Latosha Veney had zero experience with cigars when she took over Tailored Smoke, a Newport News lounge, after a business partnership fell through. Two years later, she's not just running the place—she’s built it into a must-visit spot where smokers gather to relax and socialize. The lounge recently
A vacant storefront in downtown Ann Arbor got a surprise glow-up last month, but not the kind that usually leads to new business. Instead of a "For Rent" sign, the windows of the old Downtown Home and Garden now feature playful art from University of Michigan students. Their project includes whimsic
A Carmel Valley staple that served breakfast for decades is closing its doors for good. Wagon Wheel, known for its fluffy pancakes and cowboy-style decor, will shut down on May 22 unless a buyer steps in. The diner started as a small food stand in the 1960s, serving farmworkers before growing into a
The city of Savannah is gearing up for its annual Small Business Week, which will run from May 4 to May 8. The highlight is the Mayor’s Small Business Conference on May 6, where entrepreneurs can learn from peers and city leaders. Registration is open online but will close on April 24 or sooner if s
Philadelphia has pushed a new Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT) onto small owners, even those with sales under $100, 000. The city will charge $1. 41 per thousand dollars in sales and $57. 10 per thousand in profits, a change that was previously exempt for many sole proprietors. About 75, 000
Maine is facing real struggles right now. High living costs—especially for housing and energy—are squeezing families and businesses alike. Many people have left for other states with lower taxes and better opportunities. Small businesses, which keep local economies alive, are feeling the pinch too.
Kuku Smith stands outside her shop on Georgia Avenue, holding up T‑shirts that cost $25 each. The owner of a small beauty supply store that opened in 2019 is fighting an eviction notice while trying to keep her business running. She says the pandemic hit hard because she had just started and was
The latest conflict in the Middle East isn’t just about oil—it’s hitting everyday goods that Americans take for granted. Small businesses that depend on imported materials or exports are feeling the squeeze as shipping routes get blocked and costs jump faster than a gas station price sign. A sneaker
A fresh batch of entrepreneurs has crossed the finish line, receiving official business licenses that allow them to operate legally across a variety of sectors. The latest approvals include a hair salon, a jewelry shop, a bookkeeping service, and several other enterprises ranging from medical specia
Fifty years ago, a teenager in Sterling discovered a side hustle that would outlast his school years—and his factory job. Gary Schultz started by building a plating machine in his dad’s garage to customize parts for his motorcycle project. Friends took notice and asked him to plate their parts too.
