Tag: 3BL

In this Innovation Forum podcast, Kiff Gallagher, Executive Director of the Global Heat Reduction Initiative, discusses with Ian Welsh the problems with carbon markets today and how to address them. Gallagher emphasizes the need to account for super pollutants, like methane and black carbon, which have significantly greater near-term impacts on the environment. The conversation also touches on the opportunities for corporations to measure what matters and maximize their climate impact. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in advancing climate accounting practices and enhancing global sustainability efforts. Listen to the podcast here.

About Global Heat Reduction

Global Heat Reduction Initiative (GHR) is an initiative of SCS Global Services that aims to drive down excess heat trapped in the atmosphere in the crucial near-term. GHR provides Total Climate Accountingᵀᴹ, that includes measurement of climate super pollutants over any timeframe such as methane, nitrous oxide and black carbon to enable organizations to take immediate action on global heat reduction.

To learn more, visit https://www.heatreduction.com/

Corporate sustainability is at a critical juncture, with unprecedented political turbulence and regulatory rollbacks pressuring companies and investors to review their sustainability commitments. But the challenge isn’t just about maintaining momentum—it’s about articulating the value of sustainability to long-term success.

How can forward-thinking companies wishing to stay the course encourage continued investment in their sustainability initiatives? Below are four ways to reframe sustainability initiatives as strategies for resilience and drive big wins for the business.

1. Show That Sustainability Is More Than Just Green Marketing

To keep sustainability on the board agenda, it’s crucial to demonstrate that it is more than just a corporate buzzword. Reflect on the quantitative and qualitative impact of your sustainability initiatives and align them with the progression of key organization and financial objectives. Lead with the numbers, and let the data tell your story.

Sustainability initiatives can not only help improve business performance in meaningful ways but can also drive agile and resilient operations in the face of fluctuating markets and environmental crises. Think robust scenario planning, which tackles uncertainties by proactively accounting for emerging risks and opportunities through a future-focused, sustainable lens. Being prepared can position your organization favorably to respond strategically to transition risks and thrive in times of disruptions.

2. Integrate Sustainability as an Organizational Effort

Isolated sustainability initiatives are one reason many fall short of achieving their intended goals. Although having a dedicated sustainability team has its merits, the most impactful initiatives should be connected to the core business strategy and thoughtfully embedded into governance and leadership structures, employee culture, and business processes.

To break down silos, companies should converge different functions and interdisciplinary teams around a common goal and translate sustainability ambitions into practical, measurable priorities, such as tracking renewable energy to meet regulatory requirements or embedding circular economy principles into product development. This integrated approach enables leaders to understand what’s truly material to their business at a granular level while bolstering long-term growth, operational agility, and business resilience.

3. Switch to Sustainable Business Operations for Better Efficiencies

At its core, sustainability functions as a robust risk assessment framework to support resilient, future-ready operational models. Comprehensive materiality assessments can help surface significant sustainability risks, impacts, and opportunities of a business. These material issues hold insights for powerful business transformation and advancing broader sustainability goals.

For example, companies interested in reducing their carbon footprint may look into transitioning to renewable energy sources, optimizing supply chains, or embracing circular economy practices to turn waste streams into sources of revenue. This sparks continuous innovation and ensures organizations are making the right strategic investments that address their most pressing business vulnerabilities.

4. Plan for Future Growth

With current political headwinds, organizations may find it tempting to deprioritize their long-term sustainability strategies. But putting a pause on sustainability today introduces significant risks that outweigh any short-term advantage for both investors and private companies. It’s akin to injecting material risk back into the business—leading to an increased risk of regulatory non-compliance, reduced access to capital, fragmented supply chains, and other detrimental impacts.

It’s also critical to remember that climate-related disruptions will still occur regardless of political or economic uncertainty. Resilience building is crucial for business continuity, and a plan for sustainability is a plan for an organization’s longevity.

