As the U.S. begins its first federal government shutdown since 2018, with uncertain repercussions for the economy, the ghost of Elon Musk continues to rattle real estate markets across the U.S. Even though Musk left the government months ago, his legacy remains with DOGE. One of the ways in which DOGE has sought to cut
Kimberly Blair, a San Diego-based wellness practitioner who specializes in grief counseling, noticed an uptick in "screen fatigue" among her clients, whom she had been counseling largely virtually. So, she decided to open a storefront location and offer more in-person sessions. When she began casting about for locations, she found that there were many prime options
Owning a home is one of the pillars of the American Dream. But with a nationwide housing affordability crisis headlined by a lofty median price of a single-family home at more than $422,000, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate coming down but still relatively high, and a persistent, nationwide housing shortage of nearly four million units
Starting one's own business has long been a part of the American tapestry of dreams. But more than ever, becoming an owner doesn't involve managing a massive payroll or activity-filled warehouse.  In fact, it doesn't require anyone other than yourself. The nation's 29.8 million solopreneurs — businesses with no paid employees — contribute $1.7 trillion to
The Trump administration is quickly reshaping the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, in ways that carry vast implications for state and local governments. "We're going to give out less money. We're going to give it out directly. It'll be from the president's office," President Donald Trump said at a press conference June 11. The
Wharton School marketing professor Jonah Berger has advised Google, Nike, Apple and Coca-Cola, among other major firms, on how small language choices can be the difference between failure and success with customers and partners. The same is true for any individual, he says, whether it be at work, in business, or when seeking to influence
Richard Christiansen traded in a life of luxury (goods) for life on the farm, though it happened in an unexpected way. A vegetable farmer he was in touch with during Covid told him they were going to "lose the farm" as all the restaurants they sold to closed. "We said bring the vegetables over and
It's often said that the economic reality on Main Street doesn't match the mood on Wall Street, but right now small business owners are matching the market with increased confidence after a rocky start to 2025. After a significant decline in small business confidence in the second quarter amid President Trump's tariffs policy pronouncements, nearly
While the national conversation around AI often fixates on large corporations and Silicon Valley breakthroughs, AI's impact is also a reality on Main Street. AI is rapidly transforming small businesses and the shift goes beyond just boosting productivity to directly influencing staffing decisions and day-to-day operations. Small business owners across the U.S. are actively embracing
In the face of the anti-diversity, equity and inclusion environment, LBGTQ+ small business owners have remained resilient — and are actually starting businesses in record numbers. Some 10% of entrepreneurs who started their own businesses last year identified as LGBTQ — a "milestone" and a 50% increase from 2023, according to a recent survey from
