Small Town Stories | Local Business Marketing, Small Town Business, Entrepreneurship

Jan Ditchfield | Small Business Marketing Strategist & Small Town Business Entrepreneur
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship

Are you trying to grow a small town business while feeling like most entrepreneurship advice was never designed for the reality of local business? Do you ever wonder why some Main Street businesses become thriving community staples while others struggle to stay visible in a world that’s changing faster than ever? And are you craving more honest conversations about what it actually takes to build something meaningful in a small town today — from marketing and creativity to reinvention, tourism, leadership, and community? If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place! Welcome to Small Town Stories, the podcast exploring the business behind Main Streets across Canada, the U.S., and beyond. Each week, we’re diving into conversations about local business marketing, entrepreneurship, and the realities of building a small town business in today’s modern world. I’m Jan Ditchfield — top-ranked podcast host, marketer, entrepreneur, and longtime storyteller. After spending years building businesses and working in marketing, media, and online entrepreneurship, I eventually found myself back in the small town where I grew up: Merrickville, Ontario. And what I realized very quickly is this... small town business works differently. The relationships are different. The visibility challenges are different. Reputation matters differently. Word of mouth matters differently. And yet most business advice completely ignores the nuance of what it takes to grow a local business in a tight-knit community. That’s why I created this show! Inside the podcast, you’ll hear interviews with entrepreneurs, founders, creatives, shop owners, community builders, tourism leaders, and the people shaping modern small town life today. You’ll also hear solo episodes where I break down the marketing strategies, customer experience ideas, local branding lessons, and business insights that help small businesses stand out and grow sustainably. We talk about everything from local tourism and community-driven growth to small business marketing, creativity, entrepreneurship, customer loyalty, destination businesses, and what it really means to build a business people want to keep coming back to. So whether you own a storefront, run a service-based business, dream of opening something one day, or simply love the culture and character behind Main Street businesses, I’m so glad you’re here. Hit follow, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us every Thursday for new conversations about the people, places, and strategies shaping small towns today. And if you want to connect beyond the podcast, you can visit thesmalltownstoriespodcast.com and follow along on Instagram at @thesmalltownstoriespodcast for guest announcements, behind-the-scenes updates, and more stories from small towns across North America.

  1. 8h ago

    13: Small Town Arts: The Hidden Growth Lever for Rural Entrepreneurship

    What role can the arts play in rural entrepreneurship and the economic growth of a small town? In Merrickville, Ontario, artists have spent decades helping shape the identity of a village known for creativity, craftsmanship, and a thriving small town arts scene. But maintaining that reputation takes far more work than most visitors ever see. When Kenna McCall retired to Merrickville, she didn't arrive intending to become part of its artistic leadership. A silversmith, gem cutter, and jewellery designer, she didn't even fully consider herself an artist at the time. Today, she's president of the Merrickville Artists Guild, helping an entirely volunteer-run organization support artists while keeping their work visible within the community. In this episode of Small Town Stories, we explore the connection between the arts, local business growth, and rural entrepreneurship—and why creative communities can become powerful economic assets for small towns. Kenna shares what happens behind the scenes of an arts community business, from mentorship and professional development to helping artists navigate pricing, marketing, social media, and the transition from hobby artist to professional. We also talk about the local businesses that have opened their walls to artists, creating opportunities for their work to be discovered even without a permanent public gallery in the village. Because the economic impact of cultural entrepreneurship doesn't end when someone purchases a painting or piece of jewellery. Arts bring visitors into communities, visitors spend money with local businesses, artists build businesses of their own, and creative organizations create opportunities for mentorship, youth development, connection, and belonging. For rural entrepreneurship to thrive, communities need more than businesses. They need the people, ideas, and institutions that make someone want to visit, stay, invest, and build something there. This conversation with Kenna is an important look at creative entrepreneurship, the economic value of creativity, and what it takes to ensure a small town's artistic identity doesn't simply become something it was once known for. Listen to the full conversation and follow Small Town Stories for more stories about the people building the future of small towns. Thanks for listening to Small Town Stories, the podcast exploring the business behind Main Street and the people shaping small towns across Canada, the U.S., and beyond. Each week, we share conversations about small town business, entrepreneurship, local business marketing, creativity, community, and what it really takes to build something meaningful in today's world. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you're following the show wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a conversation. You can learn more, join the newsletter, and explore past episodes at thesmalltownstoriespodcast.com. And come say hello on Instagram at @thesmalltownstoriespodcast, where we're continuing the conversation about small town businesses, local entrepreneurship, and the stories behind the places people love most.