Unlocking Greater Value From Sustainability Data

Sustainability data has a life span that extends past its collection stage, and leveraging technology can help companies do more with their data. Such tools facilitate collaboration among teams and help turn raw data into actionable insights, making it easier to identify trends, set and track performance targets, and uncover opportunities for cost savings, innovation, and brand differentiation.

By leveraging technology, companies not only maximize the efficacy, value, and impact of their sustainability data, they also build a robust repository of data-driven insights that can facilitate strategic business development.

Stay the Course on Sustainability Initiatives with Novata

Positioning sustainability as fundamental to business resilience can ensure it remains relevant, even in times of scrutiny. Companies that remain committed to their sustainability initiatives aren’t only prepared to meet today’s challenges—they’ll be ready to adapt, innovate, and thrive far into the future.

Turn uncertainty into opportunities with Novata’s industry-leading platform and expertise. Learn how we can transform your sustainability data into powerful drivers of business growth and resilience to help you confidently pivot in times of disruption. Speak with a Novata expert today to learn more.

On April 1st, 2025, a total of 34 Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) professionals from 16 different companies came together for the third annual Data Center EHSxTech® event, hosted by STACK Infrastructure in Sterling, Virginia. This full day of networking and discussions focused on the evolving role of technology, particularly AI, in EHS management. Key themes included AI applications, safety by design, and operational EHS challenges.

Below are some of the key insights shared throughout the day.

AI in EHS: From Time Savings to Strategic Integration 

The opening presentations delved into how AI is already transforming EHS operations. Attendees heard from two data center industry EHS leaders on how AI tools are helping their teams streamline routine tasks, including:

• Preparing and summarizing meeting notes
• Scheduling across time zones
• Drafting presentation and training content
• Accelerating incident reporting and PR approvals
• Filtering and prioritizing messaging platforms

These efficiencies are freeing up EHS professionals to focus on higher-value, strategic work, and are also providing a business case for further investment in AI learning and tools.

Best practices for AI adoption emphasized benchmarking (understanding effort associated with specific tasks prior to AI adoption), continuous learning, clear outcome definitions, and a culture of experimentation. Speakers described a phased evolution of AI in EHS:

• Predictive AI: Leveraging leading and lagging indicator data to prevent incidents
• Generative AI: Automating training materials and communications
• Autonomous AI: Embedding AI agents into EHS workflows to enhance decision-making and response times

AI was also discussed in the context of mental health risk assessments, team feedback surveys, and injury case management—highlighting its potential to reduce burnout while maintaining service quality. One participant reinforced that EHS professionals should “just get started” using AI, by identifying what AI tools your company uses. From there, EHS teams should start testing the various use cases you have and remember it is important to think of it as an iterative process – test and verify until you get the desired outcome.

One organization showcased how they use AI to score the quality of safety observations, providing real-time feedback for employees submitting feedback to drive continuous improvement. While early results are promising, attendees were reminded that ease of data collection does not equate to ease of safety management.

Safety by Design: Eliminating Risks Before They Appear 

The next session, “Safety by Design Considerations to Improve DC Operations,” explored how safety can be integrated directly into the physical and operational design of data centers. This “safety by design” approach aims to proactively eliminate Serious Injuries and Fatalities (SIFs) across the facility lifecycle—from fabrication and construction to decommissioning.

Examples of design innovations discussed included:

• Dedicated hazardous waste rooms and PPE changing stations
• Remote de-energization capabilities and infrared scanning windows
• Roof-mounted lifting systems and roof moisture sensors
• Strategically located anchor points for work-at-height
• Clearly marked travel paths and standardized signage
• Improved crawl unit doors and centralized emergency information
• Potential use of robotic inspection tools in hazardous zones

For one organization, it was noted that approximately 30% of submitted design recommendations have been implemented successfully, driving measurable improvements in safety performance.

Pathways to Excellence in EHS 

As the day progressed, the discussion turned toward the broader strategic vision for EHS in the data center industry. One session focused on how organizations can elevate their programs beyond compliance to true operational excellence.

