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A lively outdoor dining scene at a new restaurant with fairy lights, diverse patrons, and beautifully plated food on a summer evening.
Eats & Drinks

Guide to New Restaurants & Eateries for Summer 2026

In Metuchen, New Jersey, Duke's Steakhouse now serves a 44-ounce tomahawk steak with Haitian-inspired flair.

Shira Edelman·May 29
A vibrant San Diego main street showcasing a diverse range of businesses, from small shops to larger enterprises, under warm golden hour lighting.
Main Street Revival

Understanding Business Improvement Districts and Their Variable Fees

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are special areas where businesses and property owners collectively fund enhanced services through special assessments. Their fee structures vary significantly based on district type, services offered, and property characteristics.

Eleni Kassian·May 18
Three generations of a family in a business setting, symbolizing a smooth and strategic leadership transition for a multi-generational company.
Owner Spotlights

How to Plan Multi-Generational Business Leadership Transitions

Despite anticipating leadership changes, a significant number of multi-generational businesses operate without concrete succession plans, leaving their multi-million dollar legacies vulnerable to inte

Shira Edelman·Aug 18
A warm and inviting local bakery where profits are reinvested into community support, showcasing social entrepreneurship.
Business Resources

What Is Social Entrepreneurship and Why Small Businesses Need It

Imagine a local bakery where every loaf sold directly funds a meal for a homeless person.

Kendra Baptiste·Aug 13
Most Fractional Engagements Fail for One Hidden Reason—Here’s How here2elevate's Standard Fixes It
Market Trends

Most Fractional Engagements Fail for One Hidden Reason—Here’s How here2elevate's Standard Fixes It

Most fractional executive engagements fail not due to talent or vision, but a hidden structural flaw: the lack of a universally accepted operational standard. This gap leads to misaligned expectations and spotty execution, turning promising partnerships into costly experiments.

Sponsored by here2elevate·Aug 18
A lively Main Street with diverse small businesses and people enjoying the revitalized atmosphere, symbolizing community economic growth.
Main Street Revival

Main Street programs drive local business revitalization

In 2025 alone, North Carolina's Main Street and Small Town Main Street districts leveraged over $518 million in investment, a powerful testament to structured local revitalization.

Kendra Baptiste·Jul 20
A lively Main Street filled with diverse small businesses and engaged community members supporting local entrepreneurs.
Main Street Revival

Local Businesses Need More Than Resources; They Need Community Backing.

MI Small Business Helper, a free online platform, has facilitated over 734,000 interactions for more than 25,000 users seeking entrepreneurial resources since August 2025.

Kendra Baptiste·Jul 11
Diverse community members actively participating in a lively downtown revitalization event in Goldsboro, North Carolina, showcasing successful local engagement.
Main Street Revival

Match the Engagement to the Goal: A Practical Framework for Revitalization in 2026

Revitalization efforts succeed when community engagement strategies precisely match specific goals, moving beyond generic outreach to tailored participation levels. A practical framework helps leaders select the right engagement approach, from consulting to empowering, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.

Kendra Baptiste·Jun 21
Diverse community members discuss revitalization plans on a Main Street, with some storefronts showing signs of economic struggle.
Main Street Revival

Surveys Alone Won't Save Your Main Street — But Integrated With Data, They Can

Community surveys are valuable for downtown revitalization, but only when integrated into a broader, data-driven strategy. Without this integration, efforts may lead to cosmetic improvements rather than genuine economic transformation.

Kendra Baptiste·Jun 17
Are Final Expense Costs Covered? A GLB Financial Services Guide to Protecting Your Family's Finances
Market Trends

Are Final Expense Costs Covered? A GLB Financial Services Guide to Protecting Your Family's Finances

This guide from GLB Financial Services explores how final expense insurance protects families from unexpected financial burdens after a loss, covering more than just funeral costs. It highlights the importance of planning ahead, especially for residents in the Williamsburg and Greater Richmond area, and the unique approach offered by a veteran-owned firm.

Sponsored by GLB Financial Services·Sep 9
A vibrant and revitalized Main Street in Bellaire, showcasing a mix of historic charm and modern development, bustling with community activity.
Main Street Revival

Blueprint for Revival: Comparing How Cities and States Rebuild Main Street

Revitalizing downtown commercial districts requires a complex strategy to restore economic vitality and community pride, balancing immediate improvements with long-term investment. This article compares city-led initiatives and state-coordinated frameworks, highlighting the Main Street Approach™ and its effectiveness in fostering preservation-based economic development.

Kendra Baptiste·Jun 6
A bustling and revitalized Main Street at dusk, showcasing community engagement and public art, symbolizing successful urban renewal.
Main Street Revival

Beyond Benches and Banners: The Real Foundation of Main Street Revival

Sustainable Main Street revival goes beyond superficial projects, requiring a comprehensive, long-term approach grounded in local leadership, community involvement, and social inclusion. This framework emphasizes core principles to build lasting economic and social vitality.

Kendra Baptiste·Jun 5
A modern manufacturing plant with new equipment, symbolizing growth, with a rural town in the background connected by a line representing capital.
Business Resources

How SBA Capital Opportunities Help Manufacturers and Rural Businesses

While standard SBA 7(a) loans cap at $5 million, a qualifying small manufacturing company can secure up to $5.

