Business Incubators Can Enhance Start-Up Success and Local Development

 

(Ilustrative Only)

Johan starts his
potato chip business
in Escanaba
because he loves
the entrepreneurial 
environment on Ludington. 
He plans on exporting 
regionally and internationally. 

New businesses do not exist in isolation. Entrepreneurs often collaborate with one another, share ideas and resources, and build communities that support innovation and growth. While economics and social development are often studied as separate concepts, they are deeply interconnected. In practice, economic activity is fundamentally social activity, driven by relationships, trust, cooperation, and shared goals.

This perspective is particularly important when considering economic transformation through business clusters and anchor institutions. Clusters create environments where businesses, entrepreneurs, and supporting organizations interact through countless formal and informal exchanges. These interactions foster innovation, reduce barriers to entry, and create conditions that encourage investment. When investors perceive a business environment as stable, collaborative, and supportive, perceived risk often declines, making investment more attractive and helping stimulate economic growth.

Anchor businesses play an important role in this process by creating demand for supporting enterprises and services. At the same time, entrepreneurial activity can generate entirely new businesses that strengthen and diversify the local economy. In this way, businesses within a cluster support one another, creating a network of mutually reinforcing relationships that contribute to long-term economic development.

Entrepreneurs frequently benefit from incubator environments that provide access to resources, mentorship, networking opportunities, and financing. An incubator, however, is not limited to a single building or program. A downtown district, commercial corridor, or designated development area can be intentionally structured to function as an entrepreneurial incubator. Communities can encourage this development through grants, improved access to financing, coordinated marketing efforts, and policies designed to attract individuals interested in starting and growing businesses.

When developed strategically, a business cluster should include a strong entrepreneurial component that encourages collaboration, innovation, and business formation. Such an environment can help attract new residents, revitalize commercial districts, and create a culture where businesses work together to achieve shared economic goals. The key lesson is that entrepreneurs thrive within networks and communities, and successful economic development strategies recognize and strengthen these connections.

Business-Incubation as a Catalyst for Start-Up Success in Emerging Markets: Entrepreneurial Bricolage versus Dynamic Capabilities

• The study examines how business incubators support start-ups in emerging markets where entrepreneurs often face significant resource constraints.

• The researchers compare two approaches to overcoming resource limitations: entrepreneurial bricolage (making do with available resources) and the development of dynamic capabilities (building adaptable organizational skills for long-term growth).

• Using data from 403 start-ups, the study investigates how incubator support influences the relationship between these approaches and venture performance.

• Findings indicate that business incubators significantly strengthen the positive impact of dynamic capabilities on start-up performance.

• While entrepreneurial bricolage can help firms survive in the short term, incubators are more effective at helping start-ups develop capabilities that support long-term adaptation, growth, and competitiveness.

• The results suggest that incubators play a critical role in moving entrepreneurs beyond reactive problem-solving toward strategic capability development.

• The study offers practical implications for policymakers, incubator managers, and entrepreneurs seeking to foster sustainable start-up growth in emerging-market environments.

Yoruk, E., Paramba, J. N., Jones, P., & Salamzadeh, A. (2026). Business-incubation as a catalyst for start-up success in emerging markets: Entrepreneurial bricolage versus dynamic capabilities. Journal of Small Business Management. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/00472778.2026.2645919

Point Loma Assembly Provides 12 Community Grants in 2026

The Point Loma Assembly does an outstanding job supporting its local community. Its efforts are focused on literary, social, educational, philanthropic, civic, and artistic initiatives that help preserve not only its historic building but also strengthen the community around it.

One example of this community engagement is its support of local organizations such as Cabrillo Elementary School, where many volunteers contribute their time and effort. As highlighted below, the Point Loma Assembly has awarded grants to a variety of organizations, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to civic involvement and public service.

Many of these grants support programs and activities that benefit children and families, reflecting the organization's dedication to investing in future generations. The Assembly also hosts a variety of events that bring people together and foster community connections.

