The Business Nearby

Small Business

16 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

Shira Edelman·June 28, 2026
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

Eleni Kassian·June 23, 2026
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

Shira Edelman·June 20, 2026
Diverse small business owners collaborating around a table, symbolizing opportunity and growth with subtle AT&T branding.
Market Trends

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.

Simone Ito·June 19, 2026
A small business owner contemplates a complex SBA organizational chart, symbolizing the new scrutiny and challenges faced by entrepreneurs seeking federal support.
Business Resources

SBA's Sweeping Reorganization Sparks New Scrutiny for Small Businesses

In 2025, the Small Business Administration (SBA) admitted only sixty-five companies to its 8(a) program, a stark reduction signaling a fundamental shift in who qualifies for federal support for small

Simone Ito·June 18, 2026
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·June 18, 2026
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

What are the benefits of supporting local businesses?

For every $100 spent at a local independent business, nearly half — $48 — is recirculated directly within the local economy.

Kendra Baptiste·June 18, 2026
A diverse group of Gen Z entrepreneurs collaborating enthusiastically around a table, planning the success of a modern restaurant franchise.
Market Trends

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.

Simone Ito·June 13, 2026
A happy couple, Craig and Jaquita Kelley, proudly stand in front of their new food truck, Wafl Wafl, at the Flint Farmers' Market.
Market Trends

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

Simone Ito·June 10, 2026
Split image contrasting a single customer service representative with a vast network of product delivery lines, symbolizing service versus scale in business.
Business Resources

Great service alone won't make millions; scale products instead.

Zappos built its brand on legendary service, yet its $1.

Simone Ito·June 8, 2026
Small business owner surveys flood damage in Washington state, SBA loan information visible on a nearby notice.
Business Resources

SBA Offers Disaster Loans for Businesses Through April 27

Over $8.7 million has already been distributed by FEMA to victims of the December floods in Washington state, including residents of Whatcom and Skagit counties, according to Cascadia Daily News . Nea

Simone Ito·June 6, 2026
Small business owner analyzing growth charts, symbolizing strategic marketing budget shifts for expansion and adaptation in a competitive landscape.
Business Resources

Strategic marketing budget shifts for small business growth

Budgeting for the status quo will result in the status quo, a trap many small businesses unknowingly fall into, according to Accountingmarketing .

Simone Ito·June 1, 2026
A determined consultant building a bridge over a chasm, symbolizing the launch of a successful business and overcoming common challenges.
New Openings

Start Your Consulting Business and Avoid Common Mistakes

A staggering 60% of new consulting businesses crash within their first three years!

Rizza Valencia·May 25, 2026
Diverse group of women entrepreneurs collaborating in a bright, modern co-working space, symbolizing innovation and business success.
New Openings

Women launch over 1,800 new businesses daily across the U.S.

Every day in the United States, over 1,800 new businesses are founded by women!

Rizza Valencia·May 24, 2026
Diverse group of aspiring entrepreneurs, including many women, collaborating and brainstorming innovative business ideas for 2026 with laptops and sketches.
Market Trends

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.

Eleni Kassian·May 20, 2026
Diverse local businesses and community members networking at a vibrant Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase event.

Local Chambers Drive Small Business Growth in 2026

On Saturday, March 28, 2026, the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce will host its Business Showcase, a seemingly modest local event planned years in advance, highlighting the enduring, yet often unde

Kendra Baptiste·May 15, 2026