Driving Main Street Success

We stand firm in our conviction that Main Street is rightfully the heart of the American economic system. While corporate America garners a lot of attention, 99% of all businesses are in fact, small businesses. Small businesses drive a large part of the economy, but we have never been great at banding together to build on our shared experience.

The Spark Business Institute (SBI) works to do just that. We help business owners understand and improve their own businesses. We also think a lot about the larger landscape of “Main Street” America. We envision a community-based economic model that works to create stronger, more vibrant Main Streets, delivering what is needed to compete with global corporate interests. Together we will drive Main Street business to the forefront of the American economy.

Connect with the Spark business community to stay informed and become part of the Main Street Revolution.

Give us your email and we’ll keep in touch with stories that will motivate and challenge you

Small Business Success Tips

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  • Core Concepts
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  • Marketing & Positioning
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  • Uncategorized
All
  • All
  • Core Concepts
  • Founder’s Cap
  • Infrastructure
  • Jack of All Trades
  • Marketing & Positioning
  • Personnel Issues
  • Technology
  • Uncategorized
Personnel Issues

Your Growth Strategy is Nothing if it Doesn’t Include This

The legendary Vince Lombardi once said, “Coaches who can outline plays on a blackboard are a dime a dozen. The ones who win get inside
Jack of All Trades

Coach Up or Out: What to Do When Jack’s Skills Aren’t What You Need Any More

In a previous article, “Why You Might Have To Fire Your Jack-Of-All Trades,” I explained that versatile employees able to perform in a number of
Marketing & Positioning

Time for a Small Business Revolution

We are now entering the 4th week of stay-at-home measures here in Maryland. This exists for every state in the union to some degree. The
Uncategorized

Not Sure How to Motivate Your Team? Why Not Ask Them?

When it comes to incentives, what managers believe their employees want and what employees actually want are often different. Ask managers to name the best
Uncategorized

Is It Time For A Slingshot Strategy?

Lifestyle and growth companies are completely different animals. A Lifestyle CEO starts or purchases a business to provide stable income, in an industry they know
Uncategorized

3 Reasons Why You Haven’t Hired Experts (And Why That’s Bad Business)

If you are going to get past a plateau, one of the most important factors is getting your key personnel on board. What often ends
The Spark Business Institute

Join Patrick Lee and Laura Richards as they talk with owners about how we can re-invent Main Street so our small businesses are more successful and rewarding.

Join the SBI Innovators for their next adventure – as they help entrepreneurs find the right complement to their own talent and experience to grow their business.

Give us your email and we’ll keep in touch with stories that will motivate and challenge you.