Newks Hot Sauce is a pandemic-born business that has found unusual success in tough times. Read more about the Newks story and how owner Jake Newcomb turned a side hustle into a growing business.

Merchant Maverick Opportunity Grant winner Robin Holmes of Deddle’s Mini Donuts opened her big pink food truck, as she says, just on faith and research. The big pink Deddle’s food truck is a welcome sight in the Baltimore area, bringing mini donut creations, fried chicken, and a whole lotta heart. Learn how Robin started her business and where it’s going.

Merchant Maverick Opportunity Grant winner Jennifer Greer of Jane Deaux Investigations offers services for defendants in court cases in Tennessee. Read more about her, why she got into the private investigation business, what motivates her, and how she’s working to affect the criminal justice system for the better.

The motto of Bri’s Dance Place in Merrillville, Indiana is “We don’t just teach dance, we teach life!” And owner Brianna Hairlson, winner of one of Merchant Maverick’s Opportunity Grants, knows a lot about both topics. Read our full interview with Brianna.

Despite COVID restrictions, rent hikes, a changing market, and unforseen legal battles, Bibi Pirayesh of California Kabob is determined to fight to sustain her father’s legacy. The LA-based Persian restaurant has served up food and community for over 20 years, but is now struggling to survive the pandemic. Read on for more details about California Kabob.

Nonprofits have plenty to teach small business owners about managing money and people, communicating a mission, carving out a needed niche, writing a business plan, and using social media to tell their story. Learn more about North by Northeast Community Health Center, the only free health clinic in Oregon dedicated to African American/Black health, and see how following the pattern of a successful nonprofit can change your business ethics and efficacy.

Located in Portland, Oregon’s Sellwood neighborhood, the Pied Piper cafe opened in 2015. The business boasted a contained play area, served fresh food, and even had a patio and on-site parking. It was also the type of desired community gathering spot dreamed about by other frazzled parents juggling work and kids in the upscale district. Owner Melissa Swan recently closed her doors. Read more about her journey here.

HR, as a department within your business, is the branch of operations that is responsible for managing a company’s human resources (or human capital; or employees). Wondering whether a Human Resources Manager, a full Human Resources Department, or an outsourced service is the best fit for your business? We can help you decide.

Online reviews about anything and everything is so prevalent in today’s culture that most of us fancy ourselves not only as connoisseurs of the best goods and services out there but as consummate experts on reviews themselves. Most importantly, we can all spot a fake review a mile away, right? Turns out, it’s not as simple as we might think, and in this post, we tell you what signs to look for to determine if a review is fake.

After Black Friday comes Small Business Saturday, followed by Giving Tuesday. Learn what Giving Tuesday is, why your company should get involved, and some fun and thoughtful ways to pay it forward.