Eleni Kassian
Senior Editor, Main Street Economics
As the Senior Editor of Main Street Economics at The Business Nearby, Eleni Kassian brings an analytical eye to the challenges and triumphs of Main Street. Her coverage focuses on the intersection of local economic policy, commercial real estate trends, and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). Through data-driven, long-form journalism, she decodes how city-level regulations and market trends impact independent retailers and community commerce. Her work provides readers with essential insights into the forces shaping local business resilience and neighborhood development.
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Latest Articles

6 Overlooked Party Mistakes CDM Brands' Ready-to-Go Cups Help You Avoid
CDM Brands' Ready-to-Go Cups eliminate common party drink station headaches, from sticky counters and ingredient overload to inconsistent cocktails and wasted host time. These pre-rimmed, pre-portioned cups ensure convenience and a consistently high-quality drink experience for every guest.
Sponsored by CDM Brands · Jul 24, 2026 · 6 min read

The Fresh Pasta Difference: An Inside Look at How BASTA. Pasteria Crafts Its Meals Daily
BASTA. Pasteria offers a unique fast-casual Italian dining experience, crafting fresh pasta daily to merge authentic flavors with modern convenience. It contrasts their fresh, egg-based pasta with store-bought dried varieties and reimagines the traditional Italian restaurant model for today's pace.
Sponsored by BASTA. Pasteria · Jul 24, 2026 · 7 min read

Getting to Know Tylers Coffees: The Essentials for Coffee Lovers With Acid Reflux
Tylers Coffees is an acid-free coffee created for individuals with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux who still want to enjoy a rich, flavorful brew. Developed by founder Tyler Ornstein, the brand focuses on making coffee…
Sponsored by Tylers Coffees · Jul 17, 2026 · 4 min read

An Intention.ly Growth Engine Review: Is It The End of Siloed Marketing for Fintechs?
Intention.ly offers a 'growth engine' approach for fintech and financial services firms, aiming to dismantle siloed marketing by integrating marketing, sales, technology, and operations into a cohesive system. This specialist agency brings deep industry expertise to drive measurable revenue outcomes, unlike generalist marketing firms.
Sponsored by Intention.ly · Jul 14, 2026 · 6 min read

What is a Gross Lease? Understanding Small Business Rent Costs
For a small business in California, merely drafting a commercial lease agreement can cost $890.
Jul 8, 2026 · 4 min read

How Brad Sugars Helps Break the 6-Figure Ceiling When Hustle Fails (A Systems Approach)
Brad Sugars helps entrepreneurs break through the "6-figure ceiling" by replacing the 'hustle harder' mentality with a structured, systems-based approach. His ActionCOACH® methodology enables business owners to build a profitable enterprise that works independently of their constant personal effort.
Sponsored · Jul 7, 2026 · 4 min read

SWH Electrical Solutions: Your Trusted Solar Installer in Newcastle
For homeowners and businesses in Newcastle looking to harness clean energy, the choice of installer is critical. SWH Electrical Solutions has established itself as a trusted regional specialist, providing expert solar pa…
Sponsored · Jul 7, 2026 · 6 min read

Top 5 Unique Gifts in Sacramento You'll Find at Bliss Marketplace (2026 Edition)
Bliss Marketplace offers a unique shopping experience in Sacramento, bringing together local makers, artists, and vintage collectors. This guide highlights five distinctive gifts, like artisan candles and handmade jewelry, making it a favorite for thoughtful and memorable presents.
Sponsored · Jul 6, 2026 · 4 min read

The AI Solo Revolution Is Reshaping Local Economies
Last year, a single graphic designer in rural Ohio, leveraging advanced AI tools, generated more revenue than the town's largest advertising agency.
Jun 25, 2026 · 3 min read

Housing Market Deteriorates, Great News For Buyers
In Nashville, Tenn., a staggering 75.5% of home sales in the three months ending in May involved sellers giving concessions to buyers, according to Scotsman Guide . This marks a significant shift: sel
Jun 23, 2026 · 2 min read

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
Jun 23, 2026 · 3 min read

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.
Jun 18, 2026 · 3 min read

Monterey Park voters permanently ban new data centers
Monterey Park, California, implemented a permanent ban on data centers within its limits, following an 86.
Jun 9, 2026 · 3 min read

GLP-1RAs Reduce Cardiac Risk Factors, Improve Outcomes
Nearly one in ten participants in a recent study discovered they had previously suffered a heart attack without ever knowing it.
Jun 9, 2026 · 2 min read

Business Improvement Districts: Purpose, Benefits, and Backlash
Dozens of UK businesses are refusing mandatory payments to Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), leading to court battles over organizations designed to improve local areas.
Jun 8, 2026 · 3 min read

Global Hair, Skin, Nail Supplements Market Poised for Billion-Dollar Boom
Last year, a single TikTok video featuring a celebrity's 'secret' hair supplement drove a 300% surge in sales for an obscure brand, illustrating social media's immense, often unscientific, power in th
Jun 7, 2026 · 4 min read

Non-alcoholic beer market share at 2.5% in 2025
Non-alcoholic beer, once a fringe option, now commands a market projected to nearly double from USD 25.
Jun 6, 2026 · 2 min read

Gas Prices Soar, National Average Nears $5 Amid Tensions
Californians are already paying $5.84 for a gallon of gas.
Jun 1, 2026 · 2 min read

Small groups foster future leadership growth strategies
At TechCorp, a recent internal audit revealed that 70% of new project leads credited their rapid development to intense, self-directed work within teams of 3-5, not the company's multi-million dollar
May 23, 2026 · 3 min read

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.
May 20, 2026 · 2 min read