News

InUnison develops the State of Local survey as a benchmarking tool tailored for local, independent businesses in the Richmond region. These insights will help you assess how your business stacks up against others in the local community. Furthermore, the survey aims to capture essential sentiments regarding the current business environment and provide valuable insights into the ongoing needs of local businesses. Over 120 individual businesses responded.

What you’ll find in the report:

• • Local Customer Comparisons | A brief overview of local customer demographics, retention, and acquisition tactics.

• • Local Customer Comparisons | A brief overview of local customer demographics, retention, and acquisition tactics.

InUnison will be hosting an informational webinar on April 30 at 2 pm for businesses to learn more, register here.

On April 9, 2023, Comcast announced Richmond, Virginia as one of five cities to receive the next round of grants from the Comcast RISE program.

Comcast RISE – which stands for Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment – was created in 2020 to help small businesses hard hit by Covid-19 recover and thrive. During its initial three-year program, 13,500 small businesses were awarded with over $125 million in monetary, marketing, and technology grants.

This year, Comcast RISE will award 500 recipients in five cities (100 recipients each in Richmond, Atlanta, Colorado Springs, Houston, and Jacksonville, FL) with a grant package that includes business consultation services, education resources, monetary grants, creative production, media, and technology makeovers.

From May 1-31, eligible Richmond-based small businesses […]

We’re delighted to share news of a significant enhancement to InUnison memberships that adds substantial value to businesses. Beginning with the upcoming 2024 General Assembly session, InUnison memberships will now include full access to the benefits of the Virginia Retail Federation (VRF).

Here’s why this addition is noteworthy:

1. Amplifying the Collective Voice: InUnison has consistently demonstrated dedication to supporting local businesses in Central Virginia. Now, with VRF memberships, the collective voice gains a stronger presence at the legislature. VRF actively advocates for the interests of Virginia businesses, ensuring that the unique perspectives of local enterprises are acknowledged.

2. Expert Insights on Legislation: As we approach the 2024 General Assembly session, VRF provides access to expert insights into legislation impacting businesses in Virginia. Dedicated lobbyists will offer detailed analyses of each bill, breaking down implications and aiding in navigating potential challenges and opportunities.

3. Real-Time Legislative […]

What a great time connecting and collaborating together! Thanks to Bugle Call Coffee for waking us up, Nate’s Bagels and Flour Garden for the food, and Think for hosting!

Jason, the Creative Director of Think, is going to be building a brand in just 30 minutes at our Learning Lab Live. Register and come to learn and ask questions at this interactive branding workshop.

Get Registered

Join us at this InUnison Open Roundtable to problem-solve, generate ideas, commiserate, and grow – together.

• May 25 | 8:30-10:00 am
• InUnison | 5101 Monument Avenue

As a local business owner, you know the value of connecting with your community. At this InUnison Roundtable, you’ll find a community of people just like you: local business owners, operators, and employees, coming together to learn, connect, and support each other.

This is a great opportunity to activate your membership. You’ll network in a new way and generate ideas with like-minded local RVA businesses. You don’t have to solve problems, like managing inflation, alone.

InUnison Roundtables offer the opportunity to participate in idea sharing and problem solving with similar businesses, outside of your industry, yet facing similar local challenges specific to your community. These

When you’re looking to grow professionally and personally, but don’t know where to start – 
start here.

• April 13 | 8:30-10:00 am
• InUnison | 5101 Monument Avenue

At this event, you’ll meet experienced Richmond business owners who will be there to answer questions and point you in the right direction. In a speed-dating-like format – you’ll get to grab time with them all!

Register Now:

No cost for Basic & Premium InUnison members. Upgrade here. Get Registered

We’re sorry – this event is not included in the free membership. Please upgrade to Basic or Premium for no-cost access to in-person events and more!

Meet the Mentors

This Happier Hour event is an intimate get-together celebrating a local business, while building relationships with fellow RVA-owned businesses.

• April 27 | 9:00-10:30 am
• Think: 1607 Sauer Ave, Richmond, VA 23230

About Think

Think is a boutique creative agency with 13 years of experience building brands for Richmond businesses. Their expertise is in mapping out a strategic creative plan for each brand and then providing a cohesive brand identity system, an engaging website, and supporting marketing materials.

Conversation Theme

Wake up your brand with thoughtful conversations on what attracts business.

What to Expect

You’ll find teammates from RVA-owned businesses gathering together for coffee and light bites. Plus, meaningful conversations with people who want to grow and better their businesses.

Coffee will be provided by RVA-owned business, Bugle Call Coffee.

[…]

Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate women in RVA businesses at our open-house!

Thanks to all of the InUnison members who came out to celebrate Mamie’s Apothecary, a locally and women-owned business in Carytown.

Happier Hour Conversations are intimate get-togethers that celebrate a local business location and help you build relationships with like-minded RVA-owned businesses over a common topic.

• Theme: Wins, Woes, and Burning Questions.
• Location: Mamie’s Apothecary, Carytown
• Date: 3/22
• Time: Open House, 4:30-6 pm

About Mamie’s Apothecary

Located in the heart of Carytown in Richmond, VA – Mamie’s Apothecary opened in July 2019. In honor of my late mother, Mamie, who was a huge inspiration in my personal wellness journey, our modern-day apothecary offers a selection of natural self-care and lifestyle items for your body and home to inspire your journey towards making the switch to toxic-free. We invite you to “Detox your Body & Home.”

– Lisa McSherry, Owner Get Registered

This is a no-cost benefit for Basic and Premium members. Please upgrade to register […]

Starting now, we are all InUnison.

It’s a name that proves our collective power; an identity that reflects our unstoppable strength as a business community. The Retail Merchants Association is now InUnison, and when you join, you’ll gain new advantages ­– and a renewed sense of unity.

Becoming a member of InUnison will bring you:

• A new flexible pricing structure that’s based on our products and services versus your number of employees
• New benefits designed for the Richmond region’s independently owned businesses, including a learning lab, mentorship program, experts directory, community forums, and roundtables.
• A collective voice through a dedicated group that advocates for Central Virginia’s local business community.

The new changes we’ve made in our association have been based on in-depth research with local businesses and the greater community through virtual communities, focus groups, interviews, and surveys. We welcome you and your company as we launch our reimagined organization […]

Meet the person behind your favorite locally-owned business.

What’s your name?

Sarah Paxton

What is your business name? 

LaDIFF

How many years have you owned your business?

29

How did you come up with the name for your business?

My husband lived in Haiti before starting LaDIFF; the Haitian motto is “Haiti, Vive la difference!” We shortened it to LaDIFF in 2014 because that’s what everyone was calling us anyway (and it’s easier to pronounce).

How did you get the idea for your business?

Well, my husband started it 40 years ago; but in its Richmond life, the idea comes from the need to bring quality modern furniture to Virginia

What local business can you not live without?

Either Frank’s Ristorante (for pizza) or La Cucina (for dinner) – we eat […]