Independent grocery stores—mom-and-pop shops, food co-ops, and nonprofit-run markets—face unique and persistent challenges. From thin profit margins to limited formal training, retail leaders often find themselves navigating complex work with little support. Mighty Community Markets Grocery Bootcamp, presented by nationally recognized consultant and former general manager Jeanie Wells, was created to directly address key challenges faced by community-minded grocers across North America.

Challenge #1: Lack of Formal Training and Orientation

Many store managers come into their roles without any structured training in the grocery industry, according to Wells. Mighty Community Markets fills this gap by providing a formal learning experience. “So, many people like myself ended up managing grocery stores with virtually no training or background,” says Wells. “One of the main things the course is focused on is orienting people to the business.” The program offers foundational knowledge that helps managers understand the ins and outs of grocery retail. It emphasizes that regardless of size, all grocery stores contend with the same fundamental issues: managing perishables, thin profit margins, and the need for efficiency. “Grocery stores, no matter if you’re Safeway or a tiny store–it’s all kind of the same constraints and challenges… There’s no margin for error.”

Challenge #2: Limited Financial Literacy

Financial knowledge is essential to succeeding in the grocery industry. That said, many managers struggle with the numbers behind the business. Mighty Community Markets demystifies financial concepts, making them accessible to all, regardless of store type. “We spend a lot of time understanding the financial levers, helping leaders know what they should be aiming for, and how to know if they’re performing well or not.”

Participants are taught how to analyze departmental performance, prioritize efforts, and interpret key financial metrics. The course builds confidence in areas such as pricing, inventory, and profit and loss analysis. “When I was a new GM, I didn’t know what to focus on,” said Wells. “Once I really understood the department-level key metrics, it helped me prioritize where to spend my time.”

The program is also mindful of those who may feel intimidated by math. “I work pretty hard at making the math not scary. Some people have some phobias about it. However, we have to know what to look at in order to know if our business is on track or if we are going off the rails. I want to help them get the tools for what they need to succeed.”

Challenge #3: Isolation and Limited Peer Network

Running a small grocery store can be isolating, especially in rural or underserved communities. One of the bootcamp’s most impactful features is the community it fosters among participants. “I typically get at least 40 people in this class together. Some are non-profits or co-ops, some are mom and pops… I love getting them in the same class to connect and learn from each other.”

Through the course, managers from vastly different contexts connect, collaborate, and continue their conversations beyond the classroom. This network becomes an ongoing resource and source of connection and encouragement for participants.

Wells commented, “Even if you’re teeny tiny, it’s all about scaling the work for your unique community, whatever that means for you. I love connecting people through this work.”

The next iteration of Mighty Community Markets begins May 7. Learn more about Mighty Community Markets Bootcamp here.