Business

This archive collects stories about businesses — from startups and local enterprises to multinational corporations — taking meaningful action on social, environmental, and economic challenges. These reports highlight moments when commerce and accountability intersect in constructive ways.

Drawing of Thomas Edison's Pearl Power Station, New York

Thomas Edison establishes the world’s first commercial power plant

By / / Good news links, Archive of Human Genius

Pearl Street Station located in Manhattan and established by Thomas Edison’s Edison Illuminating began with six 100 kW dynamos, and it started generating electricity on September 4, 1882, serving an initial load of 400 lamps to 82 customers. By 1884, Pearl Street Station was serving 508 customers with 10,164 lamps. The station burned down in 1890. It was rebuilt, and ran till 1895, when it was decommissioned, since larger and more efficient plants had been built nearby.

image for article on Ladies' Mercury

The Ladies’ Mercury, the first periodical for women, is published in London

By / / Archive of Human Genius

The Ladies’ Mercury appeared in London in late February 1693, a single double-sided sheet promising answers to questions on love, marriage, and behavior from women readers. It ran just four issues over four weeks, fielding queries in what may be the earliest advice-column format aimed at women. A small pamphlet that helped establish women as a reading public worth addressing directly.