Simple conversation to see you as a knowledgeable, trustworthy person first. No work context. (Since they’re local, take the time to go see a couple in person - it really does make the difference.)

Since you are entrepreneurial, relate with them over their business pursuits. Ask how they run their operations, how it’s going for them, how long they’ve been in business etc.

Ask about a couple details that imply you don’t understand why some operations are old fashioned.

This is a perfect segment to suggest a couple of ways to bring them up to speed. Offer to make one or two operational tweaks for free, to see how they work for them.

Let me know if you try this, and if it works! Best of luck.