Small Biz Florida

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

Ep. 376 | Revolutionize Your Marketing: MailChimp’s Tools for Small Businesses

Discover how MailChimp is transforming the way small businesses in Florida approach marketing and customer engagement. In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Jocelyn Hardy and Kyra Cherry from MailChimp to explore the powerful tools and technologies available to small business owners. Recorded live at the 46th Annual America's SBDC Training Event in Orlando, this episode delves into the benefits of using MailChimp's marketing and automation platform, including AI integration, personalized email campaigns, and CRM capabilities. Learn how MailChimp helps businesses look and act like large-scale companies while saving time and boosting customer relationships. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow smarter.

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://mailchimp.com

Ep. 375 | From Ideas to Action: How LivePlan Empowers Small Business Success

Recorded live from the 49th Annual America’s SBDC Training Event in Orlando, this episode of Small Biz Florida features a conversation with Josh Fegles and Justin Hardison of LivePlan. As government and academic channel partnership coordinators, Josh and Justin bring both personal and professional insight into the power of business planning. They share how LivePlan helps entrepreneurs from startup dreamers to seasoned owners build dynamic, evolving business plans. Learn how LivePlan’s intuitive platform, complete with AI features, real-time financial dashboards, and pitch-building tools, is transforming the way small businesses approach planning. Whether you’re launching your first venture or refining your growth strategy, this episode delivers actionable insights on how to turn your ideas into results with help from your local SBDC and LivePlan.

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.liveplan.com

Ep. 374 | Unlocking Cashflow: How Helcim Is Changing the Game for Small Businesses

Live from the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Future of Work Training event in Orlando, Small Biz Florida sits down with Joanna Wynn, Head of Channel Partnerships at Helcim. With a background that spans 15 years in the oil and gas industry, Joanna brings a fresh, passionate perspective to financial technology. In this episode, she breaks down how Helcim is helping small businesses better manage cashflow through transparent, modern payment processing solutions. Learn how Helcim’s unique interchange-plus pricing, deep accounting integrations, and no-contract model offer a competitive edge for small businesses looking to simplify operations and scale confidently. From legacy banking to modern innovation, this is an essential listen for entrepreneurs ready to take control of their payment systems.

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.helcim.com

Ep. 373 | Franchising Unlocked: Myths, Models & the Road to Ownership

Recorded live at the 46th Annual America’s SBDC training event in Orlando, this episode of Small Biz Florida features Jim McEleney, franchise consultant with Fran Net. Jim brings a unique perspective, having gone from Fran Net client to multi-unit franchise owner—and now, to a consultant helping others navigate the world of franchising. The conversation covers everything from the fundamentals of franchising to the pros and cons, debunking common myths, and exploring trends in recession-resistant and home-based franchise models. Whether you're considering entrepreneurship or looking to diversify your business portfolio, this episode offers a valuable roadmap to ownership through franchising.

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.frannet.com

Ep. 372 | Competing with Giants: How Small Businesses Can Win with Digital Payment Tools

Recorded live at the 46th Annual America’s SBDC training event in Orlando, this episode of Small Biz Florida features Jacob Muff, Senior Director for Business Operations at Authorize.net, a Visa company. Jacob shares his insights on how small businesses can simplify payment acceptance, improve cash flow, and expand their digital presence using tools like Authorize.net and Visa’s SMB hub. Drawing on his experience at major financial institutions and his leadership of initiatives at Visa, Jacob outlines the actionable steps small business owners can take to better compete with large enterprises and meet evolving consumer expectations. This episode is packed with valuable strategies for embracing digital tools and transforming your payment ecosystem to drive business growth.

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.authorize.net

Ep. 371 | Leading the Way: Insights from America’s SBDC Leadership Team

In this special release episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred reports from the 46th Annual America's SBDC Training Event in Orlando, Florida, where over 1,400 SBDC consultants and state directors gathered to advance their expertise in small business support.

This episode features in-depth conversations with two key leaders in the SBDC network: Byron Hicks, President of America's SBDC Board of Directors and State Director for North Carolina’s Small Business and Technology Development Center, and Tee Rowe, President and CEO of America's SBDC. Together, they reflect on the importance of the annual training event, which features over 200 workshops and serves as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and resource sharing.

Topics covered include the evolving role of SBDCs, the latest tools and resources available to small businesses, economic outlooks, access to capital, and the continued need for professional development to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing business environment. Whether you're a consultant, small business owner, or ecosystem partner, this episode offers valuable insights into the engine driving America’s small business success.

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

Connect with Our Guest:
America's SBDC

Ep. 370 | Inside the Nation’s Premier Small Business Training Event

In this special release episode of Small Biz Florida, we take you inside the 46th Annual America's SBDC Training Event held in Orlando, Florida — a premier gathering for small business development professionals across the country. With over 1,400 SBDC consultants in attendance and more than 200 expert-led workshops, the event provided a comprehensive overview of the latest trends, technologies, and strategies shaping the future of small business support.

Host Tom Kindred speaks with three influential leaders in the SBDC network: April Youngblut, Vice President of America’s SBDC; Lisa Hall, Regional Director at the University of Scranton's SBDC; and Kyle Hensel, Director of Continuing Education at the University of Georgia's SBDC. Together, they discuss how the conference fosters collaboration, professional development, and the integration of new tools, such as AI and FinTech, into small business advising.

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

Connect with Our Guest:
America's SBDC