With the holiday season fast approaching, we invite our readers to join us in focusing on how consumers can support local small businesses. We applaud you for all the things you are already doing! Here are a few ideas for family or friends who live in another state or city—buy a gift certificate from their favorite locally-owned boutique or restaurant; challenge followers on social sites and groups such as Nextdoor to promote/adopt a local business and share photos of purchases, pledge to spend a certain amount monthly, and increase a local business’s presence by tagging them, “liking” and leaving positive reviews on their page. Don't forget the importance of contributing and sharing our The Local Crowd crowdfunding campaigns! Many of our campaigns provide rewards you can purchase and are available in your local community. This not only benefits the business’s campaign, but also promotes the local businesses who provide the reward.

TLC Staff: Diane, Kim, Katelyn, Amanda, and Debbie

Congratulations to the Wyoming Community Navigator Program, recipient of the Wyoming Economic Development Association’s (WEDA) 2023 Innovation Award! CNP is a collaborative hub and spoke program designed to serve the needs of underserved businesses in Wyoming. The Wyoming Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC) served as the hub and six Wyoming organizations were designated as spokes offering specialized assistance to small businesses.

The Innovation Award recognizes an innovative project significantly impacting a Wyoming community and its citizens. The award is intended to celebrate the success participants involved in a Wyoming innovative economic development project and to highlight best practices.

Pictured are Diane Sontum, CEO of The Local Crowd; Jill Kline, SBDC State Director; Brittany Ashby, WEDA; and Wendy Fanning Executive Director, Wyoming Women’s Business Center.

The UW  Extension Rural Business Innovation Resource Center is designed with a whole person approach to reach aspiring and existing small business owners, particularly in ag-related businesses. This type of online experience has been shown to help business owners develop the skills needed to succeed, and help business owners successfully navigate the challenges they face.

• ADDRESS: Multiple locations throughout the state. Click on the counties in Wyoming for availability in your area.
• WEBSITE: wyoextension.org

Check out more resources available at SBA Community Navigator for Wyoming.

The business benefits of crowdfunding go far beyond dollars raised. Crowdfunding campaign creators also refine their business plans, find new partners, test market product ideas, expand their networks, and find new customers. A successful campaign is also considered proof of concept; meaning it demonstrates to investors, stakeholders and others that your idea, product and practices are feasible and may provide opportunities for funding. For more information, contact The Local Crowd team at [email protected].

Angela Gaensslen, the owner of Joe's Liquor & Bar in Rock Springs, WY has been working since 2005 when she bought the business to keep the iconic neon sign on top of her building operational and looking good. But time has taken its toll on the 60-year-old landmark, and she needed to raise money for some serious repairs. Her TLC campaign helped her do just that. Her campaign ended by raising $8,782 to refurbish the sign. Angela was able to receive $500 matching contributions from three businesses: Jenkins Music and Vending, Western Wyoming Beverages, and Titos Handmade Vodka providing a dollar-for-dollar match for donations up to $1,500. As a participant of the Wyoming Community Navigator program, Angela was able to earn a $750 dollar match via The Local Crowd and the Rock Springs Urban Renewal Agency. She also received numerous rewards from local Rock Springs businesses.  Funding will pay for repairs of her neon sign-and she is already working on it. Awesome Angela!

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