Empowering Independent Businesses in a Changing Landscape
Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, yet as our towns and cities grow, the challenges of competing and operating independently have never been more daunting. From navigating government regulations to contending with deep-pocketed corporate competition, independent business owners often find themselves fighting an uphill battle. Recognizing this struggle, aaeroEDGE™ was created as a solution—an innovative small business cooperative designed to level the playing field, foster collaboration, and support local economic growth.
At its core, aaeroEDGE™ is not just another networking group or business association. It is a collective of like-minded entrepreneurs working together to share resources, advocate for local businesses, and provide meaningful opportunities for growth. By joining aaeroEDGE™, independent business owners gain access to exclusive discounts, expert guidance, and a powerful support network—all while helping to strengthen the communities they serve.
A Legacy of Local Business Advocacy
The roots of aaeroEDGE™ trace back to the Castle Rock Local Business Alliance, co-founded by entrepreneur Sean Hakes and local business advocate Gary Godfrey. The alliance was a driving force for independent businesses in Castle Rock, creating a strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among local entrepreneurs. Tragically, after Gary’s passing, the alliance eventually dissolved, but its mission—to support and protect independent businesses—never faded. In that spirit, aaeroEDGE™ was born.
The vision behind aaeroEDGE™ is simple: to create an ecosystem where small businesses don’t just survive, but thrive. It’s a direct response to the increasing challenges faced by independent business owners, offering a structured and sustainable way to help them compete, grow, and contribute to the local economy. By fostering a cooperative spirit, aaeroEDGE™ continues the mission that Gary and Sean first envisioned, ensuring that local businesses have the tools, connections, and advocacy they need to succeed.
The Motivation Behind aaeroEDGE™
Today’s small business owners face a rapidly shifting landscape. From increasing operational costs and complex regulations to the dominance of large corporations and online marketplaces, the barriers to success have never been higher. Many small businesses struggle to afford the same level of marketing, branding, and growth strategies as larger competitors, leaving them at a significant disadvantage. This is where aaeroEDGE™ steps in.
By pooling resources and working collectively, aaeroEDGE™ members gain access to significantly reduced pricing on essential business services, including digital marketing, website development, video production, advertising, and more. These are the same tools that large corporations leverage to dominate the market—but at a fraction of the cost for independent businesses. Additionally, the cooperative model allows members to collaborate, learn from each other, and share strategies that actually work, creating a community-driven approach to business growth.
Beyond just business services, aaeroEDGE™ serves as an advocacy group for independent businesses, raising awareness about the importance of shopping local and keeping dollars within the community. This is achieved through collective marketing initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and direct support for independent business owners who need a stronger voice in the marketplace.
How aaeroEDGE™ Works
Unlike traditional business organizations or chambers of commerce, aaeroEDGE™ operates as a true cooperative, where every member is valued and plays a role in shaping the collective. Membership is open exclusively to independently owned businesses, ensuring that resources and advocacy efforts remain focused on those who need them most.
For just $395 per year (which breaks down to about $32 per month), members receive:
✔ Exclusive Discounts – Significant savings on essential business services like marketing, branding, web design, and advertising.
✔ A Strong Network – Access to like-minded entrepreneurs who share knowledge, collaborate, and support one another.
✔ Advocacy & Awareness – A collective voice to promote local businesses and ensure independent businesses remain competitive.
✔ Educational Resources – Free trainings, webinars, and expert insights to help small business owners navigate challenges and grow.
✔ A Community That Cares – A support system that values collaboration over competition, creating lasting partnerships and friendships.
Additionally, 50% of membership dues are reinvested directly into marketing and promotional efforts to boost visibility for local businesses and advocate for shopping local. This ensures that members not only benefit individually but also contribute to the larger movement of strengthening independent businesses in their communities.
Building a Future for Small Business Success
aaeroEDGE™ is more than just a membership—it’s a movement. A movement designed to empower independent businesses, drive economic growth, and protect the identity and integrity of our communities. The traditional challenges of running a small business will always exist, but they don’t have to be faced alone.
Through collaboration, shared resources, and collective advocacy, aaeroEDGE™ provides a practical and sustainable solution for independent businesses to thrive, even in an increasingly competitive landscape. As more businesses join, the impact of the cooperative grows, creating a stronger, more resilient local business ecosystem.
For those looking for more than just a networking group—for those who believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting independent businesses—aaeroEDGE™ is here. The future of small business starts with us.
🔗 Learn more and apply for membership here: https://www.aaero.com/membership/