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Most Businesses Don’t Build Compounding Value, Study Suggests

Victoria Padilla
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Most Businesses Don’t Build Compounding Value, Study Suggests

Many small and medium-sized businesses fail to grow in value over time because they focus on short-term profits rather than long-term growth. This is one of the key findings from the 2026 Top Ten Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Trends report by the International Council for Small Business, which points out ongoing challenges in today’s MSME landscape.

This helps explain why companies that depend on the founder’s work often struggle to create lasting value that can survive the founder’s departure.

In fields like real estate, strong revenue or high profit margins can mask a key weakness: the business may lack assets that continue to generate value after the founder leaves. Analysts say this trend shows a bigger challenge in how businesses are built, affecting sustainability, investment, and valuation.

The gap between making money now and building lasting value matters. Income-based businesses focus on short-term sales or services, while asset-based businesses aim to create lasting value by owning assets, building systems that can grow, or setting up ways of working that do not rely on one person. Many companies, especially those owned by a single person, fall into the first group.

Why many businesses don’t compound

Business valuation experts point out several main reasons why companies built around personal income have trouble growing in value over time:

  • Dependence on individual effort: When a business’s income is contingent upon a single owner, it becomes challenging for the business to achieve growth or for its value to be transferred to other parties.
  • Lack of enduring assets: Businesses that do not develop assets or implement organized systems frequently cannot generate revenue without continuous active involvement from personnel.
  • Emphasis on short-term incentives: Compensation structures that prioritize immediate results over long-term growth may discourage investment in strategies that foster enduring value.
  • Resilience during economic fluctuations: Companies with robust assets or scalable systems are generally better able to withstand market volatility and maintain their value.

Analysts emphasize the importance of owners and investors understanding these dynamics. In industries dominated by individual producers, such as real estate brokerage, high commissions and revenue do not necessarily indicate long-term value growth if business systems and processes remain dependent on a single individual. Businesses transitioning to asset-driven models typically prioritize governance, scalable operations, and independent revenue streams, which can facilitate sustained value growth.

For professionals in finance and business, distinguishing between immediate profit generation and the development of lasting value is essential for accurately assessing a business’s worth and planning strategically. Companies that concentrate solely on short-term profits may experience temporary success, but without assets capable of growth or transfer, their expansion is likely to stagnate. Developing enduring assets involves creating mechanisms that continue to generate income after initial efforts have concluded, thereby enhancing the business’s value and attractiveness to investors.As economic conditions become more challenging and competition intensifies, businesses structured for long-term value growth may be better positioned for success. (How executives can help sustain value creation for the long term, 2021) Understanding the impact of organizational structure and compensation systems on business growth can enable owners to make more informed decisions regarding expansion, investment, and future planning.

Toyota GR GT Debuts in Forza Horizon 6

Juan Oliveros
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Toyota GR GT Debuts in Forza Horizon 6

Gamers are in for a treat. The newest speed machine of Toyota is hitting the digital streets in Forza Horizon 6 before the real ones.

The GR GT, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s (TGR) flagship, is making its first appearance in Forza Horizon 6, featured prominently on the game’s newly released cover art ahead of the 2026 release.

The artwork sets the stage perfectly: a red GR GT roaring through a stunning Japanese landscape, Mount Fuji towering in the background, and cherry blossoms drifting past as if cheering on your next high-speed run.

And in the game?

Expect players to push this road-legal race car to its limits — from insane drifts around tight corners to jaw-dropping top speeds on open highways. Gamers can even tweak performance settings and customize the look, making it as personal as it is fast.

Toyota first revealed the GR GT in Tokyo last December, alongside its track-ready sibling, the GR GT3. Designed with motorsport DNA, the GR GT is a true “race car for the road.”

Now, for the first time, gamers everywhere can experience the thrill of TGR engineering long before it hits real asphalt. Whether you’re all about drifting, street racing, or just flexing epic cars in-game, the GR GT in Forza Horizon 6 is shaping up to be the ride everyone will want in their virtual garage.

Forza Horizon 6 is set to launch later this year, and Playground Games offered fans an exclusive look at the game during today’s Developer Direct. The studio revealed how the latest installment brings its vision to life, from the detailed recreation of Japan to the new features designed for the mainline series.

Design Director Torben Ellert shared insights on the game’s development, highlighting how Forza Horizon 6 aims to give players unprecedented freedom to explore its open world while introducing brand-new gameplay additions.

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ESA Uses AI to Sharpen Rocket Manufacturing

Juan Oliveros
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ESA Uses AI to Sharpen Rocket Manufacturing

Artificial intelligence is no longer just powering chatbots. The European Space Agency (ESA) said it is now using AI and machine learning to improve rocket manufacturing.

