Episodes
Friday Apr 07, 2023
Friday Apr 07, 2023
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred interviews PJ Mundle who serves as a business advisor for Thryv, an organization that provides small businesses with software solutions to help manage their online marketing and customer relationships.
They discuss the importance of customer relationship management (CRM) for small business owners, and how Thryv's software can help with scheduling, estimates, payments, and communication through email and text messaging campaigns. They also touch on the decline of traditional advertising methods like Yellow Pages and the benefits of cloud storage for digital records. This episode was recorded during Small Business Days at the Capitol, where small business owners and operators gathered to celebrate and network.
-Learn more about Thryv - https://www.thryv.com/
If you're interested in hearing more about the inspiring stories of small business owners and entrepreneurs in Florida, be sure to subscribe to Small Biz Florida. You can also follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on new episodes and exclusive content. Thanks for listening!
Friday Apr 07, 2023
Friday Apr 07, 2023
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, the podcast that covers all things business in the state of Florida, Tom sits with Meredith Ivey, the Secretary of the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), for a discussion on the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) and how it is helping small businesses in Florida. The DEO is a partner of the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and Secretary Ivey explains the mission of the agency and its three major programmatic divisions.
The focus of the episode is on the SSBCI, a program that provides millions of dollars in funds for small business owners in the state of Florida. Secretary Ivey shares details about the program, including the $142 million currently available and the partnerships with lenders and financing institutions. The program offers bridge loans and capital to small businesses, including sole proprietors and entrepreneurs who may have difficulty obtaining traditional loans through federal or commercial programs.
Secretary Ivey also discusses the partnerships with organizations such as SBDC to create awareness of the program and provide technical assistance to small business owners. She highlights the importance of education and outreach in ensuring that eligible small businesses, including minority, veteran, and women-owned businesses, as well as small and rural businesses, are aware of the program and can negotiate loans directly with their local lenders.
Throughout the episode, Tom and Secretary Ivey emphasize the importance of supporting small businesses in Florida, especially during these challenging times. They discuss the DEO's commitment to economic development and the partnerships with organizations like SBDC to help small businesses thrive and grow in the state of Florida.
-Learn more about DEO - https://www.floridajobs.org/
If you're interested in hearing more about the inspiring stories of small business owners and entrepreneurs in Florida, be sure to subscribe to Small Biz Florida. You can also follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on new episodes and exclusive content. Thanks for listening!
Friday Apr 07, 2023
Friday Apr 07, 2023
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host, Tom Kindred interviews two guests: Shane Grindle, the founder and owner-operator of Aquarian Clinic, and Traylor Roberts, the chief experience officer of the same clinic. The episode kicks off with a discussion about the Florida Small Business Development Center's Founded in Florida campaign, which recognized Aquarian Clinic as one of the standout small businesses in the state. The guests share their experiences with the campaign and what it means to be part of the small business community in Florida.
The conversation then shifts to the origins of Aquarion Clinic, which was founded during the pandemic to address the growing need for accessible and affordable healthcare. Shane talks about his inspiration for starting the clinic and how he wanted to fix something that he could fix amidst the chaos of the pandemic. Traylor shares his own story of how he became a patient of Aquarian Clinic and was so impressed with the experience that he decided to join the team and help expand the business.
Throughout the episode, both Shane and Traylor emphasize their passion for providing accessible healthcare and their commitment to their mission. They share their backgrounds and pathways to Aquarian Clinic, highlighting their diverse experiences and how they bring unique perspectives to their roles within the company.
Overall, this episode provides an insightful look into the world of small business in Florida and the inspiring stories of entrepreneurs like Shane and Traylor who are making a difference in their communities.
-Learn more about Aquarian Clinic - https://www.aquarianclinic.com/
If you're interested in hearing more about the inspiring stories of small business owners and entrepreneurs in Florida, be sure to subscribe to Small Biz Florida. You can also follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on new episodes and exclusive content. Thanks for listening!
Friday Mar 10, 2023
Friday Mar 10, 2023
We're back with another episode of Small Biz Florida and we are joined by Debra Gilkey, Vice President at Capital One who leads the Business Cards & Payments division here in the Treasure Coast. With nearly 30 years of industry experience, Debra is a trusted advisor to business owners throughout the region. She contributes her success to her passion for working with business owners and the lifelong relationships she has built. During this episode, we'll dive deep into the primary benefits of having a business credit card from Capital One. We'll talk about why business owners should consider banking with Capital One, as well as the best practices for getting the most out of their business credit cards. Finally, we'll discuss the various options available to business owners to help them get the most out of their Capital One business credit cards. So, join us as we explore the benefits of banking with Capital One.
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments are brought to you through a collaboration between Capital One and Small Biz Florida. We hope to be able to provide valuable information and insight for small business owners who are looking for banking solutions that can help them reach their goals.
Friday Mar 10, 2023
Friday Mar 10, 2023
On this episode, we talk to Ryan Coughlin. Ryan has 20 years of banking expertise. He joined Capital One Bank in 2016 and serves as the Senior Director for the Business Banking Group in Florida. Ryan has been charged with leading the statewide expansion strategy. Join the conversation and explore the ways Capital One can help you manage your business finances. We'll discuss the features and benefits of their business banking accounts, as well as the digital tools and services that make it easier to keep track of your finances. We'll also be discussing the latest innovations in the banking industry that make managing your money more efficient than ever. Whether you're just getting started or already have a business up and running, this episode will help you understand the options and make the best decisions for your business. Tune in for the latest and greatest in business banking from Capital One.
