Market Trends
Analysis of the local economy, consumer behavior, and commercial real estate shaping Main Street.
AT&T Connects Small Businesses with $50,000 Contest
Small business owners have until September 30, 2025, to apply for the AT&T 'She's Connected' contest.
Gen Z Embraces Franchising for Small Business Success in 2026
A new generation of entrepreneurs, Gen Z, is turning away from the romanticized image of the lone startup founder, instead flocking to established restaurant franchises for their first venture.
Monterey Park voters permanently ban new data centers
Monterey Park, California, implemented a permanent ban on data centers within its limits, following an 86.
AI Startup Delays IPO Amidst Unfavorable Market Conditions
Approximately 202 companies with a market capitalization over $50 million priced initial public offerings (IPOs) in the United States in 2025, an increase from 150 in 2024, according to Cleary Gottlie
Lead Better in 2026 by Embracing Transformative AI
By the end of 2025, one in ten managers is predicted to be from Gen Z, stepping into a leadership environment where AI is reshaping the very definition of competitive advantage, according to Forbes .
Small groups foster future leadership growth strategies
At TechCorp, a recent internal audit revealed that 70% of new project leads credited their rapid development to intense, self-directed work within teams of 3-5, not the company's multi-million dollar
Clean energy struggles to meet AI's future power demands
Capital expenditure by the five largest technology companies in AI data centers is anticipated to rise a further 75% this year, pushing total investment past $700 billion.
Buying and Scaling Companies With Brad Sugars’ Entrepreneurs MasterClass
Brad Sugars’ Entrepreneurs MasterClass, part of the Scale Master $10M Club, focuses on buying, selling, and scaling companies through acquisition. The two-day session, scheduled for October 14-15, 2026, covers acquisition strategy, due diligence, deal structure, and integration.
An Honest PayTrac Review: Is It Really the Best Partner for Business Growth? (Pros & Cons)
This article provides an honest review of PayTrac, an all-in-one payments and POS provider, evaluating whether it's the best partner for business growth, particularly for high-volume merchants and franchises. It compares PayTrac's solutions-oriented approach to major processors like Square and Toast.
The Vincere Portfolios Review Roundup: Praise, Critiques, and Verdicts
Investors exploring automated trading systems often face a landscape of bold claims and opaque performance metrics. Vincere Portfolios aims to address this with a focus on transparent, rules-based algorithmic trading in …
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.
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.
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
How to Make People Like You and Remember You
A single awkward greeting or a moment of inattention can indelibly brand an individual, setting the tone for every future interaction.
Couples Launching Businesses: The Academic Case for Shared Success
The aroma of scratch-made chicken and Belgian waffles filled the Flint Farmers' Market on May 30, 2026, as Craig and Jaquita Kelley officially opened Wafl Wafl, their joint venture into the food truck
GLP-1RAs Reduce Cardiac Risk Factors, Improve Outcomes
Nearly one in ten participants in a recent study discovered they had previously suffered a heart attack without ever knowing it.
Non-alcoholic beer market share at 2.5% in 2025
Non-alcoholic beer, once a fringe option, now commands a market projected to nearly double from USD 25.
Gas Prices Soar, National Average Nears $5 Amid Tensions
Californians are already paying $5.84 for a gallon of gas.
New Small Business Ideas for 2026
The Story Exchange recently received an unprecedented 1,100 submissions for its 'Brilliant Business Ideas' list, signaling a booming interest in new ventures for 2026.
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.
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.
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.
Hair Supplements Grow Into a Multi-Billion-Dollar Market, Powered by Science-Backed Claims and Chewable Formats
The global hair supplement market is a multi-billion dollar industry experiencing significant growth, driven by a consumer shift towards science-backed claims and the increasing popularity of convenient formats like gummies. Market valuations vary widely based on definitions, but all reports indicate a strong upward trend.
Natural Vitamin C in Indonesia: Strong Demand Meets a Hard Regulatory Road
Indonesia's natural Vitamin C market shows strong consumer demand driven by wellness trends, but faces significant regulatory hurdles including mandatory Halal certification and BPOM registration, alongside operational complexities.
OBI Creative: What Fast-Growing Brands Should Know About Marketing Consulting
For fast-growing brands, scaling marketing efforts is a complex challenge that requires more than just a bigger budget. It demands a sophisticated strategy, deep customer understanding, and flawless execution. This is wh…
Who Needs Executive Protection? How Eagle Security Solutions Protects High-Profile Visitors
For high-profile individuals visiting Virginia, ensuring personal safety is a paramount concern that requires specialized planning and execution. The private security market plays a crucial role in protecting both indivi…
How to Streamline Your Sales Pipeline Management with ClientSilo from Day One
This article highlights the challenges of manual sales pipeline management, where crucial deals often falter due to inconsistent data and lack of real-time visibility. It introduces ClientSilo as a focused solution designed to streamline sales pipeline and team management from day one, unlike complex, larger CRMs.
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.