The European Space Agency (ESA) said it is using artificial intelligence and machine learning to develop launch vehicles that are faster, more precise, and more cost-efficient in the future. ESA’s Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP) carries out the initiative in partnership with German aerospace company MT Aerospace.

“Artificial Intelligence, or AI, promises many benefits in all domains, and rocketry is no different,” ESA said in a statement, noting that the technology could lead to better manufacturing processes and even entirely new material shapes for future rockets and spacecraft.

One of the key techniques being improved by AI is shot peen forming, a process that shapes metal through repeated impacts from fast-firing metal balls rather than heat. The method is used to create dome-shaped fuel tank heads for the Ariane 6 rocket.

Predicting how the metal will bend during the process has been traditionally difficult. But machine learning models are now being used to forecast metal deformation more accurately, improving precision and reducing waste.

ESA is also applying AI to friction welding, a technique that joins metals using a rapidly spinning pin rather than conventional arc welding. Machine learning helps speed up machine setup and analyze weld quality, allowing manufacturers to detect defects earlier in the production process.

Meanwhile, under the Phoebus Project, ESA used AI to support the development of carbon-fiber fuel tanks for Ariane 6. It combines machine learning with laser sensor technology to enable engineers detect defects in carbon-fiber layering in real time. This allows production to be halted immediately when problems arise, reducing errors and shortening manufacturing timelines.

“Artificial intelligence, such as machine learning, in combination with new digital technologies, is transforming launcher manufacturing,” said Daniel Chipping, ESA project manager for software-centred activities under the FLPP. “From automating complex analysis tasks to reducing tedious machine stop-starts, we are starting to see the benefits across all materials and shaping processes.”

ESA said these advances could help make Europe’s future launch systems more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective as global competition in space transportation intensifies.

Rising RAM, SSD Costs Could Reshape Laptops in 2026

Juan Oliveros
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Rising RAM, SSD Costs Could Reshape Laptops in 2026

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 showcased some of the most polished laptops to date. But behind the sleek designs, manufacturers are quietly bracing for higher memory and storage prices that could force compromises in future devices.

At CES 2026, major PC makers, including Lenovo, HP, Dell, and ASUS, unveiled a new wave of laptops boasting refined designs, faster processors, and premium features. But one issue hovered quietly in the background: the rising cost of RAM and solid-state drives (SSDs).

Much of the 2026 hardware now being announced was developed before artificial intelligence firms began aggressively buying up global DRAM supplies to build large-scale data centers — a trend that has since spread to NAND flash chips used in storage. As a result, laptop makers now face a growing cost imbalance, where memory and storage alone account for a significant share of a device’s total price.

Industry observers say some laptops launching this year may see subtle configuration changes to keep prices competitive.

However, the next major refresh cycle could bring more noticeable trade-offs as manufacturers seek areas where costs can be reduced.

Premium displays may take a hit

OLED displays became increasingly common in 2025, extending beyond premium laptops into the midrange segment as panel prices declined. Advances such as QD-OLED and mini-LED helped accelerate adoption.

Still, OLED panels remain more expensive than traditional IPS displays.

Analysts expect some brands to scale back OLED offerings, particularly in lower-priced models. Screen resolution may also be affected, with laptops potentially reverting from 2.8K, 3K, or 4K panels to more affordable 1920×1200 (FHD+) displays.

Discrete GPUs could become rarer

Laptop graphics performance has improved significantly in recent years, highlighted by powerful chips such as NVIDIA’s RTX 5090 Laptop GPU, which rivals desktop-class hardware.

However, discrete graphics cards add substantial costs, not only for the GPU itself but also for cooling and power systems. As integrated graphics continue to improve, manufacturers may further limit discrete GPUs to gaming and professional workstation laptops, accelerating a trend already underway.

Webcams and speakers face downgrades

Webcam and speaker quality in Windows laptops has improved dramatically, even in budget models. Features such as high-resolution cameras, better microphones, and Windows Hello facial recognition are now common.

These components, however, are considered non-essential for many users. As companies look for cost savings, webcams and speakers are likely candidates for downgrades, with higher-quality audio and video increasingly reserved for premium devices.

Base RAM and storage may shrink

While major PC makers benefit from long-term supplier agreements, they are not immune to global memory shortages. The recent shift toward 16GB of RAM as a standard configuration could reverse, with 8GB returning in entry-level laptops.

Storage capacities may also decline. The growing prevalence of 1TB SSDs could lead to 512GB drives even in higher-end models, while base configurations may drop to 256GB or less.

