The Collective

What is the My Local Start Collective?

The My Local Start Collective is a group of like-minded local small businesses who believe that thriving local communities are vital to a healthy America. It was started by entrepreneurs Pat and Stone Reuning in 2022. 

Pat and Stone have worked in SEO and online marketing for 25 years while building a local sustainable lifestyle in the Waynesville, NC community. They are passionate about helping other small businesses thrive. This led them to start a community collective with a unique focus on building up the Internet presence of its members through education and sharing of services. By building up small businesses so they can compete online, we help to strengthen and preserve the local community.

Read about the team behind My Local Start.

Who can join My Local Start?

We are offering memberships to local business owners in the Waynesville and Asheville communities at the moment, though we have a few members who are expanding to different towns. If you are in another town and would like to join, please let us know. 

There is no requirement to own a specific type of company, just an interest in supporting your fellow local businesses. For instance, members might own a beef or dairy farm, hair salon, retail store, or be a real estate agent, veterinarian, lawyer, or dentist.

What are the benefits of joining My Local Start?

When you join My Local Start, you get several benefits, including access to the SEO and Internet marketing expertise of our team. We are pleased to offer free consultations for our local member businesses, and we’re adding more benefits as we grow.

• Free education about local internet marketing. 
• Personalized consultation for growing your business online.
• Link to your website or profile from our members page (great for SEO!)
• Access to a members-only bartering group.
• A membership sign to display at your store, so others know you’re committed to the local community.
• Deep discounts on our Internet marketing services (websites, SEO, etc.) 

Just let us know what other benefits you’re interested to see.

What do I have to do as a member?

We don’t require you to do anything! But we do hope you will choose to support your fellow local businesses as you make purchase decisions and make use of the free educational materials we provide.

How does bartering work at My Local Start?

In our local collective, we encourage you to consider turning to another small business member when you need to buy a product or service. Many times, they need what you offer, too. We’ve been known to trade our own Internet marketing services for goods or services, too, and we encourage our members to do the same with each other. Any bartering arrangements you set up with other members are entirely up to you. 

How do I join My Local Start?

Joining is easy! Just fill out our form and then we’ll get in touch with your welcome packet.