Small Biz Florida

Ep. 85 | Discussing the innovative programs and resources available for businesses in the city of Sanford | Tom Tomerlin and Pamela Lynch with The City of Sanford Economic Development

The City of Sanford Economic Development Department promotes Sanford as a great place to locate businesses through marketing and outreach efforts.  Business growth from both new business relocation and existing business expansion has been a key factor in the health of our local economy.
The Economic Development team develops, implements, and manages citywide policies and procedures for encouraging and attracting growth to make Sanford even more of the livable city that it is.
Tom and Pamela who represent the City of Sanford’s Economic Development Division join Tom and Dr. Herbert Ricardo on this special episode of Small Biz Florida. Learn about the range of industries growing in Sanford and the Programs available for new and small businesses.
– Learn more about The City of Sanford: https://sanfordfl.gov/government/economic-development/  – Connect w/ Tom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-tomerlin-a2434062/
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 the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St Petersburg, Florida, and cohosted by Dr. Herbert Ricardo, Professor at the School of Business at Indian River State College.
– Connect w/ Dr. Herbert Ricardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbert-ricardo-ph-d-91b1ba225/
– To learn more about the FEDC Conference, visit their website here
– To visit the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St. Petersburg, Florida, visit their website here

Ep. 84 | Learn what Pasco County’s EDC is doing for Small Businesses| Jennie Sammur & Daniel Mitchell with Pasco EDC

Formed in 1987, the Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) is the leading economic development organization dedicated to the overall growth and prosperity of Pasco County through the development of a sustainable and diversified economy. 
Jennie Sammur and Daniel Mitchell from Pasco EDC join Tom and Dr. Herbert Ricardo on this special episode of Small Biz Florida. Learn about the range of industries growing in Pasco County and the Programs available for new and small businesses.
– Learn more about Pasco EDC: https://www.enterpriseflorida.com/ – Connect w/ Jennie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennie-sammur-96297068/
– Connect w/ Daniel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmitchellrep/
 
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 the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St Petersburg, Florida, and cohosted by Dr. Herbert Ricardo, Professor at the School of Business at Indian River State College.
– Connect w/ Dr. Herbert Ricardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbert-ricardo-ph-d-91b1ba225/
– To learn more about the FEDC Conference, visit their website here
– To visit the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St. Petersburg, Florida, visit their website here

Ep. 83 | Discussing the Challenges for Economic Development in Florida that immerged post-COVID-19 | Destin Wells – Senior Vice President of Business Development at Enterprise Florida

Discussing the Challenges for Economic Development in Florida that immerged post-pandemic with Senior Vice President of Business Development for Enterprise Florida, Destin Wells.
On this episode of Small Biz Florida, Tom Kindred and Dr. Herbert Ricardo are joined by Destin Wells who serves as Senior Vice President of Business Development for Enterprise Florida. To kick things off Destin tells us the story of how he accidentally fell into his career as an Economic Development professional in Florida. After his time in the Peace Corp. and experience working there and in the Dominican Republic, he developed a passion for working together with others and giving back to communities. In this episode, Destin talks about the issues that Economic Development Organizations in Florida have been facing post-pandemic. Listen to this episode to hear more about what he had to say.
– Learn more about Enterprise Florida: https://www.enterpriseflorida.com/ – Connect w/ Destin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/destin-wells-82b9b923/
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 the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St Petersburg, Florida, and cohosted by Dr. Herbert Ricardo, Professor at the School of Business at Indian River State College.
– Connect w/ Dr. Herbert Ricardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbert-ricardo-ph-d-91b1ba225/
– To learn more about the FEDC Conference, visit their website here
– To visit the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St. Petersburg, Florida, visit their website here

Ep. 82 |Learn How Hillsborough County is Helping New Businesses | Carol Miner – Director of Hillsborough FSBDC and Manager of Entrepreneurial Services

