Small Biz Florida

Ep. 201 | Empowering Small Businesses through People: Insights from Alfreda Boney

In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Alfreda Boney, the founder, and CEO of PSC Consulting, a standout small business support and assistance program. Alfreda shares her background, originating from Georgia and working for the Department of Labor, where she recognized the disconnect between employers and employees in effectively projecting their abilities and selling themselves. PSC Consulting was born in 2008, and Alfreda's focus shifted to workforce development, training, re-entry support, and youth empowerment. She understands that people are the greatest asset of any business, and now she supports small businesses and nonprofits in preparing their greatest asset—their people. Join us as we discuss the optics of employers investing in training their employees, examples of how business owners can make their employees feel cared for, and ways to give back to employees. Gain valuable insights on building a supportive and empowered workforce for business success.
 
– Learn more about Perfectly Suited Career Consulting: https://pscconsulting.co/ 
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference hosted at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

Ep. 200 | Leveraging the Power of AI and Chat GPT: Insights from Alex Oliveira and Prediq

In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Alex Oliveira, the founder, and CEO of a cutting-edge lead generation company called Prediq. Based on the East Coast of Florida, Prediq specializes in lead generation using the power of AI and the Chat GPT platform. Alex shares his entrepreneurial journey, from running a construction company to venturing into the world of digital marketing and launching Prediq in 2011. He discusses the importance of adapting to new technologies and staying ahead of the curve, driving lead generation for clients ranging from Ford to Allstate. Alex emphasizes the significance of lead qualification, nurturing, and leveraging technologies like call tracking and AI to enhance the customer experience. Discover how businesses can harness the potential of AI and Chat GPT to hyper-target their audience, improve sales and marketing strategies, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Join us for an engaging conversation that delves into the transformative power of AI in the business landscape.
 
– Learn more about Prediq: https://www.prediq.io/ 
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference hosted at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

Ep. 199 | Building Business Resilience: Empowering Entrepreneurs with Tania Bartolini

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Tania Bartolini, a motivational speaker who provided an inspiring message to the attendees at the conference. Tania's motivational message focuses on the importance of motivation and having a compelling "why" as business owners face the roller coaster ride of entrepreneurship. She shares her own journey as a business owner, initially struggling until she learned how to create a sustainable and independent business that didn't solely rely on her. Tania's passion for the business aspects of entrepreneurship led her to sell her law firm and dedicate herself to helping others achieve success. She guides business owners through the process of setting up a strong foundation, including business planning, budgeting, and hiring strategies. Join us for an enlightening conversation as Tania provides valuable insights and practical tips to help entrepreneurs gain control over their businesses and find long-term success.
 
– Learn more about Business & Beyond: https://www.businessandbeyondllc.com/ 
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference hosted at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

Ep. 198 | Building a Winning Team: The Power of Effective Recruitment Strategies with Meegan Kriley McKay

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Meegan Kriley McKay, the founder and CEO of One Degree Collaboration. As one of the standout presenters at this year's conference, Meegan brings innovative thoughts and strategies to the recruitment and interviewing process, helping small businesses build strong teams. Meegan shares her personal journey as a military spouse and the challenges she faced when her former spouse experienced an early retirement. Recognizing the skills gap and the importance of soft skills, she leveraged her expertise as a certified interrogator to coach her spouse to success in the commercial airline industry. Inspired by this experience, Meegan founded the Skills for Life Foundation, offering workshops to help service members enhance their communication and soft skills. We delve into the common issue faced by small business owners—recruitment—and Meegan offers valuable insights on effective strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding the needs and wants of potential team members. Join us for an engaging conversation filled with practical advice on building a people-friendly culture and attracting the right talent.
 
– Learn more about One Degree Collaboration: https://1degreecollab.com/ 
 
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference hosted at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

Ep. 197 | Building Legacies through Mentorship: Unlocking Success with Dr. Eurydice Stanley

Join us in this captivating episode as we sit down with Dr. Eurydice Stanley, founder of Amused Media and Productions, as she shares her unique background and pathway to creating her company. With 28 years of military service and a passion for education, Dr. Stanley discusses her role as a reserve component advisor, promoting the importance of service members pursuing degrees and certifications. Drawing from her own experiences, she emphasizes the significance of mentorship and its impact on personal and professional growth. Dr. Stanley's TED Talk and workshop, titled "Legacy-Minded," shed light on the vital role mentors play in navigating the ever-changing landscape of success. Discover how thinking outside the box and seeking guidance from those who have achieved success and those who have faced challenges can shape your journey. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on the power of mentorship and the pursuit of lifelong learning.
 
