June 03, 2011 Dava Parr, owner of Fresh & Wyld Farmhouse Inn, a small local business in Paonia, Colorado, was facing a balloon payment she could not make and recently reached out to the community for support, and found it.

One such person who stepped forward to help out was High Country News managing editor, Jodi Peterson:

“In six years, provided this farm-based bed and breakfast/local-foods restaurant continues to thrive, I’ll get back the capital I invested. If the Fresh & Wyld Farmhouse Inn goes under, it’ll probably be sold to pay back investors.
I might lose my money, but it’s a small enough amount that I won’t be faced with cat-food dinners in retirement. And I, along with 39 other people (almost all locals), get the satisfaction of helping our community keep a great business that in turn helps support the nearby organic farmers who supply it, and that also lures foodie tourists who spend money at local wineries, art galleries and gas stations. Plus, Fresh & Wyld’s terrific eatery will stay open, a big deal in a burg that boasts a total of three decent restaurants.”

In this economic downturn, reaching out to the local community might just prove successful for other small businesses.

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Watch this video about Fresh & Wyld Farmhouse Inn: