Backing Small Businesses Disaster Recovery Grants 2025 | Informational Webinar

Work Smarter with AI: Smart, Simple Tips for Your Small Business Growth

In this beginner-friendly webinar, discover how your small business can use artificial intelligence to simplify everyday tasks, save time, and grow more efficiently.

Boost Your Business with AI: The Power of Optimized Descriptions & Keywords

Struggling to describe your business in a way that clicks with customers? This free, on-demand training will help small business owners write compelling descriptions and utilize AI to refine their messaging.

Retail Matters 2024 Report

Produced in partnership with Virginia Retail Alliance, the 2024 Retail Matters research report features the economic, consumer, and technology trends impacting a wide spectrum of entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Retail Matters 2025 Report

The 2025 Retail Matters research report, developed in partnership with the Virginia Retail Alliance, explores the top retail trends for 2025 impacting entrepreneurs, small business owners, and the broader retail landscape.

Alycia Levels-Moore, ASL Creative & POLARIS

In this special episode of Main Street Business Insights, recorded in front of a live audience during the Main Street Now Conference, Matt sat down with Alycia Levels-Moore, owner and founder of ASL Creative Firm and POLARIS, an event and co-working hub, based in Birmingham, Alabama.

Rachael Kehler, The Peppermint Stick Candy Shop

Join host Matt Wagner for his conversation with Rachael Kehler, owner of The Peppermint Stick Candy Store in Boyertown, Pennsylvania. In this episode, Matt and Rachael discuss her journey to entrepreneurship, leveraging nostalgia as a marketing tool, small town tourism, and more.

Testing a Business Model Before Scaling (Mendo LEAP)

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.

Kaycee McCoy, Pawsnickety Pets

Join host Matt Wagner as he welcomes Kaycee McCoy, co-owner and creative lead at Pawsnickety Pets in Norfolks, Virginia.

Patrick Jackowski and Matt Horne, Firehouse Coffee 1881

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.

Building Brand and Community

This week on Main Street Business Insights, join host Matt Wagner for his conversation with Mallory Dabney, owner of Heyday, a home goods store in Bozeman, Montana.

Revitalizing a Legacy Business

In this episode, host Matt Wagner sits down with Dale Sexton, owner of the legendary Dan Bailey's Outdoor Co. in Livingston, Montana.

James Langteaux, Trû North Café

In this episode, Matt and James explore the unique journey of starting a business during the pandemic, the challenges of running a small-town café, and the importance of community connection.

Successfully Selling a Small Business (The Monogram Shoppe)

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.

A Recipe for Resiliency with Roberto Melendez, Pórticos 1606

In this episode, host Matt Wagner visits San Germán, Puerto Rico for a discussion with Roberto Melendez, owner of local restaurant, Pórticos 1606. Their conversation explores natural disaster preparedness and the resiliency required to guide a business through unforeseen global events.

How to Pivot Your Small Business in a Challenging Economy

In this episode, host Matt Wagner discusses the current economic challenges facing small businesses and offers strategies and innovative pivots to better navigate these turbulent headwinds.

Spring 2025 Key Small Business Trends

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.

Rooted in Community with Kirsten Gjesdal, Downtown Brookings and The Carrot Seed Kitchen Co.

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.

Vision over Virality with Rachel Latimer, DANE Fragrance

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.

Tocayo: Building Business Through Cultural Connection with Daphne Labault, Plena Mercancía

Join host Matt Wagner for his conversation with Daphne Labault, owner of Plena Mercancía in Chicago, Illinois.

Crowdfunding for Small Businesses

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.

Small Business Predictions for 2025

In this episode, Matt Wagner breaks down seven key predictions that will impact Main Street businesses and entrepreneurs in 2025.

12 Tips for Navigating Tariffs: A Guide for Main Street Businesses

In this episode, host Matt Wagner provides practical guidance for small business owners facing the challenges of new and potential international tariffs.

Phoebe and Jonathan Carpenter Eells, elSage Designs

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.

Joshua and Jared Ravenscraft, New Frontier

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt talks with Joshua and Jared Ravenscraft, co-founders of New Frontier, a sustainable apparel brand in Morehead, Kentucky.

Kristin Smith, The Wrigley Appalachian Eatery

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sat down with Kristin Smith, owner and founder of The Wrigley Appalachian Eatery in Corbin, Kentucky.

