Mom-and-pop shops, are enjoying a rebirth, reports Entrepreneur, thanks in part to their ability to deliver personalized services and unique products.

Skeeter Snacks, a new small business launched by two dads, aims to take on the multi-million dollar snack food industry, reports CBS News. The company caters to a niche market, people with tree nut allergies and is relying on mostly social media and targeted marketing to spread their brand.

For the second year in a row, government contracts awarded to women-owned small business declined, reports Bloomberg. The number of contracts awarded to women owned business declined 5.5% from 2011.