ResidentialBusiness

Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. This week, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York published its quarterly Household Debt and Credit Report. It shows that while still low, distress is creeping back into the housing market. Here’s how the U.S. housing foreclosures in Q1 of 2025 compare to previous years: Q1 2014: 144,500 Q1 2015: 111,820 Q1 2016: 96,680 Q1 2017: 90,460 Q1 2018: 76,360 Q1 2019: 71,040 Q1 2020: 74,720 Q1 2021: 11,400 Q1 2022: 24,220 Q1 2023: 35,640 Q1 2024: 44,180 Q1 2025: 61,660 When COVID-19 lockdowns began, the federal government implemented a nationwide foreclosure moratorium to protect homeowners from the economic fallout. These protections—including forbearance programs—were extended multiple times. At the same time, a historic surge in housing demand pushed home prices to new highs during the pandemic housing boom, boosting homeowner equity and keeping foreclosure activity unusually low. But in recent quarters, foreclosures have steadily returned, inching closer to pre-pandemic 2019 levels. That foreclosure rebound picked up pace in Q1 2025, following the expiration of the moratorium on foreclosures of home loans backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The question heading forward: Will housing foreclosures continue to rise through the rest of 2025 and in 2026? Let’s take a closer look at the leading indicators. Before U.S. housing foreclosures rise, delinquencies of 90-plus days typically increase. While credit card and auto delinquencies of 90 days or more have surged in recent quarters, delinquencies of 90-plus days on household mortgages remain well below pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Here’s how the recent share of household mortgage balances that are 90-plus days delinquent compares to previous years: Q1 2014: 3.72% Q1 2015: 2.95% Q1 2016: 2.08% Q1 2017: 1.67% Q1 2018: 1.22% Q1 2019: 1.00% Q1 2020: 1.06% Q1 2021: 0.59% Q1 2022: 0.47% Q1 2023: 0.44% Q1 2024: 0.60% Q1 2025: 0.86% On the delinquency front, the most noticeable development this quarter is that student loan delinquencies surged to a five-year high in early 2025. While the jump was expected after years of artificially low student loan delinquency rates, Fed researchers warned of serious consequences for behind student-loan borrowers, including damaged credit and reduced access to mortgages and auto loans. According to the New York Fed, superprime U.S. borrowers—those with credit scores above 760—who carry unpaid student loan balances are expected to see their credit scores drop by an average of 171 points this spring. That’s because student loan delinquencies, which hadn’t been reported to credit bureaus since the start of the pandemic, are now being reported again. This sudden credit hit could temporarily push some borrowers out of the housing market in 2025 and 2026. The Treasury has also resumed collection tactics on student loans, including wage garnishment and tax refund seizures, raising questions about potential spillover into other areas of consumer credit. And before 90-plus day delinquencies typically increase, 30-plus day delinquencies usually rise first. Indeed, 30-plus day mortgage delinquencies have returned to pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Here’s how the portion of household mortgages transitioning into 30-plus days delinquent compares to historic data. Q1 2014: 4.92% Q1 2015: 4.05% Q1 2016: 3.70% Q1 2017: 3.51% Q1 2018: 3.38% Q1 2019: 3.50% Q1 2020: 3.48% Q1 2021: 1.59% Q1 2022: 1.66% Q1 2023: 2.43% Q1 2024: 3.24% Q1 2025: 3.71% Big picture: While U.S. housing foreclosures remain low and below pre-pandemic 2019 levels, the 30-plus days delinquency data suggests that foreclosures could gradually near pre-pandemic 2019 by the end of 2025. View the full article

The web wasn’t always like it is now. It used to be weirder—in a good way. And it still can be. After all, we all occasionally need a tranquil break amidst a hectic day—be it a beautiful sunset, the sight of a cat falling asleep on a windowsill, or even just the landscape rolling by as you stare out the window. That’s what the tool we’re about to go over is all about. It’s a way to look out a window—but not your window. Another person’s window. Right from your workday screen. On the surface, it may not appear practical—but arguably, it’s the most practical thing in the world. Even just a few moments of staring into a virtual window can inject something invaluable into your day. Sometimes, there’s nothing more practical than simply taking care of yourself. In that sense, it’s good for productivity, too. Place the window on a secondary monitor—or keep it in one corner of your computer screen—and it just might put you in the right mood to tackle the rest of your to-do list without any doomscrolling or other distractions. So, ready to find your favorite magical window? Unearth all sorts of little-known tech treasures with my free Cool Tools newsletter from The Intelligence. A spiffy new discovery in your inbox every Wednesday! Watch windows around the world This simple-as-can-be website lets you peer out someone’s window via video captured somewhere else in the world—and there’s no telling where, exactly, you’ll end up. It’s random. ➜ The site is called ​WindowSwap​, and it’s a brilliant brain-resetting resource you can use for free. And it couldn’t be much easier to get started with, either: Just open up the WindowSwap website​ and click (or tap) on “Open a window somewhere in the world.” You can keep clicking “Open a window somewhere in the world” as much as you want to randomly flip through different streams. The location of the video—and the time it was captured, likely in the last few months—will appear at the top of the screen. Here’s what the experience actually feels like in action: *click* 🌅 It’s the golden hour near sunset. You’re looking out a window from a high-up apartment at the soft glow of the sky, cars slowly cruising by on the calm street below. *click* ❄️ It’s night time in winter. Snow falls peacefully in a backyard somewhere. All is still. *click* ✈️ You’re watching out an airplane window as an airplane makes a gradual descent through a clear blue sky, snowy mountains on the horizon. *click* 🌴 Tropical foliage fills your view. A cockatoo flies toward the camera. *click* 🐈 A cat faces away from you, staring out the window along with you. You get the idea. It goes on and on like that from there. You can stop wherever you like and take in the view—or maybe even leave it open while you work. WindowSwap is free, but the service will sometimes ask for your support. You can close any pop-ups requesting you subscribe if you aren’t interested in contributing. If you do end up contributing, the WindowSwap All Access subscription offers a handful of extra features—like the ability to search for specific cameras rather than flipping through them randomly—but you really don’t need any of that to enjoy the service. WindowSwap is ​available as a website​ for phones, PCs, Chromebooks, Macs, and any other device you may be using. This core service is completely free. And you don’t have to create an account or provide any personal information to use it. Ready for more week-enhancing tech treats? Check out my free Cool Tools newsletter for an instant introduction to an incredible audio app—and another off-the-beaten-path gem every Wednesday! View the full article

On Monday, Starbucks rolled out a new dress code as part of its larger corporate overhaul. But union workers say the change is both restrictive and unproductive—and now, baristas are walking out. The dress code comes as new CEO Brian Niccol is on a mission to bring the brand “back to basics,” including by scaling back its menu, returning hand-written notes on cups, and introducing ceramic mugs in stores. Employees are now required to wear a more simplified palette of solid black tops along with khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms under the company’s signature-green apron. However, in an email to supporters, Starbucks Workers United—the union representing Starbucks baristas—called the dress code “restrictive,” adding that it was implemented “without input from the baristas it affects.” The union has been bargaining to reach a contract with Starbucks for over three years, with no end in sight. It says that the new dress code represents “bad faith bargaining,” alleging that the code undermines a tentative agreement about attire made at the bargaining table. A spokesperson from Workers United told Fast Company that, as of Wednesday evening, walkouts have occurred at more than 100 Starbucks locations and included more than 1,200 baristas. The strikes come in the wake of a lackluster financial report for Starbucks’s second quarter of 2025, during which revenue dipped below expectations, U.S. comparable store sales declined 2%, and U.S. comparable transactions were down 4%—leaving some analysts wondering just how well Niccol’s “back to basics” plan is actually working. Union workers are frustrated with the new dress code According to a series of videos posted by Workers United, baristas are frustrated with the new dress code for a number of reasons. In one clip posted to Bluesky, a group of workers at a store in Dallas claim they were told their black sneakers were no longer acceptable under the dress code, and that they would have to buy new shoes before returning to work. The Workers United spokesperson explained that, in the past, waterproof shoes have always been a requirement. On Monday, though, several workers (including those in the aforementioned video) claim they were told their waterproof shoes couldn’t have any mesh fabric, despite the fact that such a stipulation was not included in the new dress code. As this new dress code begins to be enforced, Starbucks didn't provide money for new shoes. The company would rather understaff stores than let us work in the shoes we've always worn during shifts. Customers don't care about what's on our feet! [image or embed] — Starbucks Workers United (@sbworkersunited.org) May 13, 2025 at 7:50 AM The spokesperson also alleged that employees have been sent home for small details like the color of their blue jeans or the number of visible piercings. “Managers are told that they have to enforce all these things; otherwise their own jobs are in jeopardy,” the spokesperson said. “It’s creating a lot of frustration and confusion, and making baristas feel like this really isn’t about what they’re wearing; it’s just about control.” In another video of workers announcing their reasons for walking out, one barista shared: “Now we have to purchase new shirts and shoes to be compliant with the new policy. Why doesn’t Starbucks do the right thing and provide a stipend for these newly required items?” Starbucks announced its dress code change on April 14. At the time, the company said it was also launching a line of company-branded T-shirts, adding that employees could receive two of these shirts at no cost. However, the Workers United spokesperson said they’d received several reports of the free shirts not being ready for baristas on Monday. Starbucks, on the other hand, claimed that, of the 18 styles available, only three were temporarily unavailable in a few sizes this week. In response to the recent walkouts, a Starbucks spokesperson said: “The biggest update to our dress code is simple: wear a black shirt—either your own or one we provide.  While Workers United, which represents less than 5% of our workforce, attempted to create disruption in a handful of stores, the overwhelming majority of our 10,000 U.S. company-operated stores remain open and are serving customers as normal. ” The spokesperson noted that there haven’t been any changes to the shoes baristas can wear, other than the heel height, adding that footwear can be black, grey, navy, brown, tan, or white. However, they did not comment on baristas’ complaints about the inconsistent application of the dress code. The spokesperson added that it would be “more productive if the union would put the same effort into coming back to the table to finalize a reasonable contract. ” A broader issue Strikes due to the dress code are just the latest chapter in an ongoing battle between Workers United and Starbucks—and union members say their concerns go far beyond what they’re supposed to wear. Over the past three and a half years, Workers United has been in a continuous bargaining process with Starbucks management, seeking a contract that includes higher wages, guaranteed hours, and better staffing in stores. Members reported that negotiations between the union and the company broke down in late February, which has led union members to increasingly engage in acts of civil disobedience, like sip-ins, walkouts, and picket lines. In the past, both the union and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) have argued that Starbucks hasn’t been bargaining in good faith. In December, Workers United filed an updated unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB outlining their concerns around the drawn-out bargaining process. And, recently, the union filed a new amendment with the NLRB alleging failure to bargain over the dress code. The amendment calls the dress code an example of “bad faith bargaining” for “unilaterally implementing a new dress code policy . . . that materially differed from both the status quo and what the parties had tentatively agreed to at the bargaining table.” A Starbucks spokesperson said they would “make sure any differences between our negotiations and store implementations are addressed lawfully and fairly.” Jasmine Leli is a barista from Buffalo, New York, who’s worked at Starbucks for three years. She’s also one of the union bargaining delegates who ran the dress code working group that led to a tentative agreement about a future dress code. The union’s proposed dress code, she says, included protections like allowing workers to wear union T-shirts to work and to keep their visible piercings. Leli calls the new dress code a “distraction from fixing the real issues that we have in our stores.” “As partners, we don’t have guaranteed hours,” Leli says. “We don’t have enough people at work during the middle of the day and at night. I’m not getting all of the hours that I need. I’m not making a fair wage—I got a 30 cent raise—and now I’m being asked to go out and purchase a completely new wardrobe, including shoes, and our contract hasn’t been finalized.” Ultimately, Leli says, Starbucks should be working to finish the contract and solve its staffing issue—not implementing a new dress code. Customers care more about the wait time for their latte than the shirt their barista is wearing, she adds. “We’re more than mad because the changes that the company is making don’t address the issues that we’re facing in the stores,” Leli says. “Starbucks is iconic for their green apron. Customers know they’re walking into a Starbucks. It’s not a mystery. And with my regulars, I know their drink, and they know me, whether I’m in a purple shirt or a black shirt.” View the full article

