Keeping Startup Costs Down: A Guide for New Restaurant Owners
Opening a restaurant is exciting—but also expensive. From kitchen equipment to permits, costs add up fast. Smart planning and creative strategies can help you save money without sacrificing quality. Below are ideas and practical tips to help you launch on a lean budget. Budget-Friendly Setup Ideas Start small: Consider a food truck, pop-up, or shared kitchen before committing to a full dining space. Many first-time restaurateurs test menus this way. Buy used equipment: Platforms
Standing Strong Together: Mentoring Stops Bullying Before it Starts
Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore (BBBSES) is shining a spotlight on the power of mentoring during Bullying Prevention Month and Beyond. Standing Strong Together: Mentoring Stops Bullying Before it Starts Maryland Eastern Shore – October 2025 – Big Brothers Bullying continues to be a pressing issue on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. According to the most recent Maryland Department of Health’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey completed by Maryland Eastern Shore high school students, 18.4% have been bullied in
Forty Years of Heartfelt Service: Honoring Dr. Jeffrey H. Etherton on Maryland’s Eastern Shore
Forty Years of Heartfelt Service: Honoring Dr. Jeffrey H. Etherton on Maryland’s Eastern ShoreEASTON, Md. (October 15, 2025) – For 40 years, Jeffrey Howard Etherton, MD, has been at the forefront of cardiac care, saving lives and shaping heart health on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. This summer, the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) and UM Shore Medical Group (UM SMG) community celebrated this remarkable milestone, honoring Dr. Etherton’s dedication, leadership and transformative impact on
Mid-Shore Community Foundation welcomes eight new members
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (EASTON, MD – OCT. 14, 2025) CONTACT: Heather B. Pickens, 410-820-8175, ext. 102 Mid-Shore Community Foundation welcomes eight new members EASTON—Mid-Shore Community Foundation welcomes eight new members to its board of directors: Leslie Bishop, Suze Chaffinch, LaMonte Cooke, Kathleen Deoudes, Rabbi Peter E. Hyman, Richard “Rich” Loeffler, Dr. Margaret “Peggy” Rennels, and Arraminta Ware. "As one of the founding board members, I am always pleased to welcome a new slate of
Building Trust and Security with Data Governance in Small Business
Data is no longer just a byproduct of doing business; it is the lifeblood of decision-making, customer relationships, and operational efficiency. For small businesses, effective data governance is the difference between sustainable growth and operational risk. At its core, data governance refers to the framework of policies, processes, and tools that ensure data is accurate, secure, and responsibly used. Large enterprises have long invested in this area, but today’s digital ecosystem demands that small
Choptank Health welcomes new providers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lucie Hughes, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Communications Choptank Community Health System 410-479-8394, lhughes@choptankhealth.org (St. Michaels, Md. and Caroline County, Md. – September 30, 2025) Choptank Health welcomes new providers Choptank Community Health System has recently welcomed Megan Harmer, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C, to its Bay Hundred Health Center’s medical team and Rebecca DeHoff, LCSW-C, to its Caroline County school-based behavioral health
WCTR Radio Expands Coverage with New Frequency 100.1 FM, Serving Queen Anne’s, Northern Talbot, and Caroline Counties Chestertown, MD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:WCTR Radio Expands Coverage with New Frequency 100.1 FM, Serving Queen Anne’s, Northern Talbot, and Caroline Counties Chestertown, MD [9-26-25] — WCTR Radio, the Eastern Shore’s locally owned and independently operated radio station, is proud to announce the expansion of its broadcast reach with the addition of a new frequency at 100.1 FM. This exciting development will extend WCTR’s classic hits, community news, weather, sports, and local programming to listeners across Queen Anne’s
Promotional Images Without the Bottleneck: AI for Small Teams
Promotional visuals don’t just decorate your brand—they deliver it. They hold attention, hint at quality, spark action. And yet, for so many business owners, design feels like a bottleneck. Time is scarce. Budget’s tighter. And you can only pull so much out of a template. But AI tools? They’re changing the equation. Not by replacing talent, but by giving everyday teams a shortcut to polish. The key is knowing how to use them without looking like you relied on them.Get More Than Just Pretty Pictures Most
