Business Spotlights
Get to know the local businesses that drive our economy and shape our community.
Council Investment Fuels Durham Local Growth and Community Support
A £50,000 contribution from Durham County Council's Towns and Villages Vulnerable Buildings Fund directly enabled the refurbishment of an unfinished unit, leading to the relocation of 30 full-time job
Small Business Week 2026 Kicks Off May 3 with Digital Outreach
From AI workshops to legal structure guidance, the 2026 National Small Business Week (May 3-9) is set to flood entrepreneurs with free, government-backed resources.
BBB Accreditation: Hurdles for Small Businesses
During National Small Business Week 2026, small businesses seeking Better Business Bureau accreditation confront annual fees ranging from $500 to $1,500, according to sbtdc .
Steven Singer Jewelers Donates $500K to 9-11 Charities
Since 2009, Steven Singer Jewelers, a local Philadelphia business, has quietly donated over half a million dollars to 9-11 charities.
Pittsburgh Welcomes New Food Establishments Amidst Community Reception
In Pittsburgh alone, April brought a noticeable surge of restaurant openings, a trend mirrored by eight new establishments announcing plans in Oklahoma City and an Argentine-Italian spot opening in Oc
Top Influential Local Food & Drink Companies for 2026
In 2026, Green Plate Eatery, a small urban farm-to-table restaurant chain sourcing 90% of its ingredients within a 50-mile radius, reported 35% year-over-year revenue growth in 2025.
Maryjane's Hideaway Opens as New Edgewater Dining Hub
A familiar Edgewater restaurateur is transforming the former Providence at 5280 space into Maryjane's Hideaway, a new takeout and delivery spot operating late into the night.
Charlotte Small Business: Successes and Capital Challenges
Charlotte County's small businesses show entrepreneurial success amidst significant capital access challenges.
7 Local Eco-Friendly Initiatives for 2026
At Eugene's Red Barn Farmers Market, over 70% of vendors source produce within a 50-mile radius, demonstrating a powerful local shift towards sustainable food systems.
Argo & Lehne Jewelers Continues Rich History of Investing in Expertise
Rachel Burazer, a sales associate and custom designer at Argo & Lehne Jewelers, has been awarded the second annual Beatrice Shipley Scholarship, covering her tuition for the GIA Graduate Gemologis
Pittsburgh Groups Spotlight Black-Owned Businesses During NFL Draft Weekend
After a dispute over event permits, Pittsburgh's 'Draft Bash' — set to feature 43 Black- and minority-owned businesses — received city approval, ensuring a significant economic spotlight during the 20
Argo & Lehne Jewelers Adapt for Future
After decades of selling major brands like Rolex, Argo & Lehne Jewelers pivoted to individualized and custom pieces, including lab-grown diamond rings starting at $2,200.
Community's Choice Awards Recognize Local Businesses Across Regions
In York Hanover, Queen Bee Cakery has already been named a finalist for the 2026 Community's Choice Awards, signaling an early and continuous cycle of local business recognition, according to FOX43 .
Local Businesses Honored for Customer Service in 2026
In a competitive landscape, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont's Berlin-based call center, handling over 170,000 calls annually, was named the 2024 Call Center of the Year among 500 North American
Small Business Tech Adoption: Trends & Key Sectors
In Alabama, a surprising 57% of small businesses already leverage AI platforms.
Local businesses recirculate over 3 times more cash than chains
For every dollar consumers spend at a local independent business, nearly half — 48 cents — is recirculated directly into the local economy, a significant boost to community wealth and job creation.
Moonlight Miso Launches New Premium Ramen Line
Moonlight Miso's new Buldak Ramen Rose, priced at $8.
PeoplesBank Earns Awards for Community Involvement Achievements
PeoplesBank announced $1.
The Road Ahead: Why Expanding Dedicated Bus Lanes Is a Non-Negotiable Urban Investment
Dedicated bus lanes are a non-negotiable urban investment, fostering economic growth and improving traffic flow. Discover how prioritizing high-capacity public transit creates a more equitable and vibrant city.
Why Our City's Next Big Bet Should Be on Small Business Incubators
Cities should strategically invest in small business incubators, but success hinges on prioritizing structured training, mentorship, and networks over just providing physical space. The choice between general economic development or technology-focused models should align with city goals to foster local entrepreneurship.
AI Will Transform Local Business Digital Reputation Management by 2026
A single negative first-page search result can immediately cost a local business 22% of its potential customers, according to Miller Ad Agency .
Florida's Top Business Incubator Driving Economic Growth
In 2025, client companies of the UCF Business Incubation Program collectively employed over 600 professionals and secured more than $78 million in contracts.
Sustainable Business Practices Yielding Surprising Economic and Community Gains
In 2024, NFI delivered its highest number of zero-emission buses ever, accounting for 23% of total deliveries.
E-commerce's Double-Edged Sword: Main Street's New Local Retail Advantage
On Main Street in Northport, local businesses are actively hosting events and collaborating with neighbors to attract customers, demonstrating that a traditional 'shopkeeper mentality' is no longer su
Independent Shops: Mastering Digital for Online Success
Consumers are now researching and purchasing products from local businesses online in record numbers, fundamentally reshaping the definition of 'local' commerce.
Local Businesses: The Struggle for Sustainable Practices
Urban firms are increasingly familiar with green business practices, but a critical lack of funding blocks the sustainability ambitions of many local enterprises.
Local Businesses Find Success with LSA Amid 2026 Shifts
Unlike traditional digital advertising where businesses pay for every click, Google's Local Services Ads (LSA) allow local businesses to pay only when a potential customer actually gets in touch.
What Are Business Improvement Districts and How Do They Impact Cities?
Shawn Rutter of the campaign Against Bid states that over 2,000 businesses have sought their help to challenge Business Improvement District (BID) creation, according to theguardian .
Why Local Businesses Are Doubling Down on Experiences Over Products
For $25, customers can book a 45-minute nap in a private sleeping pod at Casper's The Dreamery.
Small Business Job Growth Trends Show Rising Wages Amidst Labor Quality Woes
Despite rising optimism, 36% of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill in July, the highest reading since June 2025.