Donate to Build a Veteran Community Hub; Maple City Music

Help Build a Veteran-Owned Vinyl Record Shop & Community Space in Saint Albans, Vermont

I'm Walter Byrne, a 28-year Army veteran launching Maple City Music in Saint Albans, Vermont. After three deployments and an ongoing medical retirement, I found healing in music—and now I’m building a record store that offers that same space for others.

Maple City Music is more than a business. It’s a community hub where stories are shared through vinyl, local art is celebrated, and veterans always have a place—and a cup of coffee—waiting for them.

What We're Raising Funds For

We’re raising funds to support the launch of our physical retail location in downtown Saint Albans, Vermont. Your support will help us:

- Expand inventory of vinyl, tapes, and CDs

- Build a coffee bar (free for veterans)

- Install a listening lounge and turntable stations

- Feature local and veteran artists

- Finalize the store buildout, signage, and furnishings

- Create an inclusive, accessible space for the entire community

Why It Matters

Music has always been there when words failed—through combat, recovery, and transition. Maple City Music is built on the belief that shared stories, especially from veterans, deserve a place to live and be heard. We want to preserve physical media and foster a space that connects people to sound, memory, and each other.

How You Can Help

- Donate what you can—every $5 helps us move closer to opening

- Share the campaign with fellow music lovers and veterans

- Follow @maplecitymusic on Instagram and Facebook for updates

- Reach out if you’re a Vermont artist or veteran-owned business—we’d love to collaborate

Stretch Goals

- At $15,000 – Vinyl inventory fully stocked

- At $25,000 – Listening lounge + coffee bar open

Updates Plan

We’ll post weekly updates, including:

- Behind-the-scenes progress on the store

- Artist features

- Equipment deliveries

- Crowdfunding milestones

- Thank-yous to donors and supporters

Final Words

If music has ever helped you through a tough time—or reminded you of who you are—we hope you’ll support Maple City Music. Help us build something lasting, local, and filled with sound.

Projected cost breakdown

Maple City Music – Startup Cost Breakdown

1. Inventory

• Record lots (new & used): $1,000–$2,500

• Inner & outer sleeves (bulk): $300–$600

• Cleaning kits & supplies: $150–$300

• Degritter ultrasonic record cleaner: $3,000–$3,200

• Stickers, patches, branded merch: $300–$500

Subtotal: $4,750–$7,100

2. Online Business Setup

• Domain + hosting (Squarespace): $200/year

• Square POS reader & setup: $50–$100

• Email marketing platform: $0–$180/year

• SEO & AI tools (optional): $0–$300

Subtotal: $250–$780

3. Brick & Mortar Build-Out (Future Phase)

• Lease deposit + 1st month rent: $1,500–$3,000

• Fixtures, bins, signage, display racks: $1,000–$2,500

• Shop sign (exterior/interior): $500–$1,200

• Decor & paint: $500–$1,000

• Security, internet, utilities setup: $600–$1,200

• Permits, licenses, insurance: $500–$1,000

Subtotal: $4,600–$9,900

4. Veteran Lounge & Listening Area

• Coffee machine + supplies: $300–$600

• Seating/furnishings: $500–$1,000

• 2 Listening stations (turntables, speakers, seats): $800–$1,200

• Community board & signage: $100–$250

Subtotal: $1,700–$3,050

5. Pop-Up & Farmers Market Setup

• Tent/canopy + weights: $200–$400

• Folding tables, bins, signage: $150–$300

• Vendor fees (first season): $200–$500

• Mobile POS gear & chargers: $100–$200

Subtotal: $650–$1,400

6. Marketing & Promotions

• Business cards, flyers, stickers: $100–$200

• Social media ads (3–6 months): $300–$1,000

• Branded apparel: $150–$300

Subtotal: $550–$1,500

Estimated Total Startup Costs

Low Estimate: $12,500

High Estimate: $23,730

6-2-2025 Update

Hey everyone,

Today marks a couple of meaningful milestones—it’s my birthday and also two weeks since my second total reverse shoulder replacement surgery. Recovery is going well, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support from friends, family, and this amazing community.

While I’ve only received one donation so far, I’m staying hopeful. This journey is about more than just opening a record shop—it’s about building Maple City Music into a safe, welcoming community hub, especially for veterans who need connection, comfort, and conversation.

Music helped carry me through 28 years of military service, three deployments, and now recovery. I want to create a space where others can experience that same healing and nostalgia—while flipping through stacks of vinyl, grabbing a free coffee, and connecting with other locals and travelers alike.

If you can’t donate, no worries—just sharing the campaign helps tremendously. Every bit brings us closer to opening the doors in Saint Albans.

Thank you for being part of this dream.

And hey—it’s my birthday, so I’ll shamelessly say: if you’ve been thinking about supporting the cause… now’s a pretty great time.

Much love and gratitude,

Walter

Founder, Maple City Music

Awake my soul.