When a friend and I began investing in thoroughbreds in 2018, it wasn’t fantasies of running in the Kentucky Derby or the Preakness Stakes that excited us most. It was naming the racehorses. We’d seen California Chrome and American Pharoah etch their names in the sports lexicon. And while producing a horse of that caliber was a longshot, just the prospect of the announcer yelling, “Here comes [name we chose] down the stretch!” was unexpectedly thrilling. This weekend’s Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, features some elite thoroughbreds, and even some better names. Journalism, the favorite, has arguably the best name in the field. American Promise has obvious American Pharoah vibes and was sired by 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify—another iconic moniker. On name alone, I’d put my money on Sandman. And while betting on the horse with the best name is the equivalent of my 10-year-old daughter rooting for the Miami Dolphins because their uniforms are pretty, for a niche sport that becomes the center of the sports world for six weeks in the spring, sometimes the name is all we’ve got. For owners to choose a name worth rooting for, there are some tricks—and rules—to follow. The Basics All racehorses are given the birth date of January 1 of the year they were born, regardless of their actual birthday. Then, the clock starts ticking. Owners must give their horses an official, registered name by February of their second year, or face late registration fees from horse racing’s administrative hub, The Jockey Club. Before receiving their official monikers, these nameless thoroughbreds are typically referred to by combinations of their sire and dam’s names (their father and mother) along with a description. For instance, the horse As Time Goes By was previously known as “bay mare by American Pharoah out of Take Charge Lady.” Sometimes they go by just the dam’s name and the birth year—“2020 chestnut gelding out of Sunrise Glow.” Kind of like how COVID-19 got its name, or how scientists would name a newly discovered planet. Owners must submit six different name options to The Jockey Club for consideration, each of which must follow the club’s specific rules. The Science Racehorse naming follows strict guidelines. Before Twitter, horse racing featured the original character limit. Names cannot exceed 18 characters, including spaces and punctuation. This explains compact names like Shutthefrontdoor and Keepmeinmind. Additionally, names are limited to seven syllables, with 2003 Kentucky Derby contender Atswhatimtalkinbout pushing character, syllable, and pronunciation limits to the extreme. Using initials is also prohibited, as are numbers—unless spelled out, as exhibited by 1988 Derby runner-up Forty Niner. Horse-related terms like filly, colt, mare, and stallion are also forbidden, as are official course and race titles. Names with obvious commercial value are also immediately rejected. Nobody wants to see a horse named Coca-Cola or TikTok leading the field down the stretch. The art Uniqueness is nonnegotiable. No horse can share a name with another currently racing or one that has raced or bred in the previous 10 years. For stallions, the name protection extends to 15 years after they’ve stopped breeding, while winners of Grade 1 stakes races—the highest echelon of the sport—are protected for 25 years. And just like sports teams retire jersey numbers, names like Secretariat, Man o’ War, and Seattle Slew are forever on the restricted list and can never be reused. To check a name’s availability, owners can verify it against the Jockey Club registry. Personal names are also tricky. A horse cannot be named after a famous person or someone who’s been dead for less than 50 years without written permission from them or their family. I learned this firsthand when I tried to name one of our horses Mookie Blaylock as an ode to Pearl Jam, which the band used as its original name before changing it, and was informed I needed permission, which wasn’t worth the trouble. One of the most famous stories of a celebrity-named horse came in 1991, when then-First Lady Barbara Bush gave her written consent to the owner of a filly out of Kentucky to use her name, but the horse made only two starts and earned just $102 in winnings. Finally, the Jockey Club strictly prohibits vulgar, obscene, or offensive names. Previously rejected names include Ben Dover and Sofa King Fast, though occasionally, some—like Hoof Hearted—slip past the censors. The craft Casual and seasonal horse racing enthusiasts remember names like California Chrome and Smarty Jones, both Derby winners. But who remembers Orb, or Mage? Both also won the Derby, but their names don’t inspire, so they’re largely forgotten. To craft a unique, memorable name that bettors want to root for, many owners look to their horse’s physical characteristics. A foal with a distinctive scar might earn a boxing-related name like Haymaker, turning an imperfection into a memorable identity. The most common tradition is incorporating the parents’ names, like a nominal family tree, as 2023 Derby contender Tapit Trice did when it combined sire Tapit with dam Danzatrice (Italian for ballerina), creating a name that honors both bloodlines. The biggest breeders have more sophisticated racehorse naming strategies. Susan Magnier, who names the racehorses at Coolmore in the UK, reserves grand names for their most promising colts. The name Camelot was stored in her diary for nearly 10 years before a worthy horse emerged. That horse went on to win six of the 10 races he started across Ireland and Great Britain in 2011–13, doing the moniker justice. From Bananas on Fire to Sandman My partner and I had four horses to name. One name I’ve already forgotten, as it was given to a forgettable horse. Another we dubbed Artillery—strong, singular, and assertive. A third we named Queen Karma. We liked the implied royalty combined with the mysticism and alliteration. But the name that caught the attention of bettors and emerged as the best in the stable was Bananas on Fire, a nod to our favorite beer from a local Lake Oswego brewery. Hardly Secretariat or Seabiscuit, but it was fun. Which is where many owners land. While there’s no Bananas on Fire in this weekend’s Preakness, we do have Journalism. We have River Thames, Goal Oriented, and Pay Billy. Sovereignty, another strong name, won the Derby but won’t be running the Preakness, so there’s no shot at a Triple Crown this year. So if we’re going on name alone, even with Journalism locked in as the favorite, I’ll still put my money on the best name in the field. Give me Sandman. View the full article

Acquisition of securitised asset business from Credit Suisse has become a cornerstone of private asset group’s strategyView the full article