Key takeaways included:

• The importance of contractor management in maintaining a safe workplace
• Strategic integration of AI to shift from reactive to proactive safety work
• Designing safety into every stage of the data center lifecycle
• Addressing emerging risks, such as those posed by lithium-ion batteries
• Integrating Operations field inspections during the construction stage to identify opportunities to further design out future safety concerns
• Prioritizing communication, engagement, and continuous improvement

This session helped ground the day’s technology and design insights in a broader framework, reminding attendees that excellence in EHS requires not just tools and tactics, but a strong foundation of leadership, collaboration, and long-term thinking.

Operational Breakouts: Vendor Management, Training, and Fire Safety 

Afternoon breakout sessions tackled real-world challenges faced by operations teams, with vendor management emerging as a central theme. Participants shared how their organizations are formalizing expectations, vetting contractors, and integrating safety criteria into vendor ratings and project check-ins.

Other key discussions included:

• Cost-effective approaches to EHS training
• Contract language for vendor compliance
• White glove transportation services for sensitive equipment
• Tracking vendor hours to assess risk exposure
• Building a strong safety culture through collaboration and events

One session explored lithium-ion battery safety, electrocution risks, and fire safety preparedness. One key insight: local emergency services often lack awareness of data center-specific hazards. Participants shared stories of mock data halls and first responder education efforts to close that gap.

The conversations reinforced how critical it is for EHS teams to act not only as regulators but also as educators, facilitators, and strategic partners across all levels of operations.

A Call to Action for the EHS Community 

The Data Center EHSxTech event made it clear: technology alone isn’t the solution, but when paired with intentional design, strong partnerships, and a culture of continuous improvement, it becomes a powerful force for good. AI is not just a time-saver; it’s a strategic enabler. Design isn’t just about function, it’s about foresight. And operations aren’t just about efficiency, they’re about people.

As the data center industry continues to grow and evolve, so too must our approach to safety. Whether through piloting AI tools, reimagining design standards, or elevating vendor expectations, the time is now to lead with innovation, collaboration, and purpose. The future of EHS is being built today—let’s make it smarter, safer, and more human.

Are you interested in attending our next event? Connect with us to learn more.  

Download the Workiva Research Report: CSRD Year One in Review

This exclusive research paper from Workiva uncovers how Wave 1 companies addressed the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in its first year of reporting—and how they are turning CSRD compliance into strategic advantage.

The first integrated annual reports created in line with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), including double materiality assessment and EU Taxonomy disclosures as mandated by the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), have now been published.

The CSRD was adopted to enable businesses to better identify the risks and opportunities arising from social and environmental issues, and disclose information on the impact of their activities on people and the environment in a way that’s standardised and comparable. This helps investors, business partners, consumers and other stakeholders to better evaluate the sustainability performance of companies. 

Further, with ESRS adoption in its first year, there are still many unanswered questions about how the mandate is being applied in practice. 

• How has the CSRD changed the shape of the annual report?
• How many ESRS topical standards were actually deemed to be material?
• How are impacts, risks and opportunities (IROs) being reported following the application of the double materiality principle? 

The answers to these questions can help businesses create a benchmark for their own CSRD-compliant reporting. 

To get those answers, Workiva analysed 50 CSRD-compliant reports. These reports, many published by Europe’s largest companies, demonstrate that the CSRD isn’t just about compliance: it’s about value creation. 

The competitive landscape has shifted as a result of the CSRD. This research shows you how.

Read now to benchmark your CSRD reporting against your peers, gain insights into the material topics being reported on and level set on assurance costs and data governance.

Nearly three decades ago, Paige Chenevey joined Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) as an intern. Over the years her career has evolved, but one thing has remained constant: her dedication to protecting people, communities and the environment. We asked Chenevey about her journey and what she believes it means to be a Guardian of Public Safety for Marathon Pipe Line (MPL), a subsidiary of MPLX LP, the midstream component of MPC.

How did your career at MPC begin?

I started my career with MPC in 1997 as an environmental engineering intern in Tyler, Texas, and became a full-time environmental engineer in Oklahoma City in 1999. Today, as field services and planning director for MPL, I help provide vision and direction for pipeline damage prevention, right-of-way services, public engagement, geospatial technology, sustainability and resource optimization.

