The Business Nearby

Eleni Kassian

Senior Editor, Main Street Economics

As the Senior Editor of Main Street Economics at The Business Nearby, Eleni Kassian brings an analytical eye to the challenges and triumphs of Main Street. Her coverage focuses on the intersection of local economic policy, commercial real estate trends, and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). Through data-driven, long-form journalism, she decodes how city-level regulations and market trends impact independent retailers and community commerce. Her work provides readers with essential insights into the forces shaping local business resilience and neighborhood development.

Expertise

Local Economic PolicyCommercial Real Estate TrendsSmall Business FinanceUrban Planning and CommerceRetail Sector AnalysisSupply Chain LogisticsFranchise vs. Independent Models

Coverage Areas

Main Street Revival Projects
Market Trends
Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)
Local Government & Business Policy

Latest Articles

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, 2026 · 6 min read

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, 2026 · 7 min read

5 Ways Eagle Security Solutions Makes DCJS Certification Easier for Aspiring Officers
Owner Spotlights

5 Ways Eagle Security Solutions Makes DCJS Certification Easier for Aspiring Officers

Embarking on a career in security in Virginia starts with one crucial step: obtaining your Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) certification. This process can seem complex, but with the right guidance, it beco…

Sponsored by Eagle Security Solutions · Aug 11, 2026 · 4 min read

Finding Your Dream Home in Alexandria: An Insider's Look with Rhonda Campbell
Main Street Properties

Finding Your Dream Home in Alexandria: An Insider's Look with Rhonda Campbell

Finding the right home in Alexandria's competitive real estate market requires local expertise, strategic guidance, and an agent who understands how to navigate Northern Virginia's active environment. Rhonda Campbell, Founder of Campbell Residential Group, has helped buyers succeed for more than a decade by providing personalized advice and strategic negotiation skills.

Sponsored by Rhonda Campbell · Aug 10, 2026 · 4 min read

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, 2026 · 5 min read

5 Proven Reasons Truckers Trust Scrubblade Heavy Duty Wipers for a Clearer View
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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, 2026 · 6 min read

5 Ways Menu-Order AI Eliminates the Anxiety of Dining Out on a Diet
Eats & Drinks

5 Ways Menu-Order AI Eliminates the Anxiety of Dining Out on a Diet

Menu-Order AI, a modern "Pharma Food Tech" tool, eliminates the anxiety of dining out on a diet by using AI to decode restaurant menus and provide personalized nutritional guidance. It helps individuals on high-protein, low-carb, or GLP-1 medication regimens make informed food choices.

Sponsored by GLP · Aug 10, 2026 · 3 min read

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, 2026 · 7 min read

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, 2026 · 5 min read

6 Overlooked Party Mistakes CDM Brands' Ready-to-Go Cups Help You Avoid
Eats & Drinks

6 Overlooked Party Mistakes CDM Brands' Ready-to-Go Cups Help You Avoid

CDM Brands' Ready-to-Go Cups eliminate common party drink station headaches, from sticky counters and ingredient overload to inconsistent cocktails and wasted host time. These pre-rimmed, pre-portioned cups ensure convenience and a consistently high-quality drink experience for every guest.

Sponsored by CDM Brands · Jul 24, 2026 · 6 min read

The Fresh Pasta Difference: An Inside Look at How BASTA. Pasteria Crafts Its Meals Daily
Eats & Drinks

The Fresh Pasta Difference: An Inside Look at How BASTA. Pasteria Crafts Its Meals Daily

BASTA. Pasteria offers a unique fast-casual Italian dining experience, crafting fresh pasta daily to merge authentic flavors with modern convenience. It contrasts their fresh, egg-based pasta with store-bought dried varieties and reimagines the traditional Italian restaurant model for today's pace.

Sponsored by BASTA. Pasteria · Jul 24, 2026 · 7 min read

Getting to Know Tylers Coffees: The Essentials for Coffee Lovers With Acid Reflux
Eats & Drinks

Getting to Know Tylers Coffees: The Essentials for Coffee Lovers With Acid Reflux

Tylers Coffees is an acid-free coffee created for individuals with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux who still want to enjoy a rich, flavorful brew. Developed by founder Tyler Ornstein, the brand focuses on making coffee…

Sponsored by Tylers Coffees · Jul 17, 2026 · 4 min read

An Intention.ly Growth Engine Review: Is It The End of Siloed Marketing for Fintechs?
Market Trends

An Intention.ly Growth Engine Review: Is It The End of Siloed Marketing for Fintechs?

Intention.ly offers a 'growth engine' approach for fintech and financial services firms, aiming to dismantle siloed marketing by integrating marketing, sales, technology, and operations into a cohesive system. This specialist agency brings deep industry expertise to drive measurable revenue outcomes, unlike generalist marketing firms.

Sponsored by Intention.ly · Jul 14, 2026 · 6 min read

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.

Jul 8, 2026 · 4 min read

How Brad Sugars Helps Break the 6-Figure Ceiling When Hustle Fails (A Systems Approach)
Market Trends

How Brad Sugars Helps Break the 6-Figure Ceiling When Hustle Fails (A Systems Approach)

Brad Sugars helps entrepreneurs break through the "6-figure ceiling" by replacing the 'hustle harder' mentality with a structured, systems-based approach. His ActionCOACH® methodology enables business owners to build a profitable enterprise that works independently of their constant personal effort.

Sponsored · Jul 7, 2026 · 4 min read

SWH Electrical Solutions: Your Trusted Solar Installer in Newcastle
Shop Local Guides

SWH Electrical Solutions: Your Trusted Solar Installer in Newcastle

For homeowners and businesses in Newcastle looking to harness clean energy, the choice of installer is critical. SWH Electrical Solutions has established itself as a trusted regional specialist, providing expert solar pa…

Sponsored · Jul 7, 2026 · 6 min read

Top 5 Unique Gifts in Sacramento You'll  Find at Bliss Marketplace (2026 Edition)
Shop Local Guides

Top 5 Unique Gifts in Sacramento You'll Find at Bliss Marketplace (2026 Edition)

Bliss Marketplace offers a unique shopping experience in Sacramento, bringing together local makers, artists, and vintage collectors. This guide highlights five distinctive gifts, like artisan candles and handmade jewelry, making it a favorite for thoughtful and memorable presents.

Sponsored · Jul 6, 2026 · 4 min read

A solo entrepreneur working on a computer powered by AI, demonstrating the reshaping of local economies and individual economic empowerment.
Market Trends

The AI Solo Revolution Is Reshaping Local Economies

Last year, a single graphic designer in rural Ohio, leveraging advanced AI tools, generated more revenue than the town's largest advertising agency.

Jun 25, 2026 · 3 min read

A 'For Sale' sign in front of a house, symbolizing a shift in the housing market favoring buyers with opportunities and relief.
Market Trends

Housing Market Deteriorates, Great News For Buyers

In Nashville, Tenn., a staggering 75.5% of home sales in the three months ending in May involved sellers giving concessions to buyers, according to Scotsman Guide . This marks a significant shift: sel

Jun 23, 2026 · 2 min read

A vibrant city street showcasing thriving small businesses, with a prominent city hall building symbolizing local government's role in economic development.
Business Resources

How Local Government Economic Development Impacts Small Businesses

Despite billions allocated to programs like the New Markets Tax Credit, some studies find no evidence of their impact on local business activity, raising questions about where public funds truly make

Jun 23, 2026 · 3 min read