The Mighty Independents

My name is Dave Burris. After 25 years of small business ownership, I now coach and support locally-operated small business owners -- 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 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.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 some 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.That said, Mighty Independents is a referral-only operation. If you've been referred to this site by one of our partners, clients or friends, fill out the form below to get started.