– Learn more about Amused Media Productions: https://www.dreurydice.com/ 
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference hosted at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

Ep. 196 | Empowering Small Businesses: Unlocking Capital Access with the National Development Council

In this episode, join us as we delve into one of the most critical issues faced by small business owners—Capital Access. We're privileged to have Brian Cunningham, an expert from the National Development Council (NDC), shed light on the opportunities available for small business owners to access the capital they need to grow and scale their businesses. Learn about NDC's role as a national Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and its extensive experience in housing, New Market tax credits, SBA lending, technical assistance, and training for small businesses. Discover the unique value that CDFIs bring to the table, including specialized support and partnerships with organizations like the SBDC to ensure entrepreneurs have a solid grasp of their financials and the financing options available. Tune in for valuable insights and expert advice on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of capital access.
 
– Learn more about National Development Council: https://ndconline.org/ 
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference hosted at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

Ep. 195 | Behind the Scenes: Taking A Look at the History of the JMI Small Business Leadership Conference

Step into the bustling hallways of the Small Business Leadership Conference, where small business owners and entrepreneurs gather to network, learn, and be inspired. In this episode, we have the pleasure of interviewing Melissa Roberts, the Managing Director of the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship at Florida State University. Melissa shares her journey and the Institute's mission to cultivate, train, and inspire entrepreneurial leaders. Discover the flagship programs offered by the Institute, including the Small Business Executive Program, Non-Profit Executive Program, and the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans and Families. Dive into the origins of the conference and its expansion, bringing together local business owners, veterans, and participants from across the nation to connect, learn, and share best practices. Join us for an engaging conversation filled with valuable insights and stories of entrepreneurial success.
 
– Learn more about the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship: https://jimmoraninstitute.fsu.edu/ 
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference hosted at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

Ep. 194 | Behind the Scenes: Insights from the event coordinators behind the 12th Annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference

Join us at the 12th annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida, as we dive into a power-packed event filled with inspiring speakers, informative presentations, and an audience brimming with small business owners and operators. In this episode, we sit down with Amy Karimipour, President of AK Consulting Group of America, Inc., the meeting planners behind this extraordinary conference. Amy shares her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of creating the right environment for success, and the incredible diversity of clients and events AK Consulting has worked with over the past 15 years. Tune in to gain valuable insights and discover the secrets behind hosting successful conferences and meetings.
 
– Learn more about AK Consulting Group of America, Inc.:https://akconsultinggroup.org/ 
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference hosted at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

Ep. 193 | Setting the Stage: A Comprehensive Preview of the Florida SBDC Network Small Business Success Summit

Picture this: a gathering of passionate business owners, top-notch speakers, and a wealth of knowledge-sharing opportunities. Last year's Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Tampa was a roaring success, and this year, we're heading to the vibrant city of Fort Lauderdale in August to celebrate small business all over again! Tune in for all the details…
Welcome back to Small Biz Florida, where we connect small business owners and entrepreneurial individuals to invaluable resources across the Sunshine State. In this episode, we're thrilled to dive into one of the most anticipated business events of the year: the Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit. Our special guest, Bridget LaCoste, Events and Stakeholder Relationships Manager at the Florida SBDC Network, will be our guide as we explore the ins and outs of this incredible summit.
Follow along as we discuss: 
Bridget will walk us through the event's agenda, providing a comprehensive overview of the day's activities and how to get registered.
Discover the extraordinary keynote speaker, Kristen Hadid, who brings 15 years of experience working with high-performing leaders worldwide. Her captivating entrepreneurial journey and wealth of knowledge are sure to resonate with our audience.
The summit's theme for this year is "Trade, Technology, and Transformation." Explore how these key elements impact small businesses and drive success.
Learn more about the Success Summit here: https://floridasbdc.org/success_summit/  
 

Ep. 192 | Empowering Second-Stage Businesses: Insights from Ruth Buchanan, Vice President of Economic Development at GrowFL

Join Small Biz Florida as Ruth Buchanan, Vice President of Economic Development at GrowFL, shares her inspiring professional background that starts with her journey from the Philippines to the United States. 
Discover how GrowFL, as the state's sole agency dedicated to helping second-stage businesses grow, focuses its resources and passion on CEOs and their specific needs and pain points. Ruth Explains how their business programs are designed to cater to CEOs, providing valuable assistance to overcome challenges and achieve growth. 
Ruth takes us through GrowFL's impactful "Florida Companies to Watch" program, a prestigious recognition for growing second-stage companies headquartered in Florida. This program honors companies that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace through innovative strategies and processes. 
– Learn more about GrowFL: https://growfl.com/ 
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual Florida Economic Development Council Conference hosted at Sheraton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort