Section

Business Spotlights

Get to know the local businesses that drive our economy and shape our community.

A small business storefront with a 'Closed' sign, symbolizing economic hardship, juxtaposed against the backdrop of the US Senate building.

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.

Marco Alvarez· May 6· 3 min
Diverse Indiana entrepreneurs in modern workshops and startups, symbolizing the state's economic growth driven by small businesses.

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.

Marco Alvarez· May 6· 4 min
Durham Bulls mascot and PNC Bank representative congratulate local small business owners on the field during a special Small Business Day game.

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

Marco Alvarez· May 5· 3 min
A laptop screen showing AI growth charts in a co-working space, symbolizing the potential and cost challenges of new retail technology.

New 2026 Retail Growth Tools and Resources: Cost Barriers

The Home Furnishings Association recently named Package.

Marco Alvarez· May 4· 3 min
Diverse small business owners networking and showcasing products in a lively community marketplace during Small Business Week.

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.

Marco Alvarez· May 3· 3 min
A split image showing a vibrant Michigan small business storefront contrasted with a business owner reviewing financial documents, symbolizing optimism versus economic reality.

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 .

Marco Alvarez· May 2· 5 min
Exterior view of the new Forté Fitness wellness center with a rooftop yoga studio, showcasing its modern architecture and prime Main Street location.

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.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 30· 3 min
Families enjoying a corn maze, U-pick berries, and a farm stay cottage, illustrating the diverse economic benefits of agritourism.

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

Marco Alvarez· Apr 28· 7 min
Diverse group of local business owners celebrating as they receive awards at the 2025 Central Valley Business Awards ceremony, with a large, engaged audience.

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.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 26· 4 min
A lively street view of Shelton Manor with a bakery celebrating its 'Best Artisan Bread' award, surrounded by happy customers and delicious baked goods.

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

Marco Alvarez· Apr 25· 3 min
Diverse entrepreneurs collaborating and receiving guidance from librarians in a vibrant community library during Small Business Month.

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...

Marco Alvarez· Apr 25· 3 min
Holographic AI chatbot summarizing local business reviews on a city street, influencing consumer decisions.

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.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 23· 5 min
A diverse range of local businesses on a vibrant street, with subtle background elements representing regional challenges like wildfire risk.

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 .

Marco Alvarez· Apr 22· 3 min
A vibrant awards ceremony with a cheering crowd and a spotlight on a gleaming trophy, symbolizing business success and community recognition.

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.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 18· 3 min
Interior of The Daily Grind Cafe, showing a vibrant atmosphere with customers and staff, a 'Support The Daily Grind' petition on a table, and warm, natural lighting.

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.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 18· 4 min
Technicians performing advanced electric vehicle repair and maintenance at Solis Collision Center's upgraded facility.

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

Marco Alvarez· Apr 17· 3 min
Armenian entrepreneur Ara Sargsyan's Ace Pickleball court buzzing with players, showcasing community and the success of diaspora-funded ventures.

Armenian Entrepreneur Launches Ace Pickleball with Diaspora Seed Funding

In Los Angeles, Armenian entrepreneur Ara Sargsyan launched Ace Pickleball in Q3 2023.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 17· 3 min
The new Mountain Man Defense Roughneck rifle with a 16-inch barrel displayed on a workbench, symbolizing ruggedness and value.

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.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 15· 3 min
A healthcare professional provides compassionate in-home care to an elderly resident in Cullman, highlighting Adoration Home Health's commitment to quality service.

Adoration Home Health Brings High-Performing Services to Cullman

On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, Adoration Home Health opened its doors in Cullman, bringing a provider with 65 'High Performing' national ratings to the community.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 14· 4 min
A podcast studio with a microphone, symbolizing the pause of the Local Business Spotlight podcast after 281 episodes.

Local Business Spotlight Podcast Pauses After 281 Episodes

After producing 281 consecutive weekly episodes over 5.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 14· 3 min
Hendersonville street scene at dusk, showcasing popular businesses like Harvested Dreams alongside essential, less visible local enterprises, representing diverse community nominations.