Scaling with Purpose

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sat down with Mindy Bergstrom, owner of Cooks Emporium, Nook & Nest, Z.W. Mercantile, and The Recipe, all located in downtown Ames, Iowa.

Patrice Hull, Stuff We Wanna Say

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt interviews Patrice Hull, the owner of Stuff We Wanna Say Custom T-Shirts and Apparel and c2bn / Created to be Noticed, based in Atlanta, Georgia.

David West, Main Street South Australia

Join host Matt Wagner as he welcomes David West, director of Premier Retail Marketing and based in Adelaide, South Australia.

2024 Trend Forecast: Get Your Business Holiday-Ready

In this episode, Matt reveals the data-driven trends that define the holiday shopping season — and shows you exactly how to leverage them for your small business.

Tee Rowe, America’s SBDC

In this episode, Matt chats with Tee Rowe, the President and CEO of America’s Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC). The centers offer training, advice, and resources to help small business owners thrive in their communities.

Mileyka Burgos-Flores, Allapattah Collaborative CDC

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt talks with Mileyka Burgos-Flores, executive director of the Allapattah Collaborative CDC in Miami, Florida, the only designated Main Street community in Miami. Mileyka is this year’s recipient of the prestigious Mary Means Leadership Award.

Nicole Fleetwood and McKinzie Hodges, Scratch Made Bakery

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Nicole Fleetwood and McKinzie Hodges, co-owners of Scratch Made Bakery in Amarillo, Texas.

State of Main: Winter 2018

With articles written by industry experts on topics ranging from the future of retail to Main Street advocacy, the publication is brimming with tools, tips, and strategies that will help you lead a results-oriented revitalization effort.

Katie Pinard and Michael Macomber, Elements: Coffee Books Beer

In this conversation, Matt explores the story of Elements: Books Coffee Beer, nestled in the heart of Biddeford, Maine, with co-owners Katie Pinard and Michael Macomber.

Ebenezer Akakpo, Akakpo Design Group & Maine Culture

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt talks with Ebenezer Akakpo, a designer and jeweler who owns Akakpo Design Group and Maine Culture in Westbrook, Maine.

Ross Chanowski, NuMarket

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt chats with Ross Chanowski, owner and founder of NuMarket. NuMarket is a leader in crowdfunding solutions for small businesses with a focus on food services.

The Art of Understanding Local Markets

In this episode, tune in as host Matt Wagner breaks down how to understand and synthesize local market data.

Glen Ellis, Sycamore Education and Milady Coffeehouse

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Glen Ellis, owner of Sycamore Education, Dominion Catalyst Services, and Milady Coffeehouse in Fremont, Nebraska.

Jaime Courtney and Derek King, Shoalwater Seafood, Shane Thomas, Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Jaime Courtney, President of Shoalwater Seafood, Derek King, Oyster Farm Director of Shoalwater Seafood, and Shane Thomas, Tribal Council Vice Chair of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe.

Casey Woods, Emporia Main Street

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Casey Woods, Executive Director of Emporia Main Street in Emporia, Kansas.

Tiffany Fixter, Owner of Brewability

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Tiffany Fixter, owner of Brewability in Englewood, Colorado.

Bobby Boone, Owner of &Access

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Bobby Boone, founder and Chief Strategist of &Access

Jennifer Jones, Owner of Good Times Coal Fired Pizza & Pub

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Jennifer Jones, co-owner of Good Times Coal Fired Pizza and Pub in Big Stone Gap, Virginia.

Janet Hurn, Future Ready Consulting

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Janet Hurn, owner of Future Ready Consulting in Cincinatti, Ohio.

Derrick Braziel, Owner of Pata Roja Taqueria and MORTAR

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Derrick Braziel, owner of Pata Rojas Taqueria and co-founder of MORTAR, in Cincinatti, Ohio.

2024 Predictions for Main Street Businesses

In our first episode of the season, you’ll hear from host Matt Wagner about his predictions for the small business landscape in 2024.

Building Your Digital Footprint

Learn how customers can find accurate, updated information about your local business online.

Make Better Business Decisions with Analytics

Learn best practices and analyze trends about how customers engage with your business online, then turn these insights into well-informed, actionable decisions.

Basics for Branding Your Business

This webinar will guide you through the basics of branding for your small business. Learn how to define your brand, build awareness, and maintain consistency across all touch-points.