When I lived in Florida, I had a neighbor named Ms. Carmen. She was in her late 70s, fiercely independent, and lived alone with her two dogs and one cat, which were her closest companions. Each hurricane season, she would anxiously ask if I would check on her when the winds began to pick up. She once told me: “I’m more afraid of being forgotten than of the storm itself.” Her fear wasn’t just about the weather; it was about facing it alone. When hurricanes hit, we often measure the damage in downed power lines, flooded roads, and wind-torn homes. But some of the most serious consequences are harder to see, especially for older adults who may struggle with mobility, chronic health problems, and cognitive decline. Emergency preparedness plans too often overlook the specific needs of elders in America’s aging population, many of whom live alone. For people like Ms. Carmen, resilience needs to start long before the storm. I study disaster preparations and response. To prepare for hurricane season, and any other disaster, I encourage families to work with their older adults now to create an emergency plan. Preparing can help ensure that older adults will be safe and able to contact relatives or others for help, and will have the medications, documents and supplies they need, as well as the peace of mind of knowing what steps to take. Recent hurricanes show the gaps In 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton put a spotlight on the risks to older adults. The storms forced thousands of people to evacuate, often to shelters with little more than food supplies and mattresses on the floor, and ill-equipped for medical needs. Flooding isolated many rural homes, stranding older adults. Power was out for weeks in some areas. Emergency systems were overwhelmed. A tornado tore into a senior community in Port St. Lucie, Florida, during Milton, killing six people. Some long-term care facilities lost power and water during Helene. At the same time, some older adults chose to stay in homes in harm’s way for fear that they would be separated from their pets or that their homes would be vandalized. These events are not just tragic; they are predictable. Many older adults cannot evacuate without assistance, and many evacuation centers aren’t prepared to handle their needs. How to prepare: 5 key steps Helping older adults prepare for emergencies should involve the entire family so everyone knows what to expect. The best plans are personal, practical, and proactive, but they will contain some common elements. Here are five important steps: 1. Prepare an emergency folder with important documents. Disasters can leave older adults without essential information and supplies that they need, such as prescription lists, financial records, medical devices and—importantly—contact information to reach family, friends, and neighbors who could help them. Many older adults rely on preprogrammed phone numbers. If their phone is lost or the battery dies, they may not know how to reach friends or loved ones, so it’s useful to have a hard copy of phone numbers. Consider encouraging the use of medical ID bracelets or cards for those with memory loss. Hurricane season begins June 1. Don’t wait until it’s too late. To prepare ahead you can develop an evacuation plan, assemble a disaster supply kit, create a communications plan and more. For more hurricane preparedness tips, visit: https://t.co/gG4ogHLnOg pic.twitter.com/Wukb1C1CUt — Polk Emergency Mgmt (@polkemergency) May 6, 2025 Critical documents like wills, home deeds, powers of attorney, and insurance records are frequently kept in physical form and may be forgotten or lost in a sudden evacuation. Use waterproof storage that’s easy to carry, and share copies with trusted caregivers and family members in case those documents are lost. 2. Have backup medications and equipment. Think about that person’s assistive devices and health needs. Having extra batteries on hand is important, as is remembering to bring chargers and personal mobility aids, such as walkers, canes, mobility scooters, or wheelchairs. Do not forget that service animals support mobility, so having supplies of their food will be important during a hurricane or evacuation. Ask doctors to provide an emergency set of medications in case supplies run low in a disaster. If the person is staying in their home, prepare for at least 72 hours of self-sufficiency in case the power goes out. That means having enough bottled water, extra pet food, and human food that doesn’t need refrigeration or cooking. 3. Map evacuation routes and shelter options. Identify nearby shelters that will likely be able to support older adults’ mobility and cognitive challenges. If the person has pets, make a plan for them, too—many areas will have at least one pet-friendly shelter, but not all shelters will take pets. Figure out how the person will get to a shelter, and have a backup plan in case their usual transportation isn’t an option. And decide where they will go and how they will get there if they can’t return home after a storm. If your loved one lives in a care facility, ask to see that facility’s hurricane plan. 4. Create a multiperson check-in system. Don’t rely on just one caregiver or family member to check on older adults. Involve neighbors, faith communities, or local services such as home-delivered meals, transportation assistance, support groups, and senior centers. Redundancy is crucial when systems break down. 5. Practice the plan. Go through evacuation steps in advance so everyone knows what to do. Executing the plan should be second nature, not a scramble during a disaster or crisis. Planning with, not just for, older adults Emergency planning isn’t something done for older adults—it’s something done with them. Elders bring not only vulnerability but also wisdom. Their preferences and autonomy will have to guide decisions for the plan to be successful in a crisis. That means listening to their needs, honoring their independence, and making sure caregivers have realistic plans in place. It’s an important shift from just reacting to a storm to preparing with purpose. Lee Ann Rawlins Williams is a clinical assistant professor of education, health and behavior studies at the University of North Dakota. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

Americans often receive a lot of grief for being less internationally traveled than citizens of other countries. But in recent years, more Americans are traveling abroad than ever before. Numbers compiled by the digital magazine Travel and Tour World (TTW) show that in March 2025, 6.56 million Americans flew outside of the country. That’s 1.6% more than the same period a year earlier, and more than 22% more than in 2019—the year before the pandemic caused international travel to grind to a halt. TTW cites “pent-up demand, strong personal savings among affluent demographics, and a growing appetite for immersive cultural experiences” as the main reasons more Americans are traveling overseas. And those numbers from March will likely increase this month as the school season ends and Americans start heading out on summer vacations, especially since ticket prices have been dropping lately as airlines lower their fares to entice inflation-wary consumers to travel. But if it’s your first time traveling internationally, you may not be aware that the reigning transportation and mapping app kings in the United States, Google Maps and Apple Maps, aren’t always the best to use in other countries. There are others that will enable you to navigate new lands more easily, especially the abundant public transportation options that most other countries offer. With that in mind, here are some apps to download before you head out on your global travels. Citymapper Citymapper is probably the most recognizable app on this list, and that’s because it does one thing better than nearly any other app: It helps you navigate some of the world’s best cities, whether that be by foot, car, bicycle, scooter, tram, ferry, or other city-specific modes of transit—way more modes than Apple or Google offers in most locales. Citymapper is already pretty popular in America because it helps residents and visitors in big cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., get around. However, while the app supports just 28 cities in America, it supports 72 in Europe, along with prominent Asian destinations, including Tokyo, Seoul, and Hong Kong. Moovit If you need public transit directions in America or most major European cities, Google Maps or Apple Maps can do a decent job of getting you from point A to point B. But if you are in less frequently traveled countries of the world, you’ll find that Google Maps and Apple Maps don’t always reveal all the public transportation options that are available when trying to get across a city—or from city to city. Thankfully, there’s Moovit, which boasts public transit directions for more than 112 countries and 3,400 cities across the globe—including many in the Global South, which many transit apps frequently overlook. If you are traveling in Eastern Europe, South America, Africa, or large parts of Asia, Moovit will likely show you the most public transportation options available. Another great thing about the app is that it lets you download a city’s transit maps for offline viewing. Naver Map Few countries have a geopolitical postwar history that’s as fascinating as South Korea. The country, which is still technically at war with North Korea, rapidly industrialized after the 1960s to become one of the world’s most economically and technologically advanced nations. If you plan to visit South Korea, be sure to download Naver Map before you go. Naver Map is the Google Maps of South Korea, and it features nearly everything you would expect to find in Google Maps, including transportation directions and business listings. You can still use Google Maps or Apple Maps in South Korea, but their real-time transportation direction capabilities are significantly nerfed. That’s because South Korean law requires mapping providers to store their mapping data within the country—something neither Google nor Apple does. And yes, while Naver Map is predominantly used by locals, the smartphone app is also available in English, making it a must-have for American visitors. Rome2Rio The apps above are mostly very city- or country-specific. But what if you are going on a multination journey—say from Portugal to Finland—and stopping at multiple cities on the way? There is probably no better app that helps you get from one country to another than Rome2Rio. Fast Company has previously spotlighted the platform—which is basically like a Google Maps for major modes of travel between any two points on the planet—but it’s worth mentioning here again because it is so useful (and the smartphone app is great). Rome2Rio will show you how to navigate between two places—no matter if by car, train, bus, plane, or ferry—and show you how much it is likely to cost based on your selected mode of transport. Transit Finally, it’s worth mentioning that one of the easiest transportation apps to use is Transit, thanks to its excellent user interface, which makes following step-by-step transit directions a cinch. As soon as you open the app, you’ll instantly see the public transport options closest to you—no searching required. It also displays route options in a color-coded bar chart format, letting you choose the best one for you at a glance. Transit is currently available in 25 countries and over 870 cities. The majority of those cities are in the United States, Canada, and France, but the app also supports major cities in popular destinations for U.S. tourists, including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and other select global cities. View the full article

