CASABLANCA, Morocco–(BUSINESS WIRE)–500 Global, one of the world’s most active venture capital firms1, announced it has been selected to support the Ministry-led Startup VB initiative, a flagship program under the Digital Morocco 2030 strategy2. This announcement marks a significant milestone in 500 Global’s continued expansion across the African continent and its work collaborating with governments to strengthen national innovation ecosystems. Launched by the Ministry of Digital Transition a
Author: sHq_LoGiNz
CASABLANCA, Morocco–(BUSINESS WIRE)–500 Global, one of the world’s most active venture capital firms1, announced it has been selected to support the Ministry-led Startup VB initiative, a flagship program under the Digital Morocco 2030 strategy2. This announcement marks a significant milestone in 500 Global’s continued expansion across the African continent and its work collaborating with governments to strengthen national innovation ecosystems. Launched by the Ministry of Digital Transition a
Sands’ investment in the sustainability of its properties begins long before the first Team Member enters a building or the first guest arrives. The foundation laid in the company’s buildings drives sustainability forward throughout their life cycles.
Sands integrates best practices for environmental stewardship into its development process, so that resorts and other company properties are built for sustainability throughout ongoing operations. As a result, Sands has received multiple certifications for its buildings from the U.S. Green Building Council through its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification ranking system.
Introduced in 2000, the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED ranking system was the first environmental certification in the building industry and is the most widely recognized green building rating system in the world today, with more than 195,000 projects spanning 186 countries.
Since its introduction, the LEED ranking system has become a benchmark for the design and construction of green buildings and addresses a range of factors such as energy and water use, indoor environmental quality, materials selection, and the building’s site and location within its surrounding community. LEED offers a framework for sustainable, resilient, healthy and equitable places.
Sands has a long history with this prestigious ranking system. In 2008, the company first received LEED Silver certification for New Construction for The Palazzo – the company’s former property and the first resort on the Las Vegas Strip to receive this recognition. The Palazzo was considered the largest green building in the world at the time.
Sands also earned LEED Gold certification for Existing Buildings at its formerly owned properties, The Venetian Resort Las Vegas two years later and then The Venetian Congress Center and Sands Expo in 2016.
Properties in Asia also have received LEED certification, with The Parisian Macao becoming LEED Silver certified for Building Design and Construction in 2019. Marina Bay Sands earned LEED Platinum certification for Building Operations and Maintenance for its Expo and Convention Centre in 2019 and LEED Platinum certification for Building Operations and Maintenance for the ArtScience Museum in 2024, elevating its previous LEED Gold certification.
In 2023, the company’s new corporate headquarters campus in Las Vegas earned LEED Gold certification for Building Design and Construction. With this designation, Sands extended LEED recognition for its resorts to its first standalone corporate headquarters.
The Sands ECO360 global sustainability team spearheads pursuit of LEED certifications in support of the program’s pillar for responsible building, design and development. However, numerous departments within the company must align their interests and work closely to accomplish the objectives required for LEED certifications. In designing new buildings or planning updates and modifications to existing properties, the Sands ECO360 team works closely with the company’s engineering and facilities teams to co-create plans that meet both business and environmental goals.
In addition, enhancing sustainability in building development and renovations involves incorporating smart design and technology to reduce environmental impact in ongoing operations. To guide this process, the Sands Engineering and Sustainable Development Standards (SESDS) combine engineering and sustainable development protocols into a single, comprehensive approach. Introduced in 2024, the SESDS represent collaboration among the engineering and asset management, development, facilities management and Sands ECO360 teams to unite business needs with sustainability.
The SESDS outline the minimum engineering and sustainability standards required for engineering design, selection, installation, construction and project delivery, as well as construction waste management and building materials selection. These standards apply to new construction and renovation projects globally and have been incorporated into the company’s engineering consultancy contracts.
Once resorts open or upgrades are complete, the Sands ECO360 team extends sustainable design and development by driving comprehensive processes and practices that create efficiency and reduce impact. The team continually evaluates opportunities to enhance operations, incorporate new technologies and implement best practices to improve sustainable performance.
