Michael Thompson

Solar startup takes on Silicon Valley

Blue Crump Uvest Solar ftd

A local entrepreneur is headed to California, hoping to raise capital for his new business – a crowdfunding-type concept that helps nonprofits and schools install solar panels and gives donors a return on their investments.

Dolls have bad days, too

Frowny Faces doll ftd

When overly cheery-faced dolls seem unsympathetic, a local entrepreneur wants kids to turn to her new business: toys that frown.

Southside shopping center sells for $15M

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An out-of-state buyer snatched up a Bon Air shopping center last week, and a prominent local family is unloading some its real estate as part of the deal.

Sushi concept adds third spot

Kevin Mak Akida sushi ftd

With two locations already in the Fan and Carytown, a sushi restaurant owner is expanding with another space in the Museum District.

Local investor buys out fro-yo empire

Sweet Frog cups ftd

A Shockoe Bottom private equity firm has taken over the locally based frozen yogurt giant sweetFrog. But the chain’s founder and former CEO says he’s turning his focus to his second concept and a new location in Carytown.

In Hopewell, a plan for revitalization

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A Hopewell nonprofit has launched a business pitch competition to bring startups into some of the vacant storefronts downtown. And the program is the latest step in an overarching revamp of the city’s historic district.

Local brewery taps into Hampton Roads

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A Richmond brewery is expanding its universe with a distribution deal that will spread its beers to new parts of the state.

Fashion startups take root downtown

Rosewood Clothing Ashley Carruthers ftd

A former co-owner of a Fan vintage shop has set up her own store on the edge of Jackson Ward, drawn to the area by other small independent retailers along Broad Street.

Furniture company lands new home on the Boulevard

Cort Furniture Boulevard 2

A longtime furniture company affiliated with Berkshire Hathaway is leaving Broad Street to chase potential clients into Scott’s Addition, where hundreds of new apartments have sprung up.