Paula Davis is the founder and CEO of the Stress & Resilience Institute. She is a globally recognized expert and adviser regarding burnout prevention at work and building resilient teams. Previously, she practiced law, and then during her postgraduate training for her psychology master’s degree, she was selected to be part of the University of Pennsylvania’s faculty teaching resilience skills to soldiers for the Army’s Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness program. What’s the big idea? To increase well-being, motivation, engagement, resilience, or the many words that describe thriving teams, we must understand that leadership behaviors drive employee experience. Leaders can control the conditions that allow for sustainable high performance. We need to advance the conversation beyond individual remedies for burnout and address root causes of stress and disengagement. Below, Paula shares five key insights from her new book, Lead Well: 5 Mindsets to Engage, Retain, and Inspire Your Team. Listen to the audio version—read by Paula herself—in the Next Big Idea App. 1. Activate sticky recognition When people are keenly aware of their impact at work, it ignites a powerful psychological fuel. Sticky recognition is a way for leaders to show an individual or team their impact, as well as awaken something even deeper: a sense of mattering. It’s a fundamental human need to know that we matter. Mattering emerges from a combination of achieving goals that are personally important and being noticed or recognized for that work. There are two tiny noticeable things (TNTs) that can activate sticky recognition. The first is saying a thank you, plus a little bit of extra added to it. That extra piece is the why. Instead of only saying “thank you” to someone, you can say to them, “Thank you. The way you summarized those reports helped me see the key takeaways and I was able to have a much clearer conversation with the CEO because of it.” That little extra piece sticks or resonates beyond the thank you. The second TNT that activates sticky recognition is calling out people’s strengths. For instance, I was leaving a restaurant with a friend when I noticed a different friend walking down the sidewalk. I hadn’t seen her in a long time, so I ran up to her and gave her the biggest hug, saying, “Sandra, it’s so great to see you.” When I got in the car, the friend I had gone to dinner with said, “I really like the way your face lights up when you see your friends.” Being complimented on that kindness in me was very powerful. 2. Amplify A, B, C needs A stands for autonomy, B stands for belonging, and C stands for challenge. This trio forms the basis for several well-being models. There are several TNTs that can expand the A, B, C needs of your team. For autonomy, we oftentimes think solely about where people work and when people work, but I want you to think about how you can give people more decision-making authority. Can you allow them to be more creative? Can you allow them to take more control? Being able to expand autonomy is great. A TNT for autonomy is setting context for rules and goals. Give the rationale, the backstory that explains why a change is happening or why they are assigned a particular project. Or tell a little bit more about the story of a client the company is working with. “This trio forms the basis for several wellbeing models.” Belonging comes next. A sense of connection is important and needs to be fostered more intentionally in hybrid or remote work models. One of the TNTs that amplify connection is scheduling unstructured time with someone, just 10 or 15 minutes every couple of weeks, to ask what’s on their mind. Or, a much more powerful question would be, “What has your attention right now?” Over time, this inquiry allows leaders to understand their team in a deeper way. People want to feel a sense of opportunity and growth from their work—they want the right challenge. If they don’t see a clear path for that, they will not hesitate to leave the organization. A TNT for this is helping them seek mastery experiences. Help them understand or get to know different skills that they might want to consider developing to reach their goals. Then, suggest opportunities that allow them to pursue those skills. If someone says they want to get better at public speaking, maybe you can offer that they can lead a team meeting or present at a conference. 3. Build workload sustainability There are a lot of things within leaders’ control that can make workloads sustainable. It comes down to two things: establishing teaming practices and recovery practices. A TNT for teaming practices is conducting a meetings audit. Take a step back and look at how many meetings you take part in. How many meetings are people on your team involved with? Are all those meetings necessary? Is there another way that information can be communicated? Can meetings be shorter? Can you add an agenda so that there is structure and clarity? 4. Design systemic stress resilience Resilience is one of the most misunderstood words in our world of work. Basically, resilience is meant to help people develop their capacity to manage challenges, problems, failure, setbacks, and grow from those obstacles. Resilience lives at the individual level, team level, and organizational level. Resilient teams show four big capacities: Team efficacy. They have a lot of collective confidence in their ability to achieve goals and manage challenges. Clear roles and responsibilities. Clarity increases autonomy. Improvisation. If they encounter a challenge, they’re able to chat, pivot, and proceed with a new game plan. Psychological safety. This allows for cohesion, trust, and the ability to discuss failure when things don’t go right. A TNT for expanding your team’s resilience is to debrief together after micro-challenges. Don’t wait for the big project to finish. Whenever your team encounters a minor stumble, use that as an opportunity to come together and talk. 5. Promote values, alignment, and meaning Values misalignment is one of the six drivers of burnout. Values need to be lived. People want to see their leaders walking the talk. Research shows that there are six ways that leaders can build a sense of values, alignment, and meaning at work: Communicate the work’s bigger impact. Recognize and nurture potential. Foster personal connections. Discuss values and purpose during hiring and onboarding. Model values-based behavior. Give employees autonomy. You’ll notice that the A, B, C needs are part of this structure as well. One TNT that you can use for yourself and encourage within teams is to revive a dormant connection. Who is someone you had a strong connection with in the past, but the relationship has been quiet for a while? Reach out to that person and revive that connection. This article originally appeared in Next Big Idea Club magazine and is reprinted with permission. View the full article

When disasters happen—such as hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes—every second counts. Emergency teams need to find people fast, send help and stay organized. In today’s world, one of the fastest ways to get information is through social media. In recent years, researchers have explored how artificial intelligence can use social media to help during emergencies. These programs can scan millions of posts on sites such as X, Facebook, and Instagram. However, most existing systems look for simple patterns like keywords or images of damage. In my research as an AI scientist, I’ve developed new models that go further. They can understand the meaning and context of posts—what researchers call semantics. This helps improve how accurately the system identifies people in need and classifies situational awareness information during emergencies. The results show that these tools can give rescue teams a clearer view of what’s happening on the ground and where help is needed most. From posts to lifesaving insights People share billions of posts on social media every day. During disasters, they often share photos, videos, short messages and even their location. This creates a huge network of real-time information. But with so many posts, it’s hard for people to find what’s important quickly. That’s where artificial intelligence helps. These systems, which use machine learning, can scan thousands of posts every second, find urgent messages, spot damage shown in pictures, and tell real information from rumors. During Hurricane Sandy in 2012, people sent over 20 million tweets over six days. If AI tools had been used then, they could have helped find people in danger even faster. Training AIs Researchers begin by teaching AI programs to understand emergencies. In one study I conducted, I looked at thousands of social media posts from disasters. I sorted them into groups like people asking for help, damaged buildings and general comments. Then, I used these examples to train the program to sort new posts by itself. One big step forward was teaching the program to look at pictures and words together. For example, a photo of flooded streets and a message like “we’re trapped” are stronger signals than either one alone. Using both, the system became much better at showing where people needed help and how serious the damage was. Finding information is just the first step. The main goal is to help emergency teams act quickly and save lives. I’m working with emergency response teams in the United States to add this technology to their systems. When a disaster hits, my program can show where help is needed by using social media posts. It can also classify this information by urgency, helping rescue teams use their resources where they are needed most. For example, during a flood, my system can quickly spot where people are asking for help and rank these areas by urgency. This helps rescue teams act faster and send aid where it’s needed most, even before official reports come in. Addressing the challenges Using social media to help during disasters sounds great, but it’s not always easy. Sometimes, people post things that aren’t true. Other times, the same message gets posted many times or doesn’t clearly state where the problem is. This mix can make it hard for the system to know what’s real. To fix this, I’m working on ways to check a post’s credibility. I look at who posted it, what words they used and whether other posts say the same thing. I also take privacy seriously. I only use posts that anyone can see and never show names or personal details. Instead, I look at the big picture to find patterns. The future of disaster intelligence As AI systems improve, they are likely to be even more helpful during disasters. New tools can understand messages more clearly and might even help us see where trouble is coming before it starts. As extreme weather worsens, authorities need fast ways to get good information. When used correctly, social media can show people where help is needed most. It can help save lives and get supplies to the right places faster. In the future, I believe this will become a regular part of emergency work around the world. My research is still growing, but one thing is clear: Disaster response is no longer just about people on the ground—it’s also about AI systems in the cloud. Ademola Adesokan is a postdoctoral researcher in computer science at Missouri University of Science and Technology. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

It’s no secret that warming temperatures, wildfires and flash floods are increasingly affecting lives across the United States. With the U.S. government now planning to ramp up fossil fuel use, the risks of these events are likely to become even more pronounced. That leaves a big question: Is the nation prepared to adapt to the consequences? For many years, federally funded scientists have been developing solutions to help reduce the harm climate change is causing in people’s lives and livelihoods. Yet, as with many other science programs, the White House is proposing to eliminate funding for climate adaptation science in the next federal budget, and reports suggest that the firing of federal climate adaptation scientists may be imminent. As researchers and directors of regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers, funded by the U.S. Geological Survey since 2011, we have seen firsthand the work these programs do to protect the nation’s natural resources and their successes in helping states and tribes build resilience to climate risks. Here are a few examples of the ways federally funded climate adaptation science conducted by university and federal researchers helps the nation weather the effects of climate change. Protecting communities against wildfire risk Wildfires have increasingly threatened communities and ecosystems across the U.S., exacerbated by worsening heat waves and drought. In the Southwest, researchers with the Climate Adaptation Science Centers are developing forecasting models to identify locations at greatest risk of wildfire at different times of year. Knowing where and when fire risks are highest allows communities to take steps to protect themselves, whether by carrying out controlled burns to remove dry vegetation, creating fire breaks to protect homes, managing invasive species that can leave forests more prone to devastating fires, or other measures. The solutions are created with forest and wildland managers to ensure projects are viable, effective and tailored to each area. The research is then integrated into best practices for managing wildfires. The researchers also help city planners find the most effective methods to reduce fire risks in wildlands near homes. In Hawaii and the other Pacific islands, adaptation researchers have similarly worked to identify how drought, invasive species and land-use changes contribute to fire risk there. They use these results to create maps of high-risk fire zones to help communities take steps to reduce dry and dead undergrowth that could fuel fires and also plan for recovery after fires. Protecting shorelines and fisheries In the Northeast, salt marshes line large parts of the coast, providing natural buffers against storms by damping powerful ocean waves that would otherwise erode the shoreline. Their shallow, grassy waters also serve as important breeding grounds for valuable fish. However, these marshes are at risk of drowning as sea level rises faster than the sediment can build up. As greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels and from other human activities accumulate in the atmosphere, they trap extra heat near Earth’s surface and in the oceans, raising temperatures. The rising temperatures melt glaciers and also cause thermal expansion of the oceans. Together, those processes are raising global sea level by about 1.3 inches per decade. Adaptation researchers with the Climate Adaptation Science Centers have been developing local flood projections for the regions’ unique oceanographic and geophysical conditions to help protect them. Those projections are essential to help natural resource managers and municipalities plan effectively for the future. Researchers are also collaborating with local and regional organizations on salt marsh restoration, including assessing how sediment builds up each marsh and creating procedures for restoring and monitoring the marshes. Saving salmon in Alaska and the Northwest In the Northwest and Alaska, salmon are struggling as temperatures rise in the streams they return to for spawning each year. Warm water can make them sluggish, putting them at greater risk from predators. When temperatures get too high, they can’t survive. Even in large rivers such as the Columbia, salmon are becoming heat stressed more often. Adaptation researchers in both regions have been evaluating the effectiveness of fish rescues—temporarily moving salmon into captivity as seasonal streams overheat or dry up due to drought. In Alaska, adaptation scientists have built broad partnerships with tribes, nonprofit organizations and government agencies to improve temperature measurements of remote streams, creating an early warning system for fisheries so managers can take steps to help salmon survive. Managing invasive species Rising temperatures can also expand the range of invasive species, which cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars each year in crop and forest losses and threaten native plants and animals. Researchers in the Northeast and Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Centers have been working to identify and prioritize the risks from invasive species that are expanding their ranges. That helps state managers eradicate these emerging threats before they become a problem. These regional invasive species networks have become the go-to source of climate-related scientific information for thousands of invasive species managers. The Northeast is a hot spot for invasive species, particularly for plants that can outcompete native wetland and grassland species and host pathogens that can harm native species. Without proactive assessments, invasive species management becomes more difficult. Once the damage has begun, managing invasive species becomes more expensive and less effective. Losing the nation’s ability to adapt wisely A key part of these projects is the strong working relationships built between scientists and the natural resource managers in state, community, tribal and government agencies who can put this knowledge into practice. With climate extremes likely to increase in the coming years, losing adaptation science will leave the United States even more vulnerable to future climate hazards. Bethany Bradley is a professor of biogeography and spatial ecology at UMass Amherst. Jia Hu is an associate professor of natural resources at the University of Arizona. Meade Krosby is a senior scientist for the Climate Impacts Group at the University of Washington. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

