What separates thriving small towns from communities that struggle to move forward?In this episode of The Small Nation Podcast, Jason Duff sits down with Sarah Stevens Krupp and Renee Smith, co-founders of Thrive Community Partners, to uncover the strategies that help rural communities secure grant funding, revitalize downtowns, support entrepreneurs, and build long-term economic momentum.Drawing from their success transforming Fostoria, Ohio—and now helping communities across the Midwest—they share practical lessons on community leadership, public-private partnerships, entrepreneurship, grant writing, capacity building, and sustainable economic development.Whether you're a mayor, chamber director, nonprofit leader, economic developer, elected official, or simply passionate about your hometown, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you can apply in your own community.If you're looking for practical ideas to strengthen your community, attract investment, support local businesses, and create lasting economic impact, this episode is a must-listen.Guest Links:⁠⁠⁠

⁠Thrive Community Partners

Sarah Stevens Krupp: ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠

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Renee Smith:Facebook⁠⁠

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⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook#SmallNationPodcast #EconomicDevelopment #SmallTowns #DowntownRevitalization #GrantWriting #CommunityDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #RuralDevelopment #Leadership #Ohio #PublicPrivatePartnerships #CommunityRevitalization #SmallBusiness #MainStreet #GrantFunding

This is episode 104 of The Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small-town success. In this episode, Mayor Christina Muryn unpacks what makes Findlay, Ohio, special and how Findlay is impacting other communities internationally. She shares insights on collaboration, combating negativity, future development, and more.

Guest Links:⁠

Findlay, OH Website

Findlay, OH Facebook

Findlay, OH Instagram

Mayor Christina Muryn: ⁠⁠

Facebook⁠⁠

LinkedIn

Small Nation:

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⁠⁠⁠Join the Conversation | Making Small Successful Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠

Follow Your Host:

Jason Duff

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This is episode 103 of The Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small-town success. Luciano Gomes is the owner of Legado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in downtown Bellefontaine, Ohio. Listen as Lu shares why a healthy community is so important and how he uses his business to make a difference in the lives of his students.

Guest Links:

Legado Brazilian Jiu-JitsuLegado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu FacebookLegado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instagram

Luciano Gomes:⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠

Small Nation:

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⁠⁠The Small Nation PodcastWatch on YouTube⁠⁠

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Jason Duff

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This is episode 102 of The Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. Katie Neason is a rockstar, small town developer from Bryan, Texas. She came to visit Small Nation in Bellefontaine, Ohio to discuss the power of redevelopment in small markets.

Guest Links:

Katie Neason Website

Katie Neason

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Instagram

LinkedIn

Small Nation:

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Jason Duff

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This is episode 101 of The Small Nation Podcast! This podcast is created for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, and small town success. Mother and daughter duo, Robin and Jamie Burton, worked with Small Nation to take their mobile coffee shop into a storefront in downtown Bellefontaine. Allways Brewin’ has become a local favorite and has proven to be a successful addition to the existing coffee scene in the community.

Guest Links:

Allways Brewin’

Allways Brewin’ Facebook

Allways Brewin’ Instagram

Jamie Burton:

Facebook

Robin Burton:

Facebook

Small Nation:

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TikTok

The Small Nation PodcastWatch on YouTube

Friday Small Talk Newsletter

Join the Conversation | Making Small Successful Facebook Group

Follow Your Host:

Jason Duff

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Facebook