Support is a Two-Way Street: Why Every Small Business Deserves a Place at the Table

Owning a small business is no easy task. It takes grit, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in your craft. For many of us, vending at community events is one of the few ways we can connect with new customers and grow our brands. We invest in travel, set-up fees, and inventory to be part of something bigger. That’s why it’s disheartening when some vendors use these shared spaces to create division rather than community.

At a recent event, I noticed a vendor who loudly proclaimed to customers, “When you support me, you're supporting my family—and we live in this community!” The next day, the same vendor proudly wore a shirt that read "Straight Outta his hometown," making it even clearer that he was staking a claim to the space as if others didn’t belong. However, the truth is that vendors from many different cities attended that event. And if we hadn’t all paid our vendor fees and shown up, there wouldn’t have been an event at all.

Let’s be honest—small business is about connection, not competition. I’m from Detroit, and proud of it. When people come to Detroit to vend at our events, we welcome them. We don’t use the mic—or our merch—to create lines in the sand. We believe in treating everyone with kindness because without people, your brand won’t grow, and without mutual support, none of us can thrive.

So, to vendors who feel the need to shout their zip code from the rooftops, here’s a reminder: every small business deserves a place at any event, no matter where they’re from. Community is not just who lives next door—it’s who shows up. Let’s make space for each other. That’s how we all win.

Until Next Time
XOXOX
Angie B