Small Biz Florida

Ep. 12 | Brian Bauer CEO at Career Source Research Coast | Preparing to Re-Open | COVID-19 Series

Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred speaks with Career Source Research Coast (CSRC) CEO, Brian Bauer. The discussion focused on this regional and statewide workforce development organization and their work in assisting Florida’s small business marketplace and employees as the state prepares to re-open.
CareerSource Florida is the statewide workforce policy and investment board of business and government leaders charged with guiding workforce development for the state of Florida. CareerSource Florida provides oversight and policy direction for talent development programs administered by the Department of Economic Opportunity, Florida’s 24 local workforce development boards, and their 100 career centers. Together, the CareerSource Florida network connects employers with qualified, skilled talent and Floridians with employment and career development opportunities to achieve economic prosperity.

Ep. 11 | Zack Ibanez | EZETech Cyber-Security for Home Businesses | COVID-19 Series

The COVID-19 issue has forced many folks to set-up business operations at home. Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred speaks with Zack Ibanez from EZETech regarding cyber-security issues related to operating technology from the house.
Zack and his technology team from EZETech provide assistance and support for those seeking a transition to secure work from home operations due to the increase in cybersecurity threats during this global pandemic.

Ep. 10 Pt. 2 of 2 | Victoria Guerrero | District Director for the U.S Small Business Administration | COVID-19 Series

Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred conducted another special episode in a series dedicated to the COVID-19 disaster. This episode featured guest Victoria Guerrero - District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) South Florida District. The discussion focused on the benefits, eligibility and application process for the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the new Payroll Protection Program (PPP). These loan programs represent two important resources for Florida's small business owners and operators.
Leadership and business expert Victoria Guerrero has over 20 years of experience leading, managing and transforming both private-sector corporations and public sector entities.  Her transformational leadership, business management skills and ability to change business cultures has allotted her the opportunity to positively impact businesses and communities.
As District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) South Florida District, Victoria is responsible for leading one of the highest job creation districts in the Nation. She oversees the delivery of agency programs such as financial assistance, management counseling and business development throughout the South Florida area which encompasses the 24 counties Southeast and Southwest of Orlando. 
Serving 1.5 million small businesses the South Florida District has ranked, for the last four years, in the Top 5 of 68 SBA District Offices nationwide after continually exceeding $1B in small business loan guarantees spurring job creation and strengthening our economy.
 

Ep. 9 Pt. 1 of 2 | Victoria Guerrero | District Director for the U.S Small Business Administration | COVID-19 Series

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that small businesses located in the State of Florida adversely impacted by COVID-19 can now apply for disaster loans. For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA is offering Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the Coronavirus.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in economic assistance to help small businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue resulting from the disaster. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster's impact.
Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred speaks with Victoria Guerrero, District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) South Florida District. Victoria discussed details regarding the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan program: eligibility requirements, how and where to apply loan terms, etc.

Ep. 8 | Michael Myhre | CEO Florida SBDC Network | COVID-19 Series

Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program (EBL). This unique and powerful economic assistance program is now currently available to small business owners located in all Florida counties statewide that have experienced economic damage as a result of COVID-19.
These short-term, interest-free working capital loans are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured longer-term recovery resources, such as sufficient profits from a revived business, receipt of payments on insurance claims or federal disaster assistance.
Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred speaks with Michael Myhre, CEO of the Florida SBDC Network, the organization that serves as the primary point of contact for the Florida Small Business EBL program. Mike discusses the details regarding the EBL program: application period, eligibility requirements, how and where to apply, loan terms, etc.

Ep. 7 | Cathy Hagan | Business Continuation and Continuity Services | COVID-19 Series

As Florida's small business owners and operators begin to experience the influences of the COVID-19 virus, Small Biz Florida Host Tom Kindred discusses Business Continuation and Continuity services with Ms. Cathy Hagan.
As a principal responder in the state's Emergency Support Function (ESF) 18 for Business & Industry, the Florida SBDC Network is a key economic development organization that supports disaster preparedness, recovery, and mitigation through its Business Continuation Services. Professionally certified business consultants provide training and support to help a business owner minimize losses and increase survivability when disasters hit the state.
Cathy Hagan, Area Director and professional business consultant at the Florida SBDC at the University of North Florida has been providing management consulting for prospective and existing business owners for more than twenty years. Ms. Hagan has been recognized numerous times by the Florida SBDC at the regional, state and national levels for her contributions to the success of small businesses. Specific areas of expertise include business planning, process improvement, marketing, international trade, financial analysis, and business continuity. Additionally, Ms. Hagan serves on the Florida SBDC's statewide Business Continuity & Risk Management TEAM, helping businesses prepare for and respond to disasters.

Ep. 6 | Dr. Jerry D. Parrish | Chief Economist and the Director of Research for the Florida Chamber Foundation

Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred conducts another interview from the recent Florida Chamber of Commerce 2020 Legislative Fly-in with Dr. Jerry D. Parrish, Chief Economist and the Director of Research for the Florida Chamber Foundation.  The conversation focused on Florida's economic forecast, the state's strategic plan, wealth transfer, and the prospects for launching a small business.
In his role, Parrish is responsible for conducting in-depth analyses on the Florida economy and on solutions to help secure Florida’s future.
Dr. Parrish previously was the Chief Economist and Director of the Center for Competitive Florida at Florida TaxWatch. Prior to that position, he served as the Associate Director of the Center for Economic Forecasting & Analysis (CEFA) at Florida State University and has many years of experience in the private sector in management roles at international manufacturing companies.
Dr. Parrish is currently an Adjunct Instructor in the Masters in Applied Economics Program at Florida State University.  He earned a B.S. in Agricultural Business and Economics from Auburn University, an M.B.A. from Bellarmine University, an M.S. in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a Ph.D. in Economics from Auburn University. He regularly publishes research reports and articles on the Florida economy and Florida’s competitiveness.

Ep. 5 | A. Paul Anderson | President & Chief Executive Officer of Port Tampa Bay

Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred speaks with A. Paul Anderson, President & Chief Executive Officer of Port Tampa Bay. The discussion focused on Florida's ports and their contribution to the state's Blueprint for economic growth, job creation, and their support of tourism and the small business marketplace. 

Ep. 4 | Beth Cicchetti | Executive Director of the Florida Economic Development Council

Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred speaks with Beth Cicchetti, Executive Director of the Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC). This statewide agency educates, advocates for, and connects Florida's economic development stakeholders. The conversation focused on the organization's role in supporting the state's strategic plan.

Ep. 3 | Michael Minton and French Brown | Attorneys with Dean Mead

Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred speaks with Michael Minton and French Brown, attorneys with Florida's premier statewide business law firm, Dean Mead. The firm serves Florida's business marketplace with 5 offices and regularly handles matters across several practice areas including corporate law, agri-business, water law, tax law, business law, business litigation, administrative law, bankruptcy, and creditors' rights, employee benefits, ESOPs, intellectual property, labor, and employment government relations, and lobbying. The firm's real estate and land use lawyers regularly work on commercial, residential and mixed-use land development projects throughout Florida. Dean Mead attorneys also work with high net worth individuals on trust and estate litigation and estate and succession planning matters.
The discussion included why a small business needs to engage and build a relationship with a qualified business attorney, the importance of understanding and dealing with tax issues upfront instead of waiting for surprises, Florida's economic outlook and the top issues facing a business owner in 2020.