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The best areas to stay in Da Lat, including a guide to the most iconic French colonial-era hotels. Da Lat is a former French colonial hill station in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam. The city is 1500 metres above sea level, and its cool climate and mountain scenery makes it a popular getaway from the heat of Saigon. Da Lat is often promoted in travel guides as an idyllic French town in the hills, but the reality is that it’s a bustling provincial capital with the traffic of a typical Vietnamese city. Looking on the map, it’s not obvious where the city centre is. The city is built on in a hilly area, and the streets a jumble of roads that follow the contours of the terrain. This Where To Stay guide covers where to stay in the city area of Da Lat. Where to stay in Da Lat guide Map of Da Lat hotels Best area to stay in Da Lat City (central area near the city market) Other areas to stay in Da Lat French Quarter (old villas outside the city area) Map of Da Lat hotels Hotels and other locations mentioned in this article are pinned on this map of Da Lat. [Map of hotels in Da Lat.] Best area to stay in Da Lat If you’re visiting Da Lat for the first time then stay near the central market in the city centre. Search for hotels near Da Lat City Centre. City The Central Market is the focal point of Da Lat. There is a night market here that is converted into a pedestrian area on the weekend. Near the market is the Xuan Huong Lake. There is a road that circles the lake, so there are no lakeside hotels. It’s a nice lake to walk around though. Budget hotels Da Lat is awash with budget hotels, so there are always deals on offer if you are just filtering for the cheapest room. There is a budget hotel area on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, which is not far from the market area. This road winds around a hill, and some sections are wall-to-wall cheap hotels. I stayed at the TTR Midtown View in this area. Search for cheap hotels in Da Lat. Mid-range hotels Mid-range hotels in the market area include Nice Dream Dalat Hotel (3-Star) Sandals Flora Hotel (3-Star) is next to the central market, which might be a problem if you don’t want a noisy area at night. There are some other Sandals-branded hotels around Da Lat, which might be confusing for North American readers. The Sandals brand in Da Lat is by a local tea and coffee company called Doidep, and is not related to the Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean. Colline Dalat (4-Star) is situated on top of the central market area. The street entrance includes a shopping mall that is part of Dalat Center, and the back of the building descends into the main market area. Another hotel near the market is the TTC Hotel Dalat (4-Star). The Du Parc Hotel Dalat (4-Star) was built in 1932, and it’s the closest you will get to the colonial-era ambiance of French Dalat. Túi Ba Gang Central Hotel (4-Star) is a modern hotel within close walking distance to the central market. The larger hotels are further out from the market area. The Saigon Dalat Hotel (4-Star) is a hotel by Saigontourist Hotels & Resorts (a domestic hotel chain). Even though Da Lat is a popular tourism destination, it is still provincial in outlook. The familiar big-name hotel brands have not made it to the Central Highlands region of Vietnam. One of the few international brands is the Mercure Dalat Resort. The hotel features French-inspired architecture in a garden setting. The hotel is near the Dalat Railway Station, and a section of the old Dalat railway runs as a tourist attraction (though it may be years until the Dalat-Thap Cham Railway is restored). Luxury hotels The Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel is a historic luxury hotel that opened in the heyday of the French colonial era in 1922. It’s one of the most famous of the French era hotels in Vietnam. The hotel is facing the lake and is an easy walk to the central market. The front of the hotel has an expansive lawn that runs down to the lake road. It feels like the sort of place where a butler would say “release the hounds” if they saw you on the grass. The hotel was previously managed by Sofitel. Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa is a luxury hotel that is comprised of 17 French villas from the 1920s. The hotel complex is set in a pine forest on a hillside in what is one of last remaining green areas of the city. The hotel is about 3 km by car from the central market. Other areas to stay in Da Lat French Quarter There is not really a French Quarter, but I place this here to explain the area because some travel guides and hotel booking sites list it as an area. Some websites make it sound like nothing how it looks in reality. When I think of “French Quarter”, I think of walkable streets with historic buildings like the New Orleans French Quarter. The French Quarter of Da Lat would be better described as the French Mile (or French Kilometer if we are keeping it French). This so-called French Quarter refers to the colonial-era villas that can be found on Tran Hung Dao Road. [Tran Hung Dao Road.] There are numerous villas along this road in various states of repair. Some are completely dilapidated, while others have been restored and turned into hotels. Dalat Cadasa Resort is a collection of villas along Tran Hung Dao that are managed under a single brand. The villa complex is set in a forested area with big gardens, and each villa has its own style. These villas among the highland pine trees looks most like the Da Lat that is described on travel guides. [A villa in the Dalat Cadasa Resort group.] The villas aren’t ultra luxury (they are listed as 3-Star), and if you stay here it’s not convenient to walk into the city area. Also on Tran Hung Dao is the MerPerle Dalat Hotel (5-Star). I place this here in case you are wondering what the gigantic hotel is that can be seen from the city centre. The MerPerle Dalat Hotel was threatened with demolition when it was discovered that they built beyond what had been permitted. The hotel is popular with tour groups as there is easier access for buses. View the full article

