Small Biz Florida

Ep. 296 | Master SBA Financing with Rapid Business Plans: Insights from Ross McClellan

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Ross McClellan, Director of Business Development at Rapid Business Plans, during the 2024 Florida Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (FLAGGL) Conference at the JW Marriott in Orlando.
Ross shares the pivotal role business plans play in securing SBA loans and funding for small businesses. He highlights Rapid Business Plans’ innovative 4-day service, which includes detailed discovery calls and a robust quality assurance process to create effective, lender-friendly plans. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a lender, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating SBA financing, updating business plans, and leveraging professional support to achieve growth and success.
This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders annual conference hosted at the JW Marriott in Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:Ross McClellan, Rapid Business Plans

Ep. 295 | Social Media Strategies for Small Biz Owners with Chelsea Krost

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred welcomes Chelsea Krost, founder of Chelsea Productions, during the 2024 Florida Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (FLAGGL) Conference. Chelsea shares her inspiring journey from starting in radio at just 16 years old to becoming a leading digital media expert.
The conversation dives deep into the essential role of social media and digital marketing for small business owners. Chelsea offers actionable advice on building a personal brand, engaging with audiences effectively, and utilizing tools like LinkedIn Learning, Canva, and ChatGPT. From starting a business on a tight budget to establishing thought leadership, this episode is packed with valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to make a lasting impact online.
This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders annual conference hosted at the JW Marriott in Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:Chelsea Krost, Chelsea Productions

Ep. 294 | How to Maximize Your Business with Fractional CFO Services at ONE10

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred welcomes Tim Roverts, who serves as Manager of Business Development & Integration at ONE10, during the 2024 Florida Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (FLAGGL) Conference at the JW Marriott in Orlando. Tim shares his background and discusses the services provided by ONE10, which include business valuations, outsourced CFO services, and tax assistance. He emphasizes the importance of having a fractional CFO for small businesses to manage financials effectively and explore growth opportunities. Tim also highlights how ONE10 supports small business owners with SBA loan needs and other financial services.
This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders annual conference hosted at the JW Marriott in Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:ONE10

Ep. 293 | Exploring New SBA Programs and Capital Access with Randy Puckett and Sandro Murtas

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts from the 2024 annual FLAGGL conference in Orlando, focusing on small business capital access. Featuring guests Randy Puckett, Senior Financial and Loan Specialist in the Office of Financial Assistance at the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Sandro Murtas, Lead Export Finance Manager in the Office of International Trade at the SBA, the discussion covers the new Working Capital Pilot Program designed to streamline financing for small businesses. They share insights into the program's benefits, eligibility criteria, and parameters, as well as the SBA's role in supporting businesses during the pandemic and providing updates on the state of exporting in Florida.
This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders annual conference hosted at the JW Marriott in Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guests:U.S. Small Business Administration

Ep. 292 | Enhancing Small Business Construction Projects with Tetra Tech's Aaron Bartel

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred interviews Aaron Bartel, Construction Manager at Tetra Tech. They discuss the 2024 FLAGGL Conference in Orlando, focusing on small business lending and government loans such as SBA loans. Aaron shares insights from his professional background, Tetra Tech's role in supporting construction projects for small businesses, and the importance of involving professional oversight in large-scale projects. The episode also emphasizes the stages and considerations in developing a commercial property, from preliminary design to final occupancy, and the value Tetra Tech brings to ensuring project success.
This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders annual conference hosted at the JW Marriott in Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:Tetra Tech

Ep. 291 | Navigating SBA Loans and Business Valuations with Withum's Experts

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts from the 2024 FLAGGL Conference, focusing on government-guaranteed lending, particularly SBA loans. Featuring guests Matthew Barrett, Business Executive at Withum, and Brian McIntyre, Partner at Withum (Forensic & Valuation Services), the discussion covers the importance of business valuations and strategies for increasing business value. They emphasize the integral role of professional accountants in small business success. Listeners will gain insights into how precise financial reporting and clean business operations can facilitate smoother SBA loan processes and improve overall business value.
This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders annual conference hosted at the JW Marriott in Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guests:Withum

Ep. 290 | Boosting Small Business Lending Efficiency with FinTech Innovations

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts from the 2024 annual FLAGGL conference in Orlando. During the event, Tom interviews Joshua Talbert, the co-founder and chairman of mysherpas, a FinTech company revolutionizing small business lending. Joshua details how mysherpas simplifies the often complex lending process by leveraging technology to enhance communication and document handling, benefiting both lenders and small business owners. Listeners will gain insights into how technology is reducing the time it takes to secure business loans and making the overall experience smoother for all stakeholders involved.
This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders annual conference hosted at the JW Marriott in Orlando. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:mysherpas

Ep. 289 | Navigating Small Business Success with Brett Barnhart from South State Bank

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred takes listeners inside the 2024 Annual Small Business Success Summit, sponsored by the Florida SBDC Network. The episode features a compelling conversation with Brett Barnhart, Division President for the Treasure Coast at South State Bank. With over 24 years of experience in banking, Brett shares valuable insights on the growth and unique decentralized model of South State Bank, which extends from Key West to Roanoke and is expanding into Texas and Colorado. He highlights the bank's commitment to small business lending through programs like Business Lending Express and emphasizes the significance of local decision-making in the banking process. The episode underscores the critical role that local banks and partnerships play in supporting small business growth and success, as Brett shares a heartwarming story about South State's dedication to customer service that reaches even out-of-state bank branches.
This podcast episode was recorded live at the Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:
SouthState Bank
 

Ep. 288 | Empowering Florida's Small Businesses: Navigating Trademarks and Legal Protections

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred explores the essential realm of trademarks and legal protections with special guests Melissa Jada and Holly McFall, founders of SecureMark Legal. Recorded live at the 2024 Annual Small Business Success Summit, they discuss critical steps small businesses must take to safeguard their brands. The conversation emphasizes the significance of trademarks, dispels common misconceptions about business name registration, and details the comprehensive services offered by SecureMark Legal. This episode highlights the importance of implementing proper legal measures to protect a business's brand and intellectual property.
This podcast episode was recorded live at the Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:
SecureMark Legal
 

Ep. 287 | Patric Young's Journey from Basketball to Business: Insights from the 2024 Small Business Success Summit

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with keynote speaker Patric Young at the 2024 Small Business Success Summit in Ponte Vedra, Florida. Patric, a former professional basketball player and now a motivational speaker, shares his inspiring journey from competing under Coach Billy Donovan at the University of Florida to thriving as an entrepreneur. He discusses the significance of mentorship, the challenges he has faced, and how he leverages his experiences to empower others. The episode underscores the importance of networking, continuous learning, and making fiscally responsible decisions to achieve success in business.
This podcast episode was recorded live at the Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:
Patric Young