Carol Miner talks to us about a 4-month program that helps individuals who are thinking about starting a business but don’t know where to begin. Listen to this episode for more details!
Carol Miner started her career in lending, after years of working up north she decide it was time for warmer weather and she moved to Florida. After starting her very own consulting firm she found a connection with the SBDC in Hillsborough County. Eventually, she became the Director of the Hillsborough County FSBDC and Manager of Entrepreneurial Services. Today on Small Biz Florida she is talking to us about a program she developed called Self-Employment Workshop Program (S.E.W.P). This program is designed for entrepreneurs who want to start a business but do not exactly have the resources or the knowledge to start. It is quite an intensive course and most people have a hard time sticking with it but Carol tells us how they build discipline in these entrepreneurs through this program.
– Learn more about Hillsborough FSBDC and SEWP: https://clients.floridasbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=630410097 – Connect w/ Carol: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolaminor/
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 the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St Petersburg, Florida, and cohosted by Dr. Herbert Ricardo, Professor at the School of Business at Indian River State College.
– Connect w/ Dr. Herbert Ricardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbert-ricardo-ph-d-91b1ba225/
– To learn more about the FEDC Conference, visit their website here
– To visit the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St. Petersburg, Florida, visit their website here

Ep. 81 | Find out why Ormond Beach is “the Birthplace of Speed.” | Brian Rademacher – Director of Economic Development for Ormond Beach, FL

We’re learning why Ormond Beach is “the birthplace of speed” in this conversation with the Director of Economic Development for Ormond Beach, Brian Rademacher.
Ormond Beach is Central Florida's Preferred Business Address for its remarkable quality of life and its healthy business climate. Ormond Beach is located near the crossroads of Central Florida's High Tech Corridor, I-95, and I-4. The City of Ormond Beach Economic Development Department is committed to implementing a robust growth strategy that results in a strong economy and improved quality of life. Brian Rademacher who serves as the Director of Economic Development for Ormond Beach joins the cohosts of Small Biz Florida Tom Kindred and Dr. Ricardo on this special segment from the Florida Economic Development Council Conference. Brian covers the areas and target markets of businesses in the region and lays out the benefits of doing business in Ormond Beach.
– Learn more about Ormond Beach: https://ormondbeach.org/194/Economic-Development – Connect w/ Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrademacher/
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 the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St Petersburg, Florida, and cohosted by Dr. Herbert Ricardo, Professor at the School of Business at Indian River State College.
– Connect w/ Dr. Herbert Ricardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbert-ricardo-ph-d-91b1ba225/
– To learn more about the FEDC Conference, visit their website here
– To visit the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St. Petersburg, Florida, visit their website here

Ep. 80 | How a Business Approach to Fundraising can lead to Huge Success | Paul Santiago Director of Campaign Services Convergent Nonprofit Solutions

Paul Santiago’s career started in Atlanta. His pathway to Convergent Solutions began when five highly respected national nonprofit consulting firms came together to provide a variety of services to the nonprofit industry, from fundraising to sustainability planning to organizational audits and more.
Paul joins the Small Biz Florida team to talk about Convergent Solution’s mission, vision, and process. Paul takes a deep dive into what it looks like to work with Convergent Solutions and outlines Convergent Solution’s unique approach and strategy to get the best results.
– Learn more about Convergent Solutions: https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/ – Connect w/ Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pjsjax/
Subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram for more segments like these This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual Florida Economic Development Council Conference hosted at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St Petersburg, Florida, and cohosted by Dr. Herbert Ricardo, Professor at the School of Business at Indian River State College.
– Connect w/ Dr. Herbert Ricardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbert-ricardo-ph-d-91b1ba225/
– To learn more about the FEDC Conference, visit their website here
– To visit the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St. Petersburg, Florida, visit their website here

Ep. 79 | Learn how REsimplifi is helping Economic Development Agencies with Commercial Real-Estate Management | Matt Francis National Sales Associate for REsimplifi

REsimplifi is changing the way Economic Development offices manage commercial real estate. They provide this service to their clients. Learn how this new organization started, where it’s headed, and how it can benefit your organization.
Matthew Francis is a National Sales Associate for REsimplifi, He joins us on Small Biz Florida to talk about REsimplifi and its unique and innovative services. Matt graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Financial Management Services. Experience in real estate portfolio analysis, property management, mortgage, and property valuation.
REsimplifi, Inc. is a technology & data provider focused on the commercial real estate and economic development industries. The REsimplifi Team works directly with economic developer offices across the United States to ensure that they have the most complete and highest quality data possible for their online site selection tools.
They enable clients to focus on more specialized work by offering a platform to outsource the collection and management of their property data for their websites.
– Learn more about REsimplifi: https://resimplifi.com/ – Connect w/ Matthew Francis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-francis-cpsp-61709b16b/
Subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram for more segments like these This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual Florida Economic Development Council Conference hosted at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St Petersburg, Florida, and cohosted by Dr. Herbert Ricardo, Professor at the School of Business at Indian River State College.
– Connect w/ Dr. Herbert Ricardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbert-ricardo-ph-d-91b1ba225/
– To learn more about the FEDC Conference, visit their website here
– To visit the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St. Petersburg, Florida, visit their website here

