Rizza Valencia
Editorial byline
Rizza Valencia is an editorial byline for The Business Nearby, with a focus on New Openings, Shop Local Guides, Community & Commerce. Biographical credentials and external profiles are published only after verification.
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Coverage Areas
Latest Articles
CDBG Grants for Small Businesses: How Federal Money Reaches Your City—and Your Application
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) are federal funds for local development, but small businesses never receive them directly from the federal government. Instead, businesses must apply through their city or county government, which administers the funds and decides which projects receive support.
Oct 27, 2026 · 4 min read
Five Ways to Support Local Food Businesses Beyond Dining In: A Practical Comparison
Discover practical ways to support local food businesses beyond dining in, comparing Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), farmers markets, store labels, and local-sourcing restaurants. Choose the method that best fits your budget, commitment, and desired impact.
Oct 26, 2026 · 5 min read
Choosing Sustainable Packaging: A Small Business Decision Framework
For most small businesses, recycled paper and cardboard packaging is the smartest starting point due to its affordability and customer familiarity. While compostable and reusable options offer greater environmental appeal, they involve higher costs and operational complexity, requiring careful consideration of product, brand, and operational capacity.
Oct 25, 2026 · 5 min read
Nextdoor or a Local Facebook Group? A Small Business Owner's Guide to Picking the Right Hyper-Local Platform
Small business owners can choose between Nextdoor and local Facebook groups for hyper-local engagement. This guide helps you pick the right platform by comparing their audience, features, and community norms, emphasizing value-driven interaction.
Oct 25, 2026 · 5 min read
How to Prioritize Sustainable Practices in Your Local Restaurant: A Practical Framework
This article provides a practical decision framework for local restaurants to prioritize sustainable practices, helping businesses select changes based on environmental impact, customer appeal, cost savings, and implementation effort for strategic adoption.
Oct 23, 2026 · 5 min read
How to Build a Social Media Plan That Actually Brings Customers Through Your Door
This article guides local businesses on building a social media plan that effectively drives foot traffic. It emphasizes setting clear goals, creating 'local-first' content, engaging the community, and measuring in-store results.
Oct 23, 2026 · 4 min read
How to Find, Vet, and Partner With Local Suppliers: A Retailer's Step-by-Step Framework
This guide offers retailers a step-by-step framework for discovering, systematically vetting, and cultivating strong, resilient partnerships with local suppliers to enhance their supply chain.
Oct 21, 2026 · 4 min read
How to Build a Local Cross-Promotion Partnership: A 3-Stage Framework
Build successful local cross-promotion partnerships with a structured three-stage framework. Learn to identify complementary businesses, select effective tactics, and formalize agreements with clear goals and responsibilities.
Oct 17, 2026 · 4 min read
Sponsoring, Vending, or Collaborating: How to Pick the Right Community Event Strategy for Your Business
Choosing the right community event strategy, whether sponsorship, vending, collaboration, or hosting, depends on your business goals and available resources. This guide provides a framework to align your participation with objectives for maximum impact and lasting customer relationships.
Oct 14, 2026 · 4 min read
Farmers Markets: Catalysts for Local Economies and Community Well-being
Farmers markets are vital community hubs that significantly boost local economies, cultivate social connections, and champion sustainable practices, forging a direct link between consumers and small agricultural businesses.
Oct 1, 2026 · 5 min read
Los Fresnos EDC Launches Free Monthly 'Business Ready' Sessions for Small Businesses
The Los Fresnos Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has launched free monthly "Business Ready" sessions to support local small businesses. These workshops offer vital resources, expert guidance, and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs grow and expand their ventures.
Oct 1, 2026 · 3 min read
Navigating Food Service Permits and Health Certifications for Michigan Restaurants and Cafes
Opening or operating a restaurant or cafe in Michigan requires navigating a clear process for obtaining and maintaining food service permits and health certifications, primarily through local health departments.
Sep 29, 2026 · 4 min read
Genesis opens new luxury vehicle facility in Kansas City
Merriam, Kansas, just got a major upgrade!
Sep 17, 2026 · 2 min read
Trader Joe's Expands Footprint with New Store Openings
Trader Joe's is set to open 25 new locations across 14 states, marking a significant physical expansion for the popular grocery chain.
Aug 30, 2026 · 5 min read
New businesses open, fueling local economic growth
Wow, talk about a retail showdown!
Aug 29, 2026 · 4 min read
Burlington to open 20 new stores, boosting retail expansion
Burlington is set to open 20 new stores across 12 U.
Aug 28, 2026 · 3 min read
New Businesses Opened in August 2026 With Local Impact
Get ready for some exciting news!
Aug 24, 2026 · 3 min read
Top 8 Local Businesses for Back-to-School Shopping 2026
Get ready for a spending spree!
Aug 21, 2026 · 4 min read
Raising Cane's Expands Rapidly Across States
Raising Cane's plans to open seven new restaurants in August, demonstrating a rapid market penetration strategy across multiple states.
Aug 12, 2026 · 4 min read
New Restaurant Openings and Expansions
In July 2026 alone, Lubbock, Texas, welcomed at least 23 new business openings!
Aug 7, 2026 · 4 min read