Business Spotlights
Get to know the local businesses that drive our economy and shape our community.

Asheville city fund boosts businesses with recovery grants
The City of Asheville is injecting a staggering $15.5.

Inked Beauty Bar Makes Tiny Fine-Line Tattoos Personal Through Design and Placement in St. Louis
The demand for personalized beauty experiences is growing, with more people seeking unique, non-cookie-cutter permanent makeup and delicate body art. In St. Louis, Inked Beauty Bar is meeting this demand by focusing on t…

Bipolar Disorder Treatment for Teen Boys at Braveminds Academy
Navigating bipolar disorder and other complex mental health challenges in an adolescent boy can be an overwhelming experience for any family. Braveminds Academy offers a specialized residential treatment program designed…

Back Nine Golf: Expansion and Local Impact
Back Nine Golf poured $400,000 into its Johnstown indoor simulator location, dedicating half of that investment to just four high-tech bays.

NYC Mayor announces over $8 million in new small-business grants
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced $8.4 million in small-business grants this week.

New England fisheries face mounting economic pressures
Amidst the live music, boat parade, and silent auction of a recent New England fundraiser, fishermen and business owners united to spotlight the severe economic challenges threatening their livelihood

Shandi's helps Feast fund QMG Foundation's free kids' activities
Shandi Long, owner of Shandi's, will create the dessert course for The District's 10th annual Feast in the Heart of Quincy.

Black Restaurant Week Western New York Showcases Over 30 Businesses
This year, 33 Black-owned restaurants and food businesses in Buffalo are participating in Black Restaurant Week, a significant increase underscoring a growing community effort to support local culinar

Local Businesses Boost Community Growth
In San Marcos, Texas, city officials are advising local businesses to increase supplies, offer game-day specials, and update online presences.

Jeff's Pizza thrives in Ames with unique menu and community focus
At Jeff's Pizza in Ames, customers can grab a coffee at 8 AM, tackle a 30-inch pizza challenge in the afternoon, or order a Cordon Chicken specialty pie at 2 AM on a Saturday.

Small Business Growth: The Disparity in Economic Funding
Eli Lilly's expansion in one state secured $100 million in tax credits, the largest in that state's history.

New Owners to Take Over Kenosha's Frank's Diner in 2026
After a century of operation, Kenosha's iconic Frank's Diner is transitioning to new ownership in 2026, yet its future remains deeply rooted in familiarity.

Graham Sharp becomes new owner of Satori Sailing Marblehead
Satori Sailing Marblehead, a local fixture for adult sailing and powerboat lessons, is set to introduce specialist courses in diesel engines and marine electronics under its new owner, Graham Sharp.

The Inspired Office offers unique services after 25 years
After 25 years of helping Annapolis residents conquer paper piles, Kacy Paide's The Inspired Office now guides clients across the country to confront the emotional roots of their clutter through virtu

Intuit Small Business Hero Day awards $20,000 grants to local entrepreneurs.
Actress Nia Long recently joined Intuit's Small Business Hero Program to personally award three local entrepreneurs $20,000 grants, directly investing in community-level economic growth.

Philadelphia Small Business Fund's Capacity Shrinks to $5M
Philadelphia Small Business Catalyst Fund's investment capacity shrinks to $5 million this year.

Auckland's Startup Ecosystem Boosting Economy in 2026
Auckland's Mayor will wear a different local startup's branded t-shirt every day for 100 days, starting in 2026, a highly visible commitment to local innovation.

Innovative Local Startups Reshaping Our City's Economy
Calgary's tech workforce surged by over 61% between 2021 and 2024, while in New York City, a garment manufacturer pivoted to produce essential PPE, securing critical contracts.

Small Business Struggle: Consumer Habits Clash with Economic Policy
Last year, consumers spent $14.

Kansas City small businesses thrive at Union Station World Cup marketplace
Union Station leaders report that 15,000 visitors flocked to the World Cup marketplace in its first five days, creating an immediate boom for Kansas City small businesses and local entrepreneurs.

Big Mike's BBQ Smokehouse Closure Fuels Regional Business Boom
Big Mike's BBQ Smokehouse, a regional staple for 25 years, has closed all 15 locations, leaving 300 employees jobless and local farms without a major buyer.

Los Angeles sees major business growth, new opportunities emerge
Seventy entrepreneurs in Los Angeles recently received $2,000 each from a $140,000 grant program, according to LA County Awards $140000 in Entrepreneurship Academy Grants to .

Cincinnati BBQ Week highlights local restaurants, aims to drive traffic
For the first time, Cincinnati residents can embark on a dedicated 'barbecue trail' this week, a new feature of an event that also funnels donations to Cincinnati Children's Hospital.

World Cup 2026 Promises Huge Economic Impact for Local Businesses
Atlanta has already recorded more than 200,000 hotel room nights booked for the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament, indicating a significant influx of visitors.

Google Maps Prompts Reviewers to Disclose Paid Reviews
A local restaurant owner recently encountered a new prompt on Google Maps asking if their glowing 5-star review was paid, signaling a significant shift in how online endorsements are policed.

1+1 Restaurant & Tea expands community impact with new 2026 offerings
Just last week, 1+1 Restaurant & Tea announced it will convert its back patio into a free weekly tutoring center, a move that surprised many long-time diners expecting only new menu items.

Lehigh University boosts Lehigh Valley impact in 2026
In FY 2023–24, Lehigh University injected an astonishing $376.

Glass Doctor Home+Business Strengthens Community Impact
Last year, Glass Doctor Home+Business's "Clear Vision for Communities" program provided free window repairs for 30 low-income households and donated over $15,000 to local youth sports leagues.

The Assurance Group: 2026 presence, community impact transparency
While The Assurance Group proudly serves all fifty states and maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, specific details of its community investments remain largely out of the public spo

Upper Arlington Chef-O-Nette Sells to New Owners After Decades
After 69 years, Upper Arlington's iconic Chef-O-Nette diner, a fixture at 2090 Tremont Center, closed its doors for three to four months, sparking community speculation before its surprise reopening u