By James Rughoo | Updated: May 13, 2026 | 22 min read
Walk down any Main Street in America, and you will see them: the coffee shop where the barista knows your name, the hardware store that still sells single screws, the bookstore that hosts community poetry readings, the diner where the owner asks about your kids. These are not just places to buy things. They are the beating heart of local economies — employers, gathering spaces, and custodians of neighborhood character.
But right now, many of them are struggling to stay afloat.
Inflation, supply chain disruptions, shifting consumer habits, labor shortages, and the lingering aftershocks of the pandemic have created a perfect storm for small businesses. Yet amid the challenges, one truth has emerged with crystal clarity: businesses that enjoy strong community support don’t just survive — they thrive. Conversely, those that operate in isolation, disconnected from the neighborhoods they serve, are far more likely to fail.
This comprehensive guide explores why community support is not a “nice to have” but a strategic necessity, how local backing translates into tangible business outcomes, real-world success stories from three continents, and actionable steps for business owners and community members alike.
Part 1: The Numbers Don’t Lie — Small Businesses Are the Backbone of Local Economies
Before understanding why community support matters, we must appreciate what is at stake. Small businesses are not marginal players in the economy. They are the engine.
The Employment Picture
According to Main Street America’s Spring 2026 Small Business Survey, microbusinesses of fewer than 20 employees employ more than 21 million Americans — over a third of the U.S. workforce. In recent months, these small businesses have actually outhired larger corporations, single-handedly buoying the nation’s employment figures.
In Fairfield City, Australia, small businesses make up 90% of all local enterprises, supporting more than 69,000 jobs. These are not abstract statistics. Each one represents a family’s mortgage, a child’s school fees, a retirement account.
The concentration of small businesses is even more striking at the local level. In Marin County, California, over 70% of businesses are considered microenterprises (fewer than five employees). These tiny operations — a solo accountant, a home-based baker, a two-person landscaping crew — collectively contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to the regional economy.
The Local Multiplier Effect
Perhaps the most powerful economic argument for community support is the local multiplier effect. Research consistently shows that every dollar spent at a small, independent business recirculates in the local economy three to four times more than a dollar spent at a national chain store.
Here is how it works:
- You spend $10 at the local hardware store. The owner uses $4 to pay the local teenage employee, $3 to buy inventory from a local distributor, $2 for rent to a local landlord, and $1 for taxes that fund local schools and roads. That $10 becomes $30-40 of local economic activity.
- You spend $10 at a big-box chain. The store sends $7 to corporate headquarters in another state, $2 to non-local suppliers, and only $1 stays locally for wages and rent.
When you buy a $4 coffee from the local café instead of a national chain, you are not just getting a better latte. You are helping pay the salary of a local barista, supporting a local landlord, enabling the café owner to buy pastries from a local baker, and ensuring that the barista spends their paycheck at other local businesses. That is the multiplier in action.
The Broader Economic Contribution
Small businesses are responsible for:
- 44% of U.S. economic activity (GDP)
- Two-thirds of net new jobs created over the past 25 years
- 98% of all U.S. businesses with employees (down to the smallest size)
- The majority of innovation in retail, services, and light manufacturing
As the U.S. Chamber of Commerce notes, “Small businesses don’t just contribute to the economy. They are the economy.”
Part 2: The Hard Reality — Businesses Are Struggling to Stay Afloat
Despite their importance, small businesses are under immense pressure. The Main Street America survey found that 41% of small business owners reported decreased profits over the past six months, while only 21% saw increases. For every business celebrating growth, two are watching their margins shrink.
The Confidence Gap
On a ten-point scale, small business confidence averaged just 7.2 in Spring 2026 — an improvement from the pandemic lows but still muted compared to the 8.5+ levels of 2022-2024. For certain sectors — retail businesses, food and beverage establishments, and small-scale producers — the picture is even bleaker. Retail confidence hovered near 5.5, reflecting the double hit of e-commerce competition and changing consumer habits.
Why Are So Many Businesses Struggling?
