Local Business

30 articles

Split image comparing a sterile modern coffee shop with a high-tech machine to a cozy, community-focused cafe with warm ambiance.
Food & Drink

Local Coffee Shops: Brews, Ambiance, Community Showdown

At 'The Daily Grind,' a $50,000 investment in a new espresso machine led to a 30% drop in repeat customers last year.

Hannah Pierce·August 12, 2026
A lively street filled with diverse local businesses and happy community members, symbolizing strong local economies and resilience.
Community

What are the benefits of supporting local businesses for community resilience?

During the pandemic, the sudden collapse of global supply chains left countless communities facing empty store shelves and economic instability, a stark reminder of their inherent fragility.

Sophie Nguyen·August 11, 2026
A lively street in San Marcos, Texas, showcasing thriving local businesses and community engagement, highlighting economic growth.
Business Spotlights

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.

Marco Alvarez·August 10, 2026
Interior view of Jeff's Pizza in Ames, showcasing a lively atmosphere with customers enjoying coffee and a large pizza, emphasizing its community hub status.
Business Spotlights

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.

Marco Alvarez·August 10, 2026
Diverse local businesses in a vibrant town square, with owners and community members interacting positively, symbolizing strong community engagement and partnership.
Business Spotlights

How Local Businesses Engage Their Communities

Rentec Direct, a local business, reinvests a staggering 100% of its revenue directly back into its community.

Marco Alvarez·August 9, 2026
A friendly baker engaging with a customer in a sunlit, inviting local bakery, highlighting community connection.
Business Spotlights

How to Boost Local Business Social Media Engagement

A small bakery in Ohio saw a 30% increase in foot traffic after its owner started personally responding to every Instagram comment, turning casual followers into regulars.

Marco Alvarez·August 6, 2026
A small, independent bookstore struggling against the shadow of a large chain store, highlighting the need for systemic change.
Community

Conscious consumerism can't save local businesses without systemic change.

During the pandemic, 1 in 5 small businesses closed permanently, despite overwhelming pro-local sentiment from consumers.

Derek Molina·August 6, 2026
Diverse local business owners and construction workers collaborating successfully on a large-scale airport infrastructure project, symbolizing inclusive employment.
Community

Local Business Collaboration Boosts Inclusive Employment

On a $380 million project at Los Angeles International Airport, construction giant Skanska quadrupled its goals for local small business participation.

Marco Alvarez·August 4, 2026
A lively street filled with diverse local businesses and happy customers, symbolizing community economic strength and connection.
Business Spotlights

What Are the Benefits and Challenges of Supporting Local Businesses?

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

Marco Alvarez·August 4, 2026
A busy farmers market with diverse vendors selling fresh produce and artisanal goods to happy shoppers in a town square.
Local Guides

How to Start a Farmers Market: A Complete Guide

A farmers market in rural Ohio, initially drawing just 50 visitors, tripled its customer base in two seasons by meticulously surveying shoppers and setting specific growth targets.

Hannah Pierce·August 3, 2026
A towering corporate skyscraper overshadowing a street of small businesses, symbolizing the vast disparity in economic funding and support.
Business Spotlights

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.

Marco Alvarez·August 2, 2026
Asheville small businesses thriving with new recovery grants, showcasing a vibrant and hopeful economic landscape.
Business Spotlights

Asheville city fund boosts businesses with recovery grants

The City of Asheville is injecting a staggering $15.5.

Marco Alvarez·August 1, 2026
A diverse crowd celebrating at the Kansas City People's Choice Awards, with many people holding trophies and smiling.
Best in City

Kansas City People's Choice Awards Present Over 60 Honors

In 2026, from a speakeasy specializing in SPAM musubi in Leucadia to a rooftop bar in London, cities worldwide are rolling out diverse 'Best of Our City' awards.

Hannah Pierce·August 1, 2026
Diverse group of local business owners in Maple Ridge celebrating success, with the city skyline in the background, symbolizing economic growth and innovation.
Business Spotlights

Maple Ridge Innovation Challenge Fuels Local Business Growth

In Maple Ridge, local businesses are competing for $10,000 prizes in an Innovation Challenge, highlighting how cities are directly fueling entrepreneurial growth.

Marco Alvarez·August 1, 2026
Confused patrons looking at a building facade with two different opening dates posted, representing the Horseshoe & Hide opening date controversy in Cedar Rapids.
Food & Drink

Conflicting Dates Cloud Horseshoe & Hide Opening in Cedar Rapids

Despite local reports announcing a grand opening for Horseshoe & Hide on "Tuesday, July 28th," another prominent local source states the upscale saloon won't open its doors until July 28, 2026.

Sophie Nguyen·July 30, 2026
A small business storefront with a 'Closed for Advertising' sign, symbolizing the impact of Apple Maps' new ad ban on local businesses.
Services

Apple Maps Ad Ban Hits Local Businesses' Digital Marketing

This summer, as Apple Maps rolls out its first major ad monetization, plumbers, electricians, and bail bond agents will find themselves explicitly barred from buying ad space.

