Small Biz Florida

Ep. 386 | Unlocking Millions in SBA Funding: The Green Pathway with SR Engineering & Consulting

Recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference, this episode of Small Biz Florida dives into one of the SBA's most powerful yet underutilized financing tools: the Energy Public Policy Program, also known as the SBA “Green Program.” Host Tom Kindred speaks with Sol Rosenbaum, Owner and Managing Engineer of SR Engineering & Consulting, to break down how small businesses can exceed the standard $5 million SBA 504 loan cap and access up to $16.5 million in additional capital by implementing renewable energy or energy efficiency upgrades. Rosenbaum explains the two compliance pathways, why solar is the most accessible option for many, and how his firm performs the required engineering analysis to help businesses qualify. This episode is a must-listen for growing companies facing funding limits and for lenders seeking to offer strategic, policy-driven loan solutions.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
www.srengineeringandconsulting.com

Ep. 385 | Streamlining Small Business Lending: How My Sherpa Simplifies the Loan Application Process

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference, host Tom Kindred sits down with Sarah Sams, Marketing Manager for mysherpas, a FinTech company transforming how small business loan applications are managed. Sams shares how mysherpas was born from the firsthand frustrations of entrepreneurs navigating the commercial loan process and how the platform now empowers both borrowers and lenders through a secure, intuitive, and organized digital portal. Designed to eliminate the back-and-forth of traditional email-based applications, mysherpas helps lenders collect the right documents faster while providing small business owners with clarity and control during the funding journey. With financial institutions rapidly adopting this type of technology, Sams highlights how mysherpas is setting a new standard in efficiency, security, and borrower experience.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
www.mysherpas.ai

Ep. 384 | Why Your Business Plan Could Make or Break Your Loan Approval

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference, host Tom Kindred speaks with Ross McClellan, Director of Business Development for Rapid Business Plans. McClellan offers key insights into why a well-crafted business plan is essential not only for securing capital, but for guiding long-term business strategy. He explains Rapid Business Plans’ collaborative, “boutique-style” process that includes a discovery call, expert financial review, and a four-day turnaround. McClellan also raises an important warning: lenders are increasingly rejecting business plans generated by AI tools like ChatGPT, flagging them as unserious and lacking depth. Listeners will gain valuable perspective on what lenders really look for in a business plan and why entrepreneurs must truly understand the document they're presenting.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
https://www.rapidbusinessplans.com

Ep. 383 | High-Tech Meets High-Touch: How Loan Mantra Is Revolutionizing Small Business Lending

Recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference, this kickoff episode of Small Biz Florida's latest season features a powerful conversation with Raj Tulshan, Founder and CEO, and Emily Larsen Doxford, VP, of Loan Mantra, a financial technology company transforming how small businesses access capital. Host Tom Kindred explores how Loan Mantra blends a high-tech lending platform with high-touch human support to guide small business owners through the funding process. From preparing complete, lender-ready loan packages to connecting borrowers with a nationwide network of over 100 lenders, Tulshan and Doxford break down how their model levels the playing field and drives better loan outcomes. The discussion also delves into the challenges of micro-lending, the decline of traditional relationship banking, and why personalized financial mentorship is crucial to business growth in today's rapidly evolving lending landscape.

 

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

 

Connect with Our Guest:

https://www.loanmantra.com

Ep. 382 | Empowering Entrepreneurs: The Roadmap to Business Growth with Popstart

Live from the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Training Event in Orlando, this episode of Small Biz Florida features Kim Fedore and David Glantz, co-founders of Popstart a revolutionary platform combining business tools with essential training. Host Tom Kindred sits down with these two innovative entrepreneurs to explore how Popstart integrates key software, such as QuickBooks, MailChimp, and Xero, into a user-friendly system designed to guide small business owners through every stage of growth.