Simone Ito·Aug 5
Small business owner in California overwhelmed by commercial lease agreement paperwork, highlighting the financial complexities of rent costs.
Main Street Properties

What is a Gross Lease? Understanding Small Business Rent Costs

For a small business in California, merely drafting a commercial lease agreement can cost $890.

Eleni Kassian·Jul 8
Remote Video Surveillance: How Eagle Security Solutions Helps Businesses Keep an Eye on Their Properties
Main Street Properties

Remote Video Surveillance: How Eagle Security Solutions Helps Businesses Keep an Eye on Their Properties

In an environment where security is paramount for business continuity, Eagle Security Solutions offers a robust suite of services, including remote video surveillance, for companies across Chesapeake and Richmond, Virgin…

Sponsored by Eagle Security Solutions·Sep 6
A lively Main Street with people enjoying shops and events, symbolizing successful revitalization and economic growth.
Main Street Revival

What Are Key Performance Indicators for Main Street Revitalization?

A Main Street initiative in the small town of Harmony nearly lost its critical state funding in late 2025.

Eleni Kassian·Jun 18
A lively street scene showcasing various local businesses and happy community members, emphasizing the positive economic and social impact of shopping locally.
Shop Local Guides

Why Supporting Local Businesses Pays Back: The Multiplier, the Community, and the Climate

Supporting local businesses yields significant economic, social, and environmental benefits by recirculating money within the community, strengthening local identity, and reducing transportation-related pollution. The local multiplier effect, community engagement, and a smaller carbon footprint are key advantages of prioritizing local spending.

Kendra Baptiste·Jun 18
A split scene of a high street showing thriving businesses on one side and protesting businesses on the other, representing the debate around Business Improvement Districts.
Business Resources

What Is a Business Improvement District? A Look at the Benefits and Backlash

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are hybrid public-private entities funded by compulsory assessments to enhance local commercial areas with supplemental services. While they aim to boost economies and improve public spaces, BIDs also face criticism regarding mandatory fees and potential displacement of businesses.

Eleni Kassian·Jun 8
5 Reasons Walker Roofing & Construction LLC Stands Out Among Mentor, OH Roofing Companies in 2026
Main Street Properties

5 Reasons Walker Roofing & Construction LLC Stands Out Among Mentor, OH Roofing Companies in 2026

Walker Roofing & Construction LLC stands out among Mentor, OH roofing companies due to its decades of experience, quality workmanship, and customer-focused approach, backed by a 10-year workmanship guarantee and CertainTeed Master Shingle Installer credentials. They are a trusted partner for homeowners needing dependable roofing and storm damage repairs in Northeast Ohio.

Sponsored by Walker Roofing & Construction LLC·Aug 12
Why NARP Verified Experts Recommend TCS Property Management for Your Portfolio
Main Street Properties

Why NARP Verified Experts Recommend TCS Property Management for Your Portfolio

NARP Verified experts recommend TCS Property Management for serious investors navigating the evolving real estate landscape. Their NARP verification signifies adherence to stringent industry ethics and operational conduct, ensuring professional superiority and risk mitigation.

Sponsored by TCS Property Management·Aug 12
Niksen Property: Edinburgh's Premier Estate Agency for Home Sellers
Main Street Properties

Niksen Property: Edinburgh's Premier Estate Agency for Home Sellers

For home sellers in Scotland's capital, navigating the property market requires a partner with deep local knowledge and a modern, effective approach. Niksen Property has established itself as Edinburgh's premier estate a…

Sponsored by Niksen Property·Aug 10
5 Proven Reasons Truckers Trust Scrubblade Heavy Duty Wipers for a Clearer View
Shop Local Guides

5 Proven Reasons Truckers Trust Scrubblade Heavy Duty Wipers for a Clearer View

Scrubblade Heavy Duty Wipers are engineered specifically for professional truck drivers, combining patented scrubbing technology with durable construction to help maintain a cleaner windshield. This dual-action design helps loosen stubborn debris before clearing it away, ensuring optimal visibility and safety on the road.

Sponsored by Scrubblade·Aug 10
Testing Growth Targets Against Better Benchmarks With Elevate CFO
Market Trends

Testing Growth Targets Against Better Benchmarks With Elevate CFO

This article discusses the importance of testing business growth targets against better benchmarks to avoid unrealistic expectations and wasteful spending. Elevate CFO helps businesses evaluate these targets through benchmarking, KPI tracking, and scenario planning, ensuring a stronger basis for leadership decisions.

Sponsored by ElevateCFO·Aug 10
Inside the Guest Network Behind Brad Sugars’ $100M Entrepreneur Podcast
Owner Spotlights

Inside the Guest Network Behind Brad Sugars’ $100M Entrepreneur Podcast

Examining the Brad Sugars podcast guest network reveals the professional relationships and operating knowledge surrounding The $100M Entrepreneur Podcast, showcasing diverse perspectives from entrepreneurs, investors, executives, and specialists. The strong guest list, including names like Gary Vaynerchuk and Simon Squibb, adds credibility and broadens the learning environment beyond a single viewpoint.

Sponsored by Brad Sugars·Aug 10