RECAP: VILLAGE VENTURES - SOUTH SIDE SMALL BUSINESS MIXER

​The first-ever Village Ventures event brought together the energy, creativity, and hustle of the South Side’s small business community. It was more than a networking night—it was a space for nearly 30 small business owners to exchange ideas, explore collaboration, and envision a thriving future for the South Side.
 
Our conversations centered around big questions that deserve even bigger answers:
What makes this neighborhood ideal for entrepreneurs? What challenges do we face as small business owners—and how can we overcome them together? What does the next five years look like if we dream big and support one another along the way?
 
Throughout the evening, a few key themes rose to the top:

• Connection is currency. People do business with people they know and trust. Our community values relationships, storytelling, and showing up for one another.
• There’s strength in shared goals. From joint events to mentorship programs, attendees were eager to explore ways to build not just businesses, but a support system.
• Resources are still a hurdle. Funding, marketing, and space continue to be challenges. But the collaborative spirit in the room showed that solutions are possible—especially when we’re working together.
• The South Side is just getting started. With creativity, diversity, and resilience, our local business scene is on the rise. And we’re shaping what comes next.

And a huge shoutout to Jennings Java for not only fueling the night with their incredible coffee but for generously opening their doors to host this gathering. Their support helped set the tone for an evening full of warmth, conversation, and connection.
 
The night left us inspired and energized to build momentum and grow something meaningful—together.
 
Want to be part of it?
If you’re a local entrepreneur, creative, or business owner, now is the perfect time to get involved. Learn how to become a Merion Village Business Member and connect with a supportive network of change makers.
 
And stay tuned— this was just the first of many Village Ventures gatherings. We can’t wait to grow this movement with you.
 
Thank you to our South Side businesses for participating in this event! 

• Affordable Home Services & Roof Savers
• Allison Willford – Move Real Estate
• DK Motivations and Massage
• Dye Mad Yarns
• German Village Farmers Market
• Good Thoughts Brand
• Hellbranch Cider Co.
• Hey Hey Bar & Grill
• Jennings Java
• Knotty Petal
• Lemon Garden Designs
• LÖ-LU Sauna
• Merchant of the Universe LLC
• Nikki the Death Doula, LLC
• Ohio Speed Academy
• Rime Time Pops / Warmly, Cookies
• Scarlet Oak Capital
• The Madosky Shaw Group, Coldwell Banker Realty
• The Red Stable, German Village Souvenirs & Gifts
•  Photography Studio
• Wanderlust Studio, A Hub for Community
• Whitney Brewer Photography