The holiday busy season isn't complete without the surge of shoppers who delayed purchases, forgot...
Strategy & Operations
Budgeting for Your Local Business: A Simple Guide
If you read our recent Business Financials 101 article, you know what numbers you should be...
Business Financials 101
Understanding the Basics for Sustainable Growth Whether you're launching a startup or leading a...
Finance Tracking & Forecasting Toolkit
Take control of your numbers—so you can take control of your business. If you’ve ever felt...
Marketing & Growth
How to Choose the Right Marketing Partner
Local business owners wear many hats, doing everything from managing finances to marketing and...
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...
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
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.
State of Local Event Recap 2025
How to Build a Simple Standard Operating Procedure Library (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
Finally get your business out of your head and into systems—starting today.
Smart Growth Starts with a Strong Why: The Power of Setting a Clear Target
Below, we’ll walk through why defining your business vision – inclusive of your exit plan – is crucial, how to align potential opportunities with your targets, and what it means for your team, your family, and long-term success.
Census Retail Sales Data Shows Consumers Are ‘Apprehensive’ Despite ‘Healthy’ Economic Fundamentals
“Households are apprehensive and carefully navigating lingering inflation and turmoil related to changing economic policies.” – Jack Kleinhenz, NRF Chief Economist
When Plans Change: A Journey Through Uncertainty to Growth
No matter how well you plan, things don’t always go as expected. Whether it’s a new business offering that doesn’t gain traction, shifting personal circumstances, or unexpected challenges in execution, entrepreneurs must adapt quickly to keep moving forward. The ability to pivot isn’t just about survival—it’s about resilience, growth, and learning from the unexpected.
Online Sales: Simple, Proven Ways to Convert More Customers
In our December Holiday Sales survey, we found that only 48% of retailers are currently selling products online. This presents a huge opportunity for local businesses to differentiate themselves and increase sales by tapping into the online market. If you’re not yet selling online, now is the perfect time to consider how you can reach more customers and grow your business.
Success Starts Here: Strategic Planning Made Easy and Effective
You might be thinking, “I’m just trying to make it through the week; how can I possibly think about the next five years?” But what if we told you that investing in strategic planning isn’t just about long-term vision; it’s about making your day-to-day decisions easier, more confident, and more effective?