Canva Made Simple: Design Basics for Small Businesses

Seeking to elevate your marketing materials but not quite ready to hire a designer? In this webinar, learn how to navigate Canva, an easy-to-use design tool that makes branding your business simple!

Social Media Made Simple

Take the stress out of social media for your business? In this webinar, discover how to create a content plan that works. Learn how to confidently go live on Facebook and YouTube to engage your customers and highlight your expertise.

Communicate with Calendar and Gmail

This workshop covers how to use Google Calendar and Gmail to share important dates, reminders, and events with others.

Sell Online with E‑Commerce Tools

This webinar explores how retailers can leverage powerful digital tools to expand their online reach and boost sales.

How to Master Soft Skills for Small Business Success Webinar

Learn how to enhance your productivity and professional presence as a small business owner.

How to Take Product Photos for Your E‑Commerce Site

Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your existing photography skills, this webinar will provide you with valuable insights and practical advice.

Cybersecurity Tips for Small Business Owners

As part of Main Street America's Small Biz Digital Trainers series, this workshop offers guidance for improving your cybersecurity tactics as a small business owner.

Coach Your Team to Success

As part of Main Street America's Small Biz Digital Trainers series, this workshop gives you tips for becoming a more effective leader as a small business owner.

How to Do a Virtual Tour of Your Physical Store

Discover the basics of how to create an engaging virtual tour that showcases your physical store and connects with customers online. In this webinar, you’ll learn ways to plan, shoot, and promote a virtual tour that enhances your online presence and drives foot traffic.

Increase Your Sales with Google Tools

As part of our Small Biz Digital Trainer series, in this webinar you'll learn how to promote your products online using Google tools. We’ll show how local brick-and-mortar businesses can list products on a Google Business Profile.

Make Your Website Work For You

Discover how to create a search-friendly website that drives user action and supports their goals. Whether you're launching a brand new website or looking to revitalize an existing one, this workshop will provide you with valuable insights.

Learn the Basics of Google Calendar

As part of Main Street America’s Small Biz Digital Trainers series, this workshop walks you through the basic information you need to set-up and optimize your Google Calendar to maximize efficiency at your small business.

Managing Your Online Presence & Developing a Marketing Plan

A strong online presence is essential for any small business in today’s digital age. This workshop will guide you through the process of keeping your Google Business Profile, social media accounts, and website up-to-date and optimized.

Cultivating the Entrepreneurial Mindset

Whether you are a solopreneur or lead a small team, this one-hour workshop will provide you with valuable strategies to foster innovation, resilience, and growth in your business.

Make Better Business Decisions with Analytics

Learn how to improve your small business using data and analytics.

Making Your Website Work For You

Learn how to optimize your website using Google tools.

Get Your Local Business on Google Search and Maps

Learn how to get your business listed on Google search and maps.

Top 10 Google Tools to Grow Your Business

Whether you're just starting out or you're looking to take your business to the next level, you'll learn valuable insights that you can use to grow your business in this Small Biz Digital Trainers webinar.

Increase Your Holiday Sales with Google Tools

In this Small Biz Digital Trainers webinar, learn tools to increase your holiday sales for free, even if you don’t have an e-commerce website or a website at all.

Understand Your Customer Using Google Tools

In this Small Biz Digital Trainers webinar, you'll learn to use AI to simplify your work, develop your messaging and voice, create buyer personas, and more.

Bonus Episode 2: Featuring Season 1 Guests

Learn about small business owners who are succeeding along Main Street, and the advice they have for others doing the same.

Bonus Episode 3: Featuring Season 1 Guests

In this episode, you'll hear from small business owners from our first season who make connecting with their community a top priority.

Bonus Episode 1: Featuring Season 1 Guests

Learn how local entrepreneurs have leveraged the power of a Main Street community to establish, maintain, and grow their ventures.

Jamie & Jerry Baker, Trendy Teachers

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Jamie and Jerry Baker, co-owners and founders of Trendy Teachers, a teaching boutique and educational toy store located in downtown Rome, Georgia.

Anette Soto Landeros, Casa Azul Coffee

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Anette Soto Landeros, co-owner of Casa Azul Coffee and President and CEO of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Fort Worth, Texas.

Danny Reynolds, Stephenson’s Clothing

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Danny Reynolds, owner and president of Stephenson’s of Elkhart, an independently owned high-end fashion retailer in downtown Elkhart, Indiana.

