(StatePoint) Small businesses are the heartbeat of communities. They pump life into neighborhoods, making them vibrant places to live, work and raise families, and are key to millions of local jobs. In fact, approximately 50% of all Americans are employed by a small business and 99% of American businesses are small businesses, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

(StatePoint) Today, one-third of all U.S. homes are in what are known as wildland-urban interface (WUI) zones, regions in or adjacent to areas prone to wildland fires. As with many types of disasters, wildland fires are increasing in severity and frequency. This is because of the continuously changing climate. However, there are things we can do now to help protect properties, ensure the safety of residents, and strengthen local communities.

(StatePoint) New research is offering insights into how the world can recover and rebuild from the pandemic, along with how individuals and organizations can address issues they care about in their communities.

(StatePoint) An annual scholarship contest is once again helping creative teens pay their college expenses. Here’s what to know:

(StatePoint) Women represent the majority of all entrepreneurs today. In 2020 alone, women started 2,000 small businesses nationwide and of those, 64% were founded by women from diverse backgrounds, according to Fundera statistics.

(StatePoint) New research from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health finds patients and physicians share widespread trust in pharmacists. This is welcome news as pharmacists in the United States are poised to take on additional responsibilities to help fill the growing care gap expected from health care provider shortages in the next decade.

(StatePoint) Interviewing for your dream job? Going on a promising first date? Meeting your girlfriend’s parents? Here’s how to make a great first impression during all the most important moments:

(StatePoint) Supply chain issues top the list of concerns for small business owners over the last six months, but they see those pressures easing by mid-year, according to new research. In the meantime, inflation is expected to continue impacting business owners, with a majority planning to further raise their own prices.

(StatePoint) The events of the past couple of years have shown how important scientists are to making the world a better and safer place.

(StatePoint) In the summer of 2020 when calls for racial justice and the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 were on full display, some speculated that the country seemed to be at a turning point for acknowledging how much racism affects people’s health and economic well-being.

(StatePoint) Those graduating in the spring of 2022 and other job seekers should take note -- industry experts say that not only are home healthcare caregivers needed more now than ever before, but this industry offers many rewarding career paths.

(StatePoint) Falling short of your goals? In a period of stagnation? It may be time to spring clean your routine. Here are a few tips and ideas for getting more done with greater ease.

(StatePoint) In the era of the digital device, there’s no better time to tap into the power of the handwritten word.