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When an accessibility mapping app went viral, success came with a cost

Jun 11, 2024
Roll Mobility, an app for mapping accessibility infrastructure and linking disabled communities, went viral. Now the team needs to raise funds.
A viral video boosted the popularity of an accessibility app called Roll Mobility. Now the company needs to raise funds to build its operation, said co-founder Joe Foster.
Philippe Lopez/AFP via Getty Images)

Brewery owner wants to make a difference in his community

May 30, 2024
Victor Zamudio, co-owner of Brown Soul Brewing Co. in South Gate, CA, hopes his brewery can serve as "a beacon for others" looking to start a business.
Victor Zamudio (left) and Hugo Sanchez (right) are two of four owners of Brown Soul Brewing Co. in South Gate, CA.
Sofia Terenzio/Marketplace

Before, he built nuclear detectors. Now, he's making cowboy boots.

May 23, 2024
Steve Christo runs a custom boot shop in Virginia. "I thought, 'If I can build nuclear detectors, I should be able to make a boot,'" he said.
Christo works with clients to take their measurements and select leathers as part of his custom boot-making.
Courtesy Christo

Transit worker's come a long way thanks to career change

May 7, 2024
Once an actuarial analyst, Liz Young of Denver has achieved work-life balance and financial stability in his new role.
Before joining the Regional Transportation District in Denver, Liz Young worked as an actuarial analyst but wasn't happy in his career.
Courtesy Young

How a layoff became an opportunity for this Colorado fishing shop owner

May 3, 2024
Dylan Demery is focusing on her woman-centric business, She's Fly, after losing her full-time job. "It just feels right," she says.
Dylan Demery of She's Fly, left, fishing with her business partner, Emily Anderson.
White Room Productions

This illustrator plans to go back to teaching, but that doesn't mean she's given up on her business

Apr 22, 2024
Julia McGuigan, a freelance illustrator in Omaha, Nebraska, has decided to seek a salary to supplement her unpredictable business income.
Julia McGuigan is an illustrator, small-business owner and soon-to-be art teacher based in Omaha, Nebraska.
Courtesy Faith Gedwillo

Cargo mover waits out “catastrophic” halt in Baltimore port business 

Apr 19, 2024
"It was like, 'OK, this is a horrific event. And how are we going to recover from this?'" says Dawn Speakman, founder of Drayage Solutions in Baltimore.
Crews are still working to clear the wreckage from the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Broken sewing machine? This owner and technician might be able to help.

Apr 16, 2024
Kate Sprout, owner of Alaska Sewing Machine Repair in Anchorage, Alaska says her new business has allowed her to live the lifestyle that she wants.
Kate Sprout, owner of Alaska Sewing Machine Repair in Anchorage, Alaska, working on a machine.
Courtesy Kate Sprout

This immigrant small businessman brings a taste of Bolivia to his community

Apr 12, 2024
Adrian Espinoza, owner of Empanada Club in Portland, Maine, talks about starting his business dealing with rising costs.
Adrian Espinoza, owner of Empanada Club in Portland, Maine, makes and sells Bolivian style empanadas at farmers markets, festivals and through his online shop.
Courtesy Espinoza

Starting a new business isn't easy, but this artist is ready for the challenge

Apr 8, 2024
Iranian-born artist, professor and now studio owner Sara Rastegar talks about what it's like to open a new business.
Point Studio Art offers classes for hand-printing on fabric made products.
Courtesy Sara Rastegar