“Pursuing LEED certification has been a priority since we opened The Palazzo and obtained our first certification, but the approach we’ve taken has continually evolved with new best practices and enhanced technology,” Katarina Tesarova, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer at Sands, said. “Our pursuit for sustainable design and property performance is never-ending.”
Sands’ investment in the sustainability of its properties begins long before the first Team Member enters a building or the first guest arrives. The foundation laid in the company’s buildings drives sustainability forward throughout their life cycles.
Sands integrates best practices for environmental stewardship into its development process, so that resorts and other company properties are built for sustainability throughout ongoing operations. As a result, Sands has received multiple certifications for its buildings from the U.S. Green Building Council through its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification ranking system.
Introduced in 2000, the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED ranking system was the first environmental certification in the building industry and is the most widely recognized green building rating system in the world today, with more than 195,000 projects spanning 186 countries.
Since its introduction, the LEED ranking system has become a benchmark for the design and construction of green buildings and addresses a range of factors such as energy and water use, indoor environmental quality, materials selection, and the building’s site and location within its surrounding community. LEED offers a framework for sustainable, resilient, healthy and equitable places.
Sands has a long history with this prestigious ranking system. In 2008, the company first received LEED Silver certification for New Construction for The Palazzo – the company’s former property and the first resort on the Las Vegas Strip to receive this recognition. The Palazzo was considered the largest green building in the world at the time.
Sands also earned LEED Gold certification for Existing Buildings at its formerly owned properties, The Venetian Resort Las Vegas two years later and then The Venetian Congress Center and Sands Expo in 2016.
Properties in Asia also have received LEED certification, with The Parisian Macao becoming LEED Silver certified for Building Design and Construction in 2019. Marina Bay Sands earned LEED Platinum certification for Building Operations and Maintenance for its Expo and Convention Centre in 2019 and LEED Platinum certification for Building Operations and Maintenance for the ArtScience Museum in 2024, elevating its previous LEED Gold certification.
In 2023, the company’s new corporate headquarters campus in Las Vegas earned LEED Gold certification for Building Design and Construction. With this designation, Sands extended LEED recognition for its resorts to its first standalone corporate headquarters.
The Sands ECO360 global sustainability team spearheads pursuit of LEED certifications in support of the program’s pillar for responsible building, design and development. However, numerous departments within the company must align their interests and work closely to accomplish the objectives required for LEED certifications. In designing new buildings or planning updates and modifications to existing properties, the Sands ECO360 team works closely with the company’s engineering and facilities teams to co-create plans that meet both business and environmental goals.
In addition, enhancing sustainability in building development and renovations involves incorporating smart design and technology to reduce environmental impact in ongoing operations. To guide this process, the Sands Engineering and Sustainable Development Standards (SESDS) combine engineering and sustainable development protocols into a single, comprehensive approach. Introduced in 2024, the SESDS represent collaboration among the engineering and asset management, development, facilities management and Sands ECO360 teams to unite business needs with sustainability.
The SESDS outline the minimum engineering and sustainability standards required for engineering design, selection, installation, construction and project delivery, as well as construction waste management and building materials selection. These standards apply to new construction and renovation projects globally and have been incorporated into the company’s engineering consultancy contracts.
Once resorts open or upgrades are complete, the Sands ECO360 team extends sustainable design and development by driving comprehensive processes and practices that create efficiency and reduce impact. The team continually evaluates opportunities to enhance operations, incorporate new technologies and implement best practices to improve sustainable performance.
“Pursuing LEED certification has been a priority since we opened The Palazzo and obtained our first certification, but the approach we’ve taken has continually evolved with new best practices and enhanced technology,” Katarina Tesarova, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer at Sands, said. “Our pursuit for sustainable design and property performance is never-ending.”
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A Los Angeles Superior Court jury has returned a $40 million verdict against Johnson & Johnson, finding that the company’s talc-based baby powder products caused ovarian cancer in two women following decades of regular use.
The verdict finding Johnson & Johnson liable for negligence, failure to warn, and fraudulent misrepresentation awarded $40 million in compensatory damages to Monica Kent, Deborah Schultz, and Dr. Albert Schultz. The cases were tried jointly in a six-week trial before a California jury.
The plaintiffs were represented by Dan Robinson of Robinson Calcagnie, Inc. and Andy Birchfield of the Beasley Allen firm.