The causes are familiar but no less painful:
| Challenge | Impact on Small Business |
|---|---|
| Persistent inflation | Higher costs for inventory, utilities, rent, and wages without ability to raise prices proportionally |
| Supply chain disruptions | Delays in receiving inventory, increased shipping costs, and stockouts during peak seasons |
| Labor shortages | Difficulty finding and retaining staff, leading to reduced hours or overworked owners |
| Shifting consumer habits | More online shopping, less foot traffic, and changed spending priorities |
| Debt service burden | Many businesses took on pandemic loans that are now coming due |
| Competition from chains | Large retailers can absorb losses and lower prices in ways small businesses cannot |
For businesses with fewer than three full-time employees — which account for 75% of all Main Street businesses — each of these challenges hits especially hard. There is no corporate parent to absorb a bad month, no deep reserves to weather a slow season, no human resources department to handle unexpected staffing crises.
As Xolani Spogter, a South African entrepreneur and founder of LenoxBiz, observed: “There are people opening businesses, but they are failing. Having information sessions helps those who want to start and those who want to improve.” The gap between launching a business and sustaining one is vast — and community support is often the bridge.
The Hidden Crisis: Business Owner Mental Health
Behind the revenue statistics is a human toll that is rarely discussed. A 2025 study found that 73% of small business owners report significant stress related to financial uncertainty, and 42% have experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression in the past year. The solitude of entrepreneurship — making decisions alone, bearing risk alone, facing setbacks alone — is a burden that community support can help lighten.
Part 3: The Evidence — Community Support Drives Business Survival
If small businesses are struggling, what makes the difference between those that stay afloat and those that sink? The data points to one answer: community support.
The Main Street America Findings
The Spring 2026 survey revealed a striking disparity. Businesses that received support from a local Main Street organization reported higher confidence levels and better revenue numbers than those without such support.
| Metric | Main Street Supported | Unsupported |
|---|---|---|
| Rising revenues | 33% | 26% |
| Profits increased | Higher proportion | Lower proportion |
| Confidence score (1-10) | 7.8 | 6.9 |
Similarly, businesses working with local, community, or regional banks reported significantly higher confidence and were more likely to see profit increases than those relying solely on national financial institutions. Local bankers know their customers personally. They understand seasonal cash flow cycles. They are more willing to work with a business through a rough patch because they live in the same community.
The message is clear: when the community invests in a business — through local organizations, local lenders, or simply local patronage — that business performs better.
The SBDC Impact
The nationwide network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provides even more compelling evidence. According to SBDC data:
- Small businesses that receive SBDC advising generate nearly ten times the value for every dollar invested in the program.
- These businesses have secured $5.2 billion in financing.
- They have produced $5.1 billion in sales.
- They have created 68,003 new full-time jobs.
- They have started 11,835 new businesses.
Perhaps most telling: 96% of SBDC clients would recommend the services to other businesses. That level of satisfaction reflects a fundamental truth: targeted, community-backed support works because it addresses real needs rather than generic advice.
The Marin County Model
Marin County, California, launched a Microenterprise Support Program targeting entrepreneurs in underserved communities — including low-income residents, people of color, immigrants, and those with limited English proficiency. The program provides business advising and training at trusted locations within neighborhoods — community centers, libraries, churches — a place-based model that meets business owners where they already are.
The early results are remarkable:
- Over 226 entrepreneurs have completed business training
- Topics covered: creating business plans, navigating licensing and permits, using social media for growth, accessing capital
- Strategic partnerships with local organizations ensured culturally competent delivery
- The anticipated local economic impact from an investment of just $250,000 is projected to reach $5 million — a 20x return
As Jamillah Jordan, Director of the Office of Equity, noted: “Strategic investments in entrepreneurs not only benefits families but also the overall health of the local economy.”
Part 4: Real-World Success Stories — Communities Keeping Businesses Afloat
Behind the statistics are real businesses and real communities that have discovered the power of mutual support. Here are four stories from three continents.
Dunbar Community Bakery, Scotland: From £40,000 to £350,000
In 2009, a group of residents in Dunbar, Scotland, decided they wanted a local bakery. Not a chain. Not a franchise. Not another supermarket bakery section. A bakery owned by and for the community — where the bread would be baked fresh daily, where flour would be sourced from local mills, and where profits would stay in the town.
They raised £40,000 through a community share offer, signed a lease in 2010, and opened their doors in October 2011.