If you are in the Point Loma CA area, you are welcome to become involved and participate in its activities. If not, consider supporting one of the organizations listed below. Many would gladly welcome donations and community support to continue their valuable work.

Point Loma Assembly awarded 12 community grants in 2026, increasing total funding from $15,000 to $19,500 as part of its third annual formal grant program. Funding came from membership dues, fundraising activities, donations, and rental revenues.

You can learn about Point Loma Assembly at Point Loma Assembly Webpage

2026 Grant Recipients

Organization	Award Amount	Purpose
Point Loma Summer Concerts	$2,500	Support for the 2026 concert season
Classics 4 Kids	$1,500	Transportation and concert tickets for Title I Peninsula elementary students
The EcoLogik Institute	$2,000	STEAM Leadership Academy for female students
Point Loma High School Music Boosters	$1,000	Marching band music and choreography support
Visions Museum of Textile Art	$1,500	Expansion of textile art education programs
Ryan YMCA	$2,500	Learn-to-Swim classes for Dewey Elementary students
Peninsula Community Senior Center	$2,000	Community connection programs for homebound seniors
Correia Instrumental Music Association	$500	Music tutors for student ensembles
My Good Brain	$500	Art therapy and mental wellness toolkits
San Diego Craft Collective	$1,000	Fiber Festival celebrating fiber arts and sheep farming
Cygnet Theatre	$2,000	Educational outreach programs for Point Loma students
Apt 4 Music	$2,500	Continuation of the Music Makers Program at Cabrillo Elementary School

Justice as a Civic, Social and Economic Dimension of Society

 Justice is a cornerstone of a healthy society. It is not simply a privilege that can be granted or denied; it is fundamental to how we govern ourselves and uphold fairness, rights, and accountability. While justice systems are designed to serve the public good, they are ultimately operated by people, making them both capable of great success and vulnerable to shortcomings. The justice system is a pillar of democracy and has a significant influence on outcomes so enhancing it also enhances the whole.

The vast majority of those who serve within these systems strive to do what is right and fair. However, no system is perfect. There are times when individuals make poor decisions, abuse authority, or allow bias to influence outcomes. When these problems go unaddressed, public trust declines, civic engagement weakens, and the effectiveness of institutions suffers. The consequences extend beyond the justice system itself, affecting social cohesion, economic development, and confidence in government.

Addressing these challenges benefits everyone. Strong, fair, and accountable institutions create conditions that encourage participation, investment, innovation, and community well-being. Improving justice is not only a moral responsibility but also a practical one that strengthens society as a whole. It can be a hard well when there are entrenched and often self-seeking opinions.

We should recognize and support those who demonstrate integrity, fairness, and public service. At the same time, we should encourage the next generation to pursue careers in policing, law, public administration, and the judiciary. Future leaders will inherit systems that are still evolving, and they will have the opportunity to shape them to meet the needs and values of their time. Improvement is needed.

Meaningful progress requires engagement and not disengagement. Disengagement leads to system insulation from people's needs while engagement opens communication and feedback for improvement (It applies to any system with social characteristics.). When wrongdoing occurs, it should be reported and addressed. The outcome may not always be immediate or ideal, but taking action is part of strengthening the system. It is a duty and oath to strengthen institutions in a meaningful and thoughtful way because they are not created for their own existence (self-confirming), the "connected" (chasing influence) or certain unwritten bias of value or belongingness (unwritten second class citizen) but to serve the whole society. Fairness, wisdom, and a long-term perspective are essential to building institutions that serve everyone effectively.

By celebrating good work, encouraging ethical leadership, and remaining committed to continuous improvement, we can help create a society where justice is stronger, trust is higher, and the benefits are shared by all. That indivisible all engaged fully in self and societal development is a underlining catalyst to remarkable growth economically and socially.

