About the Episode How can you maximize holiday revenue when you're facing tariff uncertainty, shifting consumer confidence, and limited time to prepare for the holiday season? In a new episode of Main Street Business Insights, host Matt Wagner breaks down the 2025 holiday shopping landscape with actionable strategies drawn from our survey of 1,100 small businesses, plus the latest consumer research showing where shoppers are actually spending, and how they want to shop. Takeaways More than one third of small businesses are cautious about inventory purchases. Gift cards and clothing accessories are top spending categories for 2025. Millennials are expected to spend the most during the holidays. AI tools are increasingly used for gift ideas and price comparisons. Consumers are concerned about tariffs affecting prices and shopping plans. In-store shopping remains competitive despite the rise of online shopping. 70% of Gen Z plans to shop at local or independent retailers. Creating a sensory-rich in-store experience is crucial for attracting customers. Social media usage varies significantly across generations for shopping inspiration. Small businesses should focus on hyper-personalization and limited inventory options. Episode Links: Watch video interview Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Subscribe for updates Amex Shop Small Grants Program We have some super exciting news to share with you all! Main Street America and American Express are teaming up to launch a new grant program for small business owners. The Amex Shop Small Grants Program will provide an initial $5 million to fund 250 grants of $20,000 each to eligible small business owners across the U.S. The application will open on this Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2025.  And get this. Every time an American Express Card Member shops with their eligible Card at a qualifying U.S. small business on November 29, American Express will donate an additional $1 to fund additional grants.  So, there’s an extra incentive to get out there and support local businesses on Small Business Saturday! You can find eligible small businesses in your community on the Shop Small Map. American Express Debit Cards are not eligible.”   Find more information on our website at mainstreet.org/shopsmallgrant.

About the Episode How do you successfully transition a business across five generations without creating resentment or burning out the next generation? This episode tackles the complex realities of family business succession planning through the story of Tiger's General Store in Hayesville, North Carolina — a business that has operated continuously since 1875. In this three-generation conversation, host Matt Wagner sits down with Rob Tiger (fourth generation), Holly Tiger (married into the business), and Lauren Tiger (fifth generation) to explore the intentional decisions that have kept this 150-year-old business thriving. From Rob's initial reluctance ("I'll give you a year") to Lauren's carefully structured path that required building her own career first, this family reveals the honest conversations and strategic choices behind successful succession. Discover practical strategies for: Creating choice, not obligation: Why forcing Lauren to attend college far from home and build her own career was critical to preventing resentment Managing the transition timeline: How Lauren balances full-time physical therapy work with increasing store responsibilities while maintaining benefits Adapting without losing authenticity: Staying relevant for 150 years by asking teenagers what's trending while maintaining the store's character Building community connections: Why giving back and being visible in local nonprofits is non-negotiable for small town businesses The reality of work-life balance: Honest talk about 10–12-hour days, late nights, and the delegation challenges that come with family businesses Keeping customers engaged across generations: How one family has shopped there annually for 11 years, each visit a cherished tradition Whether you're planning a business transition, considering buying a family business, or wondering how to stay relevant in a small market for decades, this episode provides a candid look at what actually works — and what doesn't — in multi-generational business ownership. Join us as we hear directly from three generations about losing money in the early years, evolving from groceries to gifts, resisting pressure to go fully online, and why consistency matters more than perfection in small business success. Special thanks to Sherry Adams, North Carolina Main Street Program, for coordinating this episode. Connect: Learn about Tiger's General Store in Hayesville, NC Learn about Historic Hayesville, Inc. Learn about NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center  Episode Links: Watch video interview Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Subscribe for updates

When investors and banks say "no," how do you prove your business concept can work? This episode explores a strategic approach to launching a business that up-and-coming entrepreneurs could consider: launching a beta facility to prove market viability before scaling.  In this episode, host Matt Wagner sits down with Megan Peterson, social innovator and founder of Mendo LEAP in Ukiah, California. Located in Mendocino County, Mendo LEAP is an adaptive play center providing an inclusive space for children of all abilities to Learn, Explore, Adapt, and Play (LEAP).   Discover how Megan turned funding rejection into an opportunity to build a stronger, more sustainable business model by:  Starting small and testing rigorously before scaling  Creating win-win partnerships that reduce capital requirements for everyone  Building feedback loops into operations from day one  Designing collaborative business models in resource-scarce environments  Whether you're facing funding challenges, launching in an underserved market, or looking to validate your business concept before going all-in, this episode provides a practical framework for de-risking your venture while building community support.  Join us as we hear directly from Megan about her journey from new mom to driven entrepreneur, the many lessons learned, and what other small business owners frankly can take from her story.  Connect:  Check out Mendo LEAP’s website  Follow Mendo LEAP on Facebook  Follow Mendo LEAP on Instagram  Learn about the Ukiah Main Street Program  Learn about California Main Street  Episode Links:  - Watch video interview  - Listen on Apple Podcasts  - Listen on Spotify  - Subscribe for updates 

