Small Biz Florida

Ep. 53 | Elevate Lake Director Tracy Garcia and Business Development Manager for Northeast Lake Mary Ellen Stern | FEDC Conference 2021

Join Tom on another episode of Small Biz Florida as he sits down with Lake County Economic Development Officers Tracy Garcia and Mary Ellen Stern. 
On this episode of Small Biz Florida Tracy and Mary discuss the anticipated business and population growth coming to lake county in the next year. Covering topics such as Wellness Way, the new Lake Orange Express Way, and their recent "Deal of the Year" award for the Kroger/Ocado “advanced robotics” customer fulfillment center contract. 
 

Ep. 52 | Vinny Muratore President, SBA Division at Stone Bank | FLAGGL Conference Series

Vinny Muratore is the President, SBA Division at Stone Bank. On this episode of Small Biz Florida Tom sat down with Vinny Muratore to talk about all the service offerings that Stone Bank can provide for you. 
 
Vinny talks about his background and pathway to working with Stone Bank. This episode also covers news that the SBA has been aggressive with lending and details information about EIDL Loans and traditional 504 and 7A loans. Particularly with 504 loans that have had changes to the terms involved with that loan, making it a more popular loan over the 7A loan. 
 
With deep roots in North Arkansas, Stone Bank understands the special needs of agricultural producers and rural homeowners.  Our farm lenders are trained specialists with the training and expertise to understand all facets of poultry and cattle lending.  We understand the complexities that can be associated with poultry and cattle loans, which is why we custom tailor agriculture loans to meet the financial goals of any producer. 
 
Built by community leaders, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of service to the members of our community.  Through business checking, loans and Remote Deposit Capture, we work with small business owners to continue growing and thriving in the community.
 
Connect with Stone Bank by visiting them here: https://www.stonebank.com/ 
 

Ep. 51 | Aaron Metaj Senior Vice President at Northwind Financial | FLAGGL Conference Series

Aaron Metaj is the Senior Vice President at Northwind Financial, a direct commercial lender that specializes in creative financing for borrowers in need of funding for a variety of commercial real estate assets. We provide capital for purchase or refinance transactions, structured buyouts, acquisition/construction/development, new construction, rehabilitation, business expansion, and we are also now funding Debtor in Possession financing (DIP financing) as well.
 
On this episode of Small Biz Florida Tom Kindred Host of the show asks all the questions so you don’t have to. Aaron Metaj and Tom met at this year’s Florida Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders Annual Conference and they discussed the options available for your business through Northwind Financial. Listen to this episode if you are looking at options for capital access for the growth of your business. 
For those interested in working with Aaron Metaj visit the Northwind Financial Website here: https://northwindfinancial.com/
 
 

Ep. 50 | Roy Messing Director of State Center Operations at EOX Network | FEDC Conference 2021

On this special segment from the Florida Economic Development Conference Council Tom Kindred sits down with Roy Messing who is the Director of State Center Operations at Employee Ownership Expansion Network. 
The Employee Ownership Expansion Network is a national nonprofit focused on significantly expanding employee ownership  across the United States by establishing and supporting a network of independent nonprofit State Centers for Employee Ownership. We see employee ownership as a critical tool to help reduce income and wealth disparity, increasing community wealth, and creating a more vibrant, participatory economy.
 

Ep. 49 | Dan Barrow with Veterans Florida | FEDC Conference 2021

Veterans Florida is a non-profit created by the State of Florida to help military veterans transition to civilian life and to promote Florida’s status as the nation’s most veteran-friendly state. Veterans Florida provides powerful tools for veterans to take advantage of the benefits of living and working in the Sunshine State.
Through our Career Services Program, we connect veterans with employers who are eager to hire veterans for jobs that put their particular military skills to use. We also assist veterans in creating a winning resume and preparing for job interviews. Employers receive veteran recruiting assistance and may apply for our Workforce Training Grant.
The Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program provides all the knowledge needed to successfully launch and operate a business. As soon as their business is up and running we keep them connected with mentors and resources.
Veterans Florida’s mission can be summed up in our theme – Your Pursuit. Our Power. – because we recognize military veterans are incredibly focused and will succeed in achieving their personal and professional goals when they take advantage of our tools and resources.
 

Ep. 48 | Matt Chesnut Director of Economic Development at Space Florida | FEDC Conference 2021

Matt Chesnut is the Director of Business and Economic Development at Space Florida he is a certified Economic Developer that is motivated and driven for success his goals include to make sure that any organization he works for exceeds goals and expectations  
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, we 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.
 

Ep. 47 | Kaylee King Business Manager at Okeechobee County Economic Development Corp. | FEDC Conference 2021

Today Kaylee King joins us for another episode of Small Biz FloridaWe talk to Kaylee all about her start with the Okeechobee Economic Development Council Corporation their plans for Okeechobee county in the coming months, and highlighting the Florida Economic Council Conference and the importance of attending as an EDO. Tune in and listen to more of what she had to say.
 

Ep. 46 | Celebrating Women in Business Month at the Enterprise Hub at IRSC | FSBDC Special Segment

We're wrapping up #womeninbusiness month by bringing a special segment that features all the women that assist our #smallbusinesscomunity @floridasbdc at Indian River State College. ⁠⁠Join Executive Producer Katie Muldoon in this episode as she talks to Emily Mchugh Author of A Little Girl's Guide to Entrepreneurship, Katherine Culhane Associate Director of the Florida SBDC at Indian River State College, Leanna Haag Digital Marketing Specialist of the Center and Audio Engineer of the show Linda Gonzalez.
Together they discuss the role legislation had on creating opportunities for women to go into business. They also highlight the importance of self care as a women in business hustling while also having to take care of children and life at home.
 

Ep. 45 | Matt Hedrick Project Leader at Florida Power & Light 35 Mules | FEDC Conference 2021

Join us on the latest release of Small Biz Florida live from the Florida Economic Development Council conference. On this episode we featured Matthew Hedrick program leader at Florida Power & Light ⁠Matt is the head of an innovative program called 35 Mules. ⁠⁠35 Mules is an innovation hub launched by FPL in 2020, helps entrepreneurs develop their game-changing ideas in energy, water and energy-adjacent industries into a business based in Florida, further supporting the state's economic growth and flourishing the business environment. 
 

Ep. 44 | Xiomara Peña VP of External Engagement at Small Business Majority | Special Segment

On this bonus episode brought to you from the Access To Capital Summit in Ft. Pierce Florida Xiomara joins Tom to talk about capital access and what Small Business Majority has been doing in their small business communities in California. Xiomara brought her expertise to the Treasure Coast and talked to a group of bankers and organizations that are all sharing the effort to make the Treasure Coast a better place for businesses to grow by gaining access to capital. 
Xiomara Peña drives Small Business Majority’s external engagement efforts toward a more inclusive and equitable economy that directly benefits entrepreneurs in underserved communities. Alongside the organization’s small business engagement team, she works collaboratively on strengthening relationships with policymakers, small business owners, and organizations across the country to amplify our equity lens in all areas of our work. Xiomara has extensive experience supporting small businesses, particularly those run by people of color, women, and immigrants. Prior to joining Small Business Majority, Xiomara piloted business retention programs for the City of Los Angeles and programs geared toward empowering at-risk youth. She also has extensive experience as a business owner, community organizer, and campaign manager.
 
 
Connect with Xiomara Peña we've listed her social media links ⏬
Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/xio-pena
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/xiopartnersco
Instagram : @xio_pena