Main Street Business Insights

Learn about the innovative ways businesses have overcome adversity, whether it’s starting a new enterprise or keeping a multi-generation business alive, and the advice they have for others on how to keep their businesses on track.

Main Street Business Insights is a business podcast hosted by Main Street America, with 62 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Main Street America hosts Main Street Business Insights, a business show with 62 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #61

  8 Predictions for 2026: What Small Businesses Need to Know

  Feb 3, 202635 minS0

  <p>What trends will shape Main Street businesses in 2026? And how can you prepare now? </p> <p>In this annual predictions episode, host Matt Wagner analyzes the intersection of society, technology, and economic trends to forecast what's ahead for small businesses and Main Streets. Drawing from consumer data, industry reports, and Main Street America's latest research, Matt identifies eight key trends that will impact everything from retail strategies to food and beverage concepts to financing models. </p> <p>Before looking ahead, Matt reviews his 2025 predictions — scoring a win on retail growth projections (flat to stagnant when adjusted for inflation), a loss on GPL...

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  Episode #60

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

  Jan 28, 202646 minS0

  <p>In this episode, host Matt Wagner sits down with Kim Redeker, owner of The Sweet Granada Chocolate Shop in Emporia, Kansas.</p> <p>Over 21 years, Kim has grown from a 500-square-foot storefront with two employees (herself and her mom) to a 3,200-square-foot production facility employing 21-28 people depending on the season, plus two retail locations. In 2025, The Sweet Granada was also voted the #2 best candy shop by USA Today Readers!</p> <p>Kim's journey reveals the strategic advantages small-scale manufacturers have on Main Street: the ability to jump on viral trends (Dubai bars, cocoa bombs) before mass market catches...

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  Episode #59

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

  Dec 10, 202544 minS0

  <p>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 & Apothecary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.</p> <p>In their conversation, Angela shares her intentional approach to growth, one that prioritizes community care and cultural healing over rapid expansion. Angela's journey began with massage therapy and a calling to bring ancestral herbal wisdom back to underserved communities. Starting in 2018 in the heart of Milwaukee's 53206 zip code — one of the city's most challenging areas — Honeybee Sage has become more than a te...

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  Episode #58

  Recovering After Catastrophe (DT's Blue Ridge Java)

  Dec 3, 202551 minS0

  <p>About the Episode</p> <p >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 disaster from others who have recently gone through recovery efforts.</p> <p >In this special roundtable episode, host Matt Wagner sits down with community leaders from Spruce Pine, North Carolina, one year after Hurricane Helene devastated their downtown. Featuring Mayor Philip Hise, owners of DT’s Blue Ridge Java David Niven and Zan Sistare, Main Street Director Spencer Bost, and Town Manager Daniel Stines, th...

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  Episode #57

  Fall 2025 Small Business Trends

  Nov 19, 202537 minS0

  <p>About the Episode</p> <p>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 Business Survey. The survey of 1,295 businesses reveals that small business owners are experiencing persistent revenue and profitability challenges, broad societal instability impacting operations, and the measurable advantage of Main Street program support (nearly a full point higher confidence and 11% better revenue stability).</p> <p>Takeaways</p> Business confidence hitting its second-lowest point on record Which types of businesses are faring better (professional services, established businesses, those...

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