From financial literacy to performance tracking, the conversation highlights the importance of education and effective tools in building a successful and sustainable business. Listeners will also receive an early preview of Popstart’s upcoming roadmap tool, scheduled to launch in Q4 2025, which promises to help entrepreneurs streamline their operations and scale with confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your business foundation, this episode offers practical insights, valuable resources, and exclusive access to future-forward business strategies.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Conference hosted at the Orlando World Center Marriott. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Ep. 381 | The Power of Market Research: A Guide for Florida Entrepreneurs

Recorded live from the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Training Event in Orlando, this episode of Small Biz Florida features Matthew Jackson, Director of SBDCnet, the national research and information arm of the SBDC network. Host Tom Kindred leads a discussion on the critical role that data and market research play in helping entrepreneurs make smarter, more strategic decisions. Matthew shares his journey from startup founder to research advocate, and how SBDCnet equips small businesses with the same insights used by large corporations free of charge. From industry snapshots to financial benchmarking and trend analysis, this episode shows how small businesses can access high-value resources to support growth and sustainability. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, you’ll walk away with practical tips for leveraging data in your business planning process.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Conference hosted at the Orlando World Center Marriott. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
http://www.sbdcnet.org

Ep. 380 | Empowering Entrepreneurs: Inside the Stella Foundation with Dr. Sylvia Mah

Episode Summary:
Recorded live at the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Training Event in Orlando, this episode of Small Biz Florida features Dr. Silvia Mah, founder and chairwoman of the Stella Foundation. With a remarkable background in biochemistry, molecular biology, university commercialization, and entrepreneurial education, Dr. Mah shares the powerful origin story and mission behind Stella a comprehensive platform designed to support female entrepreneurs through courses, community, conferences, and capital. Listeners will learn how Stella’s free learning management system, complete with 500+ educational modules, videos, worksheets, and community interaction tools, is transforming the entrepreneurial journey. The episode also highlights Stella’s collaboration with the SBDC network, bringing structured, no-cost entrepreneurial education to communities nationwide. If you're an aspiring or established entrepreneur looking for accessible, high-quality training and mentorship, this episode is full of actionable insights.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Conference hosted at the Orlando World Center Marriott. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
https://www.stella.co

Ep. 379 | Data-Driven Decisions: How Vertical IQ Empowers Small Business Growth

Recorded live at the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Training Event in Orlando, this episode of Small Biz Florida highlights the power of data and industry intelligence for small business success. Host Tom Kindred welcomes Nicole DeLiso, Director of Training at Vertical IQ, and Phil, Digital Marketing Consultant with the Florida SBDC at Indian River State College. Nicole shares how small business owners can harness the same market research tools used by large corporations to make smarter, more strategic decisions. Learn how Vertical IQ provides local economic data, industry trends, and financial insights all designed to help entrepreneurs understand their competition, plan ahead, and stay resilient in an unpredictable business environment. With access through SBDC advisors, Vertical IQ is a game-changer for small businesses ready to grow with confidence.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Conference hosted at the Orlando World Center Marriott. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
https://www.verticaliq.com

Ep. 378 | Visa’s Role in Small Business Success: From Cashflow to Credit

Recorded live from the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Training Event in Orlando, this episode of Small Biz Florida features Shawn Thomas, Senior Director at Visa, as he shares how Visa is supporting the growth and success of small businesses across the country. Host Tom Kindred dives into a conversation on critical small business topics from managing cash flow and building business credit, to leveraging secure payment systems and accessing Visa’s Practical Business Skills resources. As a premier sponsor of the SBDC 2025 training event, Visa reaffirms its commitment to providing tools and financial solutions that help entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain their businesses. Whether you're an early-stage founder or an established business owner, this episode is full of valuable strategies to help you thrive in today’s business environment.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Conference hosted at the Orlando World Center Marriott. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
https://www.visa.com/practicalbusinessskills

Ep. 377 | Connecting Entrepreneurs: The Power of 1 Million Cups

Recorded live from the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Training Event in Orlando, this episode of Small Biz Florida shines a spotlight on the national entrepreneurial support program, 1 Million Cups. Host Tom Kindred welcomes Dr. Emmah Muema, Program Manager at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, and Rupert Meghnot, founder of Orlandopreneur and longtime 1 Million Cups organizer. Together, they explore how this grassroots initiative is breaking down barriers to education, resources, and connection for entrepreneurs across the country. Discover how weekly community-driven events are helping founders develop their ideas, gather valuable feedback, and foster meaningful relationships. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or looking to bring 1 Million Cups to your city, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the nation’s most accessible support ecosystems.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Conference hosted at the Orlando World Center Marriott. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
https://www.1millioncups.com