Small business coaching
My name is Dave Burris. After 25 years of small business ownership, I now coach and support locally-owned small businesses across the northeastern US -- I call them The Mighty Independents.If you're a Mighty Independent, whether you're just starting out or you've gotten stuck somehow along the way, I can help.
"I’ve worked with Dave Burris for 14 years, and I can honestly say he has been one of the most valuable parts of my support system as a small business owner. In the past few years Dave helped me streamline the business and transition into the model we operate today — and we’re now making more revenue than ever before."
Ami Rae, The Backyard Restaurant, Milton, DE
I Can help
It’s 2026, and being an independent business owner has never been tougher. The everyday heroes that are the backbone of our economy — locally-owned, community-focused small businesses — are falling prey to higher costs, mandatory swipe fees, and competition from extractive corporations a thousand times their size.Independent business owners are stressed, angry and fighting a rigged system. Sometimes it feels like no one is sticking up for the little guy anymore.That pisses me off.Now, more than ever, I am certain that independent, local businesses are the future of our nation, and I refuse to sit on the sidelines.My name is Dave Burris, and I’m here to help.
"Dave has the perfect combination of business brilliance, marketing genius, and lived experience. I’ve long admired the care and craft he has put into his own business ventures, and how successful he has been at cultivating community and breaking through with on-point branding and from-the-heart marketing. His deep insights into the local community and economy, and what it really takes to build, iterate, and scale, would be invaluable for any small-business owner. "
Catherine Carr, Vitamin C Creative, Seattle, WA
Since 1998, I have been a serial micro-entrepreneur in southern Delaware. I’ve been an operator, a storyteller and an advocate for local businesses since the very beginning. Last year, I sold my most recent business — Henlopen Sea Salt — and since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with other entrepreneurs, helping them shape their future and make better decisions. I have grown to love this work.So I’ve decided to dedicate myself to coaching and advocating for what I call the “Mighty Independents” — the locally-owned, owner-operated, independent small businesses that make places truly unique, the ones that build community and take care of those around them.I recently started this coaching practice exclusively for Mighty Independents who need short- and medium-term guidance from a sounding board who’s been there.I wish I’d had someone along my journey to bounce ideas off of and to troubleshoot with. I’ve been where you’ve been, I’ve felt what you feel, and I want to be that person for you.
How It Works
It's very simple. No contracts. No gimmicks. A free, 15-minute intro call, and then $190 for each 1-hour phone or Zoom call, whenever you need a sounding board or consultation. All conversations are 100% confidential.Mighty Independents is a referral-focused operation. If you've been referred to this site by one of our clients, partners or friends, please let us know.
100% Guarantee: If you don't believe that our time together is worth more than twice my fee, I will refund your money upon request, no questions asked.