Female entrepreneurs are at the forefront of shaping a new business landscape—from identifying opportunities that serve specific customer needs to representing and providing for marginalized communities. Women represent 42% of all business owners (2019). To put that in perspective, that number was only 4.6% in 1972 (AMEX, State of Women-Owned Business Report). And although women… Read more
Out-of-the-box thinking, growth from mistakes, and quick pivots have helped businesses find success during the pandemic, serving as bright spots in a time that has been difficult for local businesses. Businesses have discovered new ways to service their customers, from expanding into new services to offering virtual experiences—which has pleasantly surprised and accommodated customers and… Read more
Akera Sellers traveled extensively as a young professional in finance—and during that time, he had his fair share of coffee. He soon became fixated not only on the quality of the coffee beans, but on the freshness in which each cup was served. Exchanging banks for beans, Sellers founded Brickhouse Gourmet Coffee Tea & Co.,… Read more
Through all of the challenges and hardships of 2020, small businesses have exhibited more resilience and strength than ever. With that, this year has also produced an abundance of priceless advice and tips from business owners across the country. Check out the most valuable insights we heard in our interviews throughout the year. 1. Be… Read more
Nestled in the quaint Chicago suburb of Evanston stands Hecky’s Barbecue. The neighborhood barbecue joint has been humbly rooted at the same street corner since 1983 when it first opened with no more than $100 in the cash register. Named Best Suburban barbecue by Better Magazine, Hecky’s attracts locals for its mastery of southside Chicago-style… Read more
Specialty coffee roaster and military veteran Luis Arteaga never thought he would own a coffee shop, let alone roast his own beans. Before taking over Calusa Coffee Roasters—a small-batch, specialty coffee roaster and coffee shop in Oakland Park, Florida—Arteaga served in the Marine Corps for six years. While searching for work after returning home, Arteaga… Read more
Latinx-owned businesses have a powerful, widespread impact on local communities. In fact, the Latinx business community has opened more small businesses than any other demographic in the United States. Three successful Latinx restaurants shared their wisdom with us, opening up about their backgrounds, challenges, and the highlights of being a business owner. From giving tips… Read more
As Dave Puncochar was fixing up his old Victorian home, he was intrigued by a niche subculture: the salvaging and repurposing of old wood. This art form takes underappreciated lumber and polishes it up to be used again for furniture, flooring, decorative accents, and more. With a newfound admiration for the unique, weathered touch that… Read more
With most restaurant dining rooms closed across the country due to COVID-19, it’s no surprise that takeout activity is through the roof. Strong demand for favorites like pizza and wings are driving a lot of business to restaurants in those categories, as evidenced by the fact that chicken-wing restaurants and pizzerias are up 93 percent… Read more
Black History Month is a wrap, but the influence that Black-owned businesses have on our communities carries on throughout the year. We checked in with successful Black-owned businesses across the country—from juices and gourmet goods in Brooklyn to lashes and beauty in Charleston—and compiled some of our favorite business insights, advice, and stories. Who they… Read more