Hiring and retaining talent isn’t just a challenge for large organizations — it’s a constant focus...
Strategy & Operations
Onboarding That Works: How to Set New Hires Up for Success
For small businesses with limited or no formal HR support, a clear and thoughtful onboarding...
Building Sustainable Talent Pipelines
For many Richmond businesses, finding and keeping great people is one of the most important keys...
Building a Talent Pipeline at Erma Jean
Hiring and retaining talent isn’t just a challenge for large organizations — it’s a constant focus...
Marketing & Growth
Teaming Up For Growth (ChatGPT Worksheet)
In a region like Greater Richmond, collaboration isn’t just a buzzword—it’s how we grow stronger...
The 3 Biggest Innovation Challenges Facing Local Independent Businesses (and What to Do About Them)
Let’s Be Honest About Innovation We all want to innovate. We want to evolve, grow, and get ahead...
Innovation Doesn’t Mean Reinventing the Wheel: 3 Quick Ways to Spot Ideas Already Working Around You
Too often, innovation feels like a big, intimidating word reserved for startups or tech companies....
Real Stories
From Financial Stress to Stability
The encouraging news? You don’t need to figure it all out at once. Small shifts—like turning...
Business to Business Relationship Building
Background Think, a prominent marketing and branding firm is known for its innovative approach to...
Mentorship for Accelerated Growth
Background PowerUp Productions, a dynamic video production company specializes in creating...
Research & Data
How Are Tariffs Affecting Richmond’s Local Businesses?
As trade policy headlines once again make national news, we checked in with local businesses to...
State of Local Event Recap 2025
Census Retail Sales Data Shows Consumers Are ‘Apprehensive’ Despite ‘Healthy’ Economic Fundamentals
Staying on top of retail trends is crucial for independent businesses navigating economic shifts....
The Latest
Onboarding That Works: How to Set New Hires Up for Success
A strong onboarding program is based on several key elements that guide new employees through their first days and weeks, ensuring they have the clarity, support, and connections needed to succeed. Incorporating these best practices will help your new hire become a successful team member.
Building Sustainable Talent Pipelines
We spoke with Reshaud Rich, senior director of internships at Partnership for the Future, and Lauren Llewellyn, co-founder of Erma Jean, to gain a deeper understanding of hiring pipelines from the perspectives of both community partners and employers. Their insights shaped the insights below.
Building a Talent Pipeline at Erma Jean
An Interview with Co-Founder Lauren Llewellyn
Essential Practices for a Thriving Business Culture
Local businesses have a great opportunity to cultivate a strong and positive company culture, which can be a game-changer.
Hiring Smarter, Retaining Longer: Insights from InUnison Members
Hiring and retaining employees in today’s tough job market continues to challenge many independent Richmond businesses. A strong team is vital for a company’s success. We talked with four InUnison members across various industries to share real-world insights that help them build and sustain effective teams.
Write a Job Description That Attracts the Right Fit
A job description is the first step in assessing whether an applicant and your company are a good match.
Hiring in a Tight Labor Market: What’s Working Now
Competition for jobs, along with labor shortages and changing priorities for employees and employers, have reshaped the staffing process in nearly every industry.
From Financial Stress to Stability
If you’ve ever lost sleep over cash flow, avoided looking at your bank account, or felt like “money” is the part of business you’ll never get right—you’re not alone. Every business leader has been there.
Pricing with Confidence: How to Set the Right Price for Your Local Business
Pricing your products or services can be one of the hardest parts of running a business. Charge too little, and you’re working long hours with little reward. Charge too much, and you worry about losing customers to the shop down the street or the business two clicks away online.
Budgeting for Your Local Business: A Simple Guide
Turn your numbers into a plan for growth.