Small Biz Florida

Sometimes a small amount of capital can open the door to a big opportunity. But where can entrepreneurs turn when they’re just starting out or need funding below the size of a traditional business loan?

Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Charlotte Harbor, this episode of Small Biz Florida features host Tom Kindred in conversation with Brandon Martinez, Microenterprise Specialist with Suncoast Credit Union.

Brandon introduces Suncoast’s microenterprise lending program and discusses how it supports startups and growing businesses—including entrepreneurs who have not yet generated revenue. He explains how a structured business plan, realistic financial projections, industry experience, and a clear purpose for the funds help tell a business’s story to a lender.

The conversation also explores the member-owned credit union model, the value of building a relationship with your business banker, and how a personalized consultation can help identify suitable financing options, including microloans and SBA-backed loans.

Whether you’re launching an idea, purchasing equipment, or preparing to expand, tune in for insights on preparing for a lending conversation and finding financial support for your next step.

A great business starts with a problem worth solving—but how do you know your customers see it that way?

Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Charlotte Harbor, this episode of Small Biz Florida features host Tom Kindred in conversation with Kathrine Zobre, founder of Founders Playground. A former SBDC advisor and experienced entrepreneurship educator, Kathrine helps founders turn ideas into businesses by understanding the people they want to serve.

Kathrine shares why customer discovery should happen before you build a product, how to recognize a meaningful customer need, and why getting too attached to your original idea can hold you back. Through examples from her own entrepreneurial and investing experiences, she explores the importance of reaching your target market, listening to feedback, and finding evidence that customers want your solution.

The conversation also highlights the value of peer networks, SBDC advising, and hands-on support to help entrepreneurs put advice into action. Kathrine offers a brief look at her Summit presentations on using AI to develop service quotes and tapping into workforce development resources.

Whether you’re exploring a new idea or refining an existing business, tune in for practical insights on asking better questions, testing assumptions, and building around your customers’ needs.

Is your business getting harder to find online? As AI changes how customers search for products and services, small business owners need to rethink how they show up—and stand out.

Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Charlotte Harbor, this episode of Small Biz Florida features host Tom Kindred in conversation with Mimi Damm, media specialist with Gray Media. Drawing on more than two decades of experience working with small businesses, Mimi shares her perspective on building visibility in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

The conversation explores how AI-powered search is changing customer behavior and why an effective marketing strategy reaches beyond keywords. Mimi discusses the role of video, YouTube, website content, and social media in helping businesses connect with potential customers. She also explains the importance of setting a dedicated marketing budget, choosing channels that fit your goals, and knowing when to bring in expert support.

At the heart of her message is a simple takeaway: “Consistency equals visibility.” Whether you’re starting with a modest budget or expanding your reach, a deliberate, sustained approach can help you build a stronger marketing foundation.

Tune in for practical insights on adapting your marketing, making thoughtful use of your budget, and keeping your business visible in the age of AI.

How can small business owners find better leads, reach the right customers, and grow without doing everything themselves?

Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Charlotte Harbor, this episode of Small Biz Florida features host Tom Kindred in conversation with Luke Kim, founder of Truth Cartel and an entrepreneurship faculty member at UC Berkeley.

Drawing on his experience leading marketing for technology companies, Luke explores how entrepreneurs can apply AI, lead generation, and sales automation to their own businesses. He discusses using AI to streamline market research, identify potential customers, and develop more targeted outreach. The conversation also highlights why testing, compliance, and carefully curated leads matter when scaling a sales strategy.

But technology is only part of the equation. Luke shares how a simple cookie delivery helped turn cold outreach into meaningful conversations, illustrating the value of combining automation with a personal touch. He also discusses his passion for teaching and how Truth Cartel supports growing businesses through marketing services, training, and fractional marketing leadership.

Tune in for a practical conversation about strengthening your sales process, building relationships, and using technology to support business growth.

Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit, host Tom Kindred welcomes Tyler Teresa, Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Southeast Region, for an update on the programs, resources, and policy initiatives supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Tyler shares how growing up in a small-business family inspired his passion for helping entrepreneurs succeed. He and Tom discuss Florida’s expanding manufacturing sector and the SBA’s efforts to increase access to capital for manufacturers and other growing businesses.

The conversation highlights several important SBA initiatives, including expanded lending opportunities through the 7(a) and 504 loan programs, the Manufacturing Access and Revolving Line of Credit program, and efforts to reduce regulatory burdens through the SBA’s Office of Advocacy and Red Tape Hotline.

