ReportWire

Tag: small businesses

  • Harambee Holiday Market brings community together for two days of local shopping

    DENVER — Inside New Hope Baptist Church in Denver, the main hall filled with color, conversation and the scent of handmade goods as more than 30 Black- and Latino-owned small businesses gather for the second annual Harambee Holiday Market.

    The two-day event, hosted by the AYA Foundation, is designed to celebrate community, culture and entrepreneurship, while creating an affordable way for small businesses to reach new customers during the holiday season.

    Richard Butler

    “Harambee means ‘all pull together,’ and that’s exactly what’s happening here,” said Tonoa Manuel, chief operating officer of the AYA Foundation. “We’re a community foundation that supports economic mobility through small business and entrepreneurship.”

    Manuel said affordability is at the center of the market’s mission. Many pop-up markets and festivals charge booth fees in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars, a cost that can be too steep for new or growing businesses.

    “It costs $50 for these vendors to set up for two days, and that’s it,” Manuel said. “We’re not here to make money. We’re here to support small business and give them the opportunity to be seen, heard and valued by the bigger community.”

    The market features everything from books and jewelry to handmade bags, quilts, teas and skin-care items. Many of the items are rooted in culture and tradition.

    “We have handmade quilts. We have bags from Africa,” Manuel said. “These are things you’re not going to find on Amazon or in a local chain store. That’s the beauty of shopping small.”

    reading emporium.png

    Richard Butler

    Sandra Guilford – Owner of Miss G’s Reading Emporium

    For Sandra Guilford, owner of Miss G’s Reading Emporium, the market is a chance to bring culturally representative literature directly to families. Guilford runs a mobile bookstore specializing in books by Black authors and stories that reflect the lives of the children she once taught as a fourth-grade teacher.

    “When I retired, I decided that I would try to find books by Black authors and sell the books by Black authors that represented our kids in a good light,” Guilford said. “Some people hear about me from somebody else, but then it’s hard for them to find me. Events like this help us get our name out there. We buy things from each other, we talk to each other, it’s a community.”

    Guilford also keeps her books priced affordably. An important aspect of this market is to also be more affordable for the consumer in comparison to the average pop-up market.

    “I try to keep everything under $20,” Guilford said. “Books are really needed, and all kids should have books at home with characters that look like them.”

    In a neighboring booth, Farnosh Family, founder of Sun Ghee, demonstrated samples of her infused clarified butters. She says the product brings people together through flavor and tradition. This is her second year as a vendor.

    sun ghee.png

    Richard Butler

    Farnosh Family – Founder of Sun Ghee

    “We make infused flavors like chives and parsley, rosemary and sage, or even cinnamon and ashwagandha,” she said. “This is a great way to get in front of new people, especially those looking to support local.”

    Family said the market’s diversity is part of what makes it stand out.

    “There’s so much represented here; books, apparel, handbags, lotions, teas,” she said. “If you’re looking for something different than what you’d find in a big-box store, this is where you should go.”

    The AYA Foundation hopes the market continues to grow into a larger expo, giving even more entrepreneurs access to customers and opportunities.

    “There are a lot more Black and brown businesses than people realize,” Manuel said. “Events like this allow you to have access to that, and every dollar spent here stays here. Every connection made helps build long-term economic mobility.”

    The Harambee Holiday Market runs until 8 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at New Hope Baptist Church and admission is free.

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    Denver7 | Your Voice: Get in touch with Richard Butler

    Richard Butler is a multimedia journalist who covers stories that have impact in all of Colorado’s communities, but he specializes in reporting on small businesses and community heroes. If you’d like to get in touch with Richard, fill out the form below to send him an email.

    Richard Butler

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  • Discover Long Island launches winter marketing campaign | Long Island Business News

    THE BLUEPRINT:

    • Discover Long Island unveils “You Are Here” winter campaign.

    • Focus on Suffolk County and the region’s nature, culture, community and flavor.

    • Campaign promotes local businesses, theaters, trails and shopping.

    • Multi-platform approach includes print, digital, broadcast and social media.

    Discover Long Island, which markets the region as a destination, has launched a winter campaign. The “You Are Here” campaign showcases Suffolk County and greater Long Island as a place filled with community, culture and a sense of belonging, while also inspiring residents to rediscover nearby destinations.

    “You think you know Long Island, but maybe it’s time to experience your island, through fresh eyes,” a video spot – part of the new campaign – begins.

    Downtowns, scenic hiking trails, holiday shopping, restaurants and theaters are the focus of the campaign, which as four messaging pillars: ‘You Are Here… in Nature, Community, Culture, and Flavor.’

    “’You Are Here’ is more than a campaign, it’s a call to action for Long Islanders to support the small businesses, cultural institutions, and local landmarks that shape who we are,” Discover Long Island Interim President and CEO Mitch Pally said in the news release. “Long Island isn’t just where we live, it’s a part of our identity.”

    The campaign runs across print, digital, broadcast and social media. Local media partnerships highlight seasonal shopping and events, while targeted digital ads, geofencing and radio placements extend the campaign’s reach across surrounding communities.

