Beyond Main

Tomorrow, February 28th, some consumers are choosing to pause spending at major corporations to highlight the influence of everyday purchases. This movement is a reminder that where we spend shapes our communities, local economies, and the future of small businesses. At?Beyond Main, we believe intentional spending isn’t just about one day—it’s about making mindful choices that uplift Main Streets year-round. Shopping small fuels local economies, supports jobs, and strengthens the businesses that bring life to our neighborhoods. ?? Small shifts in how we shop create lasting impact. Whether you're making a purchase today or any day, consider the businesses that make your community unique. Choosing local is choosing to invest in a thriving, sustainable future. Are you making mindful spending choices this year? #BeyondMain #ShopSmall #IntentionalSpending #SpendingFreeze #SupportLocal

In today’s digital age, the challenge for small towns and businesses is clear: how to thrive online while preserving the personal connections that make local shopping special. That’s where Beyond Main comes in. Our digital downtown marketplace brings communities and small businesses together in one vibrant, centralized platform to drive growth and engagement. How we’re making an impact: ? Statewide and community partnerships focused on empowering local businesses. ? Hands-on support and training to equip small businesses with the tools to succeed. ? Affordable solutions that eliminate the need for multiple costly platforms. ? Commission-free e-commerce tools to help businesses connect with shoppers online and in-store. Our platform provides communities with the tools they need to grow their local economies and create lasting connections between businesses and customers. Ready to bring your community online? Read our latest blog to learn how Beyond Main is helping towns and small businesses thrive:

Square Integration is Here! ?? This year, we hit an exciting milestone with the launch of our Square integration—a game-changer for small businesses looking to expand their reach and streamline operations. ? What does this mean? If your business runs on Square, you can now connect your account directly to Beyond Main. This integration synchronizes your inventory in real time, ensuring your offerings are discoverable both locally and beyond. ? Why it matters: With this integration, small businesses can save time, simplify their operations, and focus on what matters most: growing their business and connecting with their communities. If you’re a community leader or small business owner interested in learning more, send us a message—we’d love to chat!

Over the last few weeks, our Beyond Main team has been traveling throughout South Carolina, providing hands-on training to over 4??0?? passionate small business owners. From marketing strategies to strengthening digital Main Street presence, the team worked closely with entrepreneurs eager to grow their businesses and build stronger communities. As the technology partner behind WeShopSC, Beyond Main is proud to provide the tools and expertise that empower local businesses across the state. WeShopSC is more than a marketplace—it’s South Carolina’s Digital Main Street, powered by Beyond Main’s software-as-a-service platform that connects community and commerce seamlessly. For community and state leaders looking to create a thriving digital downtown, WeShopSC is the model for connecting local businesses with their communities in a meaningful, scalable way. Check out how we are building digital downtowns! ?? https://buff.ly/3OuZrgu

We're excited to announce that Beyond Main will be at the 2024 Downtown NJ Conference tomorrow in Montclair, NJ! ? Stop by our booth to discover how Beyond Main's technology can transform your downtown into a thriving digital marketplace. ? Learn about the tools we offer to empower small businesses and create stronger communities. Let’s build the future of downtowns—together! ??

?? Celebrating Growth with WeShopSC The journey of WeShopSC, powered by Beyond Main’s technology, has been nothing short of inspiring. In just 18 months, this statewide e-commerce marketplace has helped small businesses thrive by bridging communities and creating new opportunities. Here’s what’s been achieved so far: ? 640+ small businesses onboarded—a 720% increase since the launch in August 2023 ? Representation from 96 cities and towns across South Carolina ? Hands-on workshops in 25 counties, equipping businesses with vital e-commerce tools ? Over $200,000 in grants secured to drive growth and provide resources This new blog dives into the impact of WeShopSC, the stories of small business owners making waves in their communities, and the role technology plays in strengthening South Carolina’s local economy. Check out the blog to learn more about the movement shaping South Carolina’s Digital Main Street. ??

How can e-commerce revitalize local economies? ??? In this podcast from the Municipal Association of SC, we explore how WeShopSC, South Carolina’s statewide e-commerce marketplace, is transforming how small businesses thrive online. What’s inside this episode? ?? Insights from Main Street SC’s Jenny Boulware and Jonathan Irick on downtown revitalization strategies through WeShopSC. ?? Behind-the-scenes development with Beyond Main’s Kate Giovambattista and Dannah Dawood, the team helping bring this platform to life. ?? Inspiring stories from business owners Sheena McLaughlin of Gaffney Massage & Holistic Therapies and Heather Moore of The Makers Market, sharing how e-commerce has helped their small business grow! Whether you’re a small business owner, community leader, or advocate for shopping local, this episode is packed with valuable insights. ??

?? Let's talk about the dynamic force that small businesses bring to the table. They're not just participants; they're the trailblazers shaping the economic landscape in unique ways. From fostering local employment to driving innovation, here are 5 ways small businesses are shifting the economy: 1?? Creating jobs and opportunities in our communities.? 2?? Injecting innovation and creativity into the market.? 3?? Supporting sustainability with eco-friendly practices.? 4?? Fostering diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.? 5?? Driving local growth and prosperity. This week and beyond, let's remember: our support for small businesses goes beyond simple actions like purchases or social media shares; it's the engine that fuels our economy.?

Since it is Small Business Week, let's celebrate the powerhouses behind our neighborhoods – our small businesses. They're not just shops; they're the heartbeat of our communities, shaping our culture and bringing our towns to life. Join us in honoring Small Business Week and discovering the soulful stories behind the storefronts on BeyondMain.com. ??

Hey, Small Business Owner! ?? Small Business Week is here, marking a perfect opportunity to showcase the heart and soul of your business! Here are 5 ways to make the most of this special week:? 1?? Host an exclusive Small Business Week event or promotion.? 2?? Collaborate with fellow small businesses for cross-promotion. 3?? Share your story and journey as a local business owner on social media.? 4?? Utilize email marketing to reach out to your customer base with exclusive Small Business Week offers, updates, and gratitude messages. 5?? Spotlight a loyal customer or your dedicated team? Let's celebrate Small Business Week together and make supporting local businesses easier than ever! Join the Beyond Main community and sign up for a FREE business profile to connect with customers and businesses in your area and beyond!?