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Adwave has officially launched its AI-driven advertising platform to the public, offering small businesses, entrepreneurs, and creators the ability to create and air professional TV commercials in just two minutes and for as little as $50. The company announced the public release on May 15, 2025, following a successful private beta. Adwave’s platform combines artificial intelligence and behavioral science to streamline what has traditionally been a complex and expensive process. “Many studies show TV ads are more effective than advertising online because you’re not competing against several other ads on the same screen — and praying people don’t swipe past your ad,” said David Naffis, CEO and Co-Founder of Adwave. “The issue is that it’s been easier to advertise online than on TV.” TV advertising has typically involved hiring production companies, coordinating with ad agencies, and purchasing airtime through local broadcasters—steps that often require significant investment and time. Adwave aims to eliminate these barriers through its streamlined four-step process. “Adwave eliminates what has traditionally been thousands of dollars in costs and months of work by offering an intuitive, four-step, two-minute process to instantly create compelling, customized TV ads for free,” the company stated. “Businesses can then air these ads on TV starting at just $50.” “Our mission is to eliminate production costs and complex media-buying processes, so that anybody can create and air a memorable ad on TV in a few minutes,” added Naffis. “Entrepreneurs and small businesses deserve the same results that major brands have been getting for decades.” Adwave’s public release includes new features such as image-to-video functionality and AI-driven video editing. These enhancements are designed to further simplify the process for users with limited marketing resources or experience. During its beta period, Adwave worked with a range of small businesses, helping boost their visibility and customer engagement. One such business was Mountain Burger, a local restaurant that saw significant foot traffic following its campaign. “As a local burger restaurant, we knew our food could win hearts — we just needed more people to know we existed,” said Delanie Stevens, GM of Mountain Burger. “Adwave made it incredibly easy to create a professional-looking TV ad and get it in front of local customers. We didn’t need a big marketing team or budget. Within days of launching our campaign, we started seeing new faces coming in saying they ‘saw us on TV.’ It was wild. The campaign brought in more foot traffic than any other promotion we’ve run.” Adwave is now available to the general public. Users can create and launch their own TV ads by visiting Adwave.com. This article, "Adwave Launches AI-Powered Platform to Bring TV Advertising to Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Adwave has officially launched its AI-driven advertising platform to the public, offering small businesses, entrepreneurs, and creators the ability to create and air professional TV commercials in just two minutes and for as little as $50. The company announced the public release on May 15, 2025, following a successful private beta. Adwave’s platform combines artificial intelligence and behavioral science to streamline what has traditionally been a complex and expensive process. “Many studies show TV ads are more effective than advertising online because you’re not competing against several other ads on the same screen — and praying people don’t swipe past your ad,” said David Naffis, CEO and Co-Founder of Adwave. “The issue is that it’s been easier to advertise online than on TV.” TV advertising has typically involved hiring production companies, coordinating with ad agencies, and purchasing airtime through local broadcasters—steps that often require significant investment and time. Adwave aims to eliminate these barriers through its streamlined four-step process. “Adwave eliminates what has traditionally been thousands of dollars in costs and months of work by offering an intuitive, four-step, two-minute process to instantly create compelling, customized TV ads for free,” the company stated. “Businesses can then air these ads on TV starting at just $50.” “Our mission is to eliminate production costs and complex media-buying processes, so that anybody can create and air a memorable ad on TV in a few minutes,” added Naffis. “Entrepreneurs and small businesses deserve the same results that major brands have been getting for decades.” Adwave’s public release includes new features such as image-to-video functionality and AI-driven video editing. These enhancements are designed to further simplify the process for users with limited marketing resources or experience. During its beta period, Adwave worked with a range of small businesses, helping boost their visibility and customer engagement. One such business was Mountain Burger, a local restaurant that saw significant foot traffic following its campaign. “As a local burger restaurant, we knew our food could win hearts — we just needed more people to know we existed,” said Delanie Stevens, GM of Mountain Burger. “Adwave made it incredibly easy to create a professional-looking TV ad and get it in front of local customers. We didn’t need a big marketing team or budget. Within days of launching our campaign, we started seeing new faces coming in saying they ‘saw us on TV.’ It was wild. The campaign brought in more foot traffic than any other promotion we’ve run.” Adwave is now available to the general public. Users can create and launch their own TV ads by visiting Adwave.com. This article, "Adwave Launches AI-Powered Platform to Bring TV Advertising to Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express have announced the opening of applications for the fifth year of the Backing Historic Small Restaurants (BHSR) grant program. The initiative, designed to help small and independent historic restaurants preserve their legacies, will provide $2.5 million in grants to 50 restaurants across the United States in 2025. According to the announcement, the program has already awarded more than $5 million to 130 restaurant owners in all 50 states over the past four years. The grants have supported establishments facing economic hardships or recovering from disasters. The BHSR program is part of American Express’ broader “Backing Small” initiative. This year, American Express is also launching the Backing International Small Restaurants program, bringing total funding and support to $3.95 million for restaurants worldwide in 2025. “American Express is proud to back local champions who strengthen their communities, and that includes many small and independent restaurants,” said Madge Thomas, Head of Corporate Sustainability and President of the American Express Foundation. “Food brings people together and builds community. We aim to offer restaurants the support they need to expand, innovate, update their spaces, and improve operations, so they continue to grow and bring vitality to neighborhoods across the U.S and around the world.” Carol Quillen, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, praised the collaboration, stating, “American Express is an invaluable partner to the National Trust as together we work to strengthen neighborhoods across the country by supporting these small businesses that bring people together.” Past recipients of the BHSR grant say the funding has made a significant impact on their operations and preservation efforts. Stephen Reeve, a 2024 grant recipient and operator of the New York Café in Ketchikan, Alaska, used the funds to restore the building’s façade and install historic signage to better document the café’s legacy. “We want to honor the families that created the New York Café and much more of the surrounding historic Stedman-Thomas neighborhood,” Reeve said. Applications for the 2025 program opened May 16 and will remain open through May 30. Eligible restaurant owners can apply for the grant or be nominated by community members. American Express launched the Backing Historic Small Restaurants and Backing International Small Restaurants programs during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist restaurants forced to shut down. The programs have since evolved to meet the changing needs of small restaurant owners. Since 2020, American Express has awarded grants to nearly 5,000 small businesses across six countries and all U.S. states, as well as Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. The company, which also founded Small Business Saturday in 2010, continues to promote local economic growth by helping small businesses connect with their communities and customers. This article, "Applications Open for Fifth Year of Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant Program" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express have announced the opening of applications for the fifth year of the Backing Historic Small Restaurants (BHSR) grant program. The initiative, designed to help small and independent historic restaurants preserve their legacies, will provide $2.5 million in grants to 50 restaurants across the United States in 2025. According to the announcement, the program has already awarded more than $5 million to 130 restaurant owners in all 50 states over the past four years. The grants have supported establishments facing economic hardships or recovering from disasters. The BHSR program is part of American Express’ broader “Backing Small” initiative. This year, American Express is also launching the Backing International Small Restaurants program, bringing total funding and support to $3.95 million for restaurants worldwide in 2025. “American Express is proud to back local champions who strengthen their communities, and that includes many small and independent restaurants,” said Madge Thomas, Head of Corporate Sustainability and President of the American Express Foundation. “Food brings people together and builds community. We aim to offer restaurants the support they need to expand, innovate, update their spaces, and improve operations, so they continue to grow and bring vitality to neighborhoods across the U.S and around the world.” Carol Quillen, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, praised the collaboration, stating, “American Express is an invaluable partner to the National Trust as together we work to strengthen neighborhoods across the country by supporting these small businesses that bring people together.” Past recipients of the BHSR grant say the funding has made a significant impact on their operations and preservation efforts. Stephen Reeve, a 2024 grant recipient and operator of the New York Café in Ketchikan, Alaska, used the funds to restore the building’s façade and install historic signage to better document the café’s legacy. “We want to honor the families that created the New York Café and much more of the surrounding historic Stedman-Thomas neighborhood,” Reeve said. Applications for the 2025 program opened May 16 and will remain open through May 30. Eligible restaurant owners can apply for the grant or be nominated by community members. American Express launched the Backing Historic Small Restaurants and Backing International Small Restaurants programs during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist restaurants forced to shut down. The programs have since evolved to meet the changing needs of small restaurant owners. Since 2020, American Express has awarded grants to nearly 5,000 small businesses across six countries and all U.S. states, as well as Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. The company, which also founded Small Business Saturday in 2010, continues to promote local economic growth by helping small businesses connect with their communities and customers. This article, "Applications Open for Fifth Year of Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant Program" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Infopreneurship Defined: Infopreneurs monetize their expertise by creating content that educates and informs, using various formats like online courses and ebooks.Key Traits for Success: Successful infopreneurs possess expertise, marketing savvy, adaptability, customer focus, and strong networking skills.Diverse Business Ideas: Popular options include online courses, webinars, ebooks, digital publications, and membership sites to engage and monetize audiences.Niche Market Importance: Identifying and understanding your target audience and market demand is vital for tailoring offerings and ensuring relevance.Essential Tools and Resources: Streamline your business using platforms for website creation, course development, email marketing, and social media management to enhance efficiency and growth.Effective Strategies: Building a strong brand and networking with industry peers are crucial for increasing visibility and fostering business opportunities in the infopreneur space. In today’s digital landscape, infopreneurs are turning their expertise into thriving businesses. If you’ve got knowledge to share, you’re sitting on a goldmine of potential. Whether you’re an educator, a coach, or a passionate hobbyist, there are countless ways to monetize your insights and skills. From creating online courses to launching membership sites, the opportunities are endless. The key is to find a niche that resonates with your audience and delivers real value. With the right business idea, you can transform your passion into a sustainable income stream while helping others along the way. Let’s explore some innovative business ideas that can elevate your infopreneur journey. Understanding Infopreneurship Infopreneurship reflects a business model where individuals leverage their expertise to create and sell valuable information products. This venture often includes resources like online courses, ebooks, or webinars, all targeting a specific audience’s needs. Defining Infopreneurs Infopreneurs are entrepreneurs who monetize their knowledge and skills by creating content that educates, informs, or entertains. These individuals develop a business plan focused on specific topics or niches, performing market research to identify a target audience that resonates with their expertise. Infopreneurs can operate as a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation, each legal structure offering different advantages for funding and liability protection. Key Characteristics of Successful Infopreneurs Successful infopreneurs share several key characteristics: Expertise: You possess in-depth knowledge in a particular field that sets your content apart. Marketing Savvy: You understand digital marketing techniques, such as SEO and social media, essential for reaching your audience. Adaptability: You respond to market shifts and consumer preferences to innovate your offerings continually. Customer Focus: You prioritize the needs of your target audience, ensuring your products genuinely solve their problems. Networking Skills: You build networks that provide mentorship, partnerships, and support through business incubators or online communities. These traits help navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, ensuring growth and sustainability in your infopreneurial journey. Popular Business Ideas for Infopreneurs Infopreneurs tap into the digital landscape by offering valuable information products. Here are several popular business ideas that can help you capitalize on your expertise. Online Courses and Webinars Creating online courses allows you to share specific skills or knowledge with your target audience. You can include videos, audio files, worksheets, or workbooks. Platforms like Teachable provide tools for hosting and monetizing these courses. Webinars, on the other hand, involve interactive online events where experts engage with participants. You can utilize tools like Google Meet to conduct live sessions or offer recorded events on topics such as communication skills, ecommerce traffic improvement, or diversity issues. Both formats create opportunities for customer acquisition through engagement. Ebooks and Digital Publications Ebooks serve as an effective method for sharing your expertise in a structured way. You can write on niche topics that appeal to your audience, helping them solve specific problems. Digital publications, such as guides or reports, can also establish your authority in the market. Selling these products through your website or digital marketplaces can lead to passive income. Implementing effective marketing strategies, such as social media promotion and email marketing, enhances visibility and drives sales. Membership Sites Membership sites allow you to create a community around exclusive content. You can offer valuable resources, including tutorials, forums, and regular updates to members. An effective membership model focuses on delivering ongoing value, which ensures retention and fosters a sense of belonging. You can utilize subscription fees as a consistent revenue source. Establishing clear branding and a strong marketing strategy can help attract your target audience and enhance growth potential. Exploring Niche Markets Finding a niche market is crucial for infopreneurs seeking to maximize their success. It enables you to tailor your offerings and resonate with a specific audience, leading to stronger customer acquisition and sales. Identifying Your Target Audience Determining your target audience involves understanding their needs, preferences, and pain points. Start by creating detailed customer profiles or personas that reflect demographics, interests, and challenges. Use tools like surveys and social media analytics to gather data. The more insights you gain, the better positioned your business model will be to meet audience demands. Researching Market Demand Researching market demand is essential for validating your business idea. Conduct comprehensive market research to analyze existing competition, trends, and gaps. Tools like Google Trends or keyword research can help identify search behavior and content gaps in your niche. By uncovering high-demand topics, you can develop tailored content or information products that fulfill specific audience needs. This ensures relevance in a crowded market, supporting your growth strategy and increasing your chances for success. Tools and Resources for Infopreneurs Infopreneurs need the right tools and resources to launch and grow their businesses effectively. These tools facilitate everything from content creation to marketing and customer acquisition. Essential Software