Marco Alvarez·July 19, 2026
Diverse small business owners collaborating outside a local Chamber of Commerce building, symbolizing community support and growth.
Business Spotlights

What is the role of local chambers of commerce in supporting small businesses?

Simply joining a local chamber of commerce can increase consumer favorability towards a business by 44% and boost the likelihood of purchase by 63%, according to Allenchamber .

Marco Alvarez·July 17, 2026
A lively urban commercial street revitalized by a Business Improvement District, with thriving local businesses and engaged community members.
Business Spotlights

How to Establish and Maintain a Local Business Improvement District

Establishing and maintaining a Business Improvement District (BID) is a strategic approach to revitalize urban commercial corridors and boost local businesses.

Marco Alvarez·July 16, 2026
A plumber looking confused at an Apple Maps screen showing no ads for home services, symbolizing a marketing challenge for local businesses.
Services

Apple Maps bans home services ads, impacting local business marketing

This summer, as Apple Maps rolls out its first major advertising monetization, plumbers, electricians, and locksmiths in the US and Canada will find themselves explicitly banned from reaching customer

Marco Alvarez·July 16, 2026
Interior of a highly-ranked local coffee shop with patrons enjoying unique brews and a vibrant community atmosphere.
Food & Drink

Highly Ranked Local Coffee Shops for Unique Brews & Community

In Parede, Portugal, Liberty coffee shop, opened just last August, has already been ranked 57th in 'Europe's 100 Best Coffee Shops 2026' and received a Solete from the Repsol Guide.

Hannah Pierce·July 15, 2026
A bustling street in Sonoma County showcasing local sustainable businesses with happy customers and visible green initiatives.
Business Spotlights

How to Support Local Sustainable Businesses: A Complete Guide

In Sonoma County, a local green business certification program helps small businesses not only reduce waste but also increase customer trust and employee retention, directly addressing how to support local sustainable businesses.

Marco Alvarez·July 15, 2026
Diverse Clarksville small businesses with 'Nominated for Best of Clarksville' signs on a sunny day, representing community and local pride.
Best in City

Clarksville: 2026 Best Local Business Awards Nominations Underway

A recent poll revealed 70% of Clarksville residents trust businesses more if they've won a local award, yet many deserving small businesses struggle to even get nominated for the 'Best of Clarksville'

Hannah Pierce·July 14, 2026
A modern cityscape blending green sustainability with thriving local businesses, symbolizing economic prosperity and environmental responsibility.
Business Spotlights

Local Businesses See Surprising Economic Benefits from Sustainability

The pilot program to transform Hiep Phuoc Industrial Park into an eco-industrial park helped participating businesses reduce nearly 23,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually and save approximately VND66

Marco Alvarez·July 14, 2026
Actress Nia Long presents $20,000 Intuit Small Business Hero grants to three diverse local entrepreneurs on a community street.
Business Spotlights

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.

Marco Alvarez·July 10, 2026
A lively community event outside a local bookstore, with happy people engaging and browsing books, showcasing successful local business engagement.
Business Spotlights

Boost Local Business Visibility With Community Events

A small bookstore in Portland saw a 30% increase in foot traffic and a 20% boost in sales after hosting just three community-led author events last year, far outperforming its online ad spend, accordi

Marco Alvarez·July 8, 2026
Split image showing a classic Cleveland dive bar contrasted with a modern tech startup office, representing changes in the Best of Cleveland awards.
Best in City

Best of Cleveland 2026 categories updated, some retired

For the first time, the 'Best Dive Bar' category has been retired from the Best of Cleveland awards.

Hannah Pierce·July 8, 2026
A lively small-town main street showcasing thriving local businesses and engaged community members, symbolizing economic growth and connection.
Community

Local Businesses Are The True Economic Engine For Community Growth

In the past year, 90% of small business owners didn't just run their companies; they donated money to local groups, charities, and schools.

Derek Molina·July 7, 2026
Auckland's dynamic cityscape at dusk, symbolizing a thriving startup ecosystem and economic growth powered by innovation and collaboration.
Business Spotlights

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.

Marco Alvarez·July 7, 2026
Split image: happy homeowner receiving service contrasted with complex digital marketing cost charts, symbolizing the challenge of balancing service delivery with marketing investment.
Services

Unpacking Home Service Digital Marketing Strategy Costs

Monthly retainers for SEO services alone can range from $1,500 to $10,000, a substantial and often prohibitive ongoing cost for many local home service businesses.

Marco Alvarez·July 3, 2026
Why Choose Local? The Law Offices of Ronald Justin's Decisive Edge in Arlington Heights Family Law
Business Spotlights

Why Choose Local? The Law Offices of Ronald Justin's Decisive Edge in Arlington Heights Family Law

The Law Offices of Ronald Justin in Arlington Heights emphasizes the critical advantage of choosing a local law firm for complex family law cases, offering deep local knowledge, direct senior-level attention, and transparent communication. This approach stands in contrast to larger firms, ensuring clients receive personalized and accountable legal representation.

Sponsored·July 1, 2026