“This verdict reflects what the evidence made clear,” said Dan Robinson, trial counsel for the Plaintiffs Deborah and Albert Schultz. “For decades, Johnson & Johnson knew about serious safety concerns tied to its talc products and failed to warn women who trusted those products for daily personal use. We’re grateful that the jury was able to see through Defendants’ false narratives and hold them accountable for causing our clients’ ovarian cancers.”
During trial, jurors heard extensive testimony concerning Johnson & Johnson’s internal knowledge regarding the risks of talc and asbestos in its Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower, as well as scientific and medical evidence linking long-term genital talc use to ovarian cancer. The evidence included testimony from former U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. David Kessler, who outlined Johnson & Johnson’s decades-long failure to disclose critical safety information.
Jurors also heard from nationally-respected medical experts who testified about talc and asbestos found in the plaintiffs’ reproductive tracts, and peer-reviewed scientific studies showing genital use of talc significantly increases the risk of ovarian cancer.
The verdict represents a major victory for plaintiffs in California’s coordinated talc proceedings in the first talc-related ovarian cancer trial since the company’s bankruptcy filings were rejected by federal courts last year.
“We’re grateful that the jury saw through Johnson & Johnson’s confusion and returned this significant verdict both for the Schultzes and Ms. Kent, but also for the tens of thousands of women who have been harmed by Johnson’s Baby Powder,” said Paul Dagostino, trial counsel for the plaintiffs.
The cases are Deborah Schultz et al. v. Johnson & Johnson et al., Case No. 20CV0476, and Monica Kent v. Johnson & Johnson et al., Case No. 17CV318672, which were pending in the California State Court Coordinated Proceeding JCCP No. 4872, Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Cases.
About Robinson Calcagnie, Inc.
Robinson Calcagnie, Inc. is a nationally recognized plaintiffs’ law firm based in Newport Beach, California, focused on complex litigation involving dangerous products, corporate misconduct, environmental harm, and catastrophic injury. The firm is known for its trial-driven approach and commitment to holding powerful defendants accountable. Learn more about Robinson Calcagnie, Inc. at www.robinsonfirm.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/los-angeles-jury-delivers-40-million-verdict-against-johnson–johnson-in-talcum-powder-ovarian-cancer-trial-302646356.html
SOURCE Robinson Calcagnie, Inc.
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A Los Angeles Superior Court jury has returned a $40 million verdict against Johnson & Johnson, finding that the company’s talc-based baby powder products caused ovarian cancer in two women following decades of regular use.
The verdict finding Johnson & Johnson liable for negligence, failure to warn, and fraudulent misrepresentation awarded $40 million in compensatory damages to Monica Kent, Deborah Schultz, and Dr. Albert Schultz. The cases were tried jointly in a six-week trial before a California jury.
The plaintiffs were represented by Dan Robinson of Robinson Calcagnie, Inc. and Andy Birchfield of the Beasley Allen firm.
“This verdict reflects what the evidence made clear,” said Dan Robinson, trial counsel for the Plaintiffs Deborah and Albert Schultz. “For decades, Johnson & Johnson knew about serious safety concerns tied to its talc products and failed to warn women who trusted those products for daily personal use. We’re grateful that the jury was able to see through Defendants’ false narratives and hold them accountable for causing our clients’ ovarian cancers.”
During trial, jurors heard extensive testimony concerning Johnson & Johnson’s internal knowledge regarding the risks of talc and asbestos in its Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower, as well as scientific and medical evidence linking long-term genital talc use to ovarian cancer. The evidence included testimony from former U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. David Kessler, who outlined Johnson & Johnson’s decades-long failure to disclose critical safety information.
Jurors also heard from nationally-respected medical experts who testified about talc and asbestos found in the plaintiffs’ reproductive tracts, and peer-reviewed scientific studies showing genital use of talc significantly increases the risk of ovarian cancer.
The verdict represents a major victory for plaintiffs in California’s coordinated talc proceedings in the first talc-related ovarian cancer trial since the company’s bankruptcy filings were rejected by federal courts last year.