As memory and storage prices continue to rise, consumers may soon find that the most noticeable changes in laptops are not what’s being added — but what’s quietly being taken away.

New high school requirements pushed by state education officials

Grace Tackman
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New high school requirements pushed by state education officials

Massachusetts education officials are proposing a new, prescribed statewide program of study that would require all high school students to take the same core classes, an idea raised during a State House roundtable on Jan. 15.

In addition to life and career readiness courses such as financial literacy, officials are calling for four years each of English and Math, three of science and history, two of a world language, and one in the arts, building on the existing MassCore program.

As reported by the Bay State Banner, officials said a designated statewide program of study would put graduates on a more level playing field, noting that only half of Massachusetts high schools had adopted the MassCore requirements as of fall 2024, according to a report by Voices for Academic Equity.

The proposed graduation framework, which also includes end-of-course assessments and an end-of-high-school portfolio, aims to replace the state’s standardized MCAS test.

A 2025 community survey of 6,615 respondents showed stakeholders support for a similar set of courses, with the addition of personal finance, civics, health and physical education.

Subject to the approval of the legislature, the recommendations would also form a new method of assessing student achievement. Voters chose to remove Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System standardized tests as a graduation requirement through a statewide ballot question in 2024.

The council proposed end-of-course assessments for specific classes, administered and scored by the state, along with a capstone research project or portfolio of their best work, evaluated locally at the end of their high school careers.

Meanwhile, state education officials clarified at the round table that the assessments would be a tool, not the determining factor for graduation. “It is not the intention for any student to be denied a diploma exclusively because of EOC assessments,” the December report reads.

Other proposed requirements designed to boost post-high school readiness include: having students create a post-high school plan; completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid; and receiving financial literacy education, measures officials said parents and students frequently expressed interest in.

A final report on the proposal is expected to be released in June, and any recommendations will require legislative action for implementation.

Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program Could Reshape Education Funding

Victoria Padilla
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Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program Could Reshape Education Funding

Big changes are coming to education funding. In July 2025, the federal government passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—a sweeping tax and spending law that introduced the first-ever national scholarship tax-credit program. This program would let individual taxpayers claim a nonrefundable federal income tax credit of up to $1,700 when they donate to certified scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs). These organizations are expected to use donations to provide scholarships for educational costs such as tuition, tutoring, books, and supplies.

The program starts with the 2027 tax year and marks a big shift in how the federal government supports education. It is part of the larger conversation about school choice and funding. Here is what makes it different: Instead of a complicated formula, the credit gives you back exactly what you donate, dollar for dollar, so you can lower your federal tax bill by the same amount.

States must choose to join the program by sending a list of eligible SGOs to the U.S. Treasury Department. Only students living in participating states can receive scholarships funded by these donations. Some critics say this rule could create unequal access, depending on how each state views private school choice and tax incentives.

Supporters of the scholarship and some policymakers believe the tax credit could bring billions of dollars in new education funding. If used to its full potential, the program could provide $25.9 billion in credits over the next ten years, helping families pay for many K-12 expenses.

Still, there is debate about how the program is set up and how it will work. Supporters say it gives families more education choices, especially in states with fewer public school options, and encourages private donations to help fund education. Critics, including Maura McInerney, legal director at the Education Law Center, say the tax break mainly benefits wealthy donors and could divert resources from public schools and low-income families. They worry this could widen gaps in educational opportunities, according to a report from Public News Service.

What You Should Know About the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit

  1. You can get a dollar-for-dollar tax credit—up to $1,700—when you donate to a certified scholarship-granting organization.
  2. Only students in states that choose to join the program can get these scholarships, so where you live matters.
  3. Scholarships are intended to help cover the cost of school for students whose families meet certain income guidelines and attend certified schools.
  4. The program starts with the 2027 tax year, so you’ll be able to claim the credit on your taxes after that.

Experts say this new tax credit could really change how families pay for education, especially if state leaders get on board. States that support school choice might join right away, but others could decide to wait—or not join at all. That means access to these scholarships could depend on where you live.

In states that join the program, both individual donors and companies could have a bigger role in funding education by giving to SGOs. It is still unclear how these donations will work with current state tax credits and public school budgets, as federal and state rules are still being developed.

As the program approaches launch, policymakers and education leaders will monitor how many people use it, how it affects public funding, and whether it increases educational choices without causing problems for traditional public schools.

