Episodes
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:
Tuesday Feb 07, 2023
Tuesday Feb 07, 2023
“Rural America is the next place to innovate. For the first time in human history, we no longer have to be attached to a city to experience the best things that culture, education, and business have to offer.” -Zachary Mannheimer, Founder & CEO of Alquist 3D
In 2020, Zack and his partners expanded their work and launched Atlas Community Studios, a creative placemaking firm currently working on community development projects across more than 25 states. In his cross-country work with Atlas, Zack realized the number one thing holding communities back from economic and cultural prosperity – the lack of quality, affordable housing. He began researching the best way to solve America’s housing crisis.
Zack swiftly founded Alquist 3D and set about printing homes in underserved American communities. The first completed home, in Williamsburg, VA, was built in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity. That home stands as the first 3D-printed, owner-occupied, home in America!
Zack speaks insightfully about bringing together diverse groups to create prosperous community development. He is passionate about this new home-building technology and is excited to share the message with builders, developers, community organizers, and potential homeowners.
Zack is a board member with Iowa Public Radio and the Iowa Rural Development Council. He is a contributor for The Hill, and his work has been featured on CNN, NBC News, and CBS Evening News, as well as in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, Architecture Digest, and The Atlantic, among others.
Join us on this unique episode of Small Biz Florida as we explore the future of Rural housing with Zachary and Alquist 3D.
Learn more about Alquist 3D here: https://www.alquist3d.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 episode of Small Biz Florida, we sit down with Heather Beaven, CEO of Jobs for Florida Graduates. A program that helps teenagers navigate early adulthood after high school. Heather helps schools gain access to a number of programs and resources to help students plan for life after graduation.
In this episode, we'll explore how this program helps students build confidence, stay organized, and develop strategies to help them succeed. We'll also discuss the impact this program has had on the lives of those who have taken advantage of it. Tune in to learn more about how this program can help the next generation of students reach their educational and career goals.
Learn more about Heather Beaven here: http://heatherbeaven.com/
Connect with Jobs for Florida Graduates here: https://www.flgraduates.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 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:
- North Florida Economic Development Partnership
Tuesday Feb 07, 2023
Tuesday Feb 07, 2023
Join us for an episode of our podcast where we will be talking about the Florida economy (specifically rural communities in Florida) with the Chief Economist and Director of State and Local Policy Analysis at the Florida Institute of Government at FSU, Dr. Jerry Parrish.
Dr. Parrish provides an in-depth overview of what the Florida economy will look like in 2023 and how it has changed since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. We will discuss the economic impact on the state, industries, and businesses, and how this has affected the citizens of Florida. We will also explore the strategies and initiatives that have been put in place to help the economy recover, and how these strategies can benefit the state in the future. Come join us to get the latest insights and predictions on the Florida economy from one of the experts!
Connect with Dr. Jerry Parrish Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-d-parrish-ph-d-33a62843/
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 episode of Small Biz Florida, we explore broadband services and their impact on rural communities in the state of Florida!
This episode will discuss the current state of broadband infrastructure in rural areas and how it affects those communities' economic development and growth. We will be talking to Christopher Campbell who serves as Director of Broadband Services for Government Services Group, Inc. He brings his extensive background in IT and Broadband to really help us understand the importance of making broadband services available to rural communities in Florida. Join us for this important discussion about broadband services and their impact on rural communities in the state of Florida!
Connect with Christopher Campbell Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-campbell-a364174/
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: -Opportunity Florida
Thursday Jan 26, 2023
Thursday Jan 26, 2023
Tune in to the Small Biz Florida podcast for this special episode featuring our friend, Sandra Lawson, she serves the SBA as a public affairs specialist. On this episode, Tom and Sandra discuss the latest Hurricane Nicole relief and recovery efforts. She provides updates on loan applications that have been approved, ongoing relief options, and information about business recovery centers. Don't miss this essential episode for businesses impacted by Hurricane Nicole!
Refer to the links below to access the resources talked about in this segment.
Apply online: disasterloanassistance.sba.gov
DRC Locator: https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator
SBA Customer Service Center Phone Number: 800-659-2955
Tuesday Dec 06, 2022
Tuesday Dec 06, 2022
On this special episode of Small Biz Florida host, Tom Kindred is joined by Public Affairs Specialist for the Small Business Administration Sandra Lawson.
Together, Tom and Sandra discuss mitigation, loan approvals, and the application process They cover several topics including:
- Overview of SBA Disaster Assistance program resources
- Disaster Loan Dollars approved as of COB 12/3/22 in FL
- Physical Damage Loans
- Economic Injury Damage Loans
- Eligibility Criteria
- Hazard Mitigation loan increase (criteria /steps to apply/ max amounts)
- Extended Application Deadline
Refer to the links below to access the resources talked about in this segment.
Apply online: disasterloanassistance.sba.gov
DRC Locator: https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator
SBA Customer Service Center Phone Number: 800-659-2955
Wednesday Nov 30, 2022
Ep. 162 | All Things EIDL with Public Affairs Specialist for SBA Jack Camp
Wednesday Nov 30, 2022
Wednesday Nov 30, 2022
On this special episode of Small Biz Florida host, Tom Kindred is joined by Public Affairs Specialist for the Small Business Administration Jack Camp.
Together, Tom and Jack discuss Small Business Administration Loan Programs available to businesses that suffered from Hurricane Ian's destruction. Specifically the EIDL program. They cover several topics including an update on the east coast after Hurricane Nicole, where you can go to get help filling out an application, how to prepare for a disaster, and much more. This episode is one you don't want to miss.
Monday Nov 28, 2022
Monday Nov 28, 2022
Alex serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Florida Bankers Association (FBA). Founded in 1888, and located in Tallahassee, the FBA is the leading voice for Florida’s banking industry. Alex’s responsibilities include representing and advocating for Florida’s banking industry before all legislative and regulatory bodies in Tallahassee and in Washington.
During the Florida SBDC at IRSC's Bankers event, Alex Sanchez spoke and gave a workshop on how aspiring small business owners can become bankable. During this event, local banks gathered to support Alex in teaching aspiring business owners important and valuable information on how to create a business that is bankable.
Listen to this episode to hear about the Florida Bankers Association (FBA) and it's long history, learn about the event hosted at IRSC, and listen to Alex Sanchez's background and pathway to the FBA.
Check out the Florida Bankers Association: https://www.floridabankers.com/
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram to stay updated on new episode releases.
Tuesday Nov 15, 2022
Tuesday Nov 15, 2022
Bill "Roto" Reuter is a former Navy Captain, pilot, test pilot, and Commanding Officer. Upon his retirement in June 2012 after 28 years of Naval service, Roto founded RotoSpeaks, a full-spectrum consulting firm specializing in leadership, executive coaching, high-performing team development, and overall organizational health.
Leveraging his partnerships with world-renowned authors and speakers such as John Maxwell and Patrick Lencioni, Roto and his team have worked with organizations in the fields of leadership, execution, and organizational health serving clients in both small and large businesses in defense, federal and commercial sectors.
Learn more about Roto’s story, his journey to finding RotoSpeaks, and his involvement at this year’s Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum in Orlando.
– Check out RotoSpeaks: https://rotospeaks.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 Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
– To learn more about The Florida Chamber, visit their website here.

