AI isn’t just for big companies with tech budgets—it’s a practical, everyday tool for small and independent businesses right here in Richmond. Whether you’re looking to save time, stretch your marketing budget, finally get ahead on your emails, or extend your sales efforts – AI tools can help. But with so many out there, where should you start?
We’ve broken down a few of the most accessible, affordable AI-powered tools that Richmond businesses can use.
You can see the list below or access our comparison tool here.
1. Operations & Productivity
SaneBox – AI-based email management
- Description: Prioritizes important emails, summarizes digests, and reduces inbox noise.
- Pros: Reduces clutter and email fatigue
- Cons: Takes time to train effectively
- Price: $7–36/month
- Website: sanebox.com
Motion – AI-powered calendar and project management
- Description: Schedules tasks based on deadlines and availability.
- Pros: Boosts productivity through automation
- Cons: Learning curve and higher price for solo users
- Price: $19–34/month
- Website: usemotion.com
Tome – AI-powered presentation builder
- Description: Generate pitch decks or reports from prompts or data.
- Pros: Easy to use, visual output
- Cons: Limited customization
- Price: Free plan, Pro at $10/month
- Website: tome.app
2. Customer Service & Support
Tidio
- Description: AI chatbot + live chat + ticketing system
- Pros: Easy setup, integrates with Shopify, Messenger, etc.
- Cons: Limited depth for complex queries
- Price: Free basic; $29–59/month for AI features
- Website: tidio.com
Intercom Fin AI Agent
- Description: AI agent trained on your help docs
- Pros: Advanced understanding, quick replies
- Cons: Needs solid help documentation
- Price: From ~$74/month + AI add-ons
- Website: intercom.com/ai
Forethought
- Description: AI support for agents using Zendesk/Salesforce
- Pros: Fast responses, ticket prioritization
- Cons: Best for teams with existing CRM systems
- Price: Request Demo
- Website: forethought.ai
3. Data & Decision-Making
Browse AI
- Description: No-code data scraping tool
- Pros: Visual bot builder, no coding needed
- Cons: Usage limits on free plan
- Price: Free plan; paid from $48/month
- Website: browse.ai
Lucidworks / Equals
- Description: Business intelligence powered by AI
- Price: From $99/month
- Website: equals.com
Levity
- Description: Automates workflows using custom AI models
- Price: Request Demo
- Website: levity.ai
4. Finance & Admin
Ramp
- Description: Corporate cards + smart budgeting
- Pros: Free, helpful spend insights
- Cons: Geared toward growth-stage companies
- Price: Free
- Website: ramp.com
Vic.ai
- Description: AI for AP/invoice automation
- Price: Request Demo
- Website: vic.ai
5. HR & Hiring
Manatal
- Description: AI-powered applicant tracking
- Price: From $15/month
- Website: manatal.com
Sapia.ai
- Description: Chat-based interview assessments
- Price: Request Demo
- Website: sapia.ai
Pymetrics
- Description: Soft-skills assessments via neuroscience games
- Price: Request Demo
- Website: harver.com/pymetrics
6. Voice & Audio AI
Otter.ai
- Description: Live meeting transcription and summaries
- Price: Starts Free
- Website: otter.ai
Fireflies.ai
- Description: Meeting transcription with CRM sync
- Price: Request Demo
- Website: fireflies.ai
7. Security & Fraud Detection
Fingerprint.com
- Description: Fraud detection for SaaS and e-commerce
- Price: Starts Free
- Website: fingerprint.com
Vectra AI
- Description: Advanced cybersecurity threat detection
- Price: Request Demo
- Website: vectra.ai
8. Sales & CRM Automation
Clay.run
- Description: Unified lead enrichment platform
- Price: Starts Free
- Website: clay.run
Lavender
- Description: AI email coaching for sales teams
- Price: Starts Free
- Website: lavender.ai
Surfe
- Description: Sync LinkedIn messages with your CRM
- Price: Starts Free
- Website: surfe.com
9. Content Development
Jasper
- Description: AI writing for marketing and content
- Pros: Templates for different formats, fast output
- Cons: Prompt-dependent
- Price: From $39/month
- Website: jasper.ai
Copy.ai
- Description: Writing assistant for marketing copy
- Pros: Great for short-form content
- Cons: Less effective for long-form/technical content
- Price: Free plan, Pro from $49/month
- Website: copy.ai
Descript
- Description: Podcast and video editor with AI transcription
- Pros: Easy for non-editors
- Cons: Some tools need adjustment for pro workflows
- Price: Free plan, Pro from $12/month
- Website: descript.com
10. General Purpose AI Assistants
Rewind.ai
- Description: Private, searchable record of your digital activity
- Price: Starts Free
- Website: rewind.ai
Magical
- Description: Autofill + text expansion for repetitive workflows
- Price: Request Demo
- Website: getmagical.com
Glasp
- Description: Highlight and summarize web content for future reference
- Price: Starts Free
- Website: glasp.co
Which One Should You Try First?
If you’re just getting started:
- Try ChatGPT for writing help
- Pick a single task—like your next email or job post—and test one tool there
If you’re already using AI:
- Look at where you lose the most time. That’s where AI can give you the biggest boost.
Real Talk: AI Doesn’t Replace You—It Amplifies You
These tools are here to support you, not replace you. They help you move faster, polish your work, and free up time to focus on the parts of your business that only you can do.
Have a favorite AI tool you’re using in your business? Let us know—we’re building a local list of Richmond businesses using AI creatively.
