Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Institute Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Members Area
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

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Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Overview Join Us Renew Your Membership Donate Partner With Us Job Opportunities
Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Institute Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Members Area
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

Overview News & Stories Events & Opportunities Subscribe
Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Overview Join Us Renew Your Membership Donate Partner With Us Job Opportunities
People holding lengths of red ribbon at a ribbon cutting for a small business

Small businesses have a significant impact on strengthening local economies and creating vibrant communities. © River District Association

November is Entrepreneurship Month! Entrepreneurship can provide many benefits at the individual level, at the family level, and at the community level. According to Main Street America’s research, approximately 175,000 businesses in Main Street communities employ approximately 2.1 million individuals. But beyond jobs, entrepreneurship can impact, influence, or spur resiliency, creativity, community pride, and so much more. Communities that embrace and support small businesses, especially through a strong local entrepreneurial ecosystem, benefit from a wide range of positive outcomes.

Entrepreneurs are problem solvers. They identify market gaps and opportunities, recognize unmet needs, and identify solutions. This innovative entrepreneurial spirit motivates the development of new products, services, and experiences for the use and enjoyment of residents and visitors. Local entrepreneurs are often better informed about the needs and preferences of their communities than outside businesses, enabling them to create solutions that are better suited to local conditions. Entrepreneurs can also help diversify the local economy by reducing the dependence on a specific industry, making the community more resilient to economic downturns, industry shifts, and external shocks.

Small businesses support communities in many ways, from stronger local economies to vibrant third spaces. Here are three ways that supporting small can help revitalize your Main Street.

Social Impact

Entrepreneurship has a significant social impact on local communities. Entrepreneurs often invest in their communities by sponsoring local sports teams and cultural events, supporting local charities, and participating in community development projects. This sense of social responsibility helps foster a strong community spirit and encourages others to participate in local initiatives. Many entrepreneurs are supporters and board members of their local Main Street Program. Our 2023 Small Business Survey revealed that 80% of small business owners live in the community where their business is located. Local business owners are more likely to reinvest their profits into the community than large corporations. They can have a network of local suppliers, collaborate with other small businesses, and help to create a sense of pride within the community. 

Community Resiliency

Entrepreneurs play a role in developing the local talent pool by providing training and mentorship opportunities. Through internships, apprenticeships, and job training programs, they help to build a skilled workforce that can contribute to the growth of the local economy. By supporting education and skills development, entrepreneurs not only enhance the employability of residents but also create a pipeline of future entrepreneurs and community leaders.

Four men in a Black barbershop having a conversation around the barber chair

Small businesses play an important role in enriching community character and shaping culture and identity. © Downtown Florence Main Street Program 

Cultural Influence and Community Identity

Entrepreneurship has a significant role in shaping the culture and identity of a community. Local businesses often reflect the unique character and traditions of the area where they operate. Whether it’s a family-owned restaurant serving traditional dishes or an artisan shop selling locally made products, these businesses add to the community’s cultural fabric. They provide a sense of place, creating distinctive and rich spaces where people can gather. When entrepreneurs build businesses rooted in local culture, they help preserve and promote that culture, making the community a more attractive place to live and visit.

Support Small During National Entrepreneurship Month

There are many opportunities to support local entrepreneurs in your community this month, including Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (November 15), Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 18 – 24), and Small Business Saturday (November 30). Looking for additional resources to get started? Check out our small business support page >

Entrepreneurship is more than just creating new businesses — it is a driving force for community pride, economic development, and cultural enrichment. By fostering an environment that supports entrepreneurship, communities can build more resilient economies, enhance the quality of life for residents, and create a strong sense of identity and pride.