Fourteen years later, that bakery has:
- Over 1,000 shareholders (many of whom invested as little as £100)
- Annual turnover exceeding £350,000 — a sevenfold increase from its first year
- Twelve full-time and part-time staff
- Flour sourced from a family mill 30 miles away
- Meat from a local butcher
- Unsold produce donated to local food banks (reducing waste while feeding neighbors)
- Bread-making courses to train the next generation
But the bakery’s value transcends economics. As the Plunkett UK report notes, “The bakery is not just about loaves and cakes; it is about improving lives, connections, and a community that knows how to rise to the occasion.”
When the bakery faced a cash flow crisis in 2018, shareholders were asked to convert loans to equity or provide new capital. Over 80% agreed within two weeks. That is not customer loyalty. That is community ownership.
Downderry and Seaton Community Shop, Cornwall: Restoring Connection
After more than two years without a village shop — and the vibrant social hub it provided — the people of Downderry, Cornwall, decided to act. A steering committee formed in July 2023. They faced a string of setbacks: a rejected lease, a failed fundraising target, a COVID outbreak among volunteers. But they rallied.
They raised approximately £90,000 through share offers, grants, and local donations. The shop and café opened in December 2025.
What makes this shop extraordinary is its staffing: more than 70 volunteers work the till, bake the scones, and stock the shelves — well above the national average of 28 for community shops. The space is designed not just for commerce but for connection: comfortable seating, a children’s corner, a community notice board, and free Wi-Fi.
Michelle Davies, from the committee, captured the mission perfectly: “We’ve always said that reopening a shop wasn’t enough — we wanted to restore a sense of connection.”
Within four months of opening, the shop had hosted two poetry readings, a knitting circle, a seed swap, and three community meals. It is not just surviving. It is thriving because the community made it thrive.
Enung Hasanah’s “Rumah Kami”, Indonesia: A Hub for Entrepreneurs
In Garut, West Java — a region not known for startup ecosystems — a former teacher turned entrepreneur named Enung Hasanah established a small business community called Rumah Kami (“Our Home”) in 2021.
What started as a modest gathering place for sharing advice — a few chairs in her garage, a whiteboard, a kettle for tea — soon grew into a hub where entrepreneurs could learn from one another, draw strength from a shared network, and access resources they could not reach alone.
With support from Mastercard Strive, the community gained fresh momentum:
- Training and mentoring from experienced business owners
- Access to banks, government offices, and other partners
- Connections to suppliers and distributors
- A shared purchasing program that lowered costs for all members
As Enung explains, “It wasn’t just about learning new skills. It was about gaining access to the networks that small businesses need to thrive.”
What started with only a few business owners has grown into a vibrant, self-sustaining network of over 400 members across three districts. “Together with the local government and financial institutions, we can help small businesses grow in ways we never imagined. And the best part is, it will not stop.”
Weaver Street Market, North Carolina: A Cooperative Success
On the other side of the world, a similar model has been operating for decades. Weaver Street Market in Carrboro, North Carolina, is a consumer-owned cooperative grocery store with over 20,000 member-owners. Anyone can shop there, but members receive discounts, vote on board members, and share in profits.
The market has weathered every economic storm of the past 30 years — the dot-com crash, the 2008 recession, the pandemic — because its owners are its customers. When times are tough, members do not abandon the store. They buy more, volunteer more, and recruit their neighbors to join.
The market now operates four locations, employs over 400 people, and returns $500,000 annually to members as patronage dividends. That is community support institutionalized.
Part 5: How Community Support Translates into Business Resilience
Why does community support make such a difference? The answer lies in what community backing provides that money alone cannot buy.
1. Customer Loyalty That Survives Economic Downturns
When customers feel personally connected to a business — when they know the owner’s name, when they have shared a story over the counter, when they feel seen as a neighbor rather than a transaction — they do not abandon that business at the first sign of trouble. They rally.
What loyal customers do: buy gift certificates to provide cash flow, leave positive reviews to attract new customers, tell their friends and family, accept longer wait times and limited inventory, pay slightly higher prices without complaint, and defend the business in online forums.
As Wisfe Aish, CEO of Double AA Corporation, writes in Forbes: “Customers will be more likely to choose you over the competition and advocate for you when needed. If a regulatory or policy challenge arises, you may even find your community stepping up to support you.”
2. A Safety Net During Crises
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, community-supported businesses were far more likely to survive than those operating in isolation. The reason was simple: communities mobilized.
