The Business Nearby

Shira Edelman

Senior Staff Writer, Profiles

Shira believes that every balance sheet has a human story behind it. She spent a decade as a features writer for 'Regional Living Magazine,' where she honed her craft for intimate, long-form profiles that capture the essence of a person's journey. Her series on multi-generational family businesses was a finalist for a National Magazine Award. At The Business Nearby, Shira focuses on the 'why' behind the 'what'—exploring the motivations, sacrifices, and triumphs of small business owners. She is known for her immersive reporting style, spending weeks or even months with her subjects to tell their stories with authenticity and depth.

Expertise

Long-form Profile WritingNarrative JournalismFamily-owned BusinessesFood and Beverage IndustryArtisan and Maker MovementsSuccession PlanningImmigrant Entrepreneurship

Coverage Areas

Owner Spotlights
Closings & Legacy
Multi-generational Businesses
Restaurant and Cafe Scene

Latest Articles

A lively small business storefront glowing with warm light, symbolizing community support and local economic vitality.
Owner Spotlights

Local small businesses need more than just funding to thrive in 2026

In Ohio, a single angel investor and ecosystem leader, Neill Lane, has been appointed by Governor Mike DeWine to the Ohio Third Frontier Commission, reflecting a growing recognition of localized, hand

Jun 28, 2026 · 8 min read

Glossier's financial growth represented by a rising graph and the company logo in a modern office setting.
Owner Spotlights

Glossier Secures $45M Credit Line for Growth in 2026

After years of fueling its growth with over $86 million in venture capital, beauty giant Glossier just secured a $45 million revolving credit facility in 2026.

Jun 23, 2026 · 2 min read

Nigerian entrepreneurs demonstrating resilience and practical skills in a bustling Main Street setting, showcasing growth and determination.
Owner Spotlights

Key Traits for Resilient Main Street Entrepreneurs

In Nigeria, the NBCC-WYEDI initiative has empowered over 400 entrepreneurs with practical skills ranging from hydroponic farming to web development, showcasing a tangible path to resilience beyond inn

Jun 20, 2026 · 5 min read

A symbolic image of justice weighing the Agora Companies against a vulnerable consumer in a Baltimore courtroom.
Owner Spotlights

Baltimore Sues Agora Companies for Predatory Marketing Practices

An older Baltimore resident's family reported their relative paid over $30,000 on Agora subscriptions and products, even taking out home loans to cover the costs, according to the Maryland Daily Recor

Jun 15, 2026 · 2 min read

Francis Rose's 2026 founder interview techniques being discussed in a futuristic boardroom with investors and a founder.
Owner Spotlights

Francis Rose's 2026 Founder Interview Techniques

In 2026, Francis Rose unveiled a new interview framework, designed to revolutionize how investors vet founders.

Jun 8, 2026 · 3 min read

A venture capitalist sleeps during a $15 million Series A pitch meeting while founders and other investors continue the discussion.
Owner Spotlights

Founders Reveal Bizarre VC Pitch Meetings: One Investor Napped

A venture capitalist once fell asleep for 30 minutes during a $15 million Series A pitch meeting, with 12 people present, yet the discussion continued without interruption, according to TechCrunch .

Jun 7, 2026 · 2 min read

Diverse groups of people enjoying meals at a vibrant outdoor cafe in a global city during summer.
Eats & Drinks

Top New Global Restaurants & Cafes Opening Summer 2026

Holy Carrot in Spitalfields has already been crowned London's number one new restaurant opening for June 2026, a surprising win for the vegan establishment, according to Time Out Worldwide .

Jun 3, 2026 · 6 min read

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.

May 29, 2026 · 4 min read

A distressed patient sits amidst a towering pile of medical bills, with a blurred operating room in the background, highlighting the financial challenges of healthcare.
Owner Spotlights

Surgery economics and patient trust face critical challenges

A patient in Ohio received a $50,000 bill for knee surgery after an initial quote of $5,000, due to an out-of-network anesthesiologist they never chose, according to local news.

May 28, 2026 · 3 min read

Diverse entrepreneurs working with laptops in a sunlit, culturally rich global marketplace, symbolizing freedom and opportunity.
Owner Spotlights

Entrepreneurs Embrace Nomadic Lifestyle, Explore Global Opportunities

After a decade of running his startup from 30 different countries, one founder admits his biggest regret isn't missed revenue, but the lack of a consistent support system and deep community ties.

May 23, 2026 · 3 min read

Jeff Bezos in a suit overlooking a futuristic city at sunset, symbolizing his vast wealth and continued lavish spending post-divorce.
Owner Spotlights

Jeff Bezos's wealth and spending post-MacKenzie Scott divorce

Jeff Bezos's upcoming three-day wedding celebration is said to be costing upwards of $10 million, a lavish expense that barely registers against his $223.

May 21, 2026 · 2 min read

Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, looking confident and successful in her office, symbolizing her journey from LSAT failure to a billion-dollar empire.
Owner Spotlights

Sara Blakely's LSAT failure fuels Spanx billion-dollar empire

Sara Blakely failed the LSAT not once, but twice.

May 18, 2026 · 3 min read