What Inclusion Looks Like: A Blueprint for Diversity-Driven Small Business Marketing
The conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion is no longer confined to corporate conference rooms. It's become a community concern, one that walks right into neighborhood stores and local cafés. Small business owners may lack the sprawling departments and multimillion-dollar budgets of big brands, but they’re uniquely positioned to weave inclusion into the fabric of their marketing. Their efforts often feel more personal, more rooted—and as such, they resonate deeply when done with authenticity
How to Find and Fix the Operational and Financial Leaks in Your Business
Every business feels solid until it doesn’t. Growth stalls, margins shrink, and suddenly things that once ran smoothly begin to feel unsteady. The challenge isn't always about big failures—it's often the slow, quiet erosion caused by hidden weaknesses that don't show up until they've compounded over time. To keep a business strong, leaders need to know where to look, what to ask, and how to act before those weak spots become structural issues. Paper Trails Don’t Have to Be Dead Ends Setting up a
Real-World Fixes for Overworked Entrepreneurs Who Need Better Marketing
For a business owner juggling inventory, emails, payroll, and maybe even a toddler or two, finding the time to sharpen your marketing can feel like trying to meditate during a fire drill. Your intentions are solid, but the execution? It’s a grab bag of half-finished fliers, outdated brochures, and a logo that looks like it was designed on a flip phone. If that hits a nerve, you’re not alone. The good news is you don’t need an ad agency retainer or a twelve-week rebranding sprint to clean things up. With
Beyond the Handshake: Crafting a Digital Welcome Kit That Actually Welcomes
Onboarding a new client is one part practical, one part emotional. It’s the first real impression after the deal is signed—the digital equivalent of walking into a well-lit, thoughtfully organized office, offered a drink, and greeted by name. While many businesses fire off a quick thank-you email and call it a day, the truth is, that moment holds more opportunity than most realize. A well-designed digital welcome kit bridges the gap between transactional and relational, turning new clients into long-term
The Tech-Driven Evolution of Financial Document Management
The ability to efficiently process and analyze financial documents is more than a competitive advantage—it’s a necessity. As organizations strive for precision and compliance, the integration of cutting-edge technologies becomes indispensable. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and machine learning are at the forefront, transforming traditional data handling into streamlined, error-free processes. These technologies not only enhance accuracy but also free up valuable resources, allowing businesses to
Step-by-Step Success with Business Contracts for Beginners
Embarking on a business venture involves more than just a great idea; it requires a solid understanding of the legal frameworks that support your operations. Business contracts are the backbone of these frameworks, serving as the foundation for relationships and transactions. As a new business owner, grasping the intricacies of contracts is not just beneficial but essential for safeguarding your interests and ensuring the longevity of your enterprise. This guide delves into the critical components of
FinCEN: Businesses Should File BOI Reports by 01/01/2025 or Face Possible Penalties
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) mandates that Easton, Maryland businesses file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports with FinCEN by January 1, 2025, ensuring compliance with federal laws designed to combat financial crimes. As of today, November 26, 2024, Easton business owners have 36 calendar days (or 26 business days) left to file their BOI reports with FinCEN—delay could lead to penalties of $500 per day. Action Steps for Easton Businesses1. Confirm Filing Requirements Deadline:
Gain the Business Edge You Need by Conquering Local SEO
In a world where online searches shape consumer decisions, strong Local SEO can give your business the edge it needs to thrive. The digital marketplace is crowded, and standing out requires more than just a presence—it demands relevance and visibility. Strategic efforts to improve your local search ranking can attract nearby customers and foster trust within your community. Tapping into tools like service listings and partnerships with influential locals helps businesses gain traction where it matters