What inspires you in your work?

At MPL, safety and responsibility guide everything we do. Our commitment to protecting people, communities and the environment is what we call being a Guardian of Public Safety.

Our pipelines run through areas where people live, work and play in communities across the country. Every day, thousands of landowners and countless others trust us to safeguard their families and communities, and that is a responsibility we take very seriously.

I’m inspired by the challenge of pursuing the “and” – safely and reliably delivering energy that empowers communities while creating value for shareholders. Access to safe, affordable energy is essential for communities to thrive, and my team and I are dedicated to protecting and enhancing that access.

What motivates you to strive for excellence and lead your team?

I see every challenge as an opportunity and am driven by finding solutions that create value, spark innovation and strengthen our competitive edge. Problem-solving is at the heart of what we do, and I find motivation in tackling complex issues that push us to think differently.

I encourage my team to think big, embrace discomfort and learn from setbacks. Growth and innovation require resilience and perseverance, and I believe the best ideas come from pushing beyond what feels comfortable.

Why do you emphasize authenticity and positivity as a leader?
Success comes from working together, and that starts with authenticity. Early in my career, I learned that being true to myself and leading with empathy, vulnerability and a clear sense of purpose brings out the best in a team. Leadership is not about having all the answers but about creating an environment where people feel supported, valued and empowered to grow.

I strive to foster a team where everyone has the opportunity to develop their strengths, contribute in meaningful ways and build confidence in their abilities. Just as I continue learning and evolving as a leader, I encourage my team to embrace challenges, celebrate progress and recognize that success comes from collaboration and shared growth.

What drives MPL’s success in safety, innovation and sustainability?
At MPL, our success is built on a culture of hard work, trust and a relentless focus on safety, reliability and innovation. There are countless examples of how this culture drives impactful results.

One highlight is our Conservation Agriculture program, which partners with farmers to create conservation areas that protect pipelines, strengthen relationships and enhance the environment. Since its launch, the program has secured 21 easements, created 43 acres of conservation land and saved over $1.1 million, all while protecting the pipelines and supporting sustainable farming practices.

“Our success is built on a culture of hard work, trust and a relentless focus on safety, reliability and innovation.”

Innovation also extends to how we monitor pipeline safety. Traditional aerial patrol methods have proven far less effective at detecting certain risks, which is why we’ve reimagined our approach with the adoption of AI-driven technology. This advanced solution can detect subtle threats that human eyes might miss, such as land movement, deep tilling or leaks. We are deploying this technology across our operations and sharing with others, helping to set a new standard for pipeline monitoring and safety across the industry.

These examples are just a glimpse of the many ways our culture at MPL inspires groundbreaking solutions that enhance safety, protect the environment and deliver value for all.

Discuss MPL’s biodiversity goals, including pollinator habitats and the partnership with The Ohio State University.

MPL’s Sustainable Landscapes program, launched as a pilot in 2022, has transformed vegetation management across our rights-of-way (ROWs). By using native grasses and pollinator species, we’ve addressed challenges such as pipeline depth, safety, compliance and environmental stewardship. After the pilot’s success, the program was fully implemented in 2023, advancing our commitment to sustainability.

Following the success of the pilot, MPL set an ambitious goal to convert 50% of compatible ROWs (approximately 10,000 acres) to Sustainable Landscapes by the end of 2025. As of December 2024, over 8,800 acres have been converted, demonstrating significant progress.¹

In collaboration with The Ohio State University, MPL has further tackled vegetation growth challenges by pioneering solutions that balance safety and sustainability. This work includes the use of native grasses and pollinator species to reduce maintenance costs and boost biodiversity.

A cornerstone of these efforts is our participation in the Monarch Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances, which protects Monarch butterfly habitats along critical migration corridors. By planting milkweed and other native plants, MPL is supporting the species’ survival while maintaining compliance and operational efficiency.