Show Notes:  Join host Matt Wagner for his conversation with Rachael Kehler, owner of The Peppermint Stick Candy Store in downtown Boyertown, Pennsylvania. In this episode, Matt and Rachael discuss her journey to entrepreneurship, leveraging nostalgia as a marketing tool, small town tourism, and more.  In this episode, we dive deep into:  - Rachael’s Journey to Entrepreneurship: Rachael explains her beginnings as a business owner. The idea for a candy store was sparked while watching visitors explore downtown Boyertown after riding a newly installed tourist train. With Rachael’s entrepreneurial spirit matched with her husband’s historic renovation skills, they created an old-fashioned candy shop and ice cream parlor as a feel-good destination for tourists and residents alike.  - Harnessing Nostalgia in Your Business: As both a business owner and history lover, Rachael has learned that everything – even candy – has a story. Leveraging the feelings and memories associated with your products can endear customers to your business – and invite new people to walk through your door.  - Keeping Up Modern Technology: If you walk into Peppermint Stick Candy, you’ll feel like you were transported back in time to the 1940s. But the marketing tools and techniques that made you want to visit in the first place are firmly planted in the age of AI. Rachael uses modern marketing tools like Grammarly, Google Gemini, and more to form creative marketing campaigns and stay hyper-productive as a busy small business owner.  Connect:  Peppermint Stick’s website  Follow Peppermint Stick on Facebook  Follow Peppermint Stick on Instagram  Learn about Building a Better Boyertown 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. 

Join host Matt Wagner for his conversation with Daphne Labault, owner of Plena Mercancía in Chicago, Illinois. In this episode, Daphne, a Puerto Rican entrepreneur, shares her inspiring journey opening a coffee shop that also serves as a cultural hub in Chicago. Daphne discusses the challenges she faced after Hurricane Maria, her passion for supporting Puerto Rican artisans, and the importance of community in her business model.   She highlights the invaluable support of The Puerto Rican Cultural Center (The PRCC), the realities of store ownership, and her vision of creating a supportive network for fellow entrepreneurs and artisans. Throughout the conversation, Daphne emphasizes the significance of creating meaningful connections with her customers and the role of her store in reconnecting the Puerto Rican diaspora with their culture.  Daphne received small business development support to open her storefront through The Puerto Rican Cultural Center’s Mercado del Pueblo on North Avenue in Humboldt Park, Chicago. The PRCC received construction and operating support for the site and its programs through The Hartford Small Business Accelerator Grant Program in partnership with Main Street America.    Connect:  Follow Plena Mercancía on Instagram  Check out the Puerto Rican Cultural Center  Learn more about The Hartford Small Business Accelerator Grant Program  Episode Links:  - Watch video interview  - Listen on Apple Podcasts  - Listen on Spotify  - Subscribe for updates

In this episode of the Main Street Business Insights podcast, host Matt Wagner speaks with Rachel Latimer, Owner and Scent Specialist of DANE Fragrance in Ukiah, California. They discuss Rachel's professional journey and the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs, especially those operating in the fragrance manufacturing space. Rachel shares insights on navigating the retail and wholesale dynamics of her business, the significance of authenticity over trends, and her future aspirations, including innovative, scent-forward art installations projects and educational workshops. Key Takeaways Include: - Differentiating your business in a crowded space: According to IBISWorld, there are 223 perfume and fragrance manufacturing businesses in the United States. Hear from Rachel about how she ensures DANE Fragrance stands out. - Managing both B2B and B2C business models: DANE Fragrance utilizes a B2B business model to help support its local storefront and direct to consumer product offerings.   - Following trends: The fragrance industry is defined largely by fads and trends in product design. Rachel Latimer chooses to reject these trends to support her own unique creative vision: "“I stay clear [of trends] that I don't care about because what I am and what I feel is represented in my work, not what somebody told me to feel.”  Connect:  Check out DANE Fragrance's website Episode Links:  - Watch video interview  - Listen on Apple Podcasts  - Listen on Spotify  - Subscribe for updates 