- They ordered takeout from local restaurants (often including large tips)
- They bought gift cards from local shops (providing interest-free loans)
- They donated to GoFundMe campaigns for struggling business owners
- They sewed masks for local businesses that needed PPE
- They delivered groceries to at-risk neighbors who could not shop
The same principle applies to smaller crises: a broken oven, a sudden illness, a family emergency, a supply chain disruption. In a community-oriented business, help often comes from unexpected places — the neighboring business that lends equipment, the customer who volunteers to help pack orders, the landlord who offers a rent deferral, the competitor who shares a distributor contact.
3. Word-of-Mouth Marketing That Money Cannot Buy
Paid advertising can generate awareness, but it cannot generate trust. Word-of-mouth recommendations from friends, family, and neighbors are far more powerful than any billboard or social media ad.
- 92% of consumers trust recommendations from people they know (compared to 33% who trust online ads)
- Word-of-mouth drives $6 trillion in annual consumer spending globally
- A single enthusiastic recommendation can bring 3-5 new customers to a small business
When a community supports a business, its members become unpaid brand ambassadors, sharing their positive experiences with everyone they know. Karen McDougald, founder of Tangaza Bath & Body Studio in North Carolina, discovered this firsthand: “A friend invited me to an event at her church, and that’s how I learned about the Women’s Business Center of Charlotte. It’s phenomenal and it was completely free. They have classes on how to run your business. It’s so helpful being in a room with women who are where you want to be.”
4. Access to Resources and Expertise
Community support often comes in forms that have nothing to do with money. Local business associations, chambers of commerce, and Small Business Development Centers offer workshops, networking events, mentorship, and technical assistance — often at no cost.
Resources available through community support:
| Resource Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Training | Business planning, marketing, bookkeeping, digital skills |
| Mentorship | One-on-one advising from experienced business owners |
| Networking | Events that connect you to suppliers, distributors, and partners |
| Advocacy | Representation before local government on zoning, licensing, and taxes |
| Access to capital | Introductions to community lenders, microloan funds, and grant programs |
Kimberly Savel-Turek, owner of Room to Breathe Professional Organizing in Baltimore, credits her mentor from a state program with transforming her business: “Now I meet with the same person every month. She asks how things are going and provides me ideas. She knows my business really well, and it’s been great.”
5. Employee Retention and Morale
Community support does not just come from outside the business. It also comes from within. When employees feel that they are part of a mission larger than profit — when they see their neighbors shopping at the store, when they hear customers express genuine appreciation, when they participate in community events as representatives of the business — they take ownership and pride in their work.
The results: lower turnover, higher productivity, better customer service, and employees who become the business’s best recruiters.
Aish notes that “when you keep your employees happy, they can become your biggest brand ambassadors and growth engines, encouraging more great talent in the community to join your team.”
6. Resilience in the Face of Natural Disasters
Communities that have weathered hurricanes, wildfires, and floods consistently report that businesses with deep community ties recover faster. After Hurricane Helene devastated Swannanoa, North Carolina, in September 2024, local businesses with strong community relationships were the first to reopen.
They benefited from volunteer cleanup crews, donated supplies, interest-free bridge loans from community foundations, and customers who intentionally returned as soon as doors reopened. The businesses that had been anonymous — chain stores, absentee-owned properties, online-only operations — had no such network to activate.
Part 6: Practical Steps for Business Owners — Earning Community Support
Community support is not automatic. It must be earned through consistent, authentic engagement. Here are actionable strategies that successful small business owners use.
1. Show Up — Literally
Participate in local events. Farmers’ markets, school fundraisers, church bazaars, little league games, neighborhood festivals, chamber of commerce mixers — these are opportunities to build relationships, not just make sales.
Action steps:
- Make a list of all community events within a 10-mile radius for the next three months
- Commit to attending at least two per month (not as a vendor, just as a participant)
- Introduce yourself to other business owners, local officials, and potential customers
- Bring business cards, but do not lead with them; lead with genuine interest in others
As Karen McDougald advises, “I went to every local event I could find, just to see what and how other business owners were doing. It helped me figure out what works and how to promote my business locally for free.”
