Small Business

9 articles

A crowd of Chicago residents protesting in front of Shrader's Goods, a Mount Greenwood store, in support of the business against a city cease-and-desist order.
Best in City

Mount Greenwood store faces copyright claims over firefighter swag

Over 2,000 Chicago residents have signed a petition supporting Shrader's Goods, a Mount Greenwood business, after the City of Chicago issued a cease-and-desist order.

Hannah Pierce·May 28, 2026
Home-based food business owners reviewing new regulations and permit requirements for 2025 with a serious yet hopeful expression.
Food & Drink

How Do Home-Based Food Business Regulations and Permits Work in 2025?

Starting September 1, 2025, even selling homemade cookies will require official registration, ushering in a new era for home-based food businesses.

Hannah Pierce·May 19, 2026
Diverse small business owners collaborating and celebrating success on a vibrant city street, highlighting the benefits of local chamber of commerce membership.
Business Spotlights

What Are the Functions and Benefits of Local Chambers of Commerce?

A $500 investment in a local Chamber of Commerce membership could generate $5,000 in new business, a tenfold return many small businesses overlook.

Marco Alvarez·May 16, 2026
A small business owner contemplates an AI interface, highlighting the complex costs and ethical challenges of adopting new technology.
Business Spotlights

Local businesses face ethical AI adoption costs and unforeseen liabilities.

For Camino Financial, an AI-powered platform slashed customer resolution times from 48 hours to just 6 hours, a dramatic efficiency gain for local businesses.

Marco Alvarez·May 15, 2026
Diverse team of small business employees using integrated AI interfaces to enhance operations and customer engagement in a modern storefront.
Business Spotlights

New AI Tools Help Small Businesses Overcome Adoption Challenges

Anthropic has launched 'Claude for Small Business,' an AI offering designed to integrate AI into existing software for small and medium-sized businesses.

Marco Alvarez·May 15, 2026
Diverse small businesses on a lively neighborhood street, visually connected by a network symbolizing support from local business associations.
Business Spotlights

How Do Local Business Associations Support Businesses?

In Detroit, 313Strong provided customized coaching and expert connections to small neighborhood businesses struggling with COVID-19's impact, proving a lifeline for many.

Marco Alvarez·May 15, 2026
An entrepreneur examining a storefront on a city street, symbolizing the impact of zoning laws on small business opportunities.
Business Spotlights

What Are Small Business Zoning Laws and Why Do They Matter?

A seemingly perfect storefront can be an illegal dream for a small business owner if local zoning laws prohibit their specific type of operation.

Marco Alvarez·May 12, 2026
Health inspector confronts a food vendor at a busy night market, causing disruption and concern among vendors and customers.
Food & Drink

Health Department Cracks Down on Unpermitted Food Pop-Ups

Last Saturday, a health inspector's order shut down the bustling 'Global Eats' Night Market in downtown [City Name], leaving dozens of small food vendors scrambling and hundreds of customers without t

Sophie Nguyen·May 12, 2026
Haus of Dach Coffee and Tea Co. Makes Every Cup Feel Like Home
Food & DrinkSponsored

Haus of Dach Coffee and Tea Co. Makes Every Cup Feel Like Home

Haus of Dach Coffee and Tea Co. offers premium, fresh-roasted coffee and comforting teas, bringing a sense of home to your daily ritual. Founded by Lola, a Phoenix local and doxie lover, every purchase also supports dachshund rescue efforts.

Aaron Blake·May 12, 2026