AI-Powered Tools for Beginners and Experts
AI isn’t just for big companies with tech budgets—it’s a practical, everyday tool for small and...
Strategy & Operations
AI-Powered Tools for Beginners and Experts
AI isn’t just for big companies with tech budgets—it’s a practical, everyday tool for small and...
How AI Actually Works (and Why That Matters for Your Business)
Artificial Intelligence. Machine learning. Neural networks. These terms can make AI feel like...
Why Local Businesses Can Lead Innovation in Their Communities
The Local Advantage in Innovation Local businesses understand their customers’ needs better than...
Marketing & Growth
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...
When Plans Change: A Journey Through Uncertainty to Growth
In this article, we’ll hear from Tamisha Williams, founder of Tamisha Williams Consulting, who...
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...
Real Stories
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...
Problem Solving at Roundtables
Summary Bremo Pharmacy's experience with InUnison’s Roundtable benefit highlights the impact of...
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
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...
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