Shelbi Wescott began working for Merchant Maverick in 2019 after 17 years as a journalism educator and publications advisor, where she has extensive knowledge of newsroom systems and editorial workflows. She has overseen multiple print and online publications and mentored hundreds of emerging writers. Shelbi is also an award-winning journalist, published author, and former small business owner with a Master of Arts in Teaching from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon.
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.
Grant writing is a year-long endeavor that can take up a lot of your time and resources, including the emotional labor of hoping and grieving as announcements are made and the cycle continues. Read on for our top tips on how to write a winning business grant application, and what not to do when you’re applying for a grant.
The Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America (BPAA) projects a positive future for the US bowling industry, as COVID continues and beyond. Read on for a look at how bowling alleys are surviving, and what the bowling community is doing to stay together.
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.
Trellis Counseling has specialized in trauma therapy from day one, and was uniquely prepared for the challenges of the COVID pandemic. Overcoming issues related to remote counseling and therapy, Trellis has adapted to meet the needs of a growing and increasingly traumatized clientele. Read on for a full look at Trellis Counseling, how it began, and where it’s going next.
Shashonna Knecht, tattoo artist and owner of the NE Portland tattoo studio La Petite Tattoo, discusses the logistics of reopening and talks about the challenges and advantages of her business model in the new COVID economy.
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.
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Merchant Maverick’s ratings are editorial in nature, and are not aggregated from user reviews. Each staff reviewer at Merchant Maverick is a subject matter expert with experience researching, testing, and evaluating small business software and services. The rating of this company or service is based on the author’s expert opinion and analysis of the product, and assessed and seconded by another subject matter expert on staff before publication. Merchant Maverick’s ratings are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity. The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone.
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