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Why some bike shares work and others don't

Hope Ngo

January 12, 2021 |

BBC |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: China

A boom in Chinese bike-share companies sought a technology-driven transport solution for people traveling short distances. While investors were drawn to green transportation solutions, a lack of any regulatory framework to introduce the bikes and integrate them with existing public transportation led to millions of bikes inundating urban areas. The more than 40 dockless bike share companies operating around the country led to an oversupply, bikes were vandalized, and many were found in rivers and other natural settings. Massive bike graveyards popped up as the bike parts were not easily recycled.

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Is a pandemic a good time to start a business? For some, the answer's yes.

Stan Finger

January 08, 2021 |

The Kansas Leadership Center Journal (KLC Journal) |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Wichita, Kansas

A handful of entrepreneurial individuals in Kansas have found success in starting businesses during the pandemic by leveraging customer needs and pandemic relief funding. Although this business plan isn't "foolproof," in Kansas and nationwide, the number of entrepreneurs who filed applications increased significantly compared to previous periods.

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When money is running short, print your own

Julia Hotz

December 24, 2020 |

The Boston Globe |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Berkshire County, Massachusetts

A community currency was introduced to boost the local economy in the Berkshires region of Massachusetts. $133,000 worth of BerkShares, as the currency is known, are in circulation and accepted by small businesses in town. The concept arose from the desire to support “a strong commitment to speak with buying choices.”

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The rise of the land salmon

Sarah Cox

December 19, 2020 |

The Narwhal |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Miami, Florida

In Florida, a land-based salmon farming operation has optimized the ideal conditions for fish to be raised sustainably on land. “There is no winter here, there are no diseases, there are no sea lice. We optimize everything the fish needs," explains the company's chief sales and marketing officer. Although the practice is still "in its infancy" and struggles to return a profit, it has caught on elsewhere and land-based salmon are now sold in a variety of grocery stores.

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'A mindset for survival': how to help small businesses survive Covid-19

Anna Patton

December 17, 2020 |

Pioneers Post |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Nicaragua

Small businesses in the global South were able to survive the past year of COVID-19 and the domino effect it had on the business community with the help of enterprise support organizations. In addition to financial help, organizations like TechnoServe provided help with operations, business planning, reworking disrupted supply chains, pivoting to new business plans and markets, as well as HR management. The organizations drew from lessons learned in previous times of economic uncertainty to help entrepreneurs become resilient.

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How A 24-Year-Old CEO Makes Sustainable Tees from Milk

Frank Sesno Dan Reed Eugenia Harvey

December 15, 2020 |

Planet Forward |

Broadcast TV Talk Show |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States

After witnessing milk going to waste on his uncle dairy’s farm in China, Robert Lou came up with the idea to turn the leftover milk into clothing. It takes five glasses of milk to produce one t-shirt and he’s sold over 3,000 of them since launching his company Mi Terro. He hopes to use 15 percent of the world’s food waste in 20 years to lower greenhouse gas emissions and supply income to farmers. He’s also piloting a new flexible packaging material out of grain products.

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Reusing, recycling, rethinking

Jessica Wolfrom

December 10, 2020 |

The Washington Post |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Alexandria, Virginia

Mason & Greens is a zero-waste store that reduces environmental impact by selling package-free items, from shampoo bars to organic produce. Dry goods and the wines, oils, and kombucha on tap are bought with reusable containers and priced by the ounce, which reduces plastic waste and allows customers to buy only what they need. In addition to minimizing products' carbon footprints, the store has been profitable since it opened and the owners say that, while prices are initially higher for consumers, reusable products may be less expensive in the long run because they don’t have to be replaced as frequently.

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Minority businesses: Wounded by COVID, but key to inclusive revival

Tom Condon

December 07, 2020 |

The Connecticut Mirror |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Connecticut

Efforts to support and financially help small businesses in Connecticut are being prioritized. In particular, Black and minority-owned businesses are typically most at-risk to fail and require the most help.

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An urban farm nourishes the poorest part of Philly as its growers fight to keep the land

Alfred Lubrano

November 24, 2020 |

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network) |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Life Do Grow Farm in Philadelphia, run by the nonprofit Urban Creators, is a two-acre plot that yields food needed to feed the community who might not be able to make ends meet. Since June, the farm has distributed 65,000 pounds of produce, along with free children’s meals. But the farm is also a community gathering space for artists and entrepreneurs. While the land’s lease runs out in 2022, the nonprofit hopes to own it and highlight it as a “reimagination of city land, a radical collaboration in the service of empowering Black and brown communities in North Central Philly,” said the farm manager.

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Online directory aims to help Black businesses thrive in nation's whitest state

Jordan Bailey

November 22, 2020 |

The Maine Monitor |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Maine

An online directory is helping consumers find small, black-owned businesses in Maine. Black Owned Maine has highlighted businesses, providing examples of success for Black youth and has also provided grants for businesses seeking financial assistance.

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