Main Street America Spotlight: What Can Main Streets and Small Businesses Expect in 2025?
Matt Wagner, Ph.D. - Chief Innovation Officer - Main Street America Article
As Chief Innovation Officer and host of our Main Street Business Insights podcast, I have a unique opportunity to observe first-hand what is happening in small business and entrepreneurship and participate in primary and secondary research through Main Street America’s work. Combining these experiences and macroeconomic, technological, and social trends, I share annual predictions that I believe will impact our work in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts and the businesses we seek to nurture and support in these places.
You’ll discover:
- How retail sales are expected to slow and the challenges facing small businesses
- The potential “Ozempic Ripple Effect” and its implications for various industries
- The emerging “Phygital” world and how technology is transforming shopping experiences
- AI’s growing impact on non-profit data collection and reporting
- Why businesses should focus on curation over endless choices
- How the “Silver Tsunami” will reshape markets and consumer behaviors
- The role of Main Streets in addressing the loneliness epidemic