In this episode of the Main Street Business Insights podcast, host Matt Wagner speaks with Kirsten Gjesdal, a small business owner and community leader in Brookings, South Dakota. Kirsten shares her journey from opening her own business, the Carrot Seed Kitchen Company, to becoming Executive Director of Downtown Brookings. She discusses the importance of community engagement, the challenges of running a small business, and her transition into a role focused on downtown revitalization. The conversation also touches on the impact of tariffs on small businesses and the significance of creating a sense of community through local enterprises. Episode Links:  - Downtown Brookings - The Carrot Seed Kitchen Co. - 1 Million Cups (1MC) - Insights from the 2024 Trends Survey - Watch the video episode - Listen on Apple Podcasts  - Listen on Spotify  - Subscribe for updates 

In this episode, host Matt Wagner is joined by Michael Powe, Senior Director of Research at Main Street America, to discuss the findings from Main Street America's recent Spring 2025 Small Business Profiles Survey. Matt and Mike explore the definition of Main Street businesses, and discuss current economic concerns cited by survey respondents, including rising costs and decreasing customer spending, and the overall confidence of small business owners. Takeaways: • The average confidence score dropped to 6.7 out of 10, the lowest since tracking began in 2022. Only 40% of respondents now rate their confidence as 8 or higher, compared to 59% in Fall 2022. • Nearly half (49%) of respondents reported a decline in profits over the past three months. Only 15% saw any profit increase. • 65% of respondents said their household depends on their business’s profitability. Alarmingly, 43% said their income from the business is insufficient to meet basic living expenses. • Major concerns include the rising cost of supplies and equipment (72%), declining customer spending (68%), and the impact of new tariffs (50%). Episode Links:  - Spring 2025 Small Business Profiles Survey - Watch the video episode - Listen on Apple Podcasts  - Listen on Spotify  - Subscribe for updates 

Join host Matt Wagner for his conversation on the current economic challenges facing small businesses and the strategies and innovative pivots that can help better navigate these turbulent headwinds. In this episode, we dive deep into:  - Navigating Economic Uncertainty: Consumer confidence is at its lowest in 12 years. - Strategies for Customer Retention: Retaining existing customers is more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. - Maximizing Value and ROI: Regularly auditing pricing structures is essential for profitability. - Adapting Marketing Strategies: Marketing strategies should adapt to changing consumer behaviors and exploring new markets can open up opportunities for growth. - Innovative Business Pivots and Community Building: Small businesses should leverage their unique identity and strengths to stand out. Connect:  Check out Made on Main Episode Links:  - Watch video podcast - 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. 

In this episode, host Matt Wagner visits San Germán, Puerto Rico, for a discussion with Roberto Melendez, owner of the local restaurant Pórticos 1606. Their conversation explores natural disaster preparedness and the resiliency required to guide a business through unforeseen global events. Discussion topics include:  The unique challenges and opportunities that come with running a business in Puerto Rico Why building community connections is vital for adapting to unforeseen events  Disaster preparedness and recovery Episode Links:  - Watch video episode  - Listen on Apple Podcasts  - Listen on Spotify  - Subscribe for updates 

In this episode, host Matt Wagner sits down with Dottie Lange and Dottie McQuade of The Monogram Shoppe in Woodbury, New Jersey to discuss the process and considerations that come with selling a small business.   Discussion topics include:  The Decision to Sell: Timing and Considerations  Navigating the Sale Process  Finding the Right Fit: Interviewing Potential Buyers  What is the Silver Tsunami?  Episode Links:  - Watch video episode  - Listen on Apple Podcasts  - Listen on Spotify  - Subscribe for updates 

In this episode, host Matt Wagner provides practical guidance for small business owners facing the challenges of new and potential international tariffs. With current 10% tariffs on Chinese products and ongoing negotiations affecting trade with Mexico, Canada, and potentially the European Union, Main Street businesses need strategies to maintain resilience and adapt their operations.   Episode Links: - Read Matt's companion blog - Listen to Matt's 2025 Predictions episode - Watch video episode - Listen on Apple Podcasts - Listen on Spotify - Subscribe for updates 

In this episode, Matt Wagner breaks down seven key predictions that will impact Main Street businesses and entrepreneurs in 2025.  You'll discover:  How retail sales are expected to slow and the challenges facing small businesses  The potential "Ozempic Ripple Effect" and its implications for various industries  The emerging "Phygital" world and how technology is transforming shopping experiences  AI's growing impact on non-profit data collection and reporting  Why businesses should focus on curation over endless choices  How the "Silver Tsunami" will reshape markets and consumer behaviors  The role of Main Streets in addressing the loneliness epidemic    Episode Links:  - Listen on Apple Podcasts  - Listen on Spotify  - Subscribe for updates 

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   

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.