For cafes like Haraz Coffee House, riding a wave of interest nationwide in late-night, alcohol-free gathering spaces means embracing the franchise model.

Younger would-be chief executives are increasingly seeking profits — and freedom from the 9-to-5 — by pivoting from corporate jobs into often unglamorous small-business niches.

As climate change intensifies, flooding is emerging as a threat for homes not previously seen as high-risk. Some residents are responding creatively by lifting up…