The truth? Pricing is about more than math—it’s about positioning, perceived value, and keeping...
Strategy & Operations
Hiring in a Tight Labor Market: What’s Working Now
Locally and across the country, businesses are facing the obstacles of today’s labor market....
From Financial Stress to Stability
The encouraging news? You don’t need to figure it all out at once. Small shifts—like turning...
Pricing with Confidence: How to Set the Right Price for Your Local Business
The truth? Pricing is about more than math—it’s about positioning, perceived value, and keeping...
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
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.
Business Financials 101
Whether you’re launching a startup or leading a growing company, understanding your business financials isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. From managing cash flow to preparing for future growth or securing funding, strong financial foundations help business owners make smarter decisions with confidence.
Finance Tracking & Forecasting Toolkit
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to make sense of your business finances, you’re not alone. This practical, easy-to-use toolkit is built for small, local business owners who want clarity and confidence without the stress.
How Local Businesses Are Using AI in Real, Everyday Ways
AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a powerful tool that many local businesses in Richmond are already using to save time, improve communication, and support decision-making. Whether you’re just starting to explore it or looking for more practical ways to use AI, hearing from other local business owners can spark new ideas.
AI-Powered Tools for Beginners and Experts
We’ve broken down a few of the most accessible, affordable AI-powered tools that Richmond businesses can use.
How AI Actually Works (and Why That Matters for Your Business)
Artificial Intelligence. Machine learning. Neural networks. These terms can make AI feel like something out of a sci-fi movie. But here’s the truth: AI is already powering tools that small and independent businesses in Richmond are using every day—for things like...
Teaming Up For Growth (ChatGPT Worksheet)
Use ChatGPT to help dream up creative, local partnerships that grow your reach, deepen relationships, and serve the community.