Getting Everybody into the Game!

Ross Berry
Jun 27
7 min read

Helping Everyone Succeed…

‘Karen and Jay discuss the goodness of helping everyone get into the game and helping everyone be a winner!

This week I’d love to share a thought about ‘making everyone feel welcome’ – ‘making sure that everyone can be successful.’ Not just one group or another. Not just a few.

I’m sure you’ve been in situations where perhaps you’re having a conversation and there is someone on the periphery who would clearly like to be included. It would be so easy to ignore them and continue your pleasant conversation. But that would be a mistake. And deep down, you know it. The right thing to do is to be inclusive, be welcoming, validate that other person – and in truth, everyone will benefit.

The same is true of a community. At the Sunshine Initiative, we are focused on helping to revitalize small towns and communities across the country. And it would be so easy to focus on a small group within a particular community become successful – for instance, working only with the business leaders. But that would miss the point. For our revitalization to be successful, we need to lift everyone up. We need to make sure that everyone succeeds.

That means reaching out to the folks who may not naturally raise their hands. It means actively seeking out the quiet voices, the overlooked, and those who may have given up hope that anyone will ever listen. Whether it’s the single mom working two jobs, the high school student who’s unsure of their future, or the retired veteran wondering what comes next — they all have a place, a purpose, and a potential to contribute to the fabric of the community. When we engage them, when we empower them, our entire effort becomes stronger and more sustainable.

True revitalization doesn’t happen from the top down — it happens from the inside out. It grows from connection, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose. When people see that they matter, that their voice counts, they step forward with energy, creativity, and commitment. The community becomes more than a collection of individuals — it becomes a team, a family, a movement. And that's when real transformation takes place.

So, let’s remember: the goal is not just progress for the few, but opportunity for the many. Not just new businesses and buildings, but new dreams and renewed hope. Getting everybody in the game isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s the smart thing. It’s how we build stronger towns, healthier communities, and a more united nation — one inclusive step at a time.

Community Capitalism: Investing in Everyone's Future

Here’s something pretty interesting. In towns across America, a quiet revolution is taking shape. It’s called community capitalism, and it’s turning local economies into engines of shared prosperity. Instead of waiting for outside investors or big corporations to dictate a town's future, local residents are pooling their resources to support hometown businesses. This movement puts the power of ownership directly into the hands of everyday people, ensuring that success isn’t reserved for a few but spread across the entire community.

In places like Brattleboro, Vermont and Galesburg, Illinois, community investment funds have been established where residents can buy shares to support local entrepreneurs. These funds give budding business owners access to the capital they need without the red tape of traditional banking. The results are new cafes, boutiques, service shops, and artisan markets that not only create jobs but also reinforce the unique character of these small towns.

The impact goes beyond economics. When residents invest in local businesses, they also invest emotionally. They become patrons, advocates, and even mentors, creating a tight-knit ecosystem where everyone has a stake in each other’s success. This shared responsibility strengthens community bonds and fosters a culture of support and resilience.

Community capitalism isn’t just a feel-good idea - it’s a practical solution to a real problem: the hollowing out of small-town America. By keeping money circulating locally, these investment models build a stronger tax base, encourage younger generations to stay or return home, and revitalize downtown areas that had once been fading.

As more towns adopt this model, we see the powerful truth emerge: when everybody gets a chance to invest, everybody has a chance to win. It’s a grassroots approach that puts the American dream back within reach for millions.

The Rise of Micro-Mentorship: Wisdom Across Generations

Experience is one of the most valuable currencies we have - and in many communities, it’s being shared in new and powerful ways through micro-mentorship programs. Across the country, retirees and seasoned professionals are stepping up to guide young entrepreneurs, passing along hard-earned wisdom to a new generation hungry to build.

In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the "Encore Mentors" program pairs retirees with startup founders and small business owners. The commitment is simple: an hour or two each month to share insights, troubleshoot challenges, and offer steady encouragement. But the effects are profound. Startups benefit from real-world knowledge, and mentors find renewed purpose and community connection.

These micro-mentorships often go beyond business advice. They include lessons on leadership, work ethic, financial prudence, and personal resilience - values that have sustained generations of American workers. In the process, a deeper cultural bridge forms between generations who might otherwise feel distant.