*This is part of some of the conclusions from the Allegory of the Clan (designed around the Allegory of the Cave) which is a philosophical thought experiment on an initial justice default and how extremism and hate impact systems and the type of outcomes through a clan narrative. The story was designed to challenge assumptions. i.e. indicating a people don't belong based on perceive racial, religiouis, etc. value even if their histories go back to the earliest days of society formation. Manipulation, defamation of character, putting kids at risk, undermining rights, retaliation against whistleblowers, religious hate, misuse of taxpayer resources to target others, blocking victims from recourse, etc. have been noralized. Despite the behaviors the outcomes of the story are somewhat mixed but helped highlight some positives and areas of improvement. If anything we can learn...and if not then we should elect the best and brightest that can learn. The learning story continues to evolve....

Justice: Criminal, Civil, and Social Dimensions of Society

• Justice is widely regarded as a fundamental purpose of government and civil society, aimed at protecting individual rights, maintaining order, and promoting fairness.
• Criminal justice involves the laws, institutions, and procedures used to investigate, prosecute, and punish violations against individuals and property, with most cases handled at state and local levels in the United States.
• Civil justice addresses disputes between individuals and organizations, including contracts, family matters, personal injuries, and regulatory issues, providing legal avenues to resolve conflicts and protect rights.
• Social justice emphasizes the role of government and society in addressing economic and social inequalities, expanding opportunities, and promoting the well-being of disadvantaged groups.
• Debates surrounding justice often involve questions about morality, equality, individual freedom, government responsibility, and the balance between personal rights and the common good.

Bessette, J. M. (2024). Justice. EBSCO Research Starters. EBSCO Information Services. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/religion-and-philosophy/justice

Global Workforce Poll Indicates Large Scale Disengagement

Let us take a moment to consider the global labor market and employee engagement. Current data suggests that employee engagement remains relatively low worldwide. While polling data may not fully explain the reasons behind this trend, there are likely many contributing factors, including concerns about compensation, workplace satisfaction, career opportunities, and whether employees feel their needs are being met.

From one perspective, disengagement may create opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation as individuals seek alternative ways to find purpose and fulfillment. However, when only about one-fifth of employees are actively engaged at work, regardless of how the data is interpreted, it represents a significant loss of human potential and organizational effectiveness.

The challenge cannot be viewed solely through an economic lens. The goal should not simply be to increase engagement to improve profits. Most people are motivated by more than financial outcomes alone. A more sustainable approach is to foster meaningful connections between employees and their organizations. People are more likely to be engaged when they feel a sense of purpose, believe their work matters, have strong relationships with colleagues, receive fair compensation, and see opportunities for personal and professional growth.

This widespread disconnect may be as much a social and psychological issue as an economic one. When large numbers of people feel disconnected from their work, especially amid other societal challenges, organizations should pay close attention. For business leaders, the question becomes: How can we attract, retain, and engage talented people in ways that encourage innovation, creativity, and long-term success? Addressing that question may be one of the most important leadership challenges of our time. It may also require new ways of thinking of things, how society functions (it may be part of the same problem) and how to draw talent not only for the organization but for society's development as well. People are only partially motivated by money so low engagement has another root cause (s). Do you have an idea of what might be some of the contributing factors? 

State of the Global Workplace: Employee Engagement, Wellbeing, and Organizational Performance

• Gallup's State of the Global Workplace report is based on one of the world's largest ongoing studies of employee experiences, examining engagement, wellbeing, workplace emotions, and job climate across more than 140 countries.

• Global employee engagement remains low, with only about one-fifth of employees reporting that they are engaged at work, while most employees are either not engaged or actively disengaged.

• Low employee engagement has substantial economic consequences, costing the global economy billions of dollars annually through lost productivity and reduced organizational performance.

• Employee wellbeing and engagement are closely connected. Workers who find their jobs meaningful, rewarding, and beneficial to others report higher levels of wellbeing and stronger workplace engagement.

• Managers play a critical role in organizational success, but declining manager engagement has emerged as a significant concern because manager engagement strongly influences the engagement and productivity of their teams.