2. Join Local Business Organizations
Chambers of commerce, Main Street programs, small business alliances, BIDs (Business Improvement Districts), and merchant associations offer workshops, networking events, and advocacy. Many of these resources are free or low-cost.
Membership typically includes:
- Listing in member directories
- Access to members-only events
- Health insurance group rates
- Credit card processing discounts
- Legal and HR hotlines
3. Partner with Complementary Businesses
Strategic partnerships expand your reach and build mutual support. A coffee shop might partner with a bookstore (buy a coffee, get $1 off a book). The bookstore partners with a framing shop (buy a book, get a discount on framing). The framing shop partners with a real estate agent (new homeowners get a framing credit).
Kimberly Savel-Turek’s approach: “Reach out to three to five realtors — go to their offices, bring donuts, and give an overview of what I offer. It’s been great getting to know people I can collaborate with.”
Other partnership ideas:
- Joint loyalty programs (“Shop Local” punch cards)
- Cross-promotion on social media
- Shared booth at community events
- Referral fees for customer introductions
4. Give Back to the Community
Philanthropy is not charity — it is strategy. Sponsor a little league team. Donate gift certificates to school auctions. Offer free workshops on topics related to your expertise. Host a food drive for the local pantry.
Aish notes that “when companies invest in the people and places they serve, they don’t just do good work — in many cases, they also perform better.”
The ROI of giving back:
- Increased brand recognition (your name on a team jersey or event program)
- Employee pride and retention
- Customer goodwill
- Media attention (local newspapers love covering business philanthropy)
- Tax deductions (for qualifying donations)
5. Strengthen Your Online Presence — But Keep It Local
Create a Google Business Profile so customers can easily find your location, hours, reviews, and photos. Use social media to share updates, promotions, and behind-the-scenes content that highlights your local connections.
Local SEO tips:
- Include your city and neighborhood in your website’s meta descriptions
- Encourage customers to leave Google reviews (especially mentioning specific employees or products)
- Post photos of your team, your storefront, and your involvement in local events
- Respond to every review — positive and negative — with gratitude and professionalism
6. Ask for Help
This is often the hardest step for business owners who pride themselves on self-reliance. But as Tori Marinucci, owner of Elkins’ Grimoire, discovered: “In the beginning, I was shy about showing off my work. I thought being quiet was humble. But being proud of what you’ve built isn’t boasting — it’s advocating for yourself. Engage with people. Ask for help. You’re not alone.”
What to ask for:
- Customer feedback (“What would make our store better?”)
- Introductions to potential partners or suppliers
- Advice from other business owners who have faced similar challenges
- Volunteers for special events (many community members are happy to help)
- Financial support (via crowdfunding, GoFundMe, or low-interest community loans)
Part 7: Practical Steps for Community Members — How You Can Help Local Businesses Stay Afloat
Community support is a two-way street. If you want local businesses to stay afloat, here is what you can do — starting today.
Action Checklist for Community Members
| Action | Impact | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Shop local first | Keeps 3-4x more money in the local economy | 5 extra minutes per shopping trip |
| Buy gift certificates | Provides immediate cash flow during slow seasons | 2 minutes online or in person |
| Leave a positive review | Attracts new customers; improves search ranking | 3 minutes on Google or Yelp |
| Tell a friend | Word-of-mouth is the most trusted marketing | 30 seconds |
| Be patient | Small businesses may have longer waits or limited stock | No time cost, just mindset shift |
| Attend local events | Increases foot traffic and community energy | 1-2 hours |
| Volunteer | Reduces costs for community-owned businesses | Variable |
| Advocate | Support policies that help small businesses (zoning, licensing, procurement) | 5 minutes to email a council member |
The “Local First” Shopping Habit
Before clicking “buy now” on Amazon, ask yourself three questions:
- Does a local business carry this item (or something similar)?
- If not, can I order it through a local shop (many offer special orders)?
- If the price is slightly higher locally, is the difference worth keeping the business on my Main Street?
Often, the answer is yes. And over time, those “yes” decisions add up to real economic impact.
Part 8: The Role of Government and Institutions
Individual action matters, but systemic support is equally critical. Government entities and institutions can help businesses stay afloat by:
Providing Targeted Technical Assistance
Marin County’s Microenterprise Support Program demonstrates that place-based, culturally competent business advising yields measurable returns. The formula: identify underserved entrepreneurs, partner with trusted community organizations, offer training at convenient locations, and measure outcomes rigorously.
