Broadening Exposure for Small Businesses

Michele McGuire knows, first-hand, the challenges involved in starting a small business. That’s why she decided to help the owners of the community’s newer enterprises raise their profile by creating the Marco Moms Small Business Open House. 

Home-based businesses were the focus of the event which debuted recently at McGuire’s A Better Solution Wellness Clinic. She was inspired by a similar event held by a friend who resides in another part of the country.

“I thought, gosh, that's a great idea because some small businesses, obviously, they're working from their homes or just starting out and they don't have a venue, a brick-and-mortar space like I do, where they're available to the public all the time,” said McGuire. “I have a great space available where I can move furniture out of the way and they could come in and set up their things. So it worked out really well.”

Island Decor and Rental, Cara's Royal Photography, and Lashes and Permanent Makeup by Neli were able to display their wares and interact with the roughly 20 community members who attended. McGuire called it a great turnout for the first-time event. 

“We didn't really know, you know, I didn't know what to anticipate,” she said. “A lot of people that came through were clients that I have established through my spa. So it was nice for them to come in and get exposed to these other businesses. It was a chance to start giving people the opportunity to show off their skills. And it will be a great event in the future as we give other people the opportunity to come in and do the same.”

The Marco Island Brewery and 2Shea's Salty Dog donated prizes for the open house’s fee raffle. McGuire advertised the event through the Marco Island Moms Facebook group, opening participation to any interested small businesses. 

“I'm a firm believer that every good deed is a seed and something great will come of it for everyone,” she said. “And it's the beginning because I plan on doing it every so often, probably quarterly. I’m just hoping that it grows and builds and allows other small businesses the opportunity to come in and show the services and products they have available.”

A Better Solution wellness clinic is located at 1089 N. Collier Blvd., Unit 423. For more information about the business and its events, visit abettersolutionwellness.com, on Facebook at A Better Solution, or by calling 239-444-8253.