Community Choice Awards: Analyzing 2026 Local Business Nominations

In Hendersonville, a CBD and cannabis products store named Harvested Dreams holds a 4.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 13· 3 min
The storefront of Harvested Dreams, a local business that won a Blue Ridge Community Choice Award, with award ribbons visible in the window.

Harvested Dreams: Past Winner of Blue Ridge Community Choice Awards

Harvested Dreams, a local establishment boasting a 4.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 12· 3 min
A lively town square filled with celebrating people and businesses decorated with glowing award ribbons and banners for the Community's Choice Awards.

Community's Choice Awards: 2026 nominations and voting

In one New Jersey county alone, 457 local businesses and organizations recently earned recognition in their Community's Choice Awards, underscoring a widespread desire to celebrate local excellence.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 11· 3 min
Attendees networking and engaging at various booths during the Bladen Community College Small Business Expo, showcasing local entrepreneurship and community support.

Bladen Community College Announces New Small Business Expo This Month

Bladen Community College is launching its first Small Business Expo this month, providing a new platform for local entrepreneurs to network, share resources, and grow. The event on April 29 will feature seminars, business spotlights, and awards.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 7· 3 min
Students and educators collaborating in a bright, modern learning center, symbolizing Beck Professional Services' impact on Henrico's education and local economy.

Beck Professional Services Henrico Boosts Education and Local Economy

Beck Professional Services in Henrico is making waves with its innovative approach to mathematics education, earning recognition in the Henrico Small Business Spotlight. This local enterprise not only empowers students but also significantly contributes to the community's economy.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 7· 4 min
An inviting streetscape in Fairfield, Texas, showcasing newly renovated business facades along North Texas Street, with people enjoying the vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment, symbolizing urban revitalization and economic growth.

Fairfield Pursues Grant Funding for North Texas Street Revitalization

Fairfield is launching a new revitalization program for North Texas Street, offering significant grant funding to local business owners for property improvements.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 6· 4 min
A vibrant image of Shanty's Boutique, a local business in Newport, Washington, featuring a friendly owner and customers, symbolizing the KREM and STCU 'Love Local Spotlight' initiative.

KREM and STCU Launch 'Love Local Spotlight' Initiative for Businesses

KREM and STCU have partnered to launch "Love Local Spotlight," an initiative designed to highlight established small businesses in the community. Shanty's Boutique in Newport, Washington, was the first business featured, showcasing its 15+ years of operation.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 4· 4 min
A cozy, sunlit independent bookstore and coffee shop bustling with diverse patrons reading, working on laptops, and enjoying coffee, showcasing a vibrant community hub.

The Community Chapter: How Independent Local Bookstores and Coffee Shops Are Thriving

Independent local bookstores and coffee shops are flourishing, transforming into vibrant community hubs that offer more than just retail. They represent a fundamental shift in what consumers seek: tangible connection and authentic local experiences.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 4· 6 min
An elegant gala event at the Detroit Historical Museum, featuring diverse small business owners and community leaders celebrating the Detroit Icon Series, with historic architecture in the background.

Detroit Icon Series Spotlights Small Businesses with May 1st Gala

A new streaming series, 'Detroit Icon,' highlights the city's long-standing small businesses. A special premiere gala and panel discussion is scheduled for May 1st at the Detroit Historical Museum.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 3· 4 min
A close-up of a Crispy Cone, a unique rotisserie-cooked dough cone filled with soft-serve ice cream and various toppings, held in hand against a warm, inviting background.

Crispy Cones Brings Unique Dough-Style Ice Cream to Pasco

Crispy Cones, an Eastern European-inspired soft-serve ice cream shop, has opened in Pasco, introducing unique rotisserie-cooked dough cones. Owners Glenn and Vallari Royer brought the 'Trdelnik' concept from Prague, fostering new community connections.

Marco Alvarez· Apr 3· 3 min