  2. Aug 6

    12: Rural Leadership Redefined | How a Small Town Girl Became Mayor

    What does rural leadership actually look like once the campaign signs come down and the election is over? For Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Mayor of the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands, it begins long before public office. It starts with growing up in a small town, leaving to build a career, and eventually returning home with a deeper appreciation for the place that helped shape you. Like many people who grow up in rural communities, Corinna believed that opportunity existed somewhere else. After building a successful career at Queen's Park, she found herself back in the community where she was raised, never imagining that one day she would become its mayor. Her journey into rural leadership wasn't carefully planned—it was shaped by a series of opportunities to serve, a willingness to say yes, and a genuine desire to help her community thrive. In this conversation, we explore what rural leadership really means, why the future of our communities depends on people who are willing to step forward, and how strong leadership influences everything from small town businesses to the long-term success of local economies. We also talk about why the best decisions aren't always the easiest ones, the importance of listening before leading, and how trust is built one conversation at a time. Whether you're a small town entrepreneur, interested in small town entrepreneurship, passionate about supporting small town markets, or simply someone who enjoys hearing authentic small town stories, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the people working quietly behind the scenes to help their communities grow. Because thriving communities don't happen by accident. They happen when people care enough to help shape what comes next. And perhaps that's what rural leadership has been about all along. Thanks for listening to Small Town Stories, the podcast exploring the business behind Main Street and the people shaping small towns across Canada, the U.S., and beyond. Each week, we share conversations about small town business, entrepreneurship, local business marketing, creativity, community, and what it really takes to build something meaningful in today's world. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you're following the show wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a conversation. You can learn more, join the newsletter, and explore past episodes at thesmalltownstoriespodcast.com. And come say hello on Instagram at @thesmalltownstoriespodcast, where we're continuing the conversation about small town businesses, local entrepreneurship, and the stories behind the places people love most.

  3. Jul 30

    11: The Small Town Business That Became the Heart of Its Community

    Some businesses sell products. Others become part of the story people tell about where they live. When Jess Pasinetti opened Found and Forage in Kemptville, Ontario, she wasn't trying to build the biggest retail store. She was trying to make it easier for people to shop in a way that reflected their values. What started as one small town business has grown into a home for more than 40 local makers, creating space for creativity, connection, and community to flourish. Jess shares how her background in ethical fashion research shaped the vision behind Found and Forage, why she chose a business model that puts people before profit, and what it feels like to carry the hopes of dozens of creative businesses all at once. It's an honest conversation about responsibility, burnout, and building something that doesn't fit the traditional definition of success. Along the way, we talk about why local entrepreneurship is thriving in rural communities, how supporting local business creates ripple effects far beyond a single purchase, and why the future of main street business may depend on businesses that lead with generosity instead of competition. At its heart, this small town business isn't just a retail shop. It's a gathering place where neighbours meet, makers find a home, and customers become part of something bigger than a transaction. It's a reminder that the strongest communities aren't built overnight—they're built by people who decide to create what they couldn't find themselves. If you've ever dreamed of starting a small town business, supporting local makers, or building a business that's rooted in purpose, this conversation will leave you inspired to think differently about what success can look like. Follow Small Town Stories wherever you listen, leave a rating and review if you're enjoying the show, and share this episode with someone who believes the best businesses don't just serve a community—they help shape it. Thanks for listening to Small Town Stories, the podcast exploring the business behind Main Street and the people shaping small towns across Canada, the U.S., and beyond. Each week, we share conversations about small town business, entrepreneurship, local business marketing, creativity, community, and what it really takes to build something meaningful in today's world. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you're following the show wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a conversation. You can learn more, join the newsletter, and explore past episodes at thesmalltownstoriespodcast.com. And come say hello on Instagram at @thesmalltownstoriespodcast, where we're continuing the conversation about small town businesses, local entrepreneurship, and the stories behind the places people love most.