Small Business Grants in 2026: What Owners Should Know Before Applying

Victoria Padilla
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Small Business Grants in 2026: What Owners Should Know Before Applying

If you’re a small business owner in 2026, you’ve got more opportunities than ever to find grant funding that you don’t have to pay back. Government agencies, nonprofits, and big companies all offer grants that can help you with research, growing your business, training your team, or supporting community projects. When you know what options are out there, you’ll be able to put together stronger applications and make sure your business goals line up with what grant sponsors want to support.

Grant programs come in all shapes and sizes. Some federal programs offer large sums for research and development, while state, local, and private grants might provide smaller—but still valuable—amounts for buying equipment, marketing, or expanding your business. Most grants are competitive, so you’ll need a solid business plan and a clear explanation of how you’ll use the money.

Key points on small business grants in 2026

  • Federal research and innovation grants: Programs such as the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) support research and development with awards from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, usually for projects focused on innovation or technology.
  • Grants.gov portal: This is the main federal database where business owners can search thousands of open grant opportunities for different industries and needs.
  • Private and corporate funding: Contests and grant programs from large companies or foundations offer extra funding that does not need to be repaid. These are sometimes aimed at certain industries or types of business owners.
  • State and local grants: Many states and cities have grant programs designed to support local economic growth. Local agencies handle who can apply and how to apply.

Business owners should remember that grants often require detailed paperwork, such as business plans, financial statements, and a clear plan for how the funds will be used. Competition is often strong, especially for larger federal grants, so successful applicants ensure their proposals align with the funder’s priorities.

Real-world examples show there is both high demand and a good opportunity. In many areas, competitive grants with short application periods give funding for equipment, workforce training, and technology upgrades to businesses that qualify and apply on time.

For entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses without taking on debt, grants are a good option. Federal programs like SBIR often focus on small businesses that can bring products to market, while corporate and nonprofit grants give special support to certain groups, such as women, minority, or veteran business owners.

Getting a grant takes planning and research. Starting early, knowing if you qualify, and using resources like Grants.gov can help you get funding. Business owners can also use grants alongside other funding options, such as loans or investments, to help their businesses grow.

Idaho Budget Cuts Raise Concerns Over Public University Tuition Increases

Victoria Padilla
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Idaho Budget Cuts Raise Concerns Over Public University Tuition Increases

Idaho’s public universities are feeling the pressure as state budget cuts hit closer to home. For many staff, students, and families, there’s growing anxiety about what these cuts will mean. College leaders are worried that, with less money coming in, they may have to let staff go or cut back on programs that make campus life vibrant and supportive.

The State Board of Education has said that tuition hikes are “on the table” as they try to keep campuses running and classrooms full. A small tuition increase was already approved for the 2025–26 school year, but officials warn that if state support drops further, students and their families could face higher bills soon.

Mid-year budget cuts now made permanent by Gov. Brad Little’s administration have slashed about $13.3 million from public colleges and universities. At schools like Boise State and the University of Idaho, the effects are already being felt in larger class sizes, fewer resources, and more uncertainty about the future. Some campus leaders say that unless the state steps in with more funding, students may have to shoulder even more of the cost just to keep their education going.

The state’s finances have become more complex due to tax cuts and changes in revenue forecasts. Lawmakers are now planning more budget holdbacks and spending limits. Some analysts warn that if state revenue continues to decline, there could be further cuts to higher education and other public services.

Key facts about the budget and tuition outlook

  • Permanent budget cuts: A 3 percent reduction in state funding for public colleges and universities is now permanent, creating gaps in their operating budgets.
  • How universities are responding: Idaho’s public universities are considering measures such as mandatory furlough days for certain employees in response to expected budget cuts, according to a report from Idaho State University.
  • Possible tuition increases: Education officials have indicated that further tuition hikes may be necessary to address future budget challenges.
  • Enrollment is growing: Even with budget challenges, Idaho’s public colleges are seeing more students enroll, which could increase the need for resources.

Critics of the budget cuts say that less state investment in higher education could hurt workforce development and student success, especially as more students enroll. Supporters of the cuts argue that the state needs to balance its budget because of lower revenue and recent tax changes.

However, a report from the Office of the Governor states that Idaho ended its most recent fiscal year with a balanced budget and with hundreds of millions of dollars in surplus. For students and families, potential tuition hikes could mean paying more out of pocket, even as more college-age residents enroll in Idaho. University leaders have to balance the impact of less funding with their goal of keeping public higher education affordable.

Nanoparticles Could Unlock Future Cures for Dementia and Brain Cancer

Juan Oliveros
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Nanoparticles Could Unlock Future Cures for Dementia and Brain Cancer

A new technology that uses engineered nanoparticles to eliminate disease-causing proteins could open the door to treatments for conditions long considered difficult to treat, including dementia and brain cancer, a new study said.