Partnerships with institutions like The Ohio State University and Pheasants Forever, a nationwide Rights-of-Way & Energy (ROWE) Habitat Program that MPL was among the first to pilot, further our sustainability goals by bringing research-backed solutions that benefit both operations and the environment, while lending added credibility to our programs and achievements.

MPL’s sustainability initiatives create significant value by enhancing pipeline safety, reducing costs and supporting biodiversity. I’m proud that we’re leading the industry by transforming ROWs into self-sustaining habitats.

¹2024 estimated progress value is preliminary and subject to change. Additional information regarding our targets, including calculation methodologies, can be found in our 2024 Perspectives on Climate-Related Scenarios report, available at www.mplx.com/sustainability.

Municipalities face growing pressure to manage their resources effectively, and energy costs at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are among the largest expenses. These facilities can account for up to 40% of a municipality’s total energy use. In high-cost electricity states like California, New York and Massachusetts, energy bills for a single large WWTP can exceed $6 million annually.

As electricity prices continue to rise and fluctuate, delaying energy-saving investments at WWTPs can lead to tens of millions of dollars in avoidable costs. In this blog, you’ll learn how rising energy costs impact WWTP budgets over time, how energy use differs by plant size and which strategies — including efficiency upgrades, on-site renewables, and smart energy procurement — can deliver major long-term savings. We’ll also explore funding options that make it possible to implement these solutions without adding financial burden today.

What Defines Small, Medium and Large WWTPs?

WWTPs vary in size and energy consumption:

• Small WWTPs: Serve fewer than 50,000 people and consume 5 million to 15 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually.
• Medium WWTPs: Serve between 50,000 to 100,000 people and consume 15 million to 30 million kWh annually.
• Large WWTPs: Serve over 100,000 people and consume 30 million to 60 million kWh annually.

For this analysis, we use benchmark figures reflecting typical energy use and rates in high-cost states.

The Cost of Inaction: Rising Energy Prices and Budget Impact

Electricity prices are unpredictable, but a 3% annual increase is a conservative estimate based on historical trends. Costs for capacity, transmission and regulatory charges often rise faster than market electricity prices.

The below chart outlines the projected energy cost escalation for a large WWTP over a 30 year period, assuming an electricity rate range of $0.20 to $0.30 per kWh, reflecting high to very high-cost regions. The total additional energy cost over 30 years equals $54 million to $81 million.

Without action, municipalities could see annual energy costs more than double, straining public budgets.

Year	Electricity Rate (per kWh)	Annual Energy Cost (Millions)
2025	$0.20 – $0.30	$6.0 – $9.0
2035	$0.26 – $0.39	$7.8 – $11.7
2045	$0.36 – $0.54	$10.7 – $16.1
2055	$0.44 – $0.66	$13.2 – $19.8

The Opportunity: How Energy Efficiency and Renewables Deliver Big Savings

Municipalities can reduce costs and risk through three key strategies:

1. Energy Efficiency Projects

Efficiency upgrades such as LED lighting, HVAC optimization, control systems and high-efficiency pumps can cut energy use by 10% to 35%.

Estimated 30-year savings:

• Small WWTPs: $8M – $15M
• Medium WWTPs: $12M – $25M
• Large WWTPs: $18M – $36M

2. Renewable Energy & On-Site Generation

On-site generation solutions can significantly lower energy costs while improving grid independence. WWTPs can leverage:

• Solar Photovoltaics (PV) and battery storage to reduce peak energy demand and increase reliability.
• Wind Power, where feasible, to generate clean electricity and offset grid purchases.
• Digester Gas (biogas) recovery, using methane produced in wastewater treatment to generate onsite electricity and heat.
• Microgrids, combining multiple generation sources for energy resilience and cost control.

Estimated 30-year savings:

• Small WWTPs: $12M – $18M
• Medium WWTPs: $20M – $30M
• Large WWTPs: $28M – $40M

3. Commodity Procurement & Risk Management

Strategies like power purchase agreements (PPAs), hedging and risk management contracts stabilize energy costs and reduce volatility.

