---
title: Small Businesses Pivot as the Sphere Looms Large
description: Small businesses pivot amid transit construction, while National Harbor celebrates culture, and the proposed Sphere promises a $1.3 billion economic boost.
---

[Digital Marketing Brief – News, Insights & Tech Tools](https://www.sunsiriusmedia.com/sunsirius-media-blog)

# [Small Businesses Pivot as the Sphere Looms Large](https://www.sunsiriusmedia.com/sunsirius-media-blog/small-businesses-pivot-as-the-sphere-looms-large)

 Written by [SunSirius Media Staff](https://www.sunsiriusmedia.com/sunsirius-media-blog/author/sunsirius-media-staff) | Mar 16, 2026, 7:11:38 PM

Running a small business is often an exercise in endurance, and for entrepreneurs along the Blue and Purple Line corridors, that endurance is being tested. With major transit construction tearing up streets and changing foot traffic patterns, local shops are learning to adapt or risk being left behind.

Through the county’s [**Small Business Support Program**](https://www.thecommunityfoundation.org/news/what-strategic-support-looks-like-small-business-transformation-in-action), local favorites like [**Cocineros**](https://www.cocinerosmd.com/) and [**Flavors Marketplace**](https://flavorsmarketplace.com/) are getting a crash course in "resilience marketing." Since fewer people are walking by their front doors due to construction fences, these owners are being coached on how to pivot. This includes aggressive digital marketing to reach customers online and learning the ropes of government contracting—a steady source of income that doesn't depend on who walks past the shop window today.

### Culture and Commerce at National Harbor

Further south at National Harbor, the vibe is more celebratory. [The harbor is currently hosting a "Bazaar" that acts as a massive megaphone for Black-owned businesses](https://www.pgcedc.com/pressroom/2026/2/2/black-business-bazaar). From specialty boutiques to award-winning restaurants, the event uses a community-centric approach to draw in tourists and locals alike. It’s a reminder that while the county is growing, its cultural identity remains a major selling point.

### The $1.3 Billion Question

The biggest buzz in the retail and entertainment world, however, remains the proposed [**Sphere**](https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/news-events/news/sphere-coming-prince-georges-county). This 6,000-seat venue is modeled after high-tech entertainment domes seen in cities like Las Vegas. If built, economists project it could have a staggering **$1.3 billion impact** on the local economy.

The Sphere is more than just a concert hall; it’s a lighthouse for the county’s tourism strategy. Supporters say it will draw visitors from across the Mid-Atlantic, filling up local hotels and dining rooms. While the project is still in the planning stages, its potential to transform Prince George's into a premier entertainment destination is the talk of the town.

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[View full post](https://www.sunsiriusmedia.com/sunsirius-media-blog/small-businesses-pivot-as-the-sphere-looms-large)

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