
At SmartStart, our mission isn’t only to help people turn their business dreams into reality—it’s to create a thriving local ecosystem where small and microbusinesses support each other and strengthen the entire community.
We’ve found that achieving this requires three key ingredients: education, connection, and collaboration. Our monthly workshops in each SmartStart community are designed to bring all three together.
When we first talk to local business leaders and advocates about implementing workshops, we often hear things like:
“We’ve tried workshops before, but no one shows up.”
“We don’t have any small business experts or speakers in town.”
“Entrepreneurs don’t have time for boring workshops.”
We get it. No one enjoys a dry presentation with handouts. That’s why, at SmartStart, we do things differently.
Make It A Collaboration
Instead of the typical one-way presentations, we’ve turned our workshops into collaborative events through roundtable discussions. This change has made all the difference.
Our roundtables are where theory meets practice—attendees don’t just listen, they actively engage. They discuss strategies, challenge ideas, and figure out how to apply what they learn to their own businesses.
Facilitators Not Speakers
Our workshop facilitators are experts that many communities don't realize they have. They are the local accountant who does the taxes for most of the businesses in town, the stay-at-home mom who has built a thriving e-commerce business out of her house, or the boutique owner who has become the POS system expert.
These facilitators don't bore the group with a monologue. They sit at the table and share best practices and their experience, Then, the group discusses how they could be implemented into each of their businesses.
Small Business Roundtables Grow The Microbusiness Ecosystem
This hands-on, collaborative approach not only makes learning more engaging but also builds a strong sense of community.
The result? We’re seeing vibrant, growing local ecosystems where entrepreneurs don’t just survive—they thrive. The connections made and the knowledge shared during these roundtables are creating a solid network where small business owners can lean on each other, collaborate, and keep growing together.
We’re just beginning to see the full power of our roundtable discussions and are excited to hear more success stories as we continue using SmartStart workshops as a catalyst for microbusiness success.
Start small business roundtables in your community and let us know how it goes!
✨Get more microbusiness development and support info in your inbox each Thursday by subscribing to the SmartStart Micro-Catalyst newsletter!
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