At InnovateLocal 2025, we’re closing the day with two live, real-world case studies from local...
Strategy & Operations
Why Local Businesses Can Lead Innovation in Their Communities
The Local Advantage in Innovation Local businesses understand their customers’ needs better than...
Rethinking Your Business Model for Growth and Agility
What Does “Rethinking Your Business Model” Mean? A business model is how your company...
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...
Marketing & Growth
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....
4 Things to Do During Small Business Month to Grow Your Company
From the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. May is Small Business Month, a time to support and celebrate...
Real Stories
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...
Solopreneur Who Has Community
"Being a solopreneur can sometimes feel isolating, but joining InUnison has connected me to a...
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
Why Local Businesses Can Lead Innovation in Their Communities
Innovation isn’t just the domain of big corporations or tech startups — local independent businesses are uniquely positioned to lead innovation in their communities. With deep customer relationships, nimble operations, and a strong sense of place, local businesses can quickly adapt and create meaningful change.
Why Curiosity is Your Most Underrated Innovation Tool (and How to Cultivate It)
Innovation doesn’t happen by accident. It begins with a mindset—one rooted in curiosity. For local independent businesses, curiosity can be the secret ingredient that fuels fresh ideas, creative solutions, and new ways to engage customers. Yet it’s often overlooked or...
Announcing this Year’s Local Business Case Studies
Innovation doesn’t have to mean launching a new app or overhauling your business. Sometimes, it’s about finding a better way to do what you already do. Whether you’re running a solo service business, managing a boutique shop, or leading a small team at a restaurant or studio—innovation starts with asking: What could work better for me and my customers?
Rethinking Your Business Model for Growth and Agility
In today’s fast-changing market, sticking rigidly to an old business model can leave you behind. Local independent businesses that rethink and adapt their business models gain the agility to meet customer needs, find new revenue streams, and compete more effectively.
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 of the curve. But running a local business means juggling a lot—and “innovation” often feels out of reach. Here are the 3 most common roadblocks we hear from local...
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. But for local independent businesses, innovation doesn’t have to mean launching a new product or building an app — it can simply mean finding new ways to solve problems,...
4 Things to Do During Small Business Month to Grow Your Company
From the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. May is Small Business Month, a time to support and celebrate the contributions of America’s 33.2 million small businesses and startups. It’s also the perfect time for entrepreneurs to explore new ways to grow their companies. Whether...
Profit vs. Cash Flow
If your business is showing a healthy profit, but your bank account doesn’t reflect it, you’re not alone. Many small business owners feel like they’re doing everything right—generating revenue, keeping expenses in check, and even showing strong net income on their...
How Are Tariffs Affecting Richmond’s Local Businesses?
As trade policy headlines once again make national news, we checked in with local businesses to understand how tariffs are impacting operations, pricing, and financial outlooks across Greater Richmond. The results? A mixed bag—but one with clear signs of strain for...
Why Do I Need a CFO?
Part of the series: Understanding Financial Success with Andrew Farrell, Farrell Financial.