Harvey Williams, Delta Dirt Distillery

In this episode, Matt sits down with Harvey Williams, Co-Founder and CEO of Delta Dirt Distillery in Helena, Arkansas. Delta Dirt Distillery is the only Black-owned farm-to-bottled distillery in the United States.

Lindsay Goodson McDonald, Keith McDonald Plumbing

In this episode of the Main Street Business Insights podcast host Matt Wagner sat down with the CEO of Keith McDonald Plumbing in Milledgeville, Ga., Lindsay Goodson McDonald.

Christina Hollerbach, Hollerbach’s German Restaurant

In this week’s episode of Main Street Business Insights, host Matt Wagner sat down with the CEO of Hollerbach’s German Restaurant in Sanford, Fla., Christina Hollerbach.

The Barbershop Conversation Podcast Team

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, host Matt Wagner sat down with The Barbershop Conversation podcast team, co-hosts Kenneth Bentley and Davion Hampton along with executive producer Emory Green Jr., in Goldsboro, Florida.

Martha Moore and Ashley Owens, Martha & Ash Custom Drapery

In this week’s episode of Main Street Business Insights, host Matt Wagner sits down with mother-daughter duo, Martha Moore and Ashley Owens, co-owners and founders of the custom drapery business Martha & Ash in downtown Camden, South Carolina.

Terrand Smith, 37 Oaks

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, host Matt Wagner sat down with the founder and CEO of 37 Oaks, Terrand Smith. Located in Chicago, Illinois, 37 Oaks is a commerce development and learning laboratory for entrepreneurs.

Amber Lambke, Maine Grains

In the inaugural episode of Main Street Business Insights, host Matt Wagner sat down with the co-founder and CEO of Maine Grains, Amber Lambke. Located in downtown Skowhegan, Maine,

Building a Community Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Use this self-guided training to understand how to build a robust environment to support small business creation and sustainability.

Supporting the Creation & Growth of Businesses in Our Communities

Learn how to connect entrepreneurs of color with resources, grants, and loans to support sustainable economic growth.

Advancing Inclusive Entrepreneurship

Watch this webinar to learn techniques and strategies to support minority entrepreneurs and create a diverse small business ecosystem.

Commercial District Design: Small Businesses

In this AARP guide, learn how important small businesses are for vibrant and sustainable commercial districts.

The Future of Retail

Explore research on how businesses can adapt to the evolving retail landscape using place-based and community-driven stratgies.

State of Main: Winter 2019

With articles written by industry experts on topics ranging from the transformative placemaking to inclusive entrepreneurship, the publication is brimming with tools, tips, and strategies that will help you lead a results-oriented revitalization effort.

The Importance of Inclusive Entrepreneurship Ecosystems

An article from State of Main exploring the impact of entrepreneurship and examining ways to create inclusion in the development of entrepreneurship ecosystems. Published in State of Main.

Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and the Role of Commercial Districts

A comprehensive guide to local small business support to encourage entrepreneurs and create a vibrant downtown commercial district.

The Future of Retail (State of Main)

There’s no doubt about it, the retail landscape is changing and getting more complex. Main Street has a unique competitive advantage and it’s up to local leaders and local business owners to understand how to tap into this opportunity.

Manufacturers Finding New Homes along Main Street

Independent makers and manufacturers are helping to fuel a renaissance in downtowns and commercial districts, harnessing renewed interest in locally produced materials and experiential shopping. Published in State of Main.

Read the Street

Learn the importance of the storefront design and tips on ways to increase the allure of every store’s exterior to grab the attention of potential customers. Published in Main Street Now Journal.

The Arkansas DeltaMade Program

Learn how a regional branding initiative, Arkansas DeltaMade, uncovered hidden entrepreneurial assets and fostered the creation of new businesses built around the distinctive character of the Arkansas Delta.

Cash Mobs

First there were “flash mobs.” Now there are cash mobs, the shop-local equivalent. At these events, 'mobs' of people visit a small business with the commitment to spend at least $20 each. Published in Main Street Now magazine. Written by Andrea L. Dono.

A New Take on Pop-Ups

To reduce storefront vacancies, the Main Street program in Cambridge, Maryland, created the Holiday Pop-Up Project, which gave two entrepreneurs the chance to test out their retail concepts rent-free for two months.

Community-Owned Businesses

Innovative entrepreneurs and alternative business models can open up businesses that fill a void in the community. Published in Main Street Now Journal.