Microbusiness incubators don't need to be large, renovated buildings. They could be within small businesses already in your community. This is a much more approachable model for small rural towns.

The well-intentioned call to “Shop Local” is everywhere. But slogans alone aren’t enough when families - and businesses - are stretching every dollar. If we want to help these businesses survive, we need to go deeper than marketing campaigns.

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,...