Shira Edelman
Senior Staff Writer, Profiles
As a Senior Staff Writer for Profiles at The Business Nearby, Shira Edelman crafts intimate, long-form profiles that explore the motivations, sacrifices, and triumphs of local small business owners. Her coverage spans multi-generational family businesses, immigrant entrepreneurship, and the artisan and maker movements. Through an immersive reporting style, she focuses on the human stories behind local commerce, from legacy-building and succession planning to the daily realities of the food and beverage industry. By spending dedicated time with her subjects, she delivers authentic narratives that connect readers to the heartbeat of Main Street.
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Latest Articles

12 New Local Eateries for 2026 Culinary Trends
In Des Moines alone, a dozen new restaurants are set to open before fall, reflecting a nationwide surge in local culinary expansion, according to The Des Moines Register .
Jul 16, 2026 · 5 min read

New Food & Drink Spots in Wilmington, Peoria & Beyond
In Peoria, Illinois, a city once primarily recognized for its industrial heritage, the number of new craft breweries and artisanal eateries has surged by 40% in the last two years, far outpacing natio
Jul 2, 2026 · 5 min read

Meta Launches AI Subscriptions Amidst Tech Layoff Wave
Over 52,000 US tech employees were laid off in the first three months of 2026, a period when companies like Meta were simultaneously preparing to launch paid AI chatbot subscriptions.
Jun 29, 2026 · 2 min read

Top 7 New Restaurants and Cafes Opening Summer 2026
From a Japanese restaurant with a DJ in London's upscale Mayfair to a family-run gluten-free Mexican spot in Garfield, new culinary ventures are exploding across diverse urban landscapes this summer.
Jun 29, 2026 · 6 min read

Local small businesses need more than just funding to thrive in 2026
In Ohio, a single angel investor and ecosystem leader, Neill Lane, has been appointed by Governor Mike DeWine to the Ohio Third Frontier Commission, reflecting a growing recognition of localized, hand
Jun 28, 2026 · 8 min read

Glossier Secures $45M Credit Line for Growth in 2026
After years of fueling its growth with over $86 million in venture capital, beauty giant Glossier just secured a $45 million revolving credit facility in 2026.
Jun 23, 2026 · 2 min read

Key Traits for Resilient Main Street Entrepreneurs
In Nigeria, the NBCC-WYEDI initiative has empowered over 400 entrepreneurs with practical skills ranging from hydroponic farming to web development, showcasing a tangible path to resilience beyond inn
Jun 20, 2026 · 5 min read

Baltimore Sues Agora Companies for Predatory Marketing Practices
An older Baltimore resident's family reported their relative paid over $30,000 on Agora subscriptions and products, even taking out home loans to cover the costs, according to the Maryland Daily Recor
Jun 15, 2026 · 2 min read

Francis Rose's 2026 Founder Interview Techniques
In 2026, Francis Rose unveiled a new interview framework, designed to revolutionize how investors vet founders.
Jun 8, 2026 · 3 min read

Founders Reveal Bizarre VC Pitch Meetings: One Investor Napped
A venture capitalist once fell asleep for 30 minutes during a $15 million Series A pitch meeting, with 12 people present, yet the discussion continued without interruption, according to TechCrunch .
Jun 7, 2026 · 2 min read

Top New Global Restaurants & Cafes Opening Summer 2026
Holy Carrot in Spitalfields has already been crowned London's number one new restaurant opening for June 2026, a surprising win for the vegan establishment, according to Time Out Worldwide .
Jun 3, 2026 · 6 min read

Guide to New Restaurants & Eateries for Summer 2026
In Metuchen, New Jersey, Duke's Steakhouse now serves a 44-ounce tomahawk steak with Haitian-inspired flair.
May 29, 2026 · 4 min read

Surgery economics and patient trust face critical challenges
A patient in Ohio received a $50,000 bill for knee surgery after an initial quote of $5,000, due to an out-of-network anesthesiologist they never chose, according to local news.
May 28, 2026 · 3 min read

Entrepreneurs Embrace Nomadic Lifestyle, Explore Global Opportunities
After a decade of running his startup from 30 different countries, one founder admits his biggest regret isn't missed revenue, but the lack of a consistent support system and deep community ties.
May 23, 2026 · 3 min read

Jeff Bezos's wealth and spending post-MacKenzie Scott divorce
Jeff Bezos's upcoming three-day wedding celebration is said to be costing upwards of $10 million, a lavish expense that barely registers against his $223.
May 21, 2026 · 2 min read

Sara Blakely's LSAT failure fuels Spanx billion-dollar empire
Sara Blakely failed the LSAT not once, but twice.
May 18, 2026 · 3 min read