SMALL BUSINESS

May 25 2026BUSINESS

Buying Instead of Building: The New Way to Start a Business

People who dream of owning a company are now looking at ready‑made options instead of building from scratch. When a business already has customers, steady money coming in, and a set of working procedures, it can be an attractive purchase. Entrepreneurs who choose this path are called acquisition e

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May 24 2026BUSINESS

A Small Business Grows Through Generations and Community

Thirty years in the same spot means more than just a long time in business—it means roots. In Eau Claire, a shop on East Madison Street has stood through three decades of neighborhood changes by staying small and staying local. The store started with one family, then shifted to another owner twenty-

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May 20 2026LIFESTYLE

A Local Bar Gets a Fresh Makeover While Keeping Its Heart

The Idle Hour in Mount Morris wasn’t always a hotspot, but new owners Megan and Britton Brooks are changing that. Since buying the place in early 2024, they’ve given the back patio a glow-up, upgraded the stage for live music, and added more fun events like themed bingo nights and adult prom. But th

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May 18 2026LIFESTYLE

A Fresh Spot for Creatives in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach just got a new spot that’s all about helping small businesses and artists shine. A pair of business owners, who know the struggle of finding the right workspace, decided to fix that problem themselves. They opened a place called The Void, a blank canvas-style studio where creatives ca

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May 16 2026OPINION

Small Business Dreams Stall in Anchorage’s Red‑Tape Maze

Anchorage says it wants small businesses, yet the city’s permitting system often feels like a hurdle for anyone with a modest idea. A recent story illustrates how a simple bathroom upgrade—just adding a shower—turned into a multi‑year, multi‑thousand‑dollar ordeal. The process demanded architects, e

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May 15 2026FINANCE

Maine’s 25‑Year Journey of Helping People Own Homes and Grow Businesses

MaineStream Finance, a nonprofit rooted in Penquis, has marked a quarter‑century of making money more reachable for Mainers. From the start in 2001, its goal has been simple: give people who don’t fit traditional bank rules a chance to buy homes, start or grow businesses, and build solid financial f

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May 13 2026BUSINESS

Why Roller Rabbit Got Away with Staying in Nantucket

Nantucket has a rule to protect its small-town charm: no big chain stores. But Roller Rabbit, a trendy sleepwear brand, found a loophole. Instead of closing up, it rebranded as a "general store, " selling other brands alongside its own. Now, locals are frustrated because this seems like a sneaky way

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May 11 2026BUSINESS

Small businesses in Savannah show signs of growth but face tough challenges

Savannah’s economy is booming, mostly thanks to big players like the port and Hyundai’s new electric vehicle plant. But small businesses aren’t seeing the same rise. While mid-sized and large companies are growing fast, tiny businesses with under 20 workers are barely keeping up. Most of the small b

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May 11 2026BUSINESS

Smart moves to keep small business taxes simple

Around nine months before taxes are due, many small business owners scramble to file. Over 30% of partnerships push their deadlines into fall, but this habit can backfire. Waiting until the last quarter makes cash flow unpredictable and can turn away lenders who want up-to-date financial records. T

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May 10 2026BUSINESS

Korean Barbecue Goes Fast-Casual in Chicago

KFire started as a pandemic experiment in Logan Square when two friends decided to turn a joke at a poker night into a real business. Ben Kim, a former finance worker, had zero restaurant experience but jumped in headfirst. He even took an entry-level job at a Mediterranean fast-casual spot to learn

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