Kendra Baptiste
Columnist
As a columnist for The Business Nearby, Kendra Baptiste provides insightful commentary on the social impact of business, gentrification, and equitable development. She approaches her columns by asking critical questions about who benefits from local economic change and who gets left behind. Through her writing, Kendra aims to foster public dialogue and challenge readers to think deeply about their roles as consumers and citizens. Her work offers a powerful, advocacy-focused perspective on building a more inclusive and equitable vision for Main Street.
Expertise
Coverage Areas
Latest Articles
Main Street programs drive local business revitalization
In 2025 alone, North Carolina's Main Street and Small Town Main Street districts leveraged over $518 million in investment, a powerful testament to structured local revitalization.
Jul 20, 2026 · 4 min read
Local Businesses Need More Than Resources; They Need Community Backing.
MI Small Business Helper, a free online platform, has facilitated over 734,000 interactions for more than 25,000 users seeking entrepreneurial resources since August 2025.
Jul 11, 2026 · 4 min read
Novak Djokovic Joins General Atlantic on Wall Street
The world's top-ranked tennis player, Novak Djokovic, has officially joined global investment firm General Atlantic as a global strategic advisor, a move that places a Grand Slam champion directly int
Jun 28, 2026 · 2 min read
Community engagement is key to local revitalization success in 2026.
Downtown Goldsboro recently earned Main Street America Accreditation status for 2026, joining just 48 other communities in North Carolina to achieve this rigorous designation, according to Goldsboro D
Jun 21, 2026 · 4 min read
What are the benefits of supporting local businesses?
For every $100 spent at a local independent business, nearly half — $48 — is recirculated directly within the local economy.
Jun 18, 2026 · 6 min read
Community surveys could stall Main Street revitalization, but input is still vital.
In Anytown, USA, a $5 million Main Street revitalization project, shaped by 80% resident feedback, resulted in new benches and planters.
Jun 17, 2026 · 3 min read
How do community-led main street revitalization strategies work?
In Texas, researchers surveyed 5,487 residents across 85 diverse communities, from rural towns to large urban centers, to understand what truly drives their preferences for local development projects.
Jun 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Main Street Revival: Immediate Action, Long-Term Investment
In Bellaire, a staggering 42% of properties have built improvements valued less than the land they sit on.
Jun 6, 2026 · 2 min read
Sustainable Main Street Revival Hinges on Local Leadership.
Richmond was one of only 16 cities nationwide to receive a prestigious $25,000 Bloomberg Philanthropies grant for public art, triumphing over more than 200 applicants, according to Rva .
Jun 5, 2026 · 3 min read
Younger US Adults Forgo Traditional Milestones
In a quiet but profound shift, nearly 40% of U.
May 24, 2026 · 3 min read
Local Chambers Drive Small Business Growth in 2026
On Saturday, March 28, 2026, the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce will host its Business Showcase, a seemingly modest local event planned years in advance, highlighting the enduring, yet often unde
May 15, 2026 · 3 min read