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Small Biz FL was designed to highlight issues and promote business assistance resources available throughout the state of Florida.
Episodes
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
In this episode, we're joined by Eduardo Torres, the South Florida Director for the US Department of Commerce. Mr. Torres brings a wealth of knowledge about the vital support agencies and individuals provide to Florida's small businesses.
Eduardo Torres's journey to the US Department of Commerce started in the private sector, where he engaged in environmental work and participated in trade missions across Latin America. This unique perspective allows him to see the significance of the Department's programs from both sides.
The US Department of Commerce serves as the eyes and ears of the US government for export promotion. Eduardo and his team assist US companies in exporting their products and services to over 87 countries. They assess a company's readiness for the export process and connect them with valuable partners like the Florida SBDC Network.
Eduardo emphasizes their role in protecting businesses' interests, ensuring they get paid, and introducing them to qualified international partners. The Department's mission is to facilitate connections, providing small businesses with market reports and opportunities to expand globally.
Eduardo highlights the upcoming Caribbean Business Conference organized by the District Export Council for South Florida. This event brings together commercial officers and state department representatives from various Caribbean countries to discuss opportunities in sectors like infrastructure, oil and gas, healthcare, and aviation.
As a podcast dedicated to small businesses, this episode sheds light on the crucial role the US Department of Commerce plays in empowering Florida's entrepreneurs. Tune in to explore how Eduardo and his team create pathways for success in international trade. Recorded live at this year’s Florida SBDC Network Small Business Success Summit hosted at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.
Learn more about the upcoming U.S. Caribbean Business Conference - 2023: https://g.co/kgs/bWyUbm
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Join us on Small Biz Florida as we delve into the dynamic world of Groundswell Startups with CEO Jarin Eisenberg. With a background in community development, Jarin guides us through the incubator's journey.
In 4 impactful years, Groundswell has evolved into a hub for collaborative entrepreneurs seeking outside perspectives and industry support to scale their ventures. The incubator offers connections to seasoned developers and suppliers, crucial for startups aiming to secure venture capital and expand globally.
From aerospace to diverse industries, Groundswell's ecosystem thrives on innovation. Purposeful introductions, a structured approach, and tailored conversations empower startups to validate ideas, test markets, and access capital. Their facility, a hub of technological collisions, fosters rapid growth.
Jarin shares Groundswell's roots in community support, with founders donating the building. Revenue from office rentals, co-working, and sponsorships sustain their mission. The Equity-free approach connects startups to funding, and mentors, and cultivates a giving culture. Tune in to explore Groundswell's impactful journey, fostering innovation, growth, and a culture of collaboration under Jarin's inspiring leadership. Recorded live at this year’s Florida SBDC Network Small Business Success Summit hosted at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.
Learn more about Groundswell Startups: https://swellstartups.com/
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Join us on Small Business Florida as we delve into the Small Business Success Summit hosted by the Florida Small Business Development Center Network. In this episode, we sit down with Mark Kruse, Executive VP and General Counsel at Florida First Capital, a pivotal partner in supporting small businesses.
Discover the essence of the 504 Loan program, a lifeline for businesses seeking growth without being tied down by heavy loans. Mark breaks down its mechanics, where businesses secure up to 90% financing with minimal upfront investment. Learn how Florida First Capital fosters connections with local banks and navigates the dynamic regulatory landscape, ensuring access to capital even in uncertain times.
Explore Mark's journey from intern to leader, reflecting his commitment to small business success. Uncover the partnership's statewide impact, as Florida First Capital's expertise paves the way for businesses to thrive. Join us in this episode to explore how the 504 Loan program, championed by Florida First Capital, propels small businesses toward growth and prosperity. Recorded live at this year’s Florida SBDC Network Small Business Success Summit hosted at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.
Learn more about Florida First Capital Finance Corporation: https://ffcfc.com/
Thursday Aug 17, 2023
Thursday Aug 17, 2023
Join us in this special episode of Small Biz Florida, as we raise a toast to 70 years of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its incredible journey of supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses across the nation.
In this milestone episode, Tom Kindred engages in an enlightening conversation with Jonel Hein and Malcolm Richards, two remarkable leaders in the world of small business advocacy. They begin by tracing their personal journeys, sharing insightful anecdotes that led them to their current roles as District Directors of SBA's North Florida and South Florida regions.
The heart of the episode delves into the rich history of the Small Business Administration, exploring its origins and how it has evolved over seven decades to become a cornerstone of entrepreneurial success. Our guests shed light on the agency's pivotal role in fostering economic growth, promoting innovation, and championing the dreams of countless small business owners.
As the discussion deepens, the trio explores the challenges that the SBA has faced throughout its history and how it demonstrated resilience during times of crisis, such as the pandemic and recessions. Hein and Richards share inspiring stories of how the SBA swiftly adapted and pivoted to meet the evolving needs of small businesses, offering a lifeline when it was needed the most.
The conversation then takes an exciting turn towards the future, focusing on the SBA's embrace of technology as a driving force for change. The guests discuss how the SBA is leveraging the latest advancements to streamline processes, enhance accessibility, and provide innovative solutions that empower entrepreneurs in the digital age.