Ep. 78 | Space Florida’s Impact on State-Wide Entrepreneurial Opportunities and Aerospace Industry Growth | Mathew Chesnut Vice President Business and Economic Development at Space Florida

Space Florida is laying down the pathway to a career in Space. Listen to this incredible conversation about the outlook for careers in the aerospace industry.
Mathew Chesnut comes from a background in city management. After working for economic development agencies on the city and county levels, Matt moved on to working at Space Florida. Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration, and commerce. As Florida’s aerospace development organization, they are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure, and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed.
Today he joins cohosts of Small Biz Florida Tom and Dr. Ricardo for a conversation that covers the work that Space Florida does to attract aerospace organizations to Florida and help those organizations grow and thrive in our State. Matt talks about how fast the aerospace industry is growing in Florida and the impact that Space Florida has had on its success.
– Learn more about Space Florida: https://www.spaceflorida.gov/ – Connect w/ Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathewchesnut/
Subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram for more segments like these This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual Florida Economic Development Council Conference hosted at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St Petersburg, Florida, and cohosted by Dr. Herbert Ricardo, Professor at the School of Business at Indian River State College.
– Connect w/ Dr. Herbert Ricardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbert-ricardo-ph-d-91b1ba225/
– To learn more about the FEDC Conference, visit their website here
– To visit the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St. Petersburg, Florida, visit their website here

Ep. 77 | Having Fun and Learning how MWB Creates Good for their Clients | Erica Sittler Account Executive for MWB Create

MWB Brand Manager, Erica Sittler joins Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred, and cohost, Dr. Ricardo on another episode to talk about MWB Create a full-service creative agency headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi. MWB offers its clients a range of services, including marketing strategy, advertising, website development, interactive media, and social media marketing.
Erica Sittler comes from a background of working with economic development organizations, tourism, and even healthcare. Erica owns Robinson Studios a consulting agency for more than 14 years. Erica works in a range of spaces and has many skills as a brand strategist, social media manager, and ghostwriter.
– Learn more about MWB Create: https://mwb.com/ – Connect w/ Erica: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrsericarobinson/
Subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram for more segments like these This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual Florida Economic Development Council Conference hosted at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St Petersburg, Florida, and cohosted by Dr. Herbert Ricardo, Professor at the School of Business at Indian River State College.
– Connect w/ Dr. Herbert Ricardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbert-ricardo-ph-d-91b1ba225/
– To learn more about the FEDC Conference, visit their website here
– To visit the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St. Petersburg, Florida, visit their website here

Ep. 76 | Find out what the Able Trust is doing to narrow the Workforce Gap in Florida | Donna Wright Vice President, Development & Marketing at The Able Trust

“Hiring a diverse and inclusive workforce is going to impact your bottom line and pay dividends.” Learn what the Able Trust is doing to narrow the workforce gap in Florida.
Donna Wright started her career in special education. After a few years, she transitioned and began working for Good Will. While working for Good Will, Donna discovered a passion for public and media relations, branding, and marketing. Her career led her to work in the non-profit industry, and eventually, she found her way to the Able Trust.
The Able Trust is a 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to creating successful employment opportunities for people with disabilities. It operates throughout Florida and works through grant making, public education, public relations, and policy recommendations. A nine-member Board of Directors governs it, all appointed by the Governor.
On this segment of Small Biz Florida, Donna joins host Tom Kindred and co-host Dr. Ricardo in a conversation about the Able Trust’s mission to narrow the employment gap in Florida by tapping into talent pools not considered before, a brand new partnership with the Florida SBDC Network, and the processes in place at the Able Trust that provide employers with knowledge, resources, and tools to hire and support people with disabilities.  
– Learn more about The Able Trust: http://www.abletrust.org/ – Connect w/ Donna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-h-wright-45189b20/
Subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram for more segments like these This and the following segments were recorded at this year’s annual Florida Economic Development Council Conference hosted at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St Petersburg, Florida, and cohosted by Dr. Herbert Ricardo, Professor at the School of Business at Indian River State College.
– Connect w/ Dr. Herbert Ricardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbert-ricardo-ph-d-91b1ba225/
– To learn more about the FEDC Conference, visit their website here
– To visit the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St. Petersburg, Florida, visit their website here