Funding Small Business Development Centers
SBDCs generate nearly ten times the value for every dollar invested, making them among the most cost-effective economic development tools available. Yet many are chronically underfunded. A modest increase in state and federal allocations would yield disproportionate returns.
Partnering with Community Organizations
Mastercard Strive’s success in Indonesia shows that collaboration between private foundations, local governments, and grassroots networks creates sustainable impact. Government does not need to be the sole provider — it can be an enabler and convener.
Streamlining Regulations
Complex licensing processes, zoning restrictions, permit requirements, and inspection regimes disproportionately burden small businesses with limited administrative capacity. One study found that the average small business spends 260 hours per year on regulatory compliance — the equivalent of 6.5 workweeks.
Potential reforms:
- One-stop permitting (apply for all licenses at a single office or website)
- Fee waivers for microbusinesses (under 5 employees)
- Expedited review for low-risk businesses
- Plain-language guides to regulations
Investing in Public Spaces
Safe, clean, welcoming Main Street districts attract foot traffic that benefits all local businesses. Investments in sidewalks, lighting, public seating, trash collection, and landscaping have documented returns of $5-15 for every $1 spent in increased property values and retail sales.
Procurement Preferences
Government agencies at all levels can adopt local preference policies that give small, local businesses a modest advantage in bidding for contracts. Even a 5-10% price preference can make the difference between a local business winning a contract and losing it to an out-of-state competitor.
Part 9: Measuring Community Support — Key Metrics
How does a business know if it has genuine community support? Here are key indicators:
| Metric | What It Measures | Healthy Range |
|---|---|---|
| Repeat customer rate | Loyalty | 40-60% |
| Net Promoter Score (NPS) | Likelihood to recommend | 50+ (excellent) |
| Local share of revenue | Geographic concentration of sales | 60-80% within 10 miles |
| Employee tenure | Stability and morale | 3+ years average |
| Volunteer hours (if community-owned) | Active community engagement | 100+ hours per month |
| Social media engagement rate | Active community conversation | 3-6% |
If your metrics are lower than these ranges, there is no cause for alarm — just an opportunity to implement the strategies outlined above. Community support is built over years, not weeks.
Summary: The Bottom Line — Businesses Need Community, and Communities Need Businesses
The evidence is overwhelming: businesses need community support to stay afloat. Whether through customer loyalty, volunteer staffing, mentorship, local procurement, or simply the social connections that turn a shop into a gathering place, community backing is not a luxury — it is a lifeline.
Conversely, communities need their local businesses just as desperately. Main Street businesses provide jobs, generate tax revenue, create gathering spaces, and give neighborhoods their unique character. They are where teenagers get their first jobs, where seniors find social connection, where local artists display their work, where new parents find other new parents, and where the fabric of community life is woven.
Aish puts it best: “Too many leaders view community investment as a ‘nice to have’ or even an expense, but in truth, community investment should be treated as a core business asset. Strong community engagement that builds employee commitment, customer loyalty, and community allegiance can get you through uncertain times — economic downturns, industry disruptions, and unexpected crises — and can even become your safety net.”
The businesses that stay afloat are not necessarily the ones with the best products or the lowest prices. They are the ones that have earned a place in the hearts of their neighbors. They are the ones that have built community, not just customer bases. They are the ones that understand a simple truth that applies from Scotland to Indonesia to North Carolina:
When you take care of your community, your community takes care of you.
So the next time you walk past a local shop, step inside. Buy something. Say hello. Leave a review. Tell a friend. You might just be helping that business stay afloat for another day, another month, another generation. And in doing so, you are investing in the kind of community where you want to live — one small purchase at a time.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Business conditions vary significantly by industry, location, and individual circumstances. The data and examples cited are based on reports available as of May 2026 and may not reflect every business’s experience. The financial projections (e.g., Marin County’s anticipated $5 million impact) are estimates based on modeling, not guarantees. Consult with a qualified business advisor, accountant, or your local Small Business Development Center for personalized guidance. The external links provided are for reference and do not constitute endorsements. Hurricane Helene reference is based on historical events; specific business resilience claims are illustrative. The Weaver Street Market financial data is drawn from publicly available cooperative reports.
