Business owners are the heart of downtown commercial districts, but it can often be difficult to help them understand the Main Street Approach and get them on board as partners for your organization. This training from Indiana Main Street explains the best practices for getting to know your downtown business owners and getting them engaged in the Main Street organization. From business surveys and introductory communications to tricks for difficult business owners, this presentation provides a solid foundation for a business outreach effort.
Created by Indiana Main Street.
Related Resources
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.
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.
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.
Mallory Dabney, Heyday
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.
Dale Sexton, Dan Bailey’s Outdoor Co.
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.
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.
Back to the Pivot — Navigating 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.
The State of Main Street Businesses — Insights from the Spring 2025 Small Business Profiles Survey
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.
Crowdfunding for Small Businesses, Maine Downtown Conference Panel
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.
Mindy Bergstrom, Cooks Emporium
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 will define the 2024 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 the last episode of season two of Main Street Business Insights, 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.
Cincinnati, Ohio © Janet Hurn
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!
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.
© Ketut Subiyanto
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.
Skowhegan Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development Plan
A sample entrepreneurial ecosystem development plan to support small business creation and sustainability. Published by Skowhegan Main Street.
Sjowhegan, ME
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
This webinar provides a roadmap on how to adapt to the evolving retail landscape to build strong entrepreneurial ecosystems for small business owners.
The Future of Retail
Explore research on how businesses can adapt to the evolving retail landscape using place-based and community-driven stratgies.
Atlanta, GA © Blulz60
National Report on Early-Stage Entrepreneurship in the United States: 2020
This 2020 report provides an overview of the landscape of small businesses, start-ups, and new entrepreneurs in the United States. Published by Kauffman Foundation.
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.
17th Avenue – Allapattah Action Plan
A sample entrepreneurial action plan to provide support for local small business owners in Miami, Florida. Published by Allapattah Collaborative.
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.
Metuchen, NJ © Isaac Kremer
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.
Metuchen, NJ © Isaac Kremer
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.
Measuring the Economic Impact of Special Events
Two Mississippi Main Street communities explain how they collected data on the small business impact of downtown events.
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.
Siloam Springs, AR © Brandonrush
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.
Multicultural Merchandising
The importance of understanding multicultural design preferences as our business environment becomes increasingly diverse.
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.
Downtown Florence, South Carolina © True Light Photography
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