Tyler also discusses the SBA’s renewed focus on strengthening domestic manufacturing, supporting America’s supply chain, improving internal lending processes, and making SBA.gov easier for small-business owners to navigate.

Tune in to learn how the SBA is helping entrepreneurs access capital, overcome regulatory challenges, connect with business resources, and prepare for long-term growth.

Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit, host Tom Kindred speaks with Florida State Representative Tiffany Esposito, who represents House District 77 in Lee County.

Representative Esposito shares how her background in economic development and leadership at Southwest Florida Inc. led her into public service. She discusses the essential role small businesses play in Florida’s economy and explains why reducing unnecessary regulations, supporting job creation, and maintaining a business-friendly environment remain important priorities.

The conversation also explores Florida’s strong network of resources for entrepreneurs, including chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, colleges and universities, SCORE, and the Florida Small Business Development Center Network.

Representative Esposito emphasizes the importance of small business owners taking time to work on their businesses—not only in them—and recognizes the entrepreneurs attending the summit for investing in their own professional development and long-term growth.

Tune in to hear a state and local perspective on entrepreneurship, economic development, and the policies and partnerships helping Florida’s small businesses succeed.

Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit, host Tom Kindred speaks with Anthony Gagliano, Chief Operating Officer of CareerSource Suncoast, about the organization’s role in supporting entrepreneurs, employers, and job seekers throughout Florida.

Anthony shares how his own experience losing a job during the 2009 recession introduced him to CareerSource and ultimately led to a 17-year career focused on employment, education, and workforce training. He explains how Florida’s 21 regional CareerSource boards connect businesses with valuable services, including recruiting assistance, job fairs, employee training grants, apprenticeships, and workforce-development programs.

The conversation also highlights CareerSource Suncoast’s Community Entrepreneur Opportunity—or CEO—program. This free, 10-week business boot camp helps aspiring entrepreneurs evaluate their ideas, understand marketing and pricing, identify funding needs, study their competition, and develop a viable business model. Anthony emphasizes that discovering an idea is not currently sustainable can be just as valuable as launching a new business.

Tom and Anthony also discuss the importance of planning for human-capital needs as a company grows. CareerSource can help small businesses recruit employees, develop talent internally, create registered apprenticeship programs, train new hires, and upskill existing workers.

The episode demonstrates how partnerships among CareerSource, the Florida SBDC Network, educational institutions, financial organizations, and local governments create a stronger support system for Florida’s entrepreneurs and small-business community.

In this episode of the Small Biz Florida Podcast, host Tom Kindred sits down with Bridget LaCoste, Events and Stakeholder Relationship Manager for the Florida SBDC Network, to discuss the upcoming 5th Annual Small Business Success Summit taking place August 17–18 at the Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor. Bridget shares what attendees can expect from this year’s event, including inspiring keynote speakers, over 36 breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and a reverse trade show connecting small businesses with government agencies and prime contractors. The conversation highlights the Florida SBDC Network’s mission to help small businesses launch, grow, and thrive through practical, actionable resources and expert guidance. Listeners will also hear about trending business topics, including AI-driven marketing strategies, leadership development, government contracting, and successfully scaling a business.

Learn more about the event: 
https://floridasbdc.org/success_summit/

On this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Fred Lenz, Founder and Managing Partner of Margin First Advisors, to discuss how small and medium-sized businesses can uncover enterprise-level cost savings without upfront consulting fees. Fred shares how his company helps SMBs improve margins through healthcare cost mitigation, IT optimization, tax incentives, AP automation, and other specialized solutions typically reserved for large corporations. He explains Margin First Advisors’ unique no-risk business model, in which clients pay only after savings are realized, and takes a deep dive into a healthcare program that leverages Affordable Care Act provisions to reduce employer healthcare expenses while generating significant FICA tax savings. The conversation also explores the growing role of virtual healthcare, automation, and proactive cost management strategies for businesses navigating economic uncertainty.

Connect with our guest: 
https://margin1st.com/

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Geoff Grove and Michael Vallante from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy. Together, they break down how this critical office serves as the voice of small businesses within the federal government, especially when navigating complex regulations. Geoff and Michael share their unique backgrounds in manufacturing and small business ownership, and explain how firsthand feedback from business owners plays a pivotal role in shaping policy. The conversation highlights real-world success stories, including how the R&D tax credit can unlock significant savings for manufacturers, and how the “Red Tape Hotline” empowers business owners to report regulatory challenges directly. This episode offers practical insights and valuable resources for entrepreneurs looking to better understand and influence the rules that impact their businesses.

This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
https://advocacy.sba.gov/