“We’re grateful that the jury saw through Johnson & Johnson’s confusion and returned this significant verdict both for the Schultzes and Ms. Kent, but also for the tens of thousands of women who have been harmed by Johnson’s Baby Powder,” said Paul Dagostino, trial counsel for the plaintiffs.
The cases are Deborah Schultz et al. v. Johnson & Johnson et al., Case No. 20CV0476, and Monica Kent v. Johnson & Johnson et al., Case No. 17CV318672, which were pending in the California State Court Coordinated Proceeding JCCP No. 4872, Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Cases.
About Robinson Calcagnie, Inc.
Robinson Calcagnie, Inc. is a nationally recognized plaintiffs’ law firm based in Newport Beach, California, focused on complex litigation involving dangerous products, corporate misconduct, environmental harm, and catastrophic injury. The firm is known for its trial-driven approach and commitment to holding powerful defendants accountable. Learn more about Robinson Calcagnie, Inc. at www.robinsonfirm.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/los-angeles-jury-delivers-40-million-verdict-against-johnson–johnson-in-talcum-powder-ovarian-cancer-trial-302646356.html
SOURCE Robinson Calcagnie, Inc.
Ask around at a golf or sports turf conference, and you’ll hear the same thing: everybody knows Terry.
As sales manager for BESTSAND at Covia, Sales Manager Terry Gwinn has built a reputation as the person superintendents, architects, and distributors naturally gravitate toward. He’s the calm presence at a busy show, the one who remembers your course, your last renovation, and probably the name of your assistant superintendent, too.
From Superintendent to Golf Sand Sales Leader
Before joining Covia, Terry was a golf course superintendent at The Greenbrier in West Virginia. Terry attended the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation’s annual conference in December of 2000 to evaluate some options for a bunker renovation and enjoy a short visit to his home state. Instead, he received an offer that would change the course of his career.
“When I was up there, I was asked if I wanted a job,” Terry said. “I took some time to think about it, and I eventually had the realization that it was time to try something outside of what I was already doing.”
That decision eventually led to Terry being hired as a bunker sand salesperson in May of 2001. In this role, Terry was regularly on the road, driving across Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, West Virginia, and northern Indiana for roughly eight years. This rigorous schedule was a tiring time, but one that proved worthwhile for both Terry and Covia.
“All in all, it was a trying time for me because I was always on the road,” Terry shared. “But in reality, it was helpful because I got to meet a lot of people, get the name out there… It ended up being good training.”
A 600-Ton Turning Point
For all his humility, Terry’s fingerprints are on some of the most recognizable golf courses in the country. His hard work has led to projects with notable venues such as:
- Butler National (Chicago)
- Crooked Stick (Carmel, IN)
- Muirfield Village (Dublin, OH)
- Oak Hill Country Club (Pittsford, NY)
- Oakland Hills (Detroit, MI)
- Pebble Beach (Pebble Beach, CA)
- Valhalla Golf Club (Louisville, KY)
His current resume is rather impressive, but he had doubts early in his sales career. According to Terry, it took a big sale for him to realize he was on the right path.
“At first, I was wondering if this job was right for me,” Terry explains. “But once the first sale is under your belt, you just keep going.”
For Terry, that sale was a 600-ton order of bunker sand that gave him the confidence he needed to put his doubts behind him and leverage his greatest skill – building relationships.
Building Bonds from One Bunker to the Next
As a former superintendent, Terry knows the pressures of managing turf, tournaments, budgets, and boards. Between his past experience and attentive nature, Terry can connect with customers across the country.
“When I made the transition from superintendent to sales, I could relate to what these guys are going through on a certain level,” he says. “Sometimes you go out there, you don’t even talk about bunker sand. You talk about everything else under the sun and listen to them when they need it.”
That ability to listen, and genuinely care, has become an essential part of Covia’s reputation in the golf and sports turf space. It’s also why trade show aisles tend to bottleneck wherever Terry happens to be standing.
“I’ve never seen anyone work a tradeshow like Terry,” says Joel Eaton, director of sales – specialty products. “He’s genuine, knowledgeable, and takes pride in every interaction, and it shows.”