The model works because it’s personal, accessible, and scalable. Many retirees want to stay active and contribute but prefer flexible, low-pressure commitments. Meanwhile, young entrepreneurs often feel overwhelmed or isolated. Micro-mentorship closes that gap, creating mutual benefit without bureaucratic complexity.

In a society that often sidelines its elders, micro-mentorship proves there is still enormous untapped value in their experience. By getting more people into the game at every age, we create communities where knowledge flows freely, opportunity multiplies, and everyone can contribute to building a better tomorrow.

Main Street Without Barriers: Opening Doors for All

For too long, Main Streets across America have faced hidden barriers that keep full participation out of reach for many. But a growing number of revitalization projects are changing that by intentionally designing downtown spaces to be open and accessible - physically, financially, and socially - for everyone.

Take Henderson, North Carolina as an example. City leaders there recognized that the sidewalks and storefronts of their historic downtown were not accessible to seniors, parents with strollers, or individuals with disabilities. Working hand-in-hand with local business owners and community advocates, they launched the "Main Street for All" initiative, redesigning infrastructure to make it truly inclusive.

But accessibility isn’t just about physical space. Financial accessibility is equally critical. In Wausau, Wisconsin, the "Main Street Micro-Grant Program" offers small grants to help underrepresented entrepreneurs open their first storefronts. These small but meaningful investments lower the barrier to entry and create a more diverse and vibrant business landscape.

Exemplifying local culture is also a priority. Many towns are actively hosting multi-cultural festivals, farmer’s markets, and free community events to bring people together and foster a welcoming atmosphere. This conscious effort to create inclusive spaces not only draws in visitors but also builds a sense of belonging for residents who may have once felt sidelined.

When Main Streets remove barriers, they don’t just open doors - they unlock the full potential of the entire community. A thriving downtown becomes a symbol of shared opportunity, where every citizen has a place, a voice, and a shot at success.

Somerset, Kentucky: A Small Town Success Story

In the heart of Kentucky, the town of Somerset (population 12,000) offers a shining example of what happens when everyone gets a seat at the table. A few years ago, Somerset faced a familiar story: empty storefronts, declining foot traffic, and young people leaving in search of better opportunities. But instead of giving up, local leaders and residents came together to rewrite the narrative.

At the center of this revival is Downtown Somerset Development, a grassroots effort focused on breathing life back into the community. The approach was simple but powerful: invest in public spaces, host free events, and create opportunities for local entrepreneurs to fill vacant buildings. Free concerts, food truck nights, and family-friendly festivals quickly drew people back to Main Street, creating momentum that attracted new businesses.

As storefronts reopened, a wave of young professionals, artists, and small business owners returned to Somerset to build their futures. Coffee shops, artisan boutiques, restaurants, and creative studios now dot the streets, each adding their own character to the town’s rebirth.

What makes Somerset’s story so compelling is how many people have had a hand in its success. City officials, private investors, local artists, retirees, and young families all played a role in creating a community where everyone feels invested. The collaborative spirit of Somerset proves that revitalization isn’t about one person or one policy - it’s about collective effort and shared vision.

Today, Somerset stands as a model for small-town America, showing that with determination and inclusive leadership, even the smallest communities can create thriving, opportunity-filled futures for everyone.

Positive Profile of the Week: Catherine Monson - Champion of Everyday Entrepreneurs

We are delighted this week to highlight a wonderful, inclusive entrepreneurial leader, Catherine Monson.

In the world of franchising, few leaders have been as impactful as Catherine Monson, CEO of Propelled Brands, parent company of FASTSIGNS. Under her leadership, Monson has made it her mission to help everyday Americans become business owners, often giving first-time entrepreneurs from all backgrounds a real shot at financial independence.

Franchising can serve as a powerful entry point for individuals who may lack traditional business experience or large amounts of startup capital. Monson recognized this early in her career and has since dedicated herself to making franchising more accessible. Through flexible training programs, hands-on mentorship, and streamlined processes, Propelled Brands empowers people from all walks of life to take control of their economic destinies.

Her efforts have opened doors for veterans, immigrants, and women - groups that are often underrepresented in business ownership. Monson's approach goes beyond simple business transactions; she actively fosters a culture where franchisees feel supported, connected, and equipped to thrive.

Catherine Monson also serves as a strong voice for the broader franchising industry, advocating for policies that make entrepreneurship more accessible across America. Her work reinforces a fundamental truth: when barriers are lowered and support is provided, hardworking individuals can transform their lives and their communities.