Small Biz Florida

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 

Ep. 369 | Exit Strategies & Wealth Planning for Small Business Owners

In this special release episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred reports from the 46th Annual America's SBDC Future of Work Training Event in Orlando, Florida. This episode features a timely and insightful discussion with Jim Colbourne, Wealth Manager, and Bryce Stacy, Service Advisor,  both from Merit Financial Advisors.

The conversation centers around the importance of wealth management for small business owners, emphasizing the need to separate personal and business finances to ensure financial security and enable successful business exits. Jim and Bryce shed light on common challenges entrepreneurs face, including the co-mingling of assets, lack of succession planning, and the emotional hurdles of retirement.

They also address the looming “silver tsunami,” the surge of business owners over age 65, and the critical need for early exit planning. Additionally, Bryce shares insights from their presentation on “Behavioral DNA,” which helps businesses improve team communication and internal dynamics.

Whether you're considering retirement or just getting started, this episode provides actionable financial guidance tailored specifically for small business owners.

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:
Merit Financial Advisors

Ep. 368 | When Banks Say No: Unlocking Alternative Funding for Small Biz Startups

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit in Tampa, host Tom Kindred is joined by Boyd Karen, founder of Otro Financial, to discuss one of the biggest hurdles facing small business owners: access to funding. After launching or acquiring eight businesses of his own, Boyd discovered just how hard it is to secure loans—especially those under $350,000—from traditional banks. That frustration led him to start Otro Financial, a company that helps entrepreneurs secure unsecured loans based on personal credit, without collateral or years of business history.

Boyd explains how these loans serve as bridge funding, helping startups survive and grow until they reach the two-year milestone that banks prefer. He also shares practical advice on improving personal credit, the value of alternative lending, and how Otro Financial supports entrepreneurs—especially Spanish-speaking founders—with tools, webinars, and resources. Whether you're launching your first business or facing a funding gap, this episode provides the insights and options you need to keep moving forward.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest:
otrofinancial.com

Ep. 367 | SBA Power Players: Capital, Advocacy & Manufacturing Growth in Florida

Recorded live from the 2025 Small Business Success Summit in Tampa, this episode of Small Biz Florida features two influential voices from the U.S. Small Business Administration: Tyler Teresa, SBA Southeast Regional Administrator, and Michael Vallante, Southeast Regional Advocate for the SBA Office of Advocacy. Host Tom Kindred dives into the SBA’s critical role in empowering entrepreneurs across Florida, including access to capital, government contracting, disaster recovery, and regulatory reform.

Listeners will hear how the SBA supports Florida’s booming manufacturing sector and why the Office of Advocacy plays a key role in eliminating burdensome regulations. Tyler and Michael also share their personal journeys—from family-run businesses and entrepreneurship to federal service—demonstrating their deep commitment to small business success. Whether you’re a startup founder or an established operator, this episode offers insights into how the SBA can be a powerful partner in your growth.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guests:
SBA.gov