Section

Business Spotlights

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

Glass Doctor Home+Business technician performing window repairs for a low-income family, highlighting the company's commitment to community support and positive local impact.

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.

Marco Alvarez· May 29· 3 min
The Assurance Group's modern headquarters, symbolizing its national reach and commitment to community impact and transparency in its 2026 operations.

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

Marco Alvarez· May 20· 3 min
Exterior view of the iconic Chef-O-Nette diner in Upper Arlington, Ohio, illuminated at dusk, symbolizing its new chapter under local ownership.

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

Marco Alvarez· May 19· 3 min
The exterior of the Black Forest Inn at dusk, with a 'Closed' sign on the door, symbolizing the end of its 50-year run due to economic difficulties.

Black Forest Inn Faces Economic Headwinds, Community Efforts Fall Short

After 50 years as a cornerstone of the community, the Black Forest Inn announced its immediate closure, leaving 15 employees jobless and a gaping hole in the town's cultural heart.

Marco Alvarez· May 12· 3 min
Local businesses in a city skyline embracing green certification, showcasing a blend of urban development and environmental sustainability.

Green Certification: Local Businesses Embrace Sustainability

Businesses participating in green certification programs have collectively mitigated over 400,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, a significant environmental achievement.

Marco Alvarez· May 11· 8 min
Florist kindly gives a flower to a child with a coin, symbolizing community spirit and Mother's Day generosity.

Local businesses share Mother's Day community contributions

At Holtschlag Florist, owner Michael Ericson sometimes gives flowers to children who can only afford them with a quarter, embodying a profound, non-transactional commitment to community.

Marco Alvarez· May 8· 3 min
Diverse small business owners celebrating winning the Ooma Small Business Spotlight Award, with golden light and a cityscape.

Ooma Launches Small Business Spotlight Award

Starting May 1, 2026, Ooma Office customers nationwide can nominate their businesses for a chance to win a year of free service and a professionally produced video spotlight.

Marco Alvarez· May 7· 3 min
A small business storefront with a 'Closed' sign, symbolizing economic hardship, juxtaposed against the backdrop of the US Senate building.

US Senate Declares Small Business Week Amid Economic Struggles

The number of small businesses reporting an increase in revenues over the past year hit its lowest point in more than a decade, creating a challenging environment for the American economy's backbone.

Marco Alvarez· May 6· 3 min
Diverse Indiana entrepreneurs in modern workshops and startups, symbolizing the state's economic growth driven by small businesses.

Indiana small businesses recognized for economic impact

Indiana companies in their first five years account for a staggering 74% of the state's net new job growth, demonstrating a robust economic engine fueled by nascent enterprises.

Marco Alvarez· May 6· 4 min
Durham Bulls mascot and PNC Bank representative congratulate local small business owners on the field during a special Small Business Day game.

Durham Bulls Announce New Small Business Day Initiative for 2026

Starting in 2026, the Durham Bulls will dedicate a game day to local small businesses, offering selected firms on-field recognition and branding benefits, thanks to an extended partnership with PNC Ba

Marco Alvarez· May 5· 3 min
A laptop screen showing AI growth charts in a co-working space, symbolizing the potential and cost challenges of new retail technology.

New 2026 Retail Growth Tools and Resources: Cost Barriers

The Home Furnishings Association recently named Package.

Marco Alvarez· May 4· 3 min
Diverse small business owners networking and showcasing products in a lively community marketplace during Small Business Week.

Small Business Week Celebrates Community Impact and Entrepreneurial Growth

In 2022, nearly 30 million Americans operated businesses with no paid employees, a significant surge from 28.

Marco Alvarez· May 3· 3 min
A split image showing a vibrant Michigan small business storefront contrasted with a business owner reviewing financial documents, symbolizing optimism versus economic reality.

Michigan Small Businesses: Optimism Meets Economic Reality

Last year, the Small Business Administration (SBA) hit a record $45 billion in lending, an achievement for the first time in its 72-year history, according to CPA Practice Advisor .

Marco Alvarez· May 2· 5 min
Exterior view of the new Forté Fitness wellness center with a rooftop yoga studio, showcasing its modern architecture and prime Main Street location.

Forté Fitness Opens New Wellness Center, Raising Wellness Standards

Forté Fitness, opening next month, boasts a rooftop yoga studio, cryotherapy chambers, and a nutritionist on staff at its 25,000 sq ft Main Street facility, with membership starting at $150 per month.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 30· 3 min
Families enjoying a corn maze, U-pick berries, and a farm stay cottage, illustrating the diverse economic benefits of agritourism.

Agritourism's $1.26 Billion Boost to Farms: A Surprising Economic Driver

In 2022, U.S. farms and ranches generated $1.26 billion in income from agritourism services. This substantial revenue stream, derived from on-farm activities like corn mazes, U-pick operations, and fa

Marco Alvarez· Apr 28· 7 min
Diverse group of local business owners celebrating as they receive awards at the 2025 Central Valley Business Awards ceremony, with a large, engaged audience.