Growing a Market, No Matter the Challenge
While Terry and BESTSAND are notable figures in the industry now, it took a lot of work to get to this point. The golf market has seen its share of ups and downs over the course of Terry’s career, with the mid 2010s being particularly difficult. However, that stagnation ended abruptly following golf’s surge in popularity during the COVID pandemic.
“The tide changed 180 degrees,” Terry explained. “There’s a lot of activity in the golf business from both a renovation and a new construction standpoint. Every country club that I talk to has a waiting list now that they didn’t have prior.”
Thanks to Terry’s hard work, BESTSAND was in a position to thrive during this surge in demand. Covia also recognized Terry’s efforts and targeted golf and sports turf as a key opportunity and made several investments to help him grow the BESTSAND brand. Today, Covia is:
- A coast-to-coast supplier, with the addition of new plants and distributors enabling reliable service from the Pacific Northwest to New England and down through Texas and Florida.
- A member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, an influential group that helps open doors with designers and decision-makers.
- A visible partner through sponsorships, webinars, video testimonials, and e-blasts that highlight marquee projects and thought leadership.
For all the business milestones, some of the most telling moments in Terry’s story come from his resilience and dedication despite health issues. Terry was diagnosed with cancer six years ago. Despite this, he stayed connected with the relationships and responsibilities he cares about so deeply.
“He’s been through a lot these past few years, but he’s the hardest-working person I know,” Joel shared. “Terry is one of a kind and I’m proud to know him.”
What’s Next for Terry
As you may expect by now, Terry is not planning to slow down. His calendar is already filled with trade shows in 2026 where he’ll continue to deepen relationships, learn, and showcase what Covia can do.
“We’re working on new opportunities coming up for Covia, and I’m looking forward to being able to service even more markets than we have been in the past,” Terry said.
In the end, Terry doesn’t measure his career by the number of tons shipped or the number of high-profile courses on his resume (although there are many). He measures it in relationships he’s developed.
If you ask him, he’ll say he’s just doing his job. Everyone else knows he’s doing much more than that.
Partnership continues to empower HBCU students with paid internships and career opportunities; application window closes Jan. 16
ATLANTA, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — For the fourth consecutive year, Georgia Power will host the HBCU Pathways program in partnership with the Atlanta Hawks to support students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across Georgia.
Since its launch in 2023, the HBCU Pathways program has supported 21 students, with several alumni securing full-time roles in sports, entertainment, and corporate sectors following their internships.
“At Georgia Power, caring for our communities is at the heart of everything we do. The collaboration between Georgia Power, the Atlanta Hawks, and our HBCU partners allows us to extend that commitment by creating opportunities for HBCU students to gain real-world experience and build lasting careers,” said Jonathan King, director of workforce development at Georgia Power. “Together, we’re giving young leaders the tools, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive, while strengthening the communities we all call home.”
The HBCU Pathways Program is a 10-week paid internship with the Atlanta Hawks designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in sports, entertainment, and business. The program offers hands-on experience and professional development opportunities. For the 2025 cohort, there are eight internship spots available in various departments including Brand Communications, Global Partnership – Activations, Retail, Digital Marketing, Global Partnership – Sales, CPS Ticket Sales, Event Operations and Hawks IQ (Analytics). The application window closes on Jan. 16, 2026.
“At the Atlanta Hawks, we believe our greatest impact comes from investing in people,” said Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena’s Executive Vice President & Chief People, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer Camye Mackey. “As a proud HBCU graduate, I am honored for our organization to partner with Georgia Power to provide HBCU students with real-world experience, mentorship, and a foundation for long-term success. Together, we are cultivating the next generation of leaders who will continue to strengthen our industries and transform our communities.”
Georgia Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, has a longstanding commitment to supporting HBCUs. Since the creation of the Georgia Power Foundation in 1986, the company has donated more than $5.5 million to HBCU initiatives in Georgia, as part of Southern Company’s broader $50 million multi-year investment in HBCUs nationwide.