  4. Jul 23

    10: How We Tell Local Business Stories | Behind the Scenes of Small Town Stories

    Small Town Stories has never really been about making a podcast. It's about earning someone's trust and sharing the local business stories that help define our communities. People often ask how I find my guests, how much planning happens before we record, or whether I know where a conversation is going before we ever sit down in front of the microphones. The truth is, every episode begins long before recording day. It starts over coffee, with an old notebook, a lot of listening, and a genuine curiosity about the person sitting across the table. In this behind-the-scenes conversation, I'm pulling back the curtain on how Small Town Stories comes together—from the first recommendation from a community member to the final edit you hear each week. I'm sharing how I build trust with my guests, why finding "the thread" matters more than following a list of questions, and how every conversation continues to surprise me, no matter how much I prepare. Along the way, you'll hear why preserving local business stories is about so much more than documenting a business. It's about the people who have shaped our communities through small town businesses, the entrepreneurs who took a chance, and the volunteers, artists, café owners, and farmers whose stories often go untold. Their experiences offer lessons in small business growth, community business marketing, local business strategy, and the kind of authentic storytelling that no marketing plan can manufacture. If you've ever wondered what happens before, during, and after an episode of Small Town Stories, I hope this conversation gives you a deeper appreciation for the care that goes into every interview—and why these stories deserve to be preserved for generations to come. If you enjoyed today's conversation, I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who believes in the power of small towns. And if there's a local business owner in your community whose story deserves to be told, I'd love to hear from you. Thanks for listening to Small Town Stories, the podcast exploring the business behind Main Street and the people shaping small towns across Canada, the U.S., and beyond. Each week, we share conversations about small town business, entrepreneurship, local business marketing, creativity, community, and what it really takes to build something meaningful in today's world. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you're following the show wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a conversation. You can learn more, join the newsletter, and explore past episodes at thesmalltownstoriespodcast.com. And come say hello on Instagram at @thesmalltownstoriespodcast, where we're continuing the conversation about small town businesses, local entrepreneurship, and the stories behind the places people love most.

  5. Jul 16

    09: Rural Entrepreneurship Reimagined | How One Farmstand Owner Built Her Dream

    What if the biggest obstacle to rural entrepreneurship isn't a lack of opportunity—but the belief that small towns can't support big dreams? While many people wait for certainty before they begin, Kirstin Levy, the founder of Rustic Roots Farmstand, chose to start with what she had: a roadside farm stand, homemade bread, and a desire to serve her community. That simple decision grew into a thriving farmstand business in Jasper, Ontario that's rooted in purpose, craftsmanship, and connection. Success didn't come from having a business degree or a perfect plan. It came from learning one skill at a time, embracing small business marketing, building authentic relationships, and trusting the process. From mastering sourdough baking to growing a loyal customer base through word of mouth, her journey offers a refreshing perspective on rural entrepreneurship and what it really takes to build a meaningful small town business. Along the way, you'll hear why community matters more than competition, how serving people creates lasting customer loyalty, and why defining success on your own terms can be the most powerful business strategy of all. Whether you're exploring entrepreneurship, launching a rural business, expanding a local business, or looking for inspiration as a Canadian entrepreneur or one of many women entrepreneurs, this conversation is packed with practical insights and encouragement. It's not about chasing rapid growth—it's about creating something people genuinely value. And this is where rural entrepreneurship becomes more than a business model; it becomes a way of strengthening communities, preserving traditions, and building a life with intention. If you've been waiting for the perfect moment to begin, this conversation may be the reminder you need that rural entrepreneurship starts with taking the very first step. Follow Rustic Roots on Facebook >>>  If you enjoyed today's conversation, follow Small Town Stories, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with someone building something meaningful in their own community. Thanks for listening to Small Town Stories, the podcast exploring the business behind Main Street and the people shaping small towns across Canada, the U.S., and beyond. Each week, we share conversations about small town business, entrepreneurship, local business marketing, creativity, community, and what it really takes to build something meaningful in today's world. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you're following the show wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a conversation. You can learn more, join the newsletter, and explore past episodes at thesmalltownstoriespodcast.com. And come say hello on Instagram at @thesmalltownstoriespodcast, where we're continuing the conversation about small town businesses, local entrepreneurship, and the stories behind the places people love most.