The research, published in Nature Nanotechnology, is led by Bingyang Shi, Chair Professor of Nanomedicine at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). It introduces a new class of nanoparticles called nanoparticle-mediated targeting chimeras (NPTACs). These particles are designed to bind to specific harmful proteins and guide them to the body’s natural recycling system, where they can be broken down and removed.

“Proteins are essential for nearly every function in the body, but when they become mutated, misfolded, or accumulate in the wrong place, they can trigger disease,” Shi said.

Many disorders, including cancer, dementia, and autoimmune diseases, are driven by abnormal proteins that do not respond well to existing drugs.

Targeting the ‘undruggable’, such as dementia, brain cancer

In recent years, targeted protein degradation has emerged as one of the fastest-growing areas in biotechnology. The idea is to destroy harmful proteins rather than merely blocking them.

However, current tools have struggled with poor tissue penetration, unintended side effects, and complex manufacturing—limitations that have made it hard to apply the approach to brain diseases and solid tumors.

The NPTAC platform aims to overcome these barriers. According to the researchers, the nanoparticles can be engineered to work both inside and outside cells, target specific tissues, and even cross the blood–brain barrier—a major obstacle in treating neurological conditions.

The Nature Nanotechnology article, titled Nanoparticle-mediated targeting chimeras transform targeted protein degradation, builds on an initial discovery published in October 2024. Shi worked with international collaborators Kam Leong of Columbia University and Meng Zheng of Henan University on the research.

Early promise, big market

The researchers say NPTACs are modular and scalable, using nanomaterials that are already approved or familiar to regulators. This could make them easier to translate from the lab to the clinic.

The platform can also be combined with diagnostic or therapeutic functions, potentially allowing doctors to track or enhance treatment in real time.

Preclinical studies have shown that the nanoparticles have strong activity against proteins such as EGFR, which often drives tumor growth, and PD-L1, which helps cancer cells evade the immune system. The technology is protected by multiple international patents.

Industry interest in targeted protein degradation is already high. Companies like Arvinas have raised more than $1 billion and secured multi-billion-dollar partnerships with major drugmakers. The global market for targeted protein degradation is expected to exceed $10 billion by 2030.

“This changes how we think about nanoparticles—not just as delivery vehicles, but as active therapeutic agents,” Shi said.

The research team is now seeking industry partners to accelerate clinical development and prepare the technology for regulatory approval, signaling that while the science is still at an early stage, its potential impact on medicine could be far-reaching.

Smartphones Ban in Catholic Schools—And It’s Working

Juan Oliveros
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Smartphones Ban in Catholic Schools—And It’s Working

“Ban” usually sounds harsh, but banning smartphones—and social media use—at Catholic schools has been met with surprising approval.

“It’s been very popular—students love it because they’re actually talking to each other again,” said Jesuit Father John Belmonte, superintendent of Catholic education for all 15 diocesan schools. The smartphone ban in Florida’s Diocese of Venice started at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year.

“They rediscovered what being social actually means, instead of social media,” he added. Students have even started a lunchtime UNO club, a development unimaginable when phones dominated their attention.

More than 6,500 students are affected. All non-school-issued devices are stored in lockable Yondr bags that students keep with them until dismissal. Even younger students, inspired by older ones, have requested to participate.

The results go beyond socializing. Classroom attentiveness has improved.

“When students are distracted by phones, they can’t focus on lessons,” Father Belmonte said. Nationwide, 26 states have banned smartphones in public K-12 schools, while others restrict usage, citing mental health concerns.

Indeed, research has raised alarms: a 2023 U.S. Surgeon General advisory warned children spending over three hours daily on social media face double the risk of mental health issues. A 2025 Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics study found kids receiving phones at age 12 had a 60% higher risk of poor sleep and 40% higher risk of obesity compared with those who got phones at 13.

Calvert Hall College High School near Baltimore limited phones on campus, citing one-on-one interaction over multitasking long before the Diocese of Venice’s move.

“Students listen better and engage more when they aren’t glued to devices,” said communications director Danielle Hladky.

Faustina Academy in Texas has gone further, banning social media entirely since 2018. “Kids are digitally dependent and disengaged. Phones and social media distract from what’s truly good and beautiful,” said principal Christina Mehaffey.

These schools are not anti-technology despite the rules.

“There’s a time and a place for smart devices and AI tools,” Hladky said. Mehaffey emphasizes that social media-free policies protect students from harmful content while reinforcing the Catholic mission: guiding children toward faith and heaven.

The surprising consensus: students are more present, engaged, and connected—not online, but with each other.

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