Gallup. (2026). State of the global workplace: 2026 report. Gallup, Inc. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx

Escanaba Marina in a Short News Clip

 The Escanaba Marina is one of the premier marinas in the region and has experienced steady growth year after year. This year is starting a little slow. As a major tourism asset, it attracts visitors who also contribute to the success of local businesses, downtown attractions, arts organizations, beaches, and community events.  Thinking holistically about the entire local offerings helps put the Marina in perspective. We are a Great Lakes community with an amazing history. 

There may be opportunities for greater coordination among the various organizations and entities that benefit from tourism, including the marina, downtown businesses, arts and cultural groups, recreation providers, and event organizers. By working together, these stakeholders can enhance the overall visitor experience and create mutual benefits for the community.

For example, one challenge is improving transportation and connectivity between the marina and downtown Escanaba. While the distance is only a few blocks, visitors may benefit from additional transportation options such as golf cart rental, bicycle rentals (they have), or other convenient mobility solutions.

Additional marketing efforts could also help increase visitation. Promoting the marina through regional boating websites, magazines, and tourism publications may attract more boaters and travelers to the area. Social media is also something that helps. Click for Escanaba Marina. This demographic often comes with disposable income so they may want spend to enjoy their time. If your a boater consider putting it on one of your destination stops for a long weekend of boating.

A coordinated strategy that highlights the marina, beaches, live music, fine arts, shopping, dining, and downtown experiences could encourage visitors to stay longer, spend more locally, and return in the future. On the entreprenrial side these things can help enhance quality of life and attract new investment into downtown for those who want to have their own business and life balance. By viewing these attractions as complementary assets rather than separate destinations, Escanaba can further strengthen its appeal as a regional tourism destination.

A short little clip...

How Intermittent Fasting Can Support Your Fitness Goals

(Illustrative Only)

Getting in shape can be confusing for many people, but there are a few key factors to consider. First, there is the quality and quantity of the food you eat. Second, there is exercise, including resistance training and regular movement. Third, there is recovery, which is often overlooked but plays a critical role in overall fitness and health.

Many people spend hours at the gym but pay little attention to their nutrition. Research suggests that modest calorie reduction can make a meaningful difference. For example, reducing your daily intake by about 500 calories for a week or two may help support weight loss and metabolic health.

Another approach is to adjust when you eat. Time-restricted eating, often referred to as intermittent fasting, may provide benefits without requiring significant calorie counting. For example, if you stop eating at 6:00 or 7:00 p.m. and do not eat again until breakfast, your body naturally experiences an extended fasting period overnight.

Humans evolved in environments where food was not always readily available. As a result, our bodies developed mechanisms to adapt during periods without food. While fasting is not a magic solution, it may encourage beneficial metabolic changes when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

Of course, nutrition still matters. Focus on consuming quality foods, including adequate protein, fiber, fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense options. Combined with a reasonable exercise program and proper recovery, these habits can support long-term health and fitness.

Sometimes the simplest adjustments can produce meaningful results. Rather than spending endless hours exercising, consider balancing your workouts with smart nutrition and healthy eating patterns.

As a certified fitness and yoga instructor, I offer virtual coaching to help you develop a personalized fitness plan, set realistic goals, learn foundational exercises, and stay accountable. Sessions are $50 per hour, and after the initial consultations, we can schedule periodic follow-ups to review your progress and adjust your program as needed.

I also donate approximately 50% of the proceeds from my extracurricular activities to charitable causes.

If you're interested in getting started, send me a message to the right or email using the contact information below.  

