Small Business Survival: Government Gridlock Stymies Solutions

http://www.thelodownny.com/leslog/2015/10/small-business-survival-government-gridlock-stymies-solutions.html

Ed Litvak

The Lo-Down

8 October 2015

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A starting point for addressing the problem of small-business extinction - a description of possible solutions being enacted in New York City.

Cities Saving States

http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/03/02/cities-saving-states-lagos-nigeria

Seth Kaplan

Foreign Policy

2 March 2015

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Although Nigeria "is arguably the worst-run of the world’s major countries," it's biggest city is providing a model for how to turn poor governance around. Lagos, a historically fragile city like the rest of Nigeria, has devolved more power to civilian rule, which has shown positive results for the health of the city.

doTERRA Reinvents Supply Chain For Impact On Poverty

http://www.forbes.com/sites/devinthorpe/2016/05/25/doterra-reinvents-supply-chain-for-impact-on-poverty/#102059781fdf%0D

Devin Thorpe

Forbes

26 May 2016

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Privately-held dōTERRA is a rapidly growing direct seller of essential oil-infused products with $1.2 billion in annual revenue.Three years ago, the company launched an effort to use its supply chain to reduce global poverty by creating economic opportunities for rural communities in developing countries like Nepal, Somaliland and Madagascar.

A start-up in India treats the poor as discerning customers, not aid recipients

http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-11-06/start-india-treats-poor-discerning-customers-not-aid-recipients

Rhitu Chatterjee

Public Radio International (PRI)

6 November 2014

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Two Americans created a small start-up in rural India to help bring life-sustaining technologies to the poor. But they're not giving away solar lamps and low-power appliances: They're selling them.

What's deadly dull and can save the world? (Hint: We can't stand it)

https://thecorrespondent.com/4328/whats-deadly-dull-and-can-save-the-world-hint-we-cant-stand-it/188575288-1a7e0c50

Maite Vermeulen

The Correspondent

14 April 2016

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A lack of bureaucratic services has kept people in poverty around the world by limiting the number of documents attainable by citizens who have a low-income, verifying proof of property ownership. "Capacity building" in the form of sending "tax inspectors without borders," book-keeping classes, and expanding bureaucratic services for places in need, allow people to make investments in their properties that can lift them above the poverty line.

How a Cooperative in Indonesia is Bridging the Digital Divide

https://www.shareable.net/blog/how-a-cooperative-in-indonesia-is-bridging-the-digital-divide

Nithin Coca

Shareable

4 May 2017

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Indonesia has a quickly growing digital market, yet there is a large proportion of the population that does not have digital access and those who do have access are all buying from businesses outside the country. Koperasi Digital Indonesia Mandiri is an Indonesian cooperative that has developed lower cost smartphones to help reach the underserved population.

Raton tries to rise again

http://www.taosnews.com/stories/raton-rises,43984

Staci Matlock

The Taos News

29 October 2017

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Raton's economy took a devastating blow when its coal mine shut down and hundreds of people lost their job. In recent years the town has made great strides in rebuilding by taking inventory of what the town needs, encouraging local businesses, seeking tourists and businesses, and trying to build a stronger work ethic in the residents and decrease the prevalence of drugs.

How to grow a union in an anti-union state

https://www.marketplace.org/2018/02/26/business/union-membership-south-tennessee-thinking-shame

Jana Kasperkevic

Marketplace

26 February 2018

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Patrick Green wanted to transform the way his community viewed union membership, so he ran for president of his local union in Nashville. By trying new ideas, including family members, and educating those around him, he is helping ensure those eligible for union membership see the benefits. It’s working, as evidenced by the addition of almost 200 union members since he has been president.

San Francisco Restaurants Can't Afford Waiters. So They're Putting Diners to Work.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/25/dining/san-francisco-restaurants-service.html

Emily Badger

The New York Times

25 June 2018

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Diners at Souvla, a Greek restaurant in San Francisco, fill their own water glasses and find their own tables. The self-service model is gaining popularity as the city’s restaurateurs feel the pressure of rising rent and labor costs.

What others can learn from Bonner's success in revitalizing its old mill site

https://missoulian.com/news/local/what-others-can-learn-from-bonner-s-success-in-revitalizing/article_640d685f-7cde-50fe-b111-b40711077caa.html

David Erickson

Missoulian

16 January 2018

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When the Stimson plywood mill closed in Bonner, Montana in 2008, the city was able to bounce back by converting the old industrial area into a business park that employees hundreds of people. As soon as the site was cleaned up, two local owners bought the property and started encouraging businesses to move in, focusing on the perks: lots of space and available warehouses. Frenchtown, a nearby city that also had a mill close in the last decade, is hoping to overcome environmental hurdles and replicate the success that Bonner has achieved.