Episodes 62
Avg. Duration 38m
Activity Declining
Apple Rating 4.8 (23)
Since Aug 2023
Latest Episode Feb 2026

Outreach Signals

Features Guests

Publishing Details

Schedule
Every 2 Weeks
Format
Episodic
Consistency
24%
Hosting
feed.podbean.com

About This Podcast

Join host Dr. Matt Wagner, Chief Innovation Officer at Main Street America, as he travels the country, taking a deep dive into the personal journeys of downtown and neighborhood entrepreneurs. Each week we showcase a small business owner, who will share the story of starting, maintaining, and evolving their business. These are stories that frequently go unheard and unnoticed but offer us valuable lessons as to how Main Street businesses have overcome adversity, and successfully made business model shifts in ever-changing economic environments.

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Recent Episodes

8 Predictions for 2026: What Small Businesses Need to Know

Feb 03, 2026 34m

What trends will shape Main Street businesses in 2026? And how can you prepare now?  In this annual predictions episode, host Matt Wagner analyzes the intersection of society, technology, and…

Small-Scale Manufacturing on Main Street (The Sweet Granada Chocolate Shop)

Jan 28, 2026 45m

In this episode, host Matt Wagner sits down with Kim Redeker, owner of The Sweet Granada Chocolate Shop in Emporia, Kansas. Over 21 years, Kim has grown from a 500-square-foot storefront with two…

Growing a Business with Intention (Honeybee Sage Wellness & Apothecary)

Dec 10, 2025 44m

How do you build a scalable business without losing its origins; what makes it truly special? In this episode, host Matt Wagner sits down with Angela Mallett, founder of Honeybee Sage Wellness &…

Recovering After Catastrophe (DT's Blue Ridge Java)

Dec 03, 2025 51m

About the Episode What happens after a natural disaster hits your Main Street? This episode provides insights on how Main Street leaders and business owners can learn how to be better prepared for…

Fall 2025 Small Business Trends

Nov 19, 2025 36m

About the Episode In this data-driven conversation, host Matt Wagner sits down with Mike Powe, Senior Director of Research at Main Street America, to break down findings from their Fall 2025 Small…

Holiday Prep 2025

Nov 12, 2025 28m

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…

Succession Planning Across Generations (Tiger’s General Store)

Nov 05, 2025 39m

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…

Testing a Business Model Before Scaling (Mendo LEAP)

Oct 01, 2025 34m

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:…

Leveraging Nostalgia as a Marketing Tool (Peppermint Stick Candy Store)

Aug 20, 2025 36m

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…

Building Business Through Cultural Connection (Plena Mercancía)

Jul 25, 2025 37m

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…

Prioritizing Authenticity Over Trends (DANE Fragrance)

Jun 13, 2025 39m

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…

The Importance of Community Engagement (Downtown Brookings & The Carrot Seed Kitchen Co.)

May 21, 2025 36m

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…

Spring 2025 Key Small Business Trends

May 14, 2025 31m

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…

How to Pivot Your Small Business in a Challenging Economy

Apr 23, 2025 29m

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…

Navigating Natural Disaster as a Small Business Owner (Pórticos 1606)

Mar 19, 2025 38m

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…

Successfully Selling Your Small Business (The Monogram Shoppe)

Feb 19, 2025 36m

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…

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

Feb 12, 2025 29m

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…

2025 Predictions: What's Next for Small Businesses

Jan 28, 2025 35m

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…

Crowdfunding Success Stories (Live at the Maine Downtown Conference)

Dec 18, 2024 51m

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…

Following Your Intuition as a Business Owner (Trû North Café)

Dec 11, 2024 40m

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…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Main Street Business Insights have?

Main Street Business Insights has published 62 episodes since August 2023, covering topics in Business, Entrepreneurship.

Is Main Street Business Insights still active?

Main Street Business Insights is currently declining with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 38m.

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