Episodes
Friday Nov 04, 2022
Friday Nov 04, 2022
Thulasidharan Lakshminarayanan Govindaswamy (“LG”) is a fintech evangelist and seasoned enabler of change across some of the largest consultancies supporting the financial services industry.
In this role, Mr. Thulasidharan drove change and innovation at GSE's, Large and Regional Financial institutions. He previously served as a go-to-market executive representing digital banking for FIS and has supported numerous tier-one commercial banks.
His projects have included leading and delivering technology solutions in TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) and helping grow a successful sales culture in a fintech (Zenmonics). He has a passion for high-touch customer service and helping ensure the independence of the community banking industry. Mr. Thulasidharan holds an MBA from Symbiosis International University and a BS in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
In this episode of Small Biz Florida, LG joins host, Tom Kindred to talk about all things FinTech and how Summit Technology Group is bettering financial institutions with their innovative technology.
– Check out Summit Technology Group: https://thesummitgrp.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 Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders Conference hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes.
– To learn more about FLAGGL, visit their website here
Monday Oct 31, 2022
Monday Oct 31, 2022
Commercial Finance Partners is a direct commercial lender and debt advisory firm providing creative and flexible financing solutions for small to middle-market companies. Through direct lending and partner programs, Commercial Finance Partners is the one-stop-shop for any non-bank financing need. Today’s episode features Nick Low who serves as Business Development Officer for Commercial Finance Partners. He is on the show today to talk about how CFP can help accelerate your cash flow cycle.
– Check out Commercial Finance Partners: https://commercialfinancepartners.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 Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders Conference hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes.
– To learn more about FLAGGL, visit their website here
Monday Oct 31, 2022
Monday Oct 31, 2022
West Town Bank & Trust is driven to provide the best solutions to your small business problems. They are interested in knowing what’s getting in your way, and what they can help you do to achieve growth.
Learn how you can get connected with West Town Bank & Trust to solve your Small Businesses problems. Dalton Martier who serves as Director of Insurance Lending for West Town Bank & Trust joins host, Tom Kindred to talk about the solutions available at West Town Bank & Trust. He provides specific information regarding their loan products under 350K. Listen to this episode to hear more details about their process.
– Check out West Town Bank: https://www.westtownbank.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 Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders Conference hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes.
– To learn more about FLAGGL, visit their website here
Monday Oct 31, 2022
Monday Oct 31, 2022
As a Florida-based bank, One Florida Bank is firmly rooted in its local communities. They are committed to knowing you personally, understanding your needs and goals, and providing products and services that will support you along the way.
In this special segment, host, Tom Kindred is joined by Carolyn Skog who serves as Senior Vice President for One Florida Bank. Their conversation covers:
- Programs available at One Florida Bank
- The Importance of Relationship Building
- Adapting as a small business owner can help you thrive during hard times
– Check out One Florida Bank: https://www.onefloridabank.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 Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders Conference hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes.
– To learn more about FLAGGL, visit their website here
Monday Oct 31, 2022
Monday Oct 31, 2022
A born public speaker and trainer, Kit Welchlin began public speaking at the age of 9 in 4-H. By 16, he organized and facilitated presentations on leadership, citizenship, community service, and motivation for the 4-H and Future Farmers of America.
Kit Welchlin purchased his first manufacturing company at age 21, and by 26 was CEO and Chairman of the Board of three manufacturing companies in three states. He’s been an instructor with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, where he has been repeatedly nominated Outstanding Faculty. He is a Professional Member of the National Speakers Association.
Kit Welchlin joined us on Small Biz Florida after his Keynote Presentation at this year’s FLAGGL Conference. In this segment host, Tom Kindred, and Kit talk about:
- How to personally adjust and contribute to your organization
- Kit goes over his 4Ps (Plan, Purpose, Picture, and the Part People will Play)
- They address the workforce gap post-great resignation and what could have contributed to that.
– Check out Kit Welchlin: https://welchlin.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 Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders Conference hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes.
– To learn more about FLAGGL, visit their website here
Monday Oct 31, 2022
Monday Oct 31, 2022
In this segment of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sat down with Lisa Wozney who serves as Senior Vice President of Business Development at Newity.
Newity serves small businesses by being America's Small Business Marketplace, they are focused on solving business problems by connecting entrepreneurs with SBA loan solutions and trusted service providers. Learn all the solutions that Newity provides and see how you can connect with this organization to accelerate the growth of your business.
