 
- Listen on Apple Podcasts 
- Listen on Spotify 
- Subscribe for updates 
Join us next week for more insights into the evolving landscape of Main Street business. 

Retail Marketing Strategies from Main Street South Australia’s David West

Join host Matt Wagner as he welcomes David West, director of Premier Retail Marketing and based in Adelaide, South Australia. David is a leading expert in commercial district management and a key figure behind Australia’s Main Street movement, as chair of Main Street South Australia. In this inaugural international episode, Matt and David explore the nuances of Main Street revitalization, comparing approaches and challenges faced by small businesses in the U.S. and Australia. 
Here’s what we'll cover: 
- Introduction to David West: Discover David's journey from managing shopping centers to becoming a pivotal player in the Main Street movement in Australia. 
- Main Street Movement in Australia: Learn about the evolution of the Main Street movement, including the pivotal role of Victoria and the establishment of Main Street Australia. 
- Success Stories and Challenges: Hear about the various models of Main Street organizations in South Australia, including their partnerships with local councils and business associations. 
- Marketing and Economic Development: Understand how Main Streets in Australia compete with shopping centers and the importance of effective marketing strategies. 
  
Further Reading:  
- David West’s Book: Main Street Management: Successful Retail Strategies 
-  Main Street South Australia: Learn more about the initiatives and programs being developed to support Main Streets across Australia. 
  
Connect: 
- Follow David West on LinkedIn for insights and updates on the Main Street movement in Australia. 
- Stay tuned for more episodes exploring innovative strategies for small business success on Main Street. 
 
Episode Links: 
- Watch video interview 
- Listen on Apple Podcasts 
- Listen on Spotify 
- Subscribe for updates 
 
Conclusion: 
This episode is a rich conversation about the interconnectedness of communities, businesses, and local initiatives. Tune in to explore how lessons from South Australia can inform the future of Main Streets everywhere. 
Join us next week for more insights into the evolving landscape of Main Street business. 

Small Business Advocacy Insights with Tee Rowe of 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. 
Tee has dedicated over 30 years to supporting small businesses. He started his journey working with the Committee on Small Business in the House of Representatives and later joined the Small Business Administration (SBA) during the Bush Administration. Now at ASBDC, Tee continues to advocate for small business owners across the country. 
During their conversation, Matt and Tee explore how the changing economy affects small businesses, the importance of understanding new technologies like AI, how national laws impact business owners, and best ways to connect with local SBDCs. 
Further Reading: America’s SBDC | Find Your SBDC | U.S. Small Business Administration | Red Helicopter by James Rhee