One way forward I see is the fediverse. If we can create a platform that will be able to host a storefront for specific items, have it connect to other storefronts by some sort of federated search and cart system, allow a single point of transaction for a cart that spans multiple stores, and be able for the host to easily spin up an instance, that to me seems like it could start picking up traction easily and quickly. Think of etsy, consolidated into a specific niche. Expand that to thousands of instances with their own niches, able to connect to one another for a seamless shopping experience for the end user. Small business owners could run an instance of their own if they’d like. Or someone with some small equity could start an instance and focus solely on customer service, returns, overhead of site management, etc (maybe I’m dumb and this etc is bigger than I realize), and basically allow individuals to rent out a virtual booth in a digital flea market.