A few months back, I wrote a LinkedIN post about my experience at one of our SmartStart workshops. It reinforced the why and how of what we do to support local microbusiness owners and their communities.
As we grow and expand and we are teaching local microbusiness champions the SmartStart "secret sauce", I keep coming back to this night...
Last night’s SmartStart workshop in Morton, IL, was one of the most inspiring gatherings we’ve had. Sitting alongside passionate entrepreneurs, each on their own journey, I was reminded that building a strong local microbusiness ecosystem isn't just about offering workshops or educational platforms—it's about connecting people and creating community.
Here are the highlights of the workshop for me. They go way beyond the topic of the evening.
🪴 An artisan who's been thriving at local vendor events shared that she is now ready to take her business to the next level by formalizing it and expanding her reach to brick-and-mortar shops and an e-commerce website. She also shared her fears, plus her lack of connections and website knowledge. Before the workshop was over, other attendees gave her a list of shop owners to contact and the names of several website designers who specialized in microbusinesses.
🪴 A young power couple just expanded their side hustle by acquiring a local business. They came to learn how to brand it for "world domination". Their passion and enthusiasm was contagious! It fired up everyone in the room. While they were sharing their dream with the group, they received 2 orders from business owners and leads on others who needed the same products!
🪴 A couple who attended our first SmartStart workshop with nothing but an idea on a napkin shared how now, just four months later, they run a booming ice cream shop. They, also, shared that success isn't without struggles and failures, which was such an important lesson for everyone in the room. Their vulnerability and realness helped others open up about their challenges, which led to the sharing of valuable resources and advice.
What stood out about this workshop, wasn't the content or even the entrepreneurial journeys—it was the sense of community. Each person shared their fears, struggles, triumphs, and lessons, creating a supportive space for others to share.
This is where the magic happens.
When small business owners and entrepreneurs are brought together in a comfortable, open environment, the sharing of stories, resources, and solutions flows naturally. They find support in each other’s experiences, and that connection fosters a sense of belonging, which is critical for building a resilient local business ecosystem.
Sure, our workshops and online platform are great—they offer valuable education and tools. But they're not enough on their own. To create lasting impact and a strong local business community, we have to bring people together. It’s about relationships and the conversations that happen when people feel connected and supported. It's the SmartStart Secret Sauce.
At SmartStart, our goal is to help you create these spaces. We don’t just offer education; we help you build networks of like-minded individuals who can lean on each other, share resources, and celebrate successes. This is how we bridge the gap between learning and thriving.
So, here’s a question for you: 💡 How is your community fostering these kinds of connections for local entrepreneurs?
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