For small businesses with limited or no formal HR support, a clear and thoughtful onboarding...
Strategy & Operations
Essential Practices for a Thriving Business Culture
In this article Jill Lemon, Co-Found and Partner of Sandbox, shares how local businesses can...
Hiring Smarter, Retaining Longer: Insights from InUnison Members
Tom RosserCo-President of Gelati Celesti Lisa McSherryOwner of Lex’s of Carytown and Mamie’s...
Write a Job Description That Attracts the Right Fit
The first step to finding the right talent for your job opening is to write a job description that...
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
Solopreneur Who Has Community
"Being a solopreneur can sometimes feel isolating, but joining InUnison has connected me to a...
Growth and Innovation
Background Gelati Celesti, a beloved local ice cream business with ten locations throughout...
Phoning an Expert
Background Erma Jean, a local retail clothing boutique faced a significant challenge when the...
Research & Data
How Local Businesses Can Leverage Third-Party Research to Drive Growth
Research conducted by independent organizations, industry groups, or government agencies can...
Survey Report: Business-Government Relations in the Richmond Region
Our recent survey provides a snapshot of the challenges and opportunities businesses encounter...
State of Local 2024: Event Recording
Welcome to the recorded inaugural State of Local event....
The Latest
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.
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.














