Small Business Revolution: Main Street

- Season 4

(2019)

The town of Searcy, Arkansas, roughly a 45-minute drive northeast of Little Rock and two hours west of Memphis, is home to more than 24,000 people. The town, rich in southern history, is trying to make a comeback after the natural gas industry left town leaving Searcy with fewer jobs and less profitability. Blessed with a large and active small business community, Searcy's leaders are trying to drum up more excitement by getting people to shop local.

From every nation on earth, people come to America in search of the American dream. It takes dedication, hard work and passion to reach those lofty goals. Whilma Frogoso is a shining example of what it takes to achieve the American dream. Whilma left the Philippines with her husband and four children for a chance to give her children a better life and a better future. Arriving in Searcy, she found work where she could for a few years before deciding to open her own restaurant, bringing her father's traditional Filipino recipes to Arkansas. And while her food is ...

ARganic Woodwork started in January of 2019, built on purpose and heart. Coty Skinner, an Army vet discharged sooner than expected, needed something to not only give him purpose in life, but help others as well. After meeting his wife, Meghan, they started pursuing that purpose through the foster care community by bringing children into their homes and giving them the type of love and comfort that all children deserve. It was through the foster community that Coty started to see a need. Knowing it is difficult for large foster families to eat at one table, Coty took ...

Jose and Catrina Mendoza wanted occupations that would give them more time with their children, while still providing for their family. When a Mexican grocery closed in a building Catrina's dad owned in Searcy, Arkansas, she and Jose saw an opportunity. They opened El Mercado and began serving the Hispanic community. The only problem? Lack of awareness.

Casey Cox and Nicole Hopkins were looking for more purpose in their lives. Finding their passion in working out and yoga, they decided to open their own studio. Nooma is unlike most yoga studios, which is why they call themselves a mind body experience studio. On top of a hard workout, Nooma is empowering and enlightening. With the success of their Searcy location, they opened two more locations in Arkansas, making it seem like Casey and Nicole were on top of the world. However, running three studios and trying to make a profit turned out to be more than they were ...

A non-profit with the intention of promoting community, Zion has been open for 12 years. Sean and Emily Hudkins started the center to be a place for everyone to feel welcome and congregate and climb together. Their passion for the business shines through every time they speak on the topic, but for being in business so long, Zion still struggles to bring in enough money to survive and their location is in desperate need of renovations.

Savor + Sip has the perfect location for a coffee shop and creperie, right in the heart of downtown Searcy. A recently updated interior has given the owners the start they need. However, owners Amelia Brackett Braun and Josie Braun aren't making money and are struggling with sourcing their food, handling the financials of the business as well as marketing to get customers in the door.

The Deluxe team's time in Searcy wraps up in the final episode of Season 4. Town leaders Mat Faulkner and Amy Burton head to Season 2 winner, Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania, to learn how to leverage the help from Deluxe, learning how to market their community and attract new businesses. In addition, Deluxe is also providing help beautifying the community, with an updated pocket park and new mural for their downtown arts district.