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments are brought to you through a collaboration between Capital One and Small Biz Florida. We hope to be able to provide valuable information and insight for small business owners who are looking for banking solutions that can help them reach their goals.
Tuesday Feb 07, 2023
Tuesday Feb 07, 2023
Incorporated 1907. The Town of Greenville’s history dates back to the Civil War when women from a sewing circle gave the town its name as a tribute to Mrs. U.M. Roberts who served as president of the sewing society, and came from Greenville, South Carolina. Today the Town of Greenville is home to 746 people and is the location of Ray Charles’ Childhood Home.
Lee Jones who serves the town as CEO/CFO sits with us to discuss the growth that the community has experienced over the past few years and where it is headed. Lee also talks about the importance of an event like the Florida Rural Economic Development Conference as it focuses on towns like Greenville that need the resources and support to grow and generate jobs for the people who reside in those communities.
Learn more about the Town of Greenville: https://mygreenvillefl.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 the 2022 Florida Rural Economic Development Conference hosted at the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort
– To learn more about the Florida Rural Economic Development Association, visit their websites here:
Tuesday Feb 07, 2023
Tuesday Feb 07, 2023
On this special episode of Small Biz Florida, we had the honor to sit down with the newly appointed Secretary of Commerce and CEO at Enterprise Florida, Laura DiBella.
Prior to joining Enterprise Florida as Deputy Secretary of Commerce last summer, DiBella worked as a full-time Executive Director of the Florida Harbor Pilots Association. Before that, she served as the Executive Director of the Nassau County Economic Development Board and Port Director for the Port of Fernandina, Ocean Highway, and Port Authority of Nassau County.
Join us on this episode to hear all about Laura DiBella’s background, her new role at Enterprise Florida, and the outlook of Florida’s economy.
Learn more about Enterprise Florida: https://www.enterpriseflorida.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 the 2022 Florida Rural Economic Development Conference hosted at the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort
– To learn more about the Florida Rural Economic Development Association, visit their websites here:
Tuesday Feb 07, 2023
Tuesday Feb 07, 2023
Jennifer Green is President and owner of Liberty Partners of Tallahassee, LLC, and founded the firm in early 2007 with former U.S. Senator Connie Mack (R-FL). With nearly 25 years of experience in political, lobbying, and grassroots activities in the State of Florida she consults primarily on state Legislative and Executive branch issues affecting corporations, trade associations, local governments, and not-for-profits.
In this episode, we discuss how Liberty Partners of Tallahassee, LLC is helping small state governments in Florida connect and leverage funding to grow, and expand their communities.
Join us for this episode to learn more about what Jennifer Green and her Team at Liberty Partners of Tallahassee are doing for Rural Florida.
Learn more about Liberty Partners of Tallahassee, LLC here: https://www.libertypartnersfl.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 the 2022 Florida Rural Economic Development Conference hosted at the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort
– To learn more about the Florida Rural Economic Development Association, visit their websites here:
Tuesday Feb 07, 2023
Tuesday Feb 07, 2023
This episode of Small Biz Florida, features Jennifer Conoley, President & CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest. Join us as she helps us discover all that this economic development organization does for Florida’s panhandle communities (12 counties).
Florida’s Great Northwest is the regional economic development organization for the Florida Panhandle. The organization is an investor‐supported 501(c)(6) not-for-profit corporation created to promote Northwest Florida for economic growth and diversification, advocate for economic development issues that affect the region, and collaborate to improve regional competitiveness.
The organization accomplishes this in partnership with state and local economic development organizations, rural regional economic development organizations, utility partners, private sector businesses, local government, higher education institutions, workforce boards, and community leaders.
Join us for this episode and get to know Jennifer Conoley and Florida’s Great Northwest.
Learn more about Florida’s Great Northwest: https://www.floridasgreatnorthwest.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 the 2022 Florida Rural Economic Development Conference hosted at the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort
– To learn more about the Florida Rural Economic Development Association, visit their websites here:
Tuesday Feb 07, 2023
Tuesday Feb 07, 2023
Opportunity Florida is an economic development organization made up of ten rural counties in the heart of Northwest Florida. The ten counties are Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, North Walton, Wakulla, and Washington. We work with the counties, cities therein, and the various local economic development organizations to market the many resources offered by this region.
On this episode of Small Biz Florida, we sit down with Opportunity Florida Executive Director Richard Williams to learn about the future of Florida’s rural communities. We also discuss the Florida Rural Economic Development Conference and how it got started. Richard talks about the partnership between the three RAOs (Rural Areas of Opportunity) to create the (FREDA) Florida Rural Economic Development Association. Join us as we get to know rural Florida’s economic development drivers.
Learn more about Opportunity Florida: http://www.opportunityflorida.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 the 2022 Florida Rural Economic Development Conference hosted at the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort
– To learn more about the Florida Rural Economic Development Association, visit their websites here:

