Economic Development

30 articles

Diverse group of professionals collaborating in a modern office space, symbolizing economic growth driven by Florida's top business incubator.
Business Spotlights

Florida's Top Business Incubator Driving Economic Growth

In 2025, client companies of the UCF Business Incubation Program collectively employed over 600 professionals and secured more than $78 million in contracts.

Marco Alvarez·September 3, 2026
A lively outdoor market at the Orion Amphitheater with diverse Black-owned businesses selling their goods to enthusiastic customers.
Business Spotlights

Black-owned businesses thrive at Orion Amphitheater's Bold Market

Businesses participating in The Bold Market at Orion Amphitheater are reporting significant growth in sales and acquiring recurring customers.

Marco Alvarez·August 31, 2026
A county commission meeting with corporate figures on one side and community members on the other, symbolizing the cost and equity issues of business incentives.
Community

Local Business Boosts May Cost $8,000 Per Job, Leaving Equity Behind.

In a surprising 4-3 vote, a county commission recently suspended a local business incentive program, halting a strategy that prioritized corporate tax breaks over community equity.

Derek Molina·August 23, 2026
Diverse business owners discussing the impact of Business Improvement Districts on a city street with mixed architecture.
Business Spotlights

What Are Business Improvement Districts and How Do They Impact Cities?

Shawn Rutter of the campaign Against Bid states that over 2,000 businesses have sought their help to challenge Business Improvement District (BID) creation, according to theguardian .

Marco Alvarez·August 20, 2026
Local business owners celebrating receiving community excellence awards in a vibrant town square, highlighting boosted reputation and economic success.
Community

How Do Community Excellence Awards Boost Local Business Reputation?

Priority Signs & Graphics, a local business, has already secured the 2026 Southlake Chamber Small Business of the Year Award.

Derek Molina·August 20, 2026
New York City street scene with diverse small businesses, symbolizing the distribution of new small business grants.
Business Spotlights

NYC Mayor announces over $8 million in new small-business grants

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced $8.4 million in small-business grants this week.

Marco Alvarez·August 18, 2026
Diverse group of entrepreneurs collaborating and working in a lively downtown Fresno street scene, symbolizing innovation and business growth.
Best in City

Fresno: A Hub for Entrepreneurs

Fresno, California, a city often overlooked, secured the sixth spot nationally for entrepreneurship, according to GoDaddy's Small Business Research Lab .

Hannah Pierce·August 18, 2026
A lively street in San Marcos, Texas, showcasing thriving local businesses and community engagement, highlighting economic growth.
Business Spotlights

Local Businesses Boost Community Growth

In San Marcos, Texas, city officials are advising local businesses to increase supplies, offer game-day specials, and update online presences.

Marco Alvarez·August 10, 2026
Diverse citizens observing city officials at a table inside a sunlit city hall, representing the push for local government transparency and accountability.
Community

Local Governments Face 2026 Challenge to Boost Transparency

The Allen Parish Police Jury voted to prohibit police jurors or anyone acting on behalf of the parish from signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) related to economic development projects, according

Derek Molina·August 10, 2026
Diverse local businesses in a vibrant town square, with owners and community members interacting positively, symbolizing strong community engagement and partnership.
Business Spotlights

How Local Businesses Engage Their Communities

Rentec Direct, a local business, reinvests a staggering 100% of its revenue directly back into its community.

Marco Alvarez·August 9, 2026
A symbolic representation of the Catalyst Fund's investment in local businesses, with a hand placing a coin into a fund icon amidst a lively city street.
Business Spotlights

Catalyst Fund Invests $9.8M in 271 Businesses

Korea Taqueria, a Korean and Mexican fusion restaurant, expanded from a single food cart to three full restaurant locations with support from a local grant, demonstrating the significant impact of tar

Marco Alvarez·August 6, 2026
Diverse local business owners and construction workers collaborating successfully on a large-scale airport infrastructure project, symbolizing inclusive employment.
Community

Local Business Collaboration Boosts Inclusive Employment

On a $380 million project at Los Angeles International Airport, construction giant Skanska quadrupled its goals for local small business participation.

Marco Alvarez·August 4, 2026
A diverse crowd enjoys an outdoor art market in Midtown, Detroit, with vibrant murals and local vendors, highlighting community engagement and economic activity.
Community

Community Art Events Drive Economic Growth and Engagement

In Midtown, Detroit, the Art and Belonging Martkt opened in September, hosting a variety of events from a sneaker competition with Reebok to Black History Month exhibitions, demonstrating how communit

Derek Molina·August 3, 2026
A towering corporate skyscraper overshadowing a street of small businesses, symbolizing the vast disparity in economic funding and support.
Business Spotlights

Small Business Growth: The Disparity in Economic Funding

Eli Lilly's expansion in one state secured $100 million in tax credits, the largest in that state's history.

Marco Alvarez·August 2, 2026
A lively street scene showcasing diverse local businesses and happy shoppers, symbolizing the economic benefits of shopping locally.
Business Spotlights

Why Shop Local Campaigns Offer Untapped Economic Potential

Aberdeen's new 'Aberdeen Summer...' initiative signals a growing understanding that 'shop local' campaigns offer economic benefits far beyond immediate sales.

Marco Alvarez·July 30, 2026
A lively downtown street in a Great Lakes town at sunset, featuring historic buildings, bustling shops, and people enjoying the evening.
Best in City

8 Best Downtown Areas in Great Lakes Towns

In Traverse City, Michigan, a former cannery district now boasts a 98% occupancy rate for its mixed-use developments, drawing over 2 million tourists annually to its vibrant waterfront and culinary sc

Hannah Pierce·July 21, 2026
Diverse small business owners collaborating outside a local Chamber of Commerce building, symbolizing community support and growth.
Business Spotlights

What is the role of local chambers of commerce in supporting small businesses?

Simply joining a local chamber of commerce can increase consumer favorability towards a business by 44% and boost the likelihood of purchase by 63%, according to Allenchamber .

Marco Alvarez·July 17, 2026
A lively urban commercial street revitalized by a Business Improvement District, with thriving local businesses and engaged community members.
Business Spotlights

How to Establish and Maintain a Local Business Improvement District

Establishing and maintaining a Business Improvement District (BID) is a strategic approach to revitalize urban commercial corridors and boost local businesses.

Marco Alvarez·July 16, 2026
Tourists exploring a lively historic preservation district with well-maintained architecture, outdoor cafes, and local shops, showcasing economic vitality.
Neighborhoods

What Are Historic Preservation Districts and Why Do They Matter for Tourism?

In Florida, historic preservation generates an estimated $4.

Aaron Blake·July 9, 2026
A visual metaphor of a shrinking pile of gold coins symbolizing the reduced investment capacity of the Philadelphia Small Business Catalyst Fund.
Business Spotlights

Philadelphia Small Business Fund's Capacity Shrinks to $5M

Philadelphia Small Business Catalyst Fund's investment capacity shrinks to $5 million this year.

Marco Alvarez·July 9, 2026
A lively community gathering in a town square, showcasing families and friends enjoying local food and music, symbolizing community cohesion and economic vitality.
Events

Local events are key to community cohesion and economic vitality.

A small town's annual pancake breakfast, costing just $500 to organize, generated an estimated $20,000 in local spending last year.

Sophie Nguyen·July 9, 2026
A lively small-town main street showcasing thriving local businesses and engaged community members, symbolizing economic growth and connection.
Community

Local Businesses Are The True Economic Engine For Community Growth

In the past year, 90% of small business owners didn't just run their companies; they donated money to local groups, charities, and schools.

Derek Molina·July 7, 2026
Split image showing Calgary's tech growth with digital networks and New York City's manufacturing pivot to PPE production.
Business Spotlights

Innovative Local Startups Reshaping Our City's Economy

Calgary's tech workforce surged by over 61% between 2021 and 2024, while in New York City, a garment manufacturer pivoted to produce essential PPE, securing critical contracts.

Marco Alvarez·July 2, 2026
A city skyline showing a few modern skyscrapers amidst older, smaller buildings, symbolizing concentrated job growth from startups.
Community

Local Entrepreneurship: Job Growth Concentrated, Not Widespread

In one Midwestern city, 85% of all new jobs created by startups last year came from just three software companies.

Sophie Nguyen·July 1, 2026
Diverse local businesses in a city integrating sustainable practices, featuring green elements and community engagement.
Business Spotlights

Local Businesses Embrace Sustainable Practices for Future Impact

At necessary & sufficient coffee®, customers bringing their own cup get a discount, but the real story is how this local cafe has woven zero-waste, living wages, and local partnerships into its very f

Marco Alvarez·June 30, 2026
A vibrant historic street in Baltimore with well-preserved row houses and active community members, showcasing economic and social benefits.
Neighborhoods

Historic Preservation Districts: Economic Value & How They Work

Properties located within Baltimore's designated local historic districts currently hold an average value more than twice that of properties situated in other parts of the city.

Derek Molina·June 23, 2026
A lively street in Emeryville with diverse local shops, artisan workshops, and dining, demonstrating successful experience-driven retail growth.
Services

June 2026 retail report shows Emeryville's surprising experience-driven growth

Despite a major national chain department store closing its doors in May, Emeryville's overall retail sales surged by 7.

Marco Alvarez·June 22, 2026
Diverse professionals observing a thriving Kenosha cityscape, symbolizing opportunity and growth facilitated by the KABA grant.
Business Spotlights

Kenosha Area Business Alliance receives $240,000 grant for talent recruitment

The Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA) offers a $5,000 bonus to workers in high-demand fields relocating to Kenosha County, an aggressive move to attract talent, according to The Business...

Marco Alvarez·June 21, 2026
Springfield, Ohio cityscape featuring a new data center and affordable housing, symbolizing economic growth and opportunity.
Best in City

Springfield: Ohio's Rising Value City for 2026

A single data center investment in Springfield, Ohio, is bringing $1.

Hannah Pierce·June 17, 2026
Diverse group of Los Angeles entrepreneurs celebrating business growth and new opportunities amidst a vibrant city backdrop.
Business Spotlights

Los Angeles sees major business growth, new opportunities emerge

Seventy entrepreneurs in Los Angeles recently received $2,000 each from a $140,000 grant program, according to LA County Awards $140000 in Entrepreneurship Academy Grants to .

Marco Alvarez·June 17, 2026