and Platforms Website Builders: Use platforms like WordPress or Wix to create professional websites that showcase your offerings and generate leads. Course Creation Software: Consider tools like Teachable or Thinkific to develop and sell online courses efficiently. Email Marketing Services: Leverage Mailchimp or ConvertKit for streamlined email campaigns that keep your audience updated and engaged. Accounting Software: Utilize QuickBooks or Xero to manage finances, track expenses, and monitor profit margins effortlessly. Social Media Management Tools: Implement Hootsuite or Buffer for scheduling posts and analyzing engagement across various platforms. Marketing Tools for Promotion SEO Tools: Use SEMrush or Ahrefs to optimize your website’s visibility and drive organic traffic effectively. Content Marketing Platforms: Platforms like HubSpot enable you to create, publish, and analyze your content strategy, helping you attract your target audience. Digital Advertising: Employ Google Ads or Facebook Ads for targeted marketing campaigns that boost customer acquisition and sales. Analytics Tools: Google Analytics provides insights into website performance, user behavior, and conversion rates, guiding your growth strategy. Branding Tools: Canva simplifies the process of creating branded marketing materials, ensuring your visual identity resonates with your audience. By incorporating the right tools, you can enhance your infopreneurship journey, streamline processes, and scale your business efficiently. Strategies for Success Effective strategies are crucial for infopreneurs navigating the digital landscape. By focusing on branding and networking, you can enhance your business’s visibility and growth potential. Building Your Brand Building a strong brand establishes your business identity and attracts your target audience. Develop a clear vision for your brand that conveys your core values and expertise. Utilize digital marketing tactics, including SEO and content marketing, to improve your online presence. Create consistent messaging across all platforms, including your website and social media. Your brand’s visual components, such as logos and color schemes, play vital roles in customer recognition. Invest time in engaging with your audience to cultivate loyalty and trust. Networking and Collaboration Networking enhances your business opportunities and growth strategy. Attend industry events, join online forums, and participate in social media groups relevant to your niche. Seek mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs who can provide guidance and advice on overcoming challenges. Think about collaborations with other infopreneurs or small businesses for joint ventures or co-hosted events. These partnerships can broaden your reach and create new customer acquisition channels. Always cultivate relationships with your network, as strong connections can lead to referrals and valuable business opportunities. Conclusion Embracing infopreneurship opens up a world of possibilities for you to share your expertise and create a sustainable income. By identifying your niche and understanding your audience’s needs, you can develop valuable information products that resonate with them. Utilizing the right tools and marketing strategies will streamline your efforts and enhance your visibility in the digital landscape. Remember that building a strong brand and networking effectively are crucial for your growth. With dedication and the right approach, you can turn your passion into a thriving business, providing value to others while achieving your entrepreneurial goals. Frequently Asked Questions What is an infopreneur? An infopreneur is a person who creates and sells information products, like online courses, ebooks, or webinars, to monetize their expertise. They develop focused business plans to address specific audience needs, leveraging their knowledge to build successful digital businesses. How can I identify my target audience as an infopreneur? To identify your target audience, analyze their needs, preferences, and pain points. Use tools like surveys and social media analytics to create detailed customer profiles, which will help you tailor your offerings and resonate with potential customers. What are some popular business ideas for infopreneurs? Popular business ideas for infopreneurs include creating online courses, hosting webinars, writing ebooks, and launching membership sites. Each option provides opportunities to share knowledge, generate passive income, and establish authority in your niche. Why is finding a niche important for infopreneurs? Finding a niche is crucial for infopreneurs because it allows them to tailor their offerings to resonate with specific audiences. A well-defined niche enhances customer acquisition, increases sales, and helps distinguish their business in a competitive market. What tools do I need to kickstart my infopreneur business? To start your infopreneur business, you’ll need website builders like WordPress or Wix, course creation tools like Teachable or Thinkific, and email marketing services like Mailchimp or ConvertKit. Marketing tools, including SEO software and analytics platforms, are also essential for optimization. How can I market my infopreneur business effectively? Effective marketing strategies for infopreneurs include branding, consistent messaging, and audience engagement through digital marketing tactics. Utilize social media, content marketing, and SEO to enhance visibility and attract potential customers. What role does networking play in becoming a successful infopreneur? Networking is vital for infopreneurs as it helps expand business reach through industry events, online forums, and social media groups. Building relationships can lead to mentorship opportunities and collaborations, contributing to business growth and customer acquisition channels. Image Via Envato This article, "Innovative Business Ideas for Infopreneurs to Monetize Knowledge and Build Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Infopreneurship Defined: Infopreneurs monetize their expertise by creating content that educates and informs, using various formats like online courses and ebooks.Key Traits for Success: Successful infopreneurs possess expertise, marketing savvy, adaptability, customer focus, and strong networking skills.Diverse Business Ideas: Popular options include online courses, webinars, ebooks, digital publications, and membership sites to engage and monetize audiences.Niche Market Importance: Identifying and understanding your target audience and market demand is vital for tailoring offerings and ensuring relevance.Essential Tools and Resources: Streamline your business using platforms for website creation, course development, email marketing, and social media management to enhance efficiency and growth.Effective Strategies: Building a strong brand and networking with industry peers are crucial for increasing visibility and fostering business opportunities in the infopreneur space. In today’s digital landscape, infopreneurs are turning their expertise into thriving businesses. If you’ve got knowledge to share, you’re sitting on a goldmine of potential. Whether you’re an educator, a coach, or a passionate hobbyist, there are countless ways to monetize your insights and skills. From creating online courses to launching membership sites, the opportunities are endless. The key is to find a niche that resonates with your audience and delivers real value. With the right business idea, you can transform your passion into a sustainable income stream while helping others along the way. Let’s explore some innovative business ideas that can elevate your infopreneur journey. Understanding Infopreneurship Infopreneurship reflects a business model where individuals leverage their expertise to create and sell valuable information products. This venture often includes resources like online courses, ebooks, or webinars, all targeting a specific audience’s needs. Defining Infopreneurs Infopreneurs are entrepreneurs who monetize their knowledge and skills by creating content that educates, informs, or entertains. These individuals develop a business plan focused on specific topics or niches, performing market research to identify a target audience that resonates with their expertise. Infopreneurs can operate as a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation, each legal structure offering different advantages for funding and liability protection. Key Characteristics of Successful Infopreneurs Successful infopreneurs share several key characteristics: Expertise: You possess in-depth knowledge in a particular field that sets your content apart. Marketing Savvy: You understand digital marketing techniques, such as SEO and social media, essential for reaching your audience. Adaptability: You respond to market shifts and consumer preferences to innovate your offerings continually. Customer Focus: You prioritize the needs of your target audience, ensuring your products genuinely solve their problems. Networking Skills: You build networks that provide mentorship, partnerships, and support through business incubators or online communities. These traits help navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, ensuring growth and sustainability in your infopreneurial journey. Popular Business Ideas for Infopreneurs Infopreneurs tap into the digital landscape by offering valuable information products. Here are several popular business ideas that can help you capitalize on your expertise. Online Courses and Webinars Creating online courses allows you to share specific skills or knowledge with your target audience. You can include videos, audio files, worksheets, or workbooks. Platforms like Teachable provide tools for hosting and monetizing these courses. Webinars, on the other hand, involve interactive online events where experts engage with participants. You can utilize tools like Google Meet to conduct live sessions or offer recorded events on topics such as communication skills, ecommerce traffic improvement, or diversity issues. Both formats create opportunities for customer acquisition through engagement. Ebooks and Digital Publications Ebooks serve as an effective method for sharing your expertise in a structured way. You can write on niche topics that appeal to your audience, helping them solve specific problems. Digital publications, such as guides or reports, can also establish your authority in the market. Selling these products through your website or digital marketplaces can lead to passive income. Implementing effective marketing strategies, such as social media promotion and email marketing, enhances visibility and drives sales. Membership Sites Membership sites allow you to create a community around exclusive content. You can offer valuable resources, including tutorials, forums, and regular updates to members. An effective membership model focuses on delivering ongoing value, which ensures retention and fosters a sense of belonging. You can utilize subscription fees as a consistent revenue source. Establishing clear branding and a strong marketing strategy can help attract your target audience and enhance growth potential. Exploring Niche Markets Finding a niche market is crucial for infopreneurs seeking to maximize their success. It enables you to tailor your offerings and resonate with a specific audience, leading to stronger customer acquisition and sales. Identifying Your Target Audience Determining your target audience involves understanding their needs, preferences, and pain points. Start by creating detailed customer profiles or personas that reflect demographics, interests, and challenges. Use tools like surveys and social media analytics to gather data. The more insights you gain, the better positioned your business model will be to meet audience demands. Researching Market Demand Researching market demand is essential for validating your business idea. Conduct comprehensive market research to analyze existing competition, trends, and gaps. Tools like Google Trends or keyword research can help identify search behavior and content gaps in your niche. By uncovering high-demand topics, you can develop tailored content or information products that fulfill specific audience needs. This ensures relevance in a crowded market, supporting your growth strategy and increasing your chances for success. Tools and Resources for Infopreneurs Infopreneurs need the right tools and resources to launch and grow their businesses effectively. These tools facilitate everything from content creation to marketing and customer acquisition. Essential Software and Platforms Website Builders: Use platforms like WordPress or Wix to create professional websites that showcase your offerings and generate leads. Course Creation Software: Consider tools like Teachable or Thinkific to develop and sell online courses efficiently. Email Marketing Services: Leverage Mailchimp or ConvertKit for streamlined email campaigns that keep your audience updated and engaged. Accounting Software: Utilize QuickBooks or Xero to manage finances, track expenses, and monitor profit margins effortlessly. Social Media Management Tools: Implement Hootsuite or Buffer for scheduling posts and analyzing engagement across various platforms. Marketing Tools for Promotion SEO Tools: Use SEMrush or Ahrefs to optimize your website’s visibility and drive organic traffic effectively. Content Marketing Platforms: Platforms like HubSpot enable you to create, publish, and analyze your content strategy, helping you attract your target audience. Digital Advertising: Employ Google Ads or Facebook Ads for targeted marketing campaigns that boost customer acquisition and sales. Analytics Tools: Google Analytics provides insights into website performance, user behavior, and conversion rates, guiding your growth strategy. Branding Tools: Canva simplifies the process of creating branded marketing materials, ensuring your visual identity resonates with your audience. By incorporating the right tools, you can enhance your infopreneurship journey, streamline processes, and scale your business efficiently. Strategies for Success Effective strategies are crucial for infopreneurs navigating the digital landscape. By focusing on branding and networking, you can enhance your business’s visibility and growth potential. Building Your Brand Building a strong brand establishes your business identity and attracts your target audience. Develop a clear vision for your brand that conveys your core values and expertise. Utilize digital marketing tactics, including SEO and content marketing, to improve your online presence. Create consistent messaging across all platforms, including your website and social media. Your brand’s visual components, such as logos and color schemes, play vital roles in customer recognition. Invest time in engaging with your audience to cultivate loyalty and trust. Networking and Collaboration Networking enhances your business opportunities and growth strategy. Attend industry events, join online forums, and participate in social media groups relevant to your niche. Seek mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs who can provide guidance and advice on overcoming challenges. Think about collaborations with other infopreneurs or small businesses for joint ventures or co-hosted events. These partnerships can broaden your reach and create new customer acquisition channels. Always cultivate relationships with your network, as strong connections can lead to referrals and valuable business opportunities. Conclusion Embracing infopreneurship opens up a world of possibilities for you to share your expertise and create a sustainable income. By identifying your niche and understanding your audience’s needs, you can develop valuable information products that resonate with them. Utilizing the right tools and marketing strategies will streamline your efforts and enhance your visibility in the digital landscape. Remember that building a strong brand and networking effectively are crucial for your growth. With dedication and the right approach, you can turn your passion into a thriving business, providing value to others while achieving your entrepreneurial goals. Frequently Asked Questions What is an infopreneur? An infopreneur is a person who creates and sells information products, like online courses, ebooks, or webinars, to monetize their expertise. They develop focused business plans to address specific audience needs, leveraging their knowledge to build successful digital businesses. How can I identify my target audience as an infopreneur? To identify your target audience, analyze their needs, preferences, and pain points. Use tools like surveys and social media analytics to create detailed customer profiles, which will help you tailor your offerings and resonate with potential customers. What are some popular business ideas for infopreneurs? Popular business ideas for infopreneurs include creating online courses, hosting webinars, writing ebooks, and launching membership sites. Each option provides opportunities to share knowledge, generate passive income, and establish authority in your niche. Why is finding a niche important for infopreneurs? Finding a niche is crucial for infopreneurs because it allows them to tailor their offerings to resonate with specific audiences. A well-defined niche enhances customer acquisition, increases sales, and helps distinguish their business in a competitive market. What tools do I need to kickstart my infopreneur business? To start your infopreneur business, you’ll need website builders like WordPress or Wix, course creation tools like Teachable or Thinkific, and email marketing services like Mailchimp or ConvertKit. Marketing tools, including SEO software and analytics platforms, are also essential for optimization. How can I market my infopreneur business effectively? Effective marketing strategies for infopreneurs include branding, consistent messaging, and audience engagement through digital marketing tactics. Utilize social media, content marketing, and SEO to enhance visibility and attract potential customers. What role does networking play in becoming a successful infopreneur? Networking is vital for infopreneurs as it helps expand business reach through industry events, online forums, and social media groups. Building relationships can lead to mentorship opportunities and collaborations, contributing to business growth and customer acquisition channels. Image Via Envato This article, "Innovative Business Ideas for Infopreneurs to Monetize Knowledge and Build Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