    The campaign is also designed to highlight Discover Long Island’s role as a “trusted guide and resource” in the region, according to the news release.

    “When residents choose to explore their own communities, they’re not just making memories, they’re strengthening our local economy, deepening their sense of local pride, and helping Long Island thrive year-round,” Discover Long Island Chief Operating Officer Sharon Wyman said in the news release.


    Adina Genn

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  • Comcast Business Hosts Social to Increase Awareness on Cybersecurity Threats and Solutions

    Comcast Business hosted a cybersecurity social on Tuesday, inviting local residents and business partners to explore the cutting-edge security solutions the corporation offers, and providing an opportunity to network and connect with professionals. The event featured live demos of advanced protection tools, breakout sessions with expert insights, and a Q&A session that broke down the most significant risks people face on their computer networks. 

    Mike Thibodeaux, vice president of Comcast Business for the Big South Region, said events such as the social help them spread knowledge about safe technology practices. 

    The event featured live demos of advanced protection tools, breakout sessions with expert insights, and a Q&A session that broke down the most significant risks people face on their computer networks. Photo byLaura Nwogu/The Atlanta Voice

    “I believe the best way to help people is to give them the knowledge that they need. And whether they decide to do business with us or decide to do business with somebody else, they’re prepared to protect their business,” Thibodeaux said.  “If they’re prepared, they can protect their business and they can grow and continue and contribute to the community.”

    Thibodeaux noted that the landscape of cybersecurity is constantly changing. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), business owners have had to balance the benefits of the technology with the threats it poses to their operations. An expert insight on Comcast SecurityEdge, a security service for businesses that protects against threats like malware, phishing, and ransomware by blocking malicious websites and filtering content, revealed that companies face exponential threats every day. 

    According to a SecurityEdge Threat Data report, businesses faced 807,3811,202 blocks of malware in a single day and over 30 billion phishing attempts. From 2023 to 2024, the number of AI-powered malicious phishing emails exploded, resulting in a 42% reported loss of revenue and a 32% reported loss of customer trust. Due to a lack of specialized security resources and small budgets, small businesses are especially vulnerable.

    Photo by Laura Nwogu/The Atlanta Voice

    The report revealed that businesses benefiting from SecurityEdge defenses were able to cut down the number of malware, phishing attempts, and bot activity significantly, from over 8 billion malware threats to 155,595, and from nearly 31 billion phishing attempts to only 91,193. Both activities decreased from 231,883,942 to 11,338. 

    “The big thing is understanding that on a day-to-day basis, your cybersecurity posture needs to evolve and make sure that you’re protected so your business can continue to run, and you’re compliant with any type of regulations out there… My best advice is, speak to an expert, have a trusted advisor, have a consultant.”

    Cybersecurity can be a daunting aspect for small businesses, particularly those that are new. However, for those on a tighter budget, Thibodeaux said they offer low-cost products, allowing them to protect their services without breaking the bank and compromising on security. 

    “That lets the business owners focus on doing what they do best — running the business. And so, as part of that, we do most of the cybersecurity work in the cloud. And there are devices that we put on site that actively monitor and protect their business. It is highly resilient, it keeps their business operational, and it outsources a lot of that type of work, and allows them to focus on their business, which is continuing to grow.”

    To learn more about Comcast Business offerings and its cybersecurity solutions, visit https://business.comcast.com/ 

    Donnell Suggs and Laura Nwogu

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  • New Poll Finds Majority of Virginia Voters Support Commonsense Skill Game Regulation

    Survey also finds Virginians are most concerned about economic issues; skill games create jobs, support small businesses and generate revenue without raising taxes


    RICHMOND, Va., October 24, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Today, the Virginia Merchants and Amusement Coalition (VA MAC) released the results of a statewide public opinion poll, which found that the majority of Virginia voters continue to support commonsense regulation for skill games.

    These findings are consistent with previous polling that demonstrates voters are still supportive of the language in Senate Bill 212, which passed the General Assembly in 2023 with overwhelming bipartisan support before it was vetoed by Governor Youngkin. If passed, this legislation would have supported thousands of small businesses that rely on skill game income to create jobs, pay competitive wages, and, in many cases, keep their doors open. The bill would have also benefited the entire Commonwealth by generating new annual tax revenue without jeopardizing any existing revenue streams.

    “Once again, these polling results confirm what we already know to be true – Virginia voters support commonsense legislation for skill games,” said Rich Kelly, President of VA MAC. “VA MAC, along with our small business members, is committed to working with the Legislature next session toward a solution that supports local small businesses, boosts tax revenue for the Commonwealth, and rids the state of illegal gambling machines.”

    VA MAC only supports Queen of Virginia Skill (QVS2) games, which have been affirmed as legal by a Virginia court. The organization also supports the legislation as it would give law enforcement tools to better identify, track, and prosecute illegal gambling operations and “mini-casino” slot parlors.