Community's Choice Awards Crowns 2025 Central Valley Business Winners

More than 160,000 votes were cast in the 2025 Best of Central Valley Business Readers’ Choice Awards, highlighting a substantial surge in community participation.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 26· 4 min
A lively street view of Shelton Manor with a bakery celebrating its 'Best Artisan Bread' award, surrounded by happy customers and delicious baked goods.

Best of the Bay Awards Boost Shelton Manor Businesses

A tiny, family-run bakery in Shelton Manor, previously unknown outside its block, reported a 300% surge in sales within a week of winning 'Best Artisan Bread' at this year's Best of the Bay Community

Marco Alvarez· Apr 25· 3 min
Diverse entrepreneurs collaborating and receiving guidance from librarians in a vibrant community library during Small Business Month.

Small Business Month 2026: Libraries Offer Local Support

Five social entrepreneurs recently competed for a share of $270,000 in funding at United Way's 'The Pitch 2026' event, highlighting high-stakes opportunities for businesses during Small Business...

Marco Alvarez· Apr 25· 3 min
Holographic AI chatbot summarizing local business reviews on a city street, influencing consumer decisions.

Online Reviews' Hidden Flaws Reshape Local Business Decisions in 2026

Yelp is introducing an AI chatbot designed to analyze and summarize vast amounts of local business reviews, fundamentally changing how consumers will interact with online recommendations.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 23· 5 min
A diverse range of local businesses on a vibrant street, with subtle background elements representing regional challenges like wildfire risk.

Local Businesses: Targeted Support Meets Regional Challenges

Over 1,100 local businesses in Pasadena are participating in the new Open Rewards pilot program, with nearly 1,200 users downloading the app to support community commerce, according to Pasadena Now .

Marco Alvarez· Apr 22· 3 min
A vibrant awards ceremony with a cheering crowd and a spotlight on a gleaming trophy, symbolizing business success and community recognition.

Ardamas Awards: Increased Votes, Engagement Challenges

Speedy Logistics, a regional fleet service, reported a 15% surge in new client inquiries and a 5% increase in contract signings within 48 hours of winning an Ardamas Community's Choice Award.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 18· 3 min
Interior of The Daily Grind Cafe, showing a vibrant atmosphere with customers and staff, a 'Support The Daily Grind' petition on a table, and warm, natural lighting.

What She Brings to the Table: Local Business Spotlight Shines Bright

Sarah Chen's The Daily Grind Cafe, a local business spotlight for 2026, saw a 30% revenue jump last year.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 18· 4 min
Technicians performing advanced electric vehicle repair and maintenance at Solis Collision Center's upgraded facility.

Solis Collision Center's 2026 Upgrades Enhance Local Auto Services

Solis Collision Center, a long-standing fixture in local automotive repair, has just unveiled a significant upgrade to its facilities and a suite of new specialized services, promising faster turnarou

Marco Alvarez· Apr 17· 3 min
Armenian entrepreneur Ara Sargsyan's Ace Pickleball court buzzing with players, showcasing community and the success of diaspora-funded ventures.

Armenian Entrepreneur Launches Ace Pickleball with Diaspora Seed Funding

In Los Angeles, Armenian entrepreneur Ara Sargsyan launched Ace Pickleball in Q3 2023.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 17· 3 min
The new Mountain Man Defense Roughneck rifle with a 16-inch barrel displayed on a workbench, symbolizing ruggedness and value.

Mountain Man Defense Launches Roughneck Rifle With 16" Barrel

For $995, Mountain Man Defense's new Roughneck rifle comes with a 16-inch barrel, a 1/7 twist, and three 30-round Magpul Pmags.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 15· 3 min
A healthcare professional provides compassionate in-home care to an elderly resident in Cullman, highlighting Adoration Home Health's commitment to quality service.

Adoration Home Health Brings High-Performing Services to Cullman

On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, Adoration Home Health opened its doors in Cullman, bringing a provider with 65 'High Performing' national ratings to the community.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 14· 4 min
A podcast studio with a microphone, symbolizing the pause of the Local Business Spotlight podcast after 281 episodes.

Local Business Spotlight Podcast Pauses After 281 Episodes

After producing 281 consecutive weekly episodes over 5.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 14· 3 min
Hendersonville street scene at dusk, showcasing popular businesses like Harvested Dreams alongside essential, less visible local enterprises, representing diverse community nominations.

Community Choice Awards: Analyzing 2026 Local Business Nominations

In Hendersonville, a CBD and cannabis products store named Harvested Dreams holds a 4.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 13· 3 min
The storefront of Harvested Dreams, a local business that won a Blue Ridge Community Choice Award, with award ribbons visible in the window.

Harvested Dreams: Past Winner of Blue Ridge Community Choice Awards

Harvested Dreams, a local establishment boasting a 4.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 12· 3 min
A lively town square filled with celebrating people and businesses decorated with glowing award ribbons and banners for the Community's Choice Awards.

Community's Choice Awards: 2026 nominations and voting

In one New Jersey county alone, 457 local businesses and organizations recently earned recognition in their Community's Choice Awards, underscoring a widespread desire to celebrate local excellence.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 11· 3 min