The Business Blueprint

Guest Post By FinanciallyLit In recent years, consumers across the United States and much of the world have noticed a consistent and often frustrating trend: everyday goods and services feel significantly more expensive. From groceries and rent to restaurant meals and utility bills, the cost of living has surged in ways that challenge household budgets and reshape financial priorities. The experience isn’t anecdotal—it’s a reflection of economic forces that have been building since the early 2020s, rooted in global disruptions, domestic policy responses, and structural shifts in how the modern economy functions. Inflation, at its core, refers to the general increase in prices across an economy over time. It erodes purchasing power, meaning that each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services than before. While central banks typically aim for a stable inflation rate of around 2% annually—considered conducive to healthy economic growth—the past few years have far exceeded that targe...

Palantir Technologies Inc. is a company that has become rapidly known for its cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analysis. The company was founded in 2003 with an initial focus on government intelligence and counterterrorism. Since it went public in 2020, it has widely expanded into the commercial sector as well, enabling companies to make data-driven decisions. Palantir describes its objectives stating that “We make products for human-driven analysis of real-world data” highlighting how their predictive analysis meets client needs and utilizes their data to its maximum potential (Palantir, 2025). (Palantir logo, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons) Palantir’s value proposition is its ability to take vast amounts of unstructured data and transform it into insights that drive action. This is delivered through various tools and platforms, each serving a different need for its customers. Gotham is a platform by Palantir that is used by government agencies like the U.S...

Walk into any Chipotle in the afternoon, and you’ll see students lined up, backpacks slung over their shoulders, debating whether to get a burrito or a bowl. For many teens, Chipotle isn’t just a place to eat, it’s a staple of their routine.  “Chipotle’s food just hits different—it’s always high quality and consistently delicious,” said one high school sophomore. Whether it's a pre-practice snack, a post-exam treat, or a hangout spot for friends, the chain has become an essential. But Chipotle's popularity is not just about taste. The company has developed a business model that keeps students coming back, with a formula of customization, clever marketing, and online engagement.  The Business Model: Fast, Fresh, and Customizable With continuous growth, Chipotle's fast-casual dining concept is worth a closer examination. Essentially, Chipotle's business model is built on fast, fresh, and made-to-order food. Unlike fast-food restaurants like McDonald's or Taco Bell...

At my school, it’s impossible to ignore the buzz surrounding March Madness. Students check scores between classes, teachers sneak glances at games during lunch, and nearly everyone has a bracket, whether for fun or bragging rights. But beyond the excitement of buzzer-beaters and Cinderella stories, March Madness is one of the biggest revenue-generating events in sports. According to Sportico , in 2024, the NCAA generated over $1.3 billion in revenue, with a significant portion being from March Madness. This is thanks to its powerful branding, marketing strategies, and high-value media deals. So, how does this tournament keep fans engaged while bringing in record-breaking revenue? ( Photo by   Ben Hershey   on   Unsplash )  For context, March Madness refers to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, a month-long, single-elimination event held every spring to determine the national champion of college basketball. The 2025 tournament has and will continue to captivate fan...