To apply for the program, visit www.nba.com/hawks/hbcu-pathways.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.8 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
About Atlanta Hawks
Committed to entertaining and uniting the city of Atlanta since 1968, the Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena, under the leadership of Principal Owners Tony Ressler and Jami Gertz, continue to build bridges through basketball by following its True to Atlanta mantra. On the court, the Hawks’ exciting young core is led by three-time All-Star point guard Trae Young. Off the court, the Hawks organization focuses on positively impacting the lives of Atlantans through providing access to youth basketball, fighting food insecurity, and the transformation of State Farm Arena into Georgia’s largest-ever voting precinct for the 2020 elections. The Hawks family also includes the College Park Skyhawks (NBA G League). Atlanta Hawks Membership, which includes your seat for every home game, is on sale now at www.hawks.com/membership or by calling 866-715-1500. For more information on the Hawks, log on to www.hawks.com or follow us on social media @ATLHawks.
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SOURCE Georgia Power
Originally published on GoDaddy LinkedIn
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2025 Wrap-Up from the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab
Welcome to our Q4 update and annual wrap-up on small and microbusiness activity across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia!
This has been an eventful year, and as we’re all ready to wind-down before 2026 begins, let’s jump right into our updates on the entrepreneurs with a digital presence and majority having fewer than 10 employees (over half solo entrepreneurs). There’s a lot to share about their latest outlook and growth plans, where they are online and internationally, how they’re using AI, and more.
Warmly,
Alexandra Rosen | Economist and Global Head, GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab
Data Hub – Which Industries and States grew the most in 2025?
The Microbusiness Data Hub has been refreshed through September 2025, capturing the latest shifts in entrepreneurship, geographically and by industry through our e-commerce data, excerpts below:
Top 5 Ecommerce Industries in 2025
Ranked by growth in entrepreneurs
- Rank #1: Software & IT: +23%
- Rank #2: Auto: +19%
- Rank #3: Home Services: +18%
- Rank #4: Travel: +17%
- Rank #4: Religion: +16%
excerpt from U.S. edition of the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab Annual Report
Top 10 States By Microbusiness Count
| State |
Active Microbusinesses Q3 ’25 |
1 Year Microbusiness Count Change |
Microbusiness Density Q3 ’25 |
| California |
3,911,254 |
1% |
9.9 |
| Florida |
2,472,670 |
4% |
10.6 |
| Texas |
1,936,827 |
4% |
6.2 |
| New York |
1,804,154 |
2% |
9.1 |
| Georgia |
786,792 |
2% |
7.0 |
| Illinois |
782,117 |
1% |
6.2 |
| Washington |
723,217 |
3% |
9.1 |
| Pennsylvania |
717,586 |
2% |
5.5 |
| New Jersey |
684,977 |
2% |
7.2 |
| Arizona |
638,607 |
1% |
8.4 |
excerpt from U.S. edition of the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab Annual Report
2025 Annual Report – From Resiliency to Resolve: The State of Small and Microbusinesses is live!
Small businesses have always been resilient. This year we are seeing something else too. Entrepreneurs are moving forward with intention and conviction. They are not just adapting, but they are committed, and staying present.
Over 70% of U.S. small business owners are confident they will achieve their definition of success in their lifetime. With AI reshaping how they grow, the outsized local economic impact is scaling faster than ever. Read our 2025 wrap-up report on their outlook, plans to hire, and where you can find them online and nationally.
Link: https://www.godaddy.com/research/explore-the-data/annual-report-2025/
Majority have neutral to positive expectations of Nov-Dec 2025 sales compared to 2024
- Lower: 26%
- No Change: 37%
- Higher: 29%
Small business outlook on revenue over the next 6 months is cautiously optimistic
- Negative: 24%
- Positive or No Change: 66%
excerpt from U.S. edition of the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab Annual Report
Majority of entrepreneurs have changed how they define success since childhood
- 84% say their definition has changed from slightly to completely
- 47% completely agree
- 37% yes, slightly
Definitions of success by entrepreneurs
- 53%: Living comfortable lifestyle with financial security
- 43%: Freedom to pursue passions/goals
- 37%: Feeling happy with life
- 27%: Being able to pay off debt
- 26%: Being own boss
- 21%: Having something to leave children
- 21%: Impacting community
- 17%: Fulfilling career
- 13%: Owning my own home
72%: Seventy-two percent of entrepreneurs feel confident they’ll achieve success in their lifetime.
excerpt from U.S. edition of the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab Annual Report
Introducing two new public GPTs on ChatGPT
One annual report is great, but how about all of them since 2020? This quarter we are introducing a new way to access and interact with our data: GoDaddy has published its first public GPT on ChatGPT. It gathers all of our published reports since 2020, including our special editions of research with UCLA Anderson Forecast and Frontier Economics, into a single, conversational tool.
