Business Spotlights
Get to know the local businesses that drive our economy and shape our community.
Cincinnati BBQ Week highlights local restaurants, aims to drive traffic
For the first time, Cincinnati residents can embark on a dedicated 'barbecue trail' this week, a new feature of an event that also funnels donations to Cincinnati Children's Hospital.
World Cup 2026 Promises Huge Economic Impact for Local Businesses
Atlanta has already recorded more than 200,000 hotel room nights booked for the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament, indicating a significant influx of visitors.
Google Maps Prompts Reviewers to Disclose Paid Reviews
A local restaurant owner recently encountered a new prompt on Google Maps asking if their glowing 5-star review was paid, signaling a significant shift in how online endorsements are policed.
1+1 Restaurant & Tea expands community impact with new 2026 offerings
Just last week, 1+1 Restaurant & Tea announced it will convert its back patio into a free weekly tutoring center, a move that surprised many long-time diners expecting only new menu items.
Lehigh University boosts Lehigh Valley impact in 2026
In FY 2023–24, Lehigh University injected an astonishing $376.
Glass Doctor Home+Business Strengthens Community Impact
Last year, Glass Doctor Home+Business's "Clear Vision for Communities" program provided free window repairs for 30 low-income households and donated over $15,000 to local youth sports leagues.
The Assurance Group: 2026 presence, community impact transparency
While The Assurance Group proudly serves all fifty states and maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, specific details of its community investments remain largely out of the public spo
Upper Arlington Chef-O-Nette Sells to New Owners After Decades
After 69 years, Upper Arlington's iconic Chef-O-Nette diner, a fixture at 2090 Tremont Center, closed its doors for three to four months, sparking community speculation before its surprise reopening u
Black Forest Inn Faces Economic Headwinds, Community Efforts Fall Short
After 50 years as a cornerstone of the community, the Black Forest Inn announced its immediate closure, leaving 15 employees jobless and a gaping hole in the town's cultural heart.
Green Certification: Local Businesses Embrace Sustainability
Businesses participating in green certification programs have collectively mitigated over 400,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, a significant environmental achievement.
Local businesses share Mother's Day community contributions
At Holtschlag Florist, owner Michael Ericson sometimes gives flowers to children who can only afford them with a quarter, embodying a profound, non-transactional commitment to community.
Ooma Launches Small Business Spotlight Award
Starting May 1, 2026, Ooma Office customers nationwide can nominate their businesses for a chance to win a year of free service and a professionally produced video spotlight.
US Senate Declares Small Business Week Amid Economic Struggles
The number of small businesses reporting an increase in revenues over the past year hit its lowest point in more than a decade, creating a challenging environment for the American economy's backbone.
Indiana small businesses recognized for economic impact
Indiana companies in their first five years account for a staggering 74% of the state's net new job growth, demonstrating a robust economic engine fueled by nascent enterprises.
Durham Bulls Announce New Small Business Day Initiative for 2026
Starting in 2026, the Durham Bulls will dedicate a game day to local small businesses, offering selected firms on-field recognition and branding benefits, thanks to an extended partnership with PNC Ba
New 2026 Retail Growth Tools and Resources: Cost Barriers
The Home Furnishings Association recently named Package.
Small Business Week Celebrates Community Impact and Entrepreneurial Growth
In 2022, nearly 30 million Americans operated businesses with no paid employees, a significant surge from 28.
Michigan Small Businesses: Optimism Meets Economic Reality
Last year, the Small Business Administration (SBA) hit a record $45 billion in lending, an achievement for the first time in its 72-year history, according to CPA Practice Advisor .
Forté Fitness Opens New Wellness Center, Raising Wellness Standards
Forté Fitness, opening next month, boasts a rooftop yoga studio, cryotherapy chambers, and a nutritionist on staff at its 25,000 sq ft Main Street facility, with membership starting at $150 per month.
Agritourism's $1.26 Billion Boost to Farms: A Surprising Economic Driver
In 2022, U.S. farms and ranches generated $1.26 billion in income from agritourism services. This substantial revenue stream, derived from on-farm activities like corn mazes, U-pick operations, and fa
Community's Choice Awards Crowns 2025 Central Valley Business Winners
More than 160,000 votes were cast in the 2025 Best of Central Valley Business Readers’ Choice Awards, highlighting a substantial surge in community participation.
Best of the Bay Awards Boost Shelton Manor Businesses
A tiny, family-run bakery in Shelton Manor, previously unknown outside its block, reported a 300% surge in sales within a week of winning 'Best Artisan Bread' at this year's Best of the Bay Community
Small Business Month 2026: Libraries Offer Local Support
Five social entrepreneurs recently competed for a share of $270,000 in funding at United Way's 'The Pitch 2026' event, highlighting high-stakes opportunities for businesses during Small Business...
Online Reviews' Hidden Flaws Reshape Local Business Decisions in 2026
Yelp is introducing an AI chatbot designed to analyze and summarize vast amounts of local business reviews, fundamentally changing how consumers will interact with online recommendations.
Local Businesses: Targeted Support Meets Regional Challenges
Over 1,100 local businesses in Pasadena are participating in the new Open Rewards pilot program, with nearly 1,200 users downloading the app to support community commerce, according to Pasadena Now .
Ardamas Awards: Increased Votes, Engagement Challenges
Speedy Logistics, a regional fleet service, reported a 15% surge in new client inquiries and a 5% increase in contract signings within 48 hours of winning an Ardamas Community's Choice Award.
What She Brings to the Table: Local Business Spotlight Shines Bright
Sarah Chen's The Daily Grind Cafe, a local business spotlight for 2026, saw a 30% revenue jump last year.
Solis Collision Center's 2026 Upgrades Enhance Local Auto Services
Solis Collision Center, a long-standing fixture in local automotive repair, has just unveiled a significant upgrade to its facilities and a suite of new specialized services, promising faster turnarou
Armenian Entrepreneur Launches Ace Pickleball with Diaspora Seed Funding
In Los Angeles, Armenian entrepreneur Ara Sargsyan launched Ace Pickleball in Q3 2023.
Mountain Man Defense Launches Roughneck Rifle With 16" Barrel
For $995, Mountain Man Defense's new Roughneck rifle comes with a 16-inch barrel, a 1/7 twist, and three 30-round Magpul Pmags.