Our editor in chief, Tyler Brûlé, on making that business idea a reality.

It’s certainly been a bumpy ride for businesses big and small, so how have they weathered changes in the way that we shop, eat and work? Meet the smart souls who have found a way to rebrand and thrive as our world continues to evolve. And how they really make a difference to the communities they serve along the way.

It has been an up-and-down year for businesses, so perhaps now is the time to change lanes, seek new inspiration, be bold and get out more. Our editors and correspondents scoured the globe for stirring stories, captivating case studies and entrepreneurs on-the-up: 100 of them to be precise.

How are industries changing now? Our interviewees offer their predictions on what the future holds in their industry, from our need for convivial restaurant spaces to a profitable private media company in Vietnam and a start-up incubator with faith in bricks-and-mortar offices.

From investing exclusively in ethical causes to helping small businesses access emergency funds, these three socially conscious lenders are helping businesses to succeed with a human touch.

You need to be at the heart of a metropolis to sniff out an opportunity, right? Wrong. What these compact cities lack in size they make up for in entrepreneurial flair. We meet the folk whose big ideas have taken root in smaller cities.

The past few months have put a huge strain on businesses but also presented them with a unique opportunity to shake things up. We meet five firms that have shown an ability to think on their feet.

Those looking to get their start-up off the ground with the minimum of fuss will be scouring country rankings for good business regulations, a solid labour force and financial transparency. And the nations that come out on top might not seem obvious at first. Here we report on two places in which to put down business roots.

When competition is rife and industries are slow to evolve, it takes a smart business leader with a strong vision to reposition their brand – or come up with an entirely new take on a ubiquitous product. We meet three brands that have come out on top thanks to their unique offering.

Nolan Giles reporting from London: Byron and Dexter Peart have taken a stand against disposable design by providing a global shop window for sustainable, ethically sourced homeware. And theirs is a model that the retail industry is finally having a conversation about.

Nic Monisse reporting from London: In an increasingly competitive labour market, applicants must find more inventive means to stand out among stiff competition. So we’ve enlisted some of the best in the professional sphere to offer their practical tips for finding gainful employment in a company you actually want to work for.

It’s probably a safe bet that you know all about the product you’re launching but forming a firm that’s destined to thrive requires additional focus. Three business leaders share the key lessons they learnt on the route to success.

From takeaways that arrive in biodegradable sugar-cane-pulp packaging to perfume in an ice-cream van, here’s how to create an impact while a product is on the move. After all, it’s all in the delivery.

Entrepreneurs relocating to rural outposts have been welcomed with a community feel and desirable living and working spaces. Whether it’s Upstate New York, the Basque Country or a Norwegian archipelago, inspiring under-the-radar creative hotspots are providing an altogether higher quality of life.

Entrepreneurial leaders need to focus on their staff too. Here are our tips for how to make the nine to five a pleasure rather than a chore for your team, from making the commute an attractive prospect to welcoming furry friends in the office for a bit of playtime between meetings.

Chiara Rimella reporting from London: Lessons about how to run your firm more effectively don’t always come from straight-up business books: enlightenment and inspiration can strike at any time and be gleaned from even the least likely of tomes. Here we meet successful company leaders and entrepreneurs who share the takeaways that have helped them to achieve their career goals – with a little help from Karl Marx and Frodo Baggins.

Hester Underhill reporting from London: For those requiring a stationery-cupboard reboot, these brands elevate the humble pencil, rubber and stapler to great heights. Whether you're after an elegant steel hole punch or a chic airmail envelope, this kit is top drawer.

If you’re contemplating scaling up or sizing down, or simply working from home, smart design should be at the forefront of your plans. Why? Well, whether you’re running a one-man show or piloting an ever-expanding corporate headquarters, a comfortable workplace will enhance the work that’s produced there – and a welcoming office reflects a brand that’s ready for business. So if you’re kitting out a home office or an office that feels like home, here’s our round-up of the items you should employ.

Creative businesses need studios where people come together. These three companies show how you can create inspiring projecs and still have money left in the bank. Steal their ideas.

An open, shared working space can promote creativity and open discussion within teams. But as a CEO, how do you foster collaboration with the rest of your office? Here, three company leaders in different fields let us into their unconventional set-ups.

Our working life is going through changes and that’s partly down to the advancements in technology that just keep on coming. From noise-cancelling headphones and wireless chargers to portable speakers and an electric bike to ease a hilly commute, we size up the latest gizmos and gadgets surfacing around the globe.

As the world gets moving and deals continue to be struck, we profile a handful of new openings and time-tested hotels that still mean business. From a decadent affair in a former bank in Washington to a private residence turned hotel in downtown Mexico City, these stopovers are ideal settings for talking shop – and having a good kip when you’re done.

We trade video calls for the dining room in a hungry homage to the joys of the business lunch. Great that the company’s paying, of course, but more than that there’s no better place to get to know a business partner or scope out a new one. Deal? We’ll drink to that.

In search of a place to take stock? Find inspiration with a swim in the Danube, on a French-inspired break in Menorca or exploring what it means to run a small and meaningful business in Japan’s Hiroshima prefecture.

From finding balance when building a brand to questions over the future of entrepreneurship in Hong Kong and the US, our six essays explore what it will take for businesses to retool and thrive during the rebound that could be just around the corner.

Now that we’re increasingly conducting our work in person again, a sharp outfit is essential when it comes to making an impression. And that means paying attention to every detail.

Josh Fehnert reporting from London: The year has presented many a fresh obstacle to businesses big and small but the steps that can be taken to overcome these challenges are not so unfamiliar. We’ve compiled 10 of the most effective.

It’s time to make your move. So pack your case, hit the road and make sure that you are dressed for anything that entrepreneurial life throws at you.