You can explore regional differences, long-term impact and industry trends, survey results spanning 5 years, and the stories that sit beneath the data. Search “GoDaddy” under the Explore section of ChatGPT or use this link: research.godaddy/gpt
We’ve also released another GPT just for our US data, accessible here: http://research.godaddy/data. It leverages an API to parse the data, which you’ll need to approve once, and we invite you to explore it and even try to break it! Welcome your thoughts on it. (See images above)
Economic Impact Update from the United Kingdom
Since 2023, GoDaddy has partnered with Frontier Economics to capture the outsized impact made by UK microbusinesses on their local economies. In 2025, UK microbusinesses continued to boost local economies at higher rates than before.
Last year, a 10% rise in small digital businesses was linked to an average pay increase of about £320 for full time workers. This year, that figure has grown to £360.
The link with jobs has also strengthened. Each additional small digital business for every thousand people is now associated with about 5 extra jobs in that area.
The research also finds that digital business growth is good for productivity. A 10% increase in small digital businesses is linked to a .37% rise in GDP per capita. For a typical local authority of 200,000 people, this would translate to over £26 million in additional GDP.
Behind every data point is a person choosing to build something. Blossom and Grow Florist in Harlow is one example. Owner Rachel Brennan used digital tools to reach more customers, support her family and stay closely connected to her community.
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United Kingdom
Remote Island Business Thrives With Global Customers A Scottish island business is growing through domain strength, website visibility and social reach. It shows how digital tools help even the most remote entrepreneurs serve customers worldwide.
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LINCOLN, Neb., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nebraska nonprofits will receive $1,040,000 in charitable giving from Ameritas as committed in 2025, the Lincoln-based company announced. The grant awards are in the areas of education, financial stability, health services, arts and culture and sustainability. Each award varies in length, with some multi-year commitments.
“Investing in the well-being of our communities is core to who we are at Ameritas,” said Liz Ring Carlson, vice president, corporate communications, community relations and meetings and travel. “These organizations provide stability, dignity, and opportunity for thousands of Nebraskans, and we are honored to support their work. Our hope is that these grants help strengthen the systems that help people thrive.”
The full list of award recipients is below. Each grant award will be paid on or before Dec. 31, 2025, unless otherwise noted:
- American Red Cross – $10,000
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands – $10,000
- Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska – $25,000
- Cedars Youth Services, Inc. – $25,000
- Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation – $75,000 over three years/$25,000 per year
- Clinic With a Heart, Inc. – $120,000 over three years/$40,000 per year
- Community Head Start – $20,000 over two years/$10,000 per year
- Food Bank of Lincoln, Inc. – $75,000 over three years/$25,000 per year
- Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries – $250,000 with $100,000 over two years and $50,000 for one year.
- Friendship Home of Lincoln – $150,000 over three years/$50,000 per year
- Good Neighbor Community Center Inc. – $100,000 over two years/$50,000 per year
- Junior Achievement of Lincoln, Inc. – $20,000 over two years/$10,000 per year
- Nebraska Dental Foundation – $30,000 over three years/$10,000 per year
- Nebraska Diaper Bank – $10,000
- Northeast Family Resource Center – $50,000
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Dentistry – $50,000
- United Way Response Fund – $20,000
To learn more about charitable giving focus areas of Ameritas, visit ameritas.com/about/community-impact.
About Ameritas
Ameritas is a marketing name for Ameritas Mutual Holding Company and its affiliated subsidiary companies, including Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York. Founded in 1887, Ameritas offers a wide range of insurance and financial products and services to individuals, families and businesses. These products and services include life insurance; annuities; individual disability income insurance; group dental, vision and hearing care insurance; and retirement plans. For more information, visit ameritas.com.
Contact:
Derek Rayment, Sr. Media Relations Specialist
Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.
Phone: 402-467-7850
derek.rayment@ameritas.com
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SOURCE Ameritas
