2026 saw many legislative changes to Virginia's employment laws, with eight major changes from the...
Strategy & Operations
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...
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...
Marketing & Growth
5 Small Tweaks to Boost December Sales (Without Discounts)
December is the peak of the holiday rush, as shoppers scramble to make their final holiday...
Enhancing the Holiday Customer Experience: Delight & Connection
The holiday season isn’t just about sales — it’s about connection.For local businesses, the...
Enhancing the Holiday Customer User Experience Through Ease & Convenience
During the holiday season, customers value ease and convenience more than ever. Cultivating a...
Real Stories
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Research & Data
State of Local 2024: Results
Watch State of Local Event Here InUnison develops the State of Local survey as a benchmarking...
3 Ways Small Businesses Can Harness Customer Data
In the competitive landscape of small businesses, understanding your customers is key to success....
State of Local Event Recording
https://youtu.be/OiDefjjgPTc?si=L11mfgDMW5g-26-e Welcome to the recorded inaugural State of Local...
The Latest
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.
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...