A Microbusiness Ecosystem In Action

At SmartStart, we have become convinced that if you want many thriving microbusinesses in your community, you need to make sure a support system has been identified and activated. Microbusinesses can’t grow and thrive in a silo. They need a community and an ecosystem of support - mentors, resources, peers, and champions - to help them overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

Building this ecosystem takes time, intention, and work, but the payoff is worth it. The Wink House in Peoria, IL, is a shining example of what can happen in a strong, connected network.

Microbusiness Ecosystem Point Of Entry

Andrea Winkler had a dream of creating a business that would connect her passion for a healthy lifestyle and love of shopping local vendor markets. She dreamed of a store that could offer non-toxic, healthy, and handmade products while also creating a permanent version of the supportive, collaborative feeling she loved at local markets.

There was just one problem. She didn’t know how to start.

That all changed while having a conversation with a local business owner. While shopping at Succulent Skin Care, Andrea asked the owner, Xochitl Stafford, how she got started and where she could go for help. I (Marci) happened to be in the store at the time, and Xochitl introduced me as the connection (to the ecosystem) she needed.

I was able to point Andrea to Peoria County's Start A Business GP program, powered by the SmartStart Dashboard from SmartStart Business Development. Then, the rest of the ecosystem took over.

Activating The Ecosystem

The Start A Business GP program is an initiative of Peoria County, Illinois to help people start businesses by offering education, support, and grant money. It is a program that activates the entire local microbusiness ecosystem.

Step One. The program is accessed through the SmartStart Dashboard, which offers step-by-step business education to get businesses set up properly.

Step Two. The dashboard also connects them to vetted local small business resources (lenders, bookkeepers, lawyers, etc.) to help them along the way.

Step Three. Connection to mentors from organizations such as the SBDC and SCORE is available, and encouraged, through the dashboard. These mentors make sure the entrepreneurs take the necessary steps to create or grow their business and answer all the questions of a new entrepreneur.

Step Four. Mentor approval is necessary for the entrepreneur to be eligible to apply for a grant, providing a strong vetting process for grant funds.

The Result

Andrea went through the Start A Business GP program and was awarded a $5,000 grant from the county. Two years later, The Wink House isn’t just Andrea’s dream come true—it’s a launchpad for other entrepreneurs.

By giving dozens of microbusiness owners a place to test products, incubate ideas, or add a retail outlet, Andrea has multiplied her impact. Her customers have taken notice too, nominating The Wink House for multiple community awards.

The Wink House is just one example of what happens when a microbusiness ecosystem works: a single idea in the hands of a motivated entrepreneur and a strong microbusiness ecosystem turns into a thriving business that supports dozens more, strengthens the local economy, and creates a destination the community is proud of.

Like I said earlier, building this ecosystem takes time, intention, and work, but the payoff is worth it.

Have you identified and activated your local microbusiness ecosystem? Where are the points of entry? Do people know about the points of entry? What is the process that helps entrepreneurs connect with that ecosystem?