At the heart of every great community are the small businesses that give it character, connection, and pride. Mikey Welper’s Small Business Spotlight was created with one simple goal in mind: to celebrate, support, and uplift the locally owned businesses that make Laramie such a special place to live.

As a longtime Laramie resident, family man, and well-known local real estate agent, Mikey Welper has always believed that a strong community starts with people showing up for one another. Through the ups and downs of the economy—and the very real challenges local businesses face—Mikey saw an opportunity to use his platform, relationships, and reach to help bring renewed awareness and excitement back to shopping local.

Launched in April of 2025, the Small Business Spotlight has grown into a monthly community tradition. Each month, one locally owned business is selected and featured—sharing who they are, what they offer, and the role they play in our community. Throughout the month, the spotlight is supported through simple, fun activities like visiting the store, entering an online form, leaving a Google review, and tagging friends who would love the business too. To make it even more impactful, Mikey personally donates a $500 gift card each month, awarded to one lucky participant at the end of the spotlight. These activities help build real momentum—boosting social media visibility, introducing new customers to the business, and encouraging people to walk through the doors and experience it firsthand.

More than just a giveaway, the Small Business Spotlight is about connection. It’s about neighbors supporting neighbors, discovering new favorites, and keeping the local heartbeat of Laramie strong. And it’s Mikey’s way of saying thank you—to the businesses who take the risk, and to the community that continues to show up.