  6. Jul 9

    08: I Thought I Was Making a Small Town Business Podcast. I Was Wrong.

    What if the story you thought you were telling was never the story you were actually discovering? When I first started Small Town Stories, I thought I was creating a podcast about small town business. I imagined conversations about entrepreneurship, the remarkable people building businesses in small communities, and what inspires someone to invest in a place where everyone knows their name. Then the messages started arriving. Some came from people who grew up in small towns. Others came from people who had never lived in one at all—but somehow still found themselves in these stories. That made me stop and ask a different question. If these conversations are connecting with people regardless of where they live, what are they really about? As I looked back on each conversation, I realized we always began by talking about business, but we rarely stayed there. Whether the conversation centred on a coffee shop, an art gallery, or the future of a growing community, the common thread was never simply small town business. It was people choosing to invest in a place. This reflection explores why local entrepreneurship is about far more than opening a business, how small business owners quietly strengthen the communities around them, and why small town businesses become gathering places long before they're simply places to shop. We also consider what small business growth looks like when success is measured not only by revenue, but by relationships, trust, and the willingness to keep showing up. Maybe we've become so focused on being known by strangers that we've forgotten the value of being known by our neighbours. Whether you're passionate about small town business, interested in small town entrepreneurship, or simply enjoy authentic small town stories, I hope this conversation leaves you thinking a little differently about the places we choose to invest our time, our energy, and ourselves. Maybe communities aren't built through extraordinary moments. Maybe they're built through thousands of ordinary ones. If you're enjoying Small Town Stories, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the show. Your support helps more people discover these conversations and the remarkable people shaping communities across Canada and beyond. Thanks for listening to Small Town Stories, the podcast exploring the business behind Main Street and the people shaping small towns across Canada, the U.S., and beyond. Each week, we share conversations about small town business, entrepreneurship, local business marketing, creativity, community, and what it really takes to build something meaningful in today's world. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you're following the show wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a conversation. You can learn more, join the newsletter, and explore past episodes at thesmalltownstoriespodcast.com. And come say hello on Instagram at @thesmalltownstoriespodcast, where we're continuing the conversation about small town businesses, local entrepreneurship, and the stories behind the places people love most.

  7. Jul 2

    07: The Growth Conversation Every Small Town Is Having

    When does growth stop being about building and start becoming about belonging? Every small town eventually reaches a moment when the future begins knocking at its door. New families arrive. New businesses open. New homes are proposed. Change becomes inevitable. The harder question isn't whether communities should grow. It's how they grow. Because every decision shapes something larger than the landscape itself. It shapes the people who live there, the businesses that serve them, and the character that quietly makes a place feel like home. That question sits at the heart of this conversation with Nick Previsich, a longtime public servant whose passion for community led him to help organize one of the largest public conversations about growth his village has seen in years. What unfolds is a thoughtful discussion about the choices every community eventually faces. Nick shares why looking at individual development projects isn't enough, why public participation matters, and how thoughtful planning can help communities prepare for change without losing sight of what makes them unique. Along the way, we explore the relationship between housing, infrastructure, local leadership, and the people whose everyday decisions quietly shape the future of a community. We talk about why listening may be one of the most valuable planning tools we have, and why the strongest communities aren't built by resisting change—but by helping guide it. For anyone interested in small town business growth, small town entrepreneur success, local entrepreneurship, or small business growth, there are meaningful lessons here about the connection between thriving businesses and thriving communities. The conversation also explores small town businesses, how to grow a business responsibly, and why healthy small town markets depend on thoughtful decisions that consider the whole community, not just individual projects. Because the future of a small town is rarely decided by one development. It's shaped by thousands of conversations, small decisions, and people willing to believe their voice still matters. Whether you're passionate about community building, interested in small town entrepreneurship, or simply enjoy hearing authentic small town stories, this conversation is a reminder that growth isn't something that happens to a community. It's something a community chooses to shape together. If you're enjoying Small Town Stories, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the show. Your support helps more people discover these conversations and the remarkable people shaping communities across Canada and beyond. Thanks for listening to Small Town Stories, the podcast exploring the business behind Main Street and the people shaping small towns across Canada, the U.S., and beyond. Each week, we share conversations about small town business, entrepreneurship, local business marketing, creativity, community, and what it really takes to build something meaningful in today's world. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you're following the show wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a conversation. You can learn more, join the newsletter, and explore past episodes at thesmalltownstoriespodcast.com. And come say hello on Instagram at @thesmalltownstoriespodcast, where we're continuing the conversation about small town businesses, local entrepreneurship, and the stories behind the places people love most.

  8. Jun 25

    06: The Hidden Reason That Keeps People Coming Back to Small Town Businesses

    For most of us, customer service and hospitality probably sound like the same thing. I certainly thought they were. But after hearing one simple idea on another podcast a few weeks ago, I haven't been able to stop thinking about the difference. The more I travel through small towns and spend time with local business owners, the more convinced I become that people don't always remember what they bought. They remember how a place made them feel. They remember the conversations, the welcome they received, and the feeling that someone was genuinely glad they walked through the door. That simple shift—from customer service to hospitality—has me looking at small town businesses in a completely different way. Maybe the businesses that become part of a community aren't simply the ones with the best products or the best marketing. Maybe they're the ones that quietly create a sense of belonging, one interaction at a time. It's also made me wonder if the same thing is true for our communities. We spend so much time talking about tourism, economic development, and ways to grow a business, but perhaps the real question is much simpler: when people arrive, how do we make them feel? Because feeling welcomed is often what brings people back. I'd love to know what you think. If this conversation sparked an idea for you, I'd be so grateful if you'd subscribe, leave a review, and share Small Town Stories with someone who loves the people and places that make small towns so memorable. Thanks for listening to Small Town Stories, the podcast exploring the business behind Main Street and the people shaping small towns across Canada, the U.S., and beyond. Each week, we share conversations about small town business, entrepreneurship, local business marketing, creativity, community, and what it really takes to build something meaningful in today's world. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you're following the show wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a conversation. You can learn more, join the newsletter, and explore past episodes at thesmalltownstoriespodcast.com. And come say hello on Instagram at @thesmalltownstoriespodcast, where we're continuing the conversation about small town businesses, local entrepreneurship, and the stories behind the places people love most.

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About

Are you trying to grow a small town business while feeling like most entrepreneurship advice was never designed for the reality of local business? Do you ever wonder why some Main Street businesses become thriving community staples while others struggle to stay visible in a world that’s changing faster than ever? And are you craving more honest conversations about what it actually takes to build something meaningful in a small town today — from marketing and creativity to reinvention, tourism, leadership, and community? If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place! Welcome to Small Town Stories, the podcast exploring the business behind Main Streets across Canada, the U.S., and beyond. Each week, we’re diving into conversations about local business marketing, entrepreneurship, and the realities of building a small town business in today’s modern world. I’m Jan Ditchfield — top-ranked podcast host, marketer, entrepreneur, and longtime storyteller. After spending years building businesses and working in marketing, media, and online entrepreneurship, I eventually found myself back in the small town where I grew up: Merrickville, Ontario. And what I realized very quickly is this... small town business works differently. The relationships are different. The visibility challenges are different. Reputation matters differently. Word of mouth matters differently. And yet most business advice completely ignores the nuance of what it takes to grow a local business in a tight-knit community. That’s why I created this show! Inside the podcast, you’ll hear interviews with entrepreneurs, founders, creatives, shop owners, community builders, tourism leaders, and the people shaping modern small town life today. You’ll also hear solo episodes where I break down the marketing strategies, customer experience ideas, local branding lessons, and business insights that help small businesses stand out and grow sustainably. We talk about everything from local tourism and community-driven growth to small business marketing, creativity, entrepreneurship, customer loyalty, destination businesses, and what it really means to build a business people want to keep coming back to. So whether you own a storefront, run a service-based business, dream of opening something one day, or simply love the culture and character behind Main Street businesses, I’m so glad you’re here. Hit follow, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us every Thursday for new conversations about the people, places, and strategies shaping small towns today. And if you want to connect beyond the podcast, you can visit thesmalltownstoriespodcast.com and follow along on Instagram at @thesmalltownstoriespodcast for guest announcements, behind-the-scenes updates, and more stories from small towns across North America.

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