Holiday Sales Close Out Mixed for Richmond’s Local Businesses, with Cautious Optimism Heading into...
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
Holiday Marketing Made Simple: How to Stand Out Without Burning Out
Eight out of 10 small businesses say the holiday season is important for their overall profit...
Success Stories: Marketing Moves that Worked for Us
Throughout the greater Richmond area, local businesses are adopting innovative, strategic and...
What SEO Is & Why It Matters for Local Businesses
We’ve all pulled up our favorite search engine to find something we’re looking for, and your...
Real Stories
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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
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.
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...