The Business Nearby

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.

Expertise

Local Economic PolicyCommercial Real Estate TrendsSmall Business FinanceUrban Planning and CommerceRetail Sector AnalysisSupply Chain LogisticsFranchise vs. Independent Models

Coverage Areas

Main Street Revival Projects
Market Trends
Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)
Local Government & Business Policy

Latest Articles

6 Overlooked Party Mistakes CDM Brands' Ready-to-Go Cups Help You Avoid
Eats & Drinks

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
Eats & Drinks

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
Eats & Drinks

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?
Market Trends

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

Small business owner in California overwhelmed by commercial lease agreement paperwork, highlighting the financial complexities of rent costs.
Main Street Properties

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)
Market Trends

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
Shop Local Guides

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)
Shop Local Guides

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

A solo entrepreneur working on a computer powered by AI, demonstrating the reshaping of local economies and individual economic empowerment.
Market Trends

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

A 'For Sale' sign in front of a house, symbolizing a shift in the housing market favoring buyers with opportunities and relief.
Market Trends

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

A vibrant city street showcasing thriving small businesses, with a prominent city hall building symbolizing local government's role in economic development.
Business Resources

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

A lively Main Street with people enjoying shops and events, symbolizing successful revitalization and economic growth.
Main Street Revival

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 City Hall with a 'No Data Centers' banner, symbolizing the community's vote against new data center construction.
Market Trends

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

Stylized human heart with glowing GLP-1 molecules, representing reduced cardiac risk factors and improved cardiovascular outcomes in a medical research context.
Market Trends

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

A split scene of a high street showing thriving businesses on one side and protesting businesses on the other, representing the debate around Business Improvement Districts.
Business Resources

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

Diverse individuals with vibrant hair, glowing skin, and strong nails, representing the booming global market for hair, skin, and nail supplements.
Market Trends

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

A modern brewery showcasing a variety of non-alcoholic beer bottles and cans, with people enjoying the drinks in a social setting.
Market Trends

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

A gas station price sign showing a high national average price for gasoline, with a worried driver in the background.
Market Trends

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

Diverse team of young professionals collaborating intensely on a project, showcasing organic leadership growth and successful teamwork in a modern office setting.
Market Trends

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

Diverse group of aspiring entrepreneurs, including many women, collaborating and brainstorming innovative business ideas for 2026 with laptops and sketches.
Market Trends

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