A couple of items that are interesting: 

-Exercise mat if you have some floor space. Exercise Mat

-A scale that checks your BMI. Smart Scale

A Critical Assessment of Fasting to Promote Metabolic Health and Longevity

• The human body has evolved a sophisticated adaptive response to fasting, allowing survival during periods of food scarcity through coordinated metabolic and hormonal changes.
• A central feature of fasting physiology is the shift from glucose metabolism to fat metabolism, enabling the body to use stored energy more efficiently during prolonged periods without food.
• Hormonal adaptations, including reductions in leptin levels, help conserve energy by lowering energy expenditure during negative energy balance.
• Research in animal models demonstrates that dietary restriction strategies, such as calorie restriction and intermittent fasting, can extend lifespan and improve markers of health.
• While fasting may promote weight loss and beneficial metabolic changes, the authors emphasize that evidence in humans is mixed and that the long-term health and longevity benefits require further investigation.

Fazeli, P. K., & Steinhauser, M. L. (2025). A critical assessment of fasting to promote metabolic health and longevity. Endocrine Reviews, 46(6), 856–876. https://doi.org/10.1210/endrev/bnaf021

JPMorgan's 2026 US Business Leaders Outlook

The JPMorgan 2026 survey suggests that business leaders are entering this year with a more stable outlook, although optimism remains measured rather than robust. Approximately 39% of business leaders expressed optimism about the broader economy. Interestingly, many leaders are more confident in the prospects of their own organizations than in the overall market, indicating a belief that their companies can outperform broader economic trends.

Many respondents anticipate increased revenues and profits, which is encouraging for both businesses and the economy. Stronger profitability can lead to expansion, job creation, and increased tax revenues that support public services and infrastructure. As a nation, it is important to foster an environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive and compete globally. While large corporations often receive significant attention, a healthy economy depends on a balanced mix of both large and small businesses. Smaller firms frequently drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and local economic development, while larger organizations provide scale, investment, and global reach.

Despite the generally positive outlook, economic uncertainty remains a concern. Although slightly more than half of business leaders do not expect a recession, a significant number still see potential economic risks ahead. This caution reflects ongoing concerns about market conditions, inflationary pressures, geopolitical events, and other factors that could affect growth.

The survey also highlights the growing influence of artificial intelligence on business operations and economic development. AI continues to create opportunities for increased productivity, efficiency, and innovation. However, as organizations adopt these technologies, it will be important to invest in human capital alongside technological advancement. Developing workforce skills, expanding educational opportunities, and helping employees adapt to changing workplace demands will be essential to ensuring that the benefits of AI contribute to broad-based economic growth and long-term prosperity.

JPMorgan 2026 U.S. Business Leaders Outlook: Optimism, Growth, and Resilience Amid Uncertainty

• U.S. business leaders entered 2026 with a more stable outlook after a volatile 2025, though optimism remains below the highs seen in previous years.
• Thirty-nine percent of respondents are optimistic about the national economy, while 71% remain optimistic about their own companies’ performance.
• Global economic sentiment remains cautious, with 73% of leaders expressing neutral or pessimistic views about the global economy.
• Seventy-three percent of business leaders expect revenue growth in 2026, and 64% anticipate increased profits.
• Nearly half (48%) of respondents plan to increase hiring, demonstrating continued confidence in future growth.
• Fifty-one percent of leaders do not expect a recession in 2026, while 27% believe a recession is possible or already occurring.
• Economic uncertainty is the most frequently cited challenge, identified by 49% of respondents. Revenue growth concerns rank second at 33%.
• Tariffs remain a significant issue, with 61% of business leaders reporting a moderate or significant negative impact on costs.
• Product and service innovation remains a key growth strategy, with 58% planning new offerings in 2026.
• Interest in strategic partnerships, investments, and mergers and acquisitions continues to rise, reflecting a focus on expansion opportunities.
• Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing business operations, particularly through process automation, predictive analytics, and market intelligence applications.
• Twenty-seven percent of leaders expect AI to affect workforce planning and staffing decisions during 2026.
• Innovation Economy firms, including startups and venture-backed companies, report higher levels of company and industry optimism but also express greater concern about recession risks.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (2026, January 7). 2026 U.S. Business Leaders Outlook: Expectations & trends. J.P. Morgan. https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/markets-and-economy/business-leaders-outlook/2026-us-business-leaders-outlook