This guide will teach you how to confidently implement a document management system that fits your team’s unique workflows. From cutting down wasted time and improving version control to ensuring secure, compliant access to critical files, this article equips you with the know-how to streamline collaboration and boost operational efficiency, regardless of your industry or team size. The post How To Implement A Document Management System appeared first on The Digital Project Manager. View the full article

This comment section is open for any non-work-related discussion you’d like to have with other readers, by popular demand. Here are the rules for the weekend posts. Book recommendation of the week: Dearly Departed, by Elinor Lipman. After the unexpected death of her mother, single mom returns to her small hometown and realized life there was different than she’d previously understood. (Amazon, Bookshop) * I earn a commission if you use those links. The post weekend open thread – May 17-18, 2025 appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

It’s one thing to invent something cool within controlled laboratory environments. It’s entirely another to scale that new baby for sale. The tension between innovation and commercialization is something we regularly wrestle with at Abstrax. Every morning, we don lab coats and ask the same question: “How do you make money from research done in a lab?” Balance innovation with commercial reality Discovery for its own sake isn’t enough. Many R&D-heavy companies discover that brilliant ideas can languish for years if they don’t have a system for bringing them to market. We decided early on to build that bridge proactively. This meant investing heavily not just in research, but in the systems and machinery that connect lab work to real-world products. Our scientists don’t concoct in ivory towers, they work hand-in-hand with product developers to ensure (most) experiments align with market needs. This pragmatic approach focuses our curiosity. We poured resources into advanced analytical technology. Among other exquisite toys, we operate an ultra-sensitive aroma analysis platform nicknamed OMNI. With it, we can break down a complex flavor into hundreds of molecular components and pinpoint the ones that matter. By capturing a “3D metabolite fingerprint” of a material (cannabis flower, hop varietals, etc.), we get a complete map of that sample’s aroma chemistry. Why go to these extremes? Because understanding a flavor at that granular level is the key to replicating it, enhancing it, and ultimately monetizing it. We can identify over 500 distinct compounds in a single hop strain. That level of resolution lets us see opportunities others might miss, like the trace molecules that round out pineapple, or a sulfur compound responsible for “skunky” notes. From breakthrough to beer glass To illustrate how lab research turns into revenue, take our recent work with Citra, one of the most celebrated hops in craft brewing. Citra’s appeal lies in its remarkably juicy, complex flavor—think grapefruit, lime, peach, and passionfruit steamrolled into one. This tropical medley makes a Citra-hopped beer delicious. But here’s the rub: Achieving that same flavor consistently at scale is hard. Hops are agricultural products, subject to the whims of weather and yearly variation. The Citra you get this year might not taste exactly like last year’s crop. This is where our lab-to-market philosophy shines. Using OMNI, we profiled Citra’s chemical makeup in exquisite detail. Armed with that “blueprint,” we developed an Omni Hop Profile extract that mirrors Citra’s flavor profile with uncanny accuracy. For brewers, this is a game-changer. Instead of being at the mercy of Mother Nature, they can rely on our Citra extract to deliver the exact same flavor in every batch, forever. And because it’s made from botanically derived ingredients, it stays true to the clean-label standards brewers abide by. We even worked with veteran brewmasters on pilot brews to fine-tune the extract’s performance in different beer styles. By the time our Citra profile hit the market, it was brewer-tested and production-ready. Our Citra victory highlights our core principle of reasonable innovation. We didn’t stop at discovering what makes that hop special, we pushed to make it a tangible solution to a real problem. That is the essence of monetizing R&D: moving from “Eureka!” to a viable SKU. No fluff, only real solutions In avant-garde industries like cannabis and craft beer, it’s easy to get caught up in hype and bold claims. We prefer a different tack: Let the results speak. If we say our new formulation improves a beer’s shelf-life or an extract boosts an IPA’s aroma, we’ve got the data to back it up. Grounding innovation in evidence keeps us credible and ensures we stay focused on real market value. We also recognize that not every experiment will pan out, and that’s okay. Part of our system is knowing never to become 100% pot committed. We’ll test 10 ideas, then swiftly double down on the one or two that show commercial promise. By failing fast and smart, we conserve resources for the innovations that count. The new R&D playbook Our journey from lab to market hasn’t been quick or easy. It took patience and a willingness to invest up front. But that patience is paying off. Today, Abstrax’s approach is turning niche scientific insights into mainstream products. What others consider to be a cost center is our engine for growth. When scientists and strategists work in sync, every discovery is viewed through the lens of real-world impact. The healthy tension between invention and commercialization keeps us sharp. As it turns out, the lab and the market are pretty good at balancing each other. Kevin Koby is CEO and cofounder of Abstrax. View the full article