    The poll, conducted by Hart Research, also found that an overwhelming majority of Virginians are most concerned about economic issues and feel that rising costs and lower taxes should be priorities of the Governor and Legislature. Skill games directly address these concerns by creating and sustaining local jobs, keeping small businesses open, and keeping dollars circulating within local communities. Perhaps most importantly, the tax revenue generated through skill games means the state can fund essential services without imposing new taxes on individuals who are already feeling economic pressure.

    The following are key findings from the poll:

    • When provided with a brief, factual description of Senate Bill 212, a solid plurality (48%) of Virginians expressed support for the measure.

    • Among those that expressed strong support for the skill game legislation are Black voters (64% support), Democrats (58%), and white voters aged 18-34 (57%).

    • When breaking down elements of the skill game legislation, voters strongly supported the age prohibition and the fact that it would mean new revenue generated for the state budget:

      • 66% of voters are in favor of a 21-and-over age restriction for skill games

      • 63% of voters support skill game legislation because it would generate over $150 million in new tax revenue for the state

      • 59% of voters support skill game legislation because skill games are operated by Virginia small businesses, which earn the majority of the revenue (unlike out-of-state and internationally owned casinos)

    The survey, conducted between September 30 and October 10, 2025, polled 605 likely general election voters by landline, cell phone, and text-to-web. The survey is fully representative of a Virginia statewide electorate by key demographics. Read a memo on the poll here.

    Contact Information

    Christina Freundlich
    christina@pod3strategies.com

    Source: Virginia Merchants and Amusement Coalition

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  • Cantor: Rising costs squeeze Long Island small businesses | Long Island Business News

    In Brief:
    • Nearly 89% of Long Island businesses have five or fewer employees, making them vulnerable to inflation and rising costs.
    • Restaurants face pressure from higher labor, food and energy costs, forcing many to cut staff, raise prices or close.
    • Discretionary income has fallen as rent, energy and insurance costs rise faster than wages.
    • Consumers are shifting spending toward discount retailers and essentials, leaving small businesses struggling to survive.

    Long Island small businesses are having a tough time, and with nearly 89% of Long Island businesses having five or fewer employees, that would portend difficult times ahead for the backbone of Long Island’s economy. The signs are everywhere. Neighborhood restaurants and shopping stores are closing, and vacant storefronts in community strip malls are growing. Even the haircutter I have been going to for over 30 years—after reducing her days of operation to three days—is wondering if she can hang on.

    The combination of rising labor and food costs fueled by minimum wage increases and inflation, restaurants are deciding to either raise prices, reduce menu options, operate with fewer employees, or just close for good. Other small businesses are finding it difficult competing with online sales, which have increased by 9.1%.  With consumers being 70% of the economy, Long Island consumers are not only having difficulty in supporting their local businesses, but also in meeting the needs of their household budgets. When household necessities of rent, energy and food claim most of what an employee earns, there is little discretionary income to spend in local stores.

    The U.S. Census and related housing market and consumer expenditure data indicate that 33% of earnings are spent for housing costs, 30% for federal and state withholding taxes, and 13% for food. The balance of 24% of earnings—or discretionary income—would be spent on property taxes, insurance and transportation, with what’s left spent in local businesses. However, this discretionary income is sure to decrease, considering the latest data indicating that rents have increased by 3.8%—the largest increase since 2011. This also includes electricity and natural gas increasing by 6.2% and 13.8%, respectively since last year. Additionally, for those who purchase health insurance on the federal marketplace, premiums are estimated to increase by 75%.

    The U.S. Census is scheduled to release updated consumer expenditure data at the end of this month, and with inflation and costs outpacing wage increases, it can be expected that (at best) the 24% discretionary income will remain. However, more likely any discretionary income will decrease. Both options are not good news for struggling businesses, with any relief from consumers not appearing on the horizon.

    Consumers concerned about their financial future is not new. What is new is that consumer confidence is at the lowest level since June 2023, when the economy was struggling to rebound from the pandemic. This concern has impacted spending patterns, leaving businesses playing catch up with consumers as they become more selective in their purchase choices that include seeking better value for their dollar, and goods and services reflective of their lifestyle changes.

    Placer Research has found that consumers are choosing to shop at discount, dollar stores and off-priced apparel than conventional department stores. As for major, big ticket costly renovations to homes and wardrobe, consumers are favoring lower-cost wardrobe updating and refreshing home décor, while deferring larger electronics and home improvement spending. And as my haircutter is finding out: Shorter customer trips are giving way to longer visits.

    Discretionary income is crucial to Long Island’s small business base, and with economic headwinds and increased everyday costs, discretionary household budgets are being squeezed, leaving consumers with little choice but to be selective in how they spend their discretionary income.

    Not a welcome message to Long Island’s small business base.

     

    Martin Cantor is director of the Long Island Center for Socio-Economic Policy and former Suffolk County economic development commissioner. He can be reached at [email protected].


    Opinion

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  • Red Hook Open Studios forges ahead after fire • Brooklyn Paper