In this episode, we cover topics such as:
- Small Loan Solutions for Entrepreneurs
- Newity’s Streamline Process to get Small Business Loans
- And much more…
– Check out Newity: https://newitymarket.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 Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders Conference hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes.
– To learn more about FLAGGL, visit their website here
Monday Oct 31, 2022
Monday Oct 31, 2022
On this special episode of Small Biz Florida host, Tom Kindred is joined by Public Affairs Specialist for Small Business Administration Courtney Smith, for another special Hurricane Ian Segment.
(This segment was recorded on October 21st, 2022)
Courtney Smith is a Public Affairs Specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Disaster Assistance, Field Operations Center East (Atlanta, GA). Her duty is to promote SBA’s Disaster Loan program to the media, community, businesses, civic and community organizations, and elected officials. She responds to disasters that occur within the FOCE territory-the 27 states east of the Mississippi River, plus Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Courtney resides in Atlanta and has served five years in the capacity of Public Affairs Specialist with SBA.
In this recording from October 21st, 2022 Tom and Courtney discuss why small business owners affected by Hurricane Ian should apply for SBA Assistance. Courtney goes into depth on the pros of applying, how easy it is, and tips to consider when applying. This episode is great for those on the fence about applying. Courtney delivers impressive advice that helps you understand the SBA Assistance Programs.
Tuesday Oct 18, 2022
Tuesday Oct 18, 2022
The Florida SBDC Network is here to help small businesses recover after Hurricane Ian. And in this special segment of Small Biz Florida, Florida SBDC Network CEO, Greg Britton walks you through how our consultants are working with local businesses that have been affected by the hurricane. In particular, we'll discuss the SBA disaster loan programs and other assistance funding available to businesses in the affected counties.
Topics covered in this episode include:
- Overview of the Florida SBDC Networks Role. Emergency Support Function (ESF) -18 for Business & Industry.
- What Coordinating with SBA and state on disaster response looks like.
- Federal and state disaster loans are also available; help small businesses understand these programs, determine eligibility, and apply.
- Standing up and staffing BRCs; where businesses can get personal assistance in applying for disaster loans.
- Also deployed MACs into hard-hit communities to serve as BRCs when a physical location isn’t available; also expanding our reach into more rural communities.
- What is a MAC and what goes on inside the MACs?
- What loan programs are available to businesses right now?
– Check out the Florida SBDC Disaster Resource Page here: https://floridasbdc.org/disaster/
For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram!
Monday Oct 17, 2022
Monday Oct 17, 2022
Having trouble securing capital to meet your small business exporting needs? You can use the U.S. Small Business Administration’s international trade finance programs to cover short-term or long-term costs which are necessary to sell goods or services abroad.
On this segment of Small Biz Florida host, Tom Kindred is joined by Experts in Trade Finance Daniel Pische who serves as National Director of Trade Finance at U.S. Small Business Administration, Sandro Murtas who serves as Lead Export Finance Manager, Office of International Trade, US Small Business Administration, Florida, Puerto Rico & US Virgin Islands, and repeat guest on the show Hernan Mayol who serves as SBA Export Finance Manager.
We had a full round table of experts covering all things International Trade and Export Financing through the SBA. Hear all the details on this segment of Small Biz Florida.
– Check out the SBA Trade Finance Fact Sheet for more information here: https://www.sba.gov/brand/assets/sba/sba-lenders/OIT-International-Trade-factsheet.pdf
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 Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders Conference hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes.
– To learn more about FLAGGL, visit their website here
Monday Oct 17, 2022
Monday Oct 17, 2022
The SBA’s South Florida District Office services 24 counties in southern Florida. They have offices in Miami, Ft. Pierce, and Tampa. Althea Harris serves these communities as Deputy District Director for the SBA’s South Florida Office. She is joined by Allen Thomas who serves as Regional Administrator for the Southeast Regional SBA Office.
Althea and Allen joined host, Tom Kindred for a discussion about the resources available to small business owners, lending opportunities, disaster preparedness, and much more.
Listen to this episode to learn about the resources available to small business owners in the state of Florida.
– Check out: https://www.sba.gov/district/south-florida
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 Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders Conference hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes.
– To learn more about FLAGGL, visit their website here

