The Business Nearby

Local Economy

8 articles

A lively Main Street filled with diverse small businesses and engaged community members supporting local entrepreneurs.
Main Street Revival

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.

Kendra Baptiste·July 11, 2026
A lively small business storefront glowing with warm light, symbolizing community support and local economic vitality.
Owner Spotlights

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

Shira Edelman·June 28, 2026
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.

Eleni Kassian·June 25, 2026
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.

Eleni Kassian·June 18, 2026
A lively street scene showcasing various local businesses and happy community members, emphasizing the positive economic and social impact of shopping locally.
Shop Local Guides

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.

Kendra Baptiste·June 18, 2026
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.

Eleni Kassian·June 8, 2026
A lively and revitalized small-town main street filled with diverse people enjoying shops and community spaces during golden hour.
Main Street Revival

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.

Kendra Baptiste·June 8, 2026
A vibrant San Diego main street showcasing a diverse range of businesses, from small shops to larger enterprises, under warm golden hour lighting.
Main Street Revival

What Are Business Improvement Districts And Why Do Their Fees Vary?

While many San Diego businesses contribute a nominal $40 annually to their local Business Improvement District, some anchor businesses face assessments reaching up to $5,000 each year.

Eleni Kassian·May 18, 2026