Throughout the episode, Hein and Richards emphasize the invaluable role of resources and partners that have been pivotal in SBA's mission to support small businesses and entrepreneurship. From highlighting success stories to showcasing the impact of collaboration with various organizations, they paint a vivid picture of the SBA ecosystem and its profound impact on communities.
Tune in to this insightful episode as Tom Kindred, Jonel Hein, and Malcolm Richards take you on a journey through the past, present, and future of the Small Business Administration. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or simply passionate about economic growth, you won't want to miss this celebration of 70 years of innovation, resilience, and unwavering support for small businesses.
Unlock the best Small Business Resources at: https://www.sba.gov/
Wednesday Aug 09, 2023
Wednesday Aug 09, 2023
We're focusing on a critical issue: Capital Access. Every entrepreneur needs the right financial support to thrive. Executive Vice President for FCF/FFC, Mark Kruse is back on Small Biz Florida, to help unveil Florida First Capital's pivotal role in aiding businesses to start, expand, and flourish.
Discover how Florida First Capital championed crucial changes, impacting SBA Tax issues and specifically targeting the 504 program. With the recent law changes coming into effect on July 1, 2023, we explore their collaboration with the legislature, striving to bring about tax relief for consumers and businesses alike. Join us to understand how these efforts are fostering an environment where small business growth is empowered and taxation barriers are lifted.
Learn more by visiting: https://ffcfc.com/
Thursday Jul 27, 2023
Thursday Jul 27, 2023
In this exciting episode, we sit down with Zoraida Velasco, the Executive Vice President of FloridaMakes, to dive into the highly anticipated 2023 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit. This annual thought leadership event serves as a catalyst for Florida's manufacturing community, bringing together industry leaders, stakeholders, and thought pioneers to explore solutions and strengthen the sector. With the theme "Unleashing Digital Transformation," the summit delves into the transformative power of technology, driving innovation and growth for small businesses in the manufacturing industry.
Join us in this enlightening conversation as we uncover how the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit fosters collaboration, bridges gaps in the ecosystem, and empowers manufacturers with digital strategies for success. Don't miss the chance to be part of this game-changing event taking place on October 25th-26th at the prestigious Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, FL.
Visit: https://www.floridamakemore.com/home for more information about this year's event!
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
Join us in this episode as we sit down with Ryan Boylston, the CEO and Founder of 2 Ton, a full-service creative agency. Ryan shares his journey from the corporate world to start his own agency, drawing inspiration from his experience at JM Family Enterprises. He emphasizes the importance of creating a customer-centric culture and highlights the use of the term "associate" instead of "employee" to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose within the organization. Ryan discusses the organic growth of 2 Ton and how they expanded their services in-house to provide clients with trusted and reliable solutions. He also delves into the concept of work-life integration and the value of transparency and accountability in building a strong team. Tune in to gain insights into creating a thriving culture and prioritizing customer satisfaction in your business.
– Learn more about 2 Ton: https://2ton.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.
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
Join us in this exciting episode as we sit down with Roland Jean Charles, an aspiring entrepreneur and graduate of the JMI Institute. Roland shares his journey in the real estate industry, specifically focusing on property management as a way to diversify investment risks. He discusses the valuable resources and networking opportunities he encountered through conferences and how they have influenced his business growth. Roland also talks about his participation in a pitch competition, where he presented his innovative app, JU Review. This social value app provides users with real-time recommendations for dining and drinks, offering a dynamic and engaging experience, unlike static review apps. Tune in to learn more about Roland's entrepreneurial journey and the unique features of the JU Review app.
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.
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
Join us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with Michael Allison, the founder of the Adversity Academy. Michael shares his personal journey of overcoming various challenges, including homelessness, bullying, injuries, and combat experiences during his service in the United States Marine Corps. Despite facing adversity, Michael's determination led him to excel in the military, pursue higher education, and transition into entrepreneurship. He discusses his experience working in the railroad industry and becoming a project manager in a government contractor, as well as his decision to start his own franchise and ultimately launch the Adversity Academy. Discover how Michael's experiences have shaped his passion for helping business owners overcome obstacles, improve leadership, and implement effective strategies. Tune in for an insightful conversation on resilience, personal growth, and thriving in entrepreneurship.
– Learn more about The Adversity Academy: https://theadversityacademy.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.
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
Join us in this episode as we welcome Kelly Hill, CEO of Sales Advisors of Florida and a seasoned sales professional with a diverse background in sales, marketing, and purchasing. Kelly shares her career journey, transitioning from sales and marketing roles in the commercial cooking equipment industry to venturing into purchasing and eventually founding Sales Advisors of Florida. We explore the core focus of Kelly's organization, which is to help companies develop proactive sales approaches and effectively manage day-to-day sales activities. Kelly emphasizes the importance of having a written sales process, specifically tailored for inbound and outbound sales, and emphasizes the value of regular reviews to assess and refine strategies. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tips for maximizing sales success within your small business.
– Learn more about Sales Advisors of Florida: https://salesadvisorsfl.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.