Estimated 30-year savings:

• Small WWTPs: $5M – $10M
• Medium WWTPs: $8M – $15M
• Large WWTPs: $12M – $20M

Combining energy efficiency upgrades, on-site renewable generation, and strategic commodity procurement yields tremendous compounding savings over 30 years — exceeding $30 million for small WWTPs, $50 million for medium facilities, and $80 million for large plants. This transformational scale of savings significantly bolsters long-term financial resilience.

Conclusion: The Financial Case for Acting Now

For WWTPs of all sizes, delaying energy-saving investments could result in millions of dollars in avoidable costs over 30 years. Even with uncertainties in energy pricing and regulations, the risk of inaction is clear: higher bills, budget strain and lost reinvestment opportunities.

By acting now, municipalities can:

• Control long-term costs through efficiency, renewables and procurement strategies.
• Future-proof operations against rising electricity prices and regulatory changes.
• Demonstrate fiscal and environmental leadership.

Financing Solutions

Municipalities have multiple funding options for energy projects:

• Federal Grants and Incentives: Assistance in securing funding.
• Guaranteed Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs): Projects funded by guaranteed savings.
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Third-party ownership of energy assets with long-term cost savings.
• Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS): No upfront capital investment; private partners own and operate infrastructure.
• Turnkey Solutions: Full-service program and project delivery, from concept to post-operation monitoring.

By leveraging these funding mechanisms, municipalities can implement cost-saving projects without burdening their budgets, securing long-term savings while improving resilience.

Originally published on GoDaddy LinkedIn

Let’s start out with fresh insights into the world of small and microbusinesses. GoDaddy’s research initiative, Venture Forward, has been tracking the impact of online microbusinesses – which typically employ fewer than 10 people – on local economies since 2018. Its latest data highlights how entrepreneurs are leveraging digital tools, especially AI, to fuel growth, create jobs, and drive innovation.

To date, we’ve surveyed over 50,000 microbusiness owners, giving us a unique and data-driven perspective on their challenges, successes, and evolving needs. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, policymaker, or researcher, GoDaddy Venture Forward is your go-to source for understanding the small business landscape.

Stay tuned for exclusive reports, new data releases, and trends shaping the future of microbusinesses. If you haven’t already, subscribe to this newsletter to get updates in your LinkedIn feed each quarter!

Greg Efthimiou
Vice President, Public Relations

Igniting the Microbusiness Movement: Uncovering New U.S. Economic Trends

The Microbusiness Data Hub has been refreshed through December and the fourth quarter of 2024, including updated Microbusiness Density Data, Microbusiness Activity Index, and e-commerce trends.

We have also released our latest review of the impacts made by these entrepreneurs on job creation and unemployment based on the latest U.S. Census Data and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) through December 2024.

Statistically significant findings in partnership with UCLA Anderson Forecast economists include:

1. At the county-level, every additional microbusiness entrepreneur adds about seven jobs, which has continued to grow based on data through 2024. Analysis of data from 2018 to 2024 found the effect of microbusiness entrepreneurship to be two or more new jobs for every additional entrepreneur, and from 2020 to 2024, about seven new jobs.
2. Adding 1,000 new microbusiness entrepreneurs in a county is associated with a drop of 0.11 percentage points in the unemployment rate. This means that studying Miami-Dade County in Florida, with almost 430,000 microbusinesses and 2.1 million people over the age of 18, adding just 1,000 entrepreneurs would reduce the region’s unemployment rate by almost 7% (from 1.6% to 1.49%). And Cuyahoga County, Ohio (home to Cleveland), with over 72,000 microbusinesses, could see a decrease of 3% in unemployment from 3.2% to 3.09% by adding 1,000 new microbusiness entrepreneurs.

Download the data

How AI is Supercharging Small Businesses and Boosting Local Economies

Small businesses are the backbone of local economies, and AI is helping them thrive like never before. New research from GoDaddy, in partnership with UCLA Anderson economists, shows that AI-powered tools like GoDaddy Airo are driving job creation, boosting productivity, and increasing revenues for small business owners.

GoDaddy Airo uses advanced AI to optimize marketing, customer engagement, and business insights, making it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses.

Here’s what we found:

1. Every new website created with GoDaddy Airo contributes to an average of 20 new jobs per county.
2. AI-powered small businesses report 72% higher productivity and 61% increased revenue.
3. More small businesses are launching online, lowering the barrier to entrepreneurship.

AI is even helping reduce local unemployment rates. Despite these gains, 38% of small business owners say they don’t know enough about AI—showing there’s still work to do in 2025 to make AI accessible to all.

How can AI help your business grow? Read the full findings

GoDaddy and Mastercard Join Forces to Empower America’s Small Businesses

Alex Rosen of GoDaddy and Ginger Siegel of Mastercard explore the challenges and opportunities faced by small businesses in a new article. Despite incredible growth in recent years, many small businesses are still disconnected from crucial resources, from digital tools to financial support. The collaboration between GoDaddy and Mastercard aims to bridge these gaps, offering insights into how small business owners can leverage available resources to drive growth and success.

Small businesses are the heart of the U.S. economy, and new GoDaddy research reveals that entrepreneurs are more determined than ever to succeed. Despite economic challenges, small business owners remain optimistic, adaptable, and eager for the right support to help them scale.

Here’s what we found:

Confidence is high – Entrepreneurs are pushing forward, with a strong belief in their ability to succeed.

Adaptability is key – Small business owners are pivoting strategies, embracing digital tools like Gen AI and social media, and finding creative ways to grow.

Support is needed – While their ambitions are big, many small business owners say they need better resources, mentorship, and financial backing to reach their full potential.

Small businesses are resilient, but they can’t do it alone. What can be done to empower them?

Read the full story

Small Museums Face Unprecedented Challenges Amid Declining Visitors and Rising Costs

Recent research by Kids in Museums and GoDaddy’s Venture Forward initiative reveals that three in five small museums fear potential closure due to decreased visitor numbers and increased operational expenses. Over three-quarters describe this period as the most challenging they’ve experienced. The “Small Days Out” campaign encourages families to support local, independent museums during school holidays, emphasizing their vital role in preserving community heritage. This initiative highlights the importance of community engagement in sustaining these cultural institutions.

Access the complete story here

In the News

Entrepreneurial Resilience: Insights from GoDaddy’s Venture Forward Report

GoDaddy’s latest Venture Forward report reveals that 75% of microbusiness owners who close a business persist by launching new ventures, with 39% of these becoming the primary income source for their households. This resilience underscores the vital role microbusinesses play in driving economic renewal, a theme echoed in a recent Inc. article highlighting key policies to support entrepreneurs. The report also highlights that each entrepreneur creates an average of seven jobs at the county level, up from two in 2020, and that women now own 51% of microbusinesses, up from 41% in 2019.

Read more in Inc.

Croydon Emerges as a Thriving Hub for UK Small Businesses

Recent data from GoDaddy’s Venture Forward report highlights Croydon’s remarkable growth in microbusinesses, positioning the borough as a potential “UK’s answer to Silicon Valley.” Over the past year, Croydon experienced a 24% increase in microbusiness numbers, surpassing the rest of London and ranking third nationwide. This surge underscores the area’s entrepreneurial spirit and its role in driving local economic development.

Discover how Croydon is leading the UK’s microbusiness growth

Women-Led Businesses on the Rise in Australia and Canada

Recent findings from GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research highlight the impressive growth of female-led microbusinesses across Australia and Canada, emphasizing their resilience, innovation, and increasing economic impact.

Women now run 44% of Australia’s microbusinesses, with 57% of these ventures established within the past five years. Notably, over 27% of female entrepreneurs are the primary income earners for their households, showcasing a significant shift toward gender diversity in the country’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Explore the full article

Similarly, 43% of Canada’s microbusinesses are led by women, with 48% of these ventures launched in the last five years. Remarkably, 26% of female entrepreneurs are the main breadwinners for their households, while 33% report monthly revenues exceeding $5,000. Leveraging technology, 46% believe AI will enhance their competitiveness with larger companies through content creation, strategic insights, and more.

Dive deeper into Canada’s story here

April is the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize the strength, sacrifices, and stories of military-connected youth.

Insights from the Military Teen Experience Survey, conducted by the National Military Family Association (NMFA) and sponsored by Leidos, provide an important lens into the realities these teens face. From mental well-being and food insecurity to employment pressures and a continued commitment to service, the data reveal both the weight of their challenges and the depth of their resilience.

Mental Well-Being 

The survey highlights significant disparities in mental health: only 8% of military teens report high mental well-being, while 35% report low well-being. Civilian teens, by contrast, report 75% moderate well-being. Teens with a parent facing visible or invisible injuries, such as PTSD, are more than 10 times more likely to experience low mental well-being. While 19% of military teens who needed mental health care received it, 13% still encounter barriers to access, pointing to a clear need for expanded and equitable support. ​

Self-Harm 

Nearly half (45%) of military teens reported engaging in self-harm at least once, with one in three repeating the behavior in the past six months. These rates significantly exceed the global adolescent average of 18%, underscoring the need for mental health services designed specifically for the unique stressors of military life.​

Food Insecurity 

Food insecurity is another critical concern, with 54% of military teens experiencing low or very low food security in the past month, compared to 17.3% of U.S. households with children. Those most affected include teens in junior-enlisted households, those with service-connected injuries in the family, and those who’ve experienced multiple deployments. This insecurity adds further stress, impacting both mental and physical well-being.

Teen Employment 

Many military teens take on jobs to help support their families. The survey shows 19% work to contribute financially, and 58% work for personal spending money. With constant moves, changing schools, and evolving responsibilities at home, balancing work with life as a military teen can be overwhelming.

Propensity to Serve 

Despite these challenges, military teens demonstrate a deep-rooted sense of duty. Over half (51%) express a desire to serve in the military themselves — a figure far higher than the roughly 10% of their civilian peers who say the same. This is especially true among teens with active-duty parents or those who have experienced a parent’s visible injury, reflecting a powerful legacy of service and commitment.

Conclusion 

The Military Teen Experience Survey offers a vital window into the lives of military-connected youth, revealing not only the complex challenges they face, but also their extraordinary resilience. Friendships and peer support emerge as protective factors for mental health, emphasizing the importance of strong, connected communities.

As we mark the Month of the Military Child, Leidos is proud to uplift these voices and deepen the conversation around how we can better support the health, well-being, and futures of military teens and their families.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or experiencing thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for free and confidential support 24/7.

Learn more about our Military & Family Counseling Program

Maximus

At Maximus, innovation is what we do. From robotics process automation to machine learning to AI, we use the latest technologies to ensure we get the right services to the right people at the right time.

That’s why we’re honored to be named to Fortune’s annual list of “America’s Most Innovative Companies” again.

Our culture values strong customer focus — anticipating needs, solving problems, and delivering high satisfaction for our government agency partners. This recognition is a testament to our dedication to meeting the mission.

About Maximus

As a leading strategic partner to government, Maximus helps improve the delivery of public services amid complex technology, health, economic, environmental, and social challenges. With a deep understanding of program service delivery, acute insights that achieve operational excellence, and an extensive awareness of the needs of the people being served, our employees advance the critical missions of our partners. Maximus delivers innovative business process management, impactful consulting services, and technology solutions that provide improved outcomes for the public and higher levels of productivity and efficiency of government-sponsored programs. For more information, visit maximus.com.

Even though manufacturing wasn’t originally on Caitlyn’s radar, she found her purpose through environmental engineering with CertainTeed and Saint-Gobain. 

About empowHERed

Saint-Gobain North America’s empowHERed series features the women in manufacturing of Saint-Gobain North America. Whether they work in product innovation, engineering, on the product line, or in development, they are making an impact in manufacturing. Discover your career at Saint-Gobain North America.

Watch the full empowHERed video series on YouTube.

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€46.6 billion in sales in 2024
More than 161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries
Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050