Small Biz Florida

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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SBA.gov

Ep. 366 | Fueling Florida’s Future: Rural Growth, Disaster Recovery & Economic Opportunity

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit in Tampa, host Tom Kindred welcomes Secretary Kelly, Secretary of Florida Commerce. With a background in education and economic development, Secretary Kelly shares how Florida Commerce is driving forward statewide initiatives that support small business owners—from Main Street to rural communities.
The discussion covers Florida’s top priorities: expanding access to capital, empowering rural entrepreneurs, strengthening disaster preparedness through Florida Disaster Biz, and showcasing the state’s national leadership in business creation and workforce development. Secretary Kelly also highlights the historic deployment of $250 million through the State Small Business Credit Initiative, as well as the state's momentum in talent development, job growth, and economic resilience. Whether you’re running a business in the city or a small town, this episode offers actionable insights into how Florida is building one of the strongest small business ecosystems in the country.

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.

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FloridaDisaster.biz

Ep. 365 | From Technician to CEO: Optimizing & Scaling Service-Based Businesses

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the 2025 Small Business Success Summit in Tampa, host Tom Kindred is joined by Michelle Partridge, founder of Pear Tree Consulting. Michelle shares her journey from owning an appliance repair business in Raleigh to launching a consulting firm in Tallahassee that focuses on helping service industry entrepreneurs streamline operations and reclaim their time. Drawing on real-world experience, she dives into the most common challenges faced by owner-operated businesses—from inefficient route planning to uncertainty around hiring and financial planning. Michelle’s hands-on, personalized approach helps business owners shift from working in the business to working on it. Whether you're looking to scale, optimize your systems, or finally figure out your break-even point, this episode delivers strategies you can put into action today.

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.

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peartreeconsulting.net

Ep. 364 | Scaling Smart: How to Prepare Your Business for Sustainable Growth

Live from the 2025 Small Business Success Summit in Tampa, this episode of Small Biz Florida features a powerful conversation with Dr. Wendy Norfleet, founder of Norfleet Integrated Solutions. Drawing from her experience managing multi-billion-dollar departments and her passion for empowering small businesses, Dr. Norfleet shares critical insights on what it truly takes to grow a business successfully. She breaks down the importance of strategic readiness assessments, understanding your financials, and knowing when and how-to scale. The discussion also highlights cash flow challenges, how to access capital for large contracts, and why business owners must shift from working in their business to working on their business. Whether you're thinking about expansion or already facing growing pains, this episode delivers clear, actionable strategies for sustainable success.

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.

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norfleetsolutions.com

Ep. 363 | Navigating Florida Business Regulations: Tools, Tips & Support from DBPR

Live from the 2025 Small Business Success Summit in Tampa, host Tom Kindred welcomes Secretary Griffin of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to discuss how the state is making it easier for entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses. With over 1.7 million licensees across more than 30 industries, the DBPR plays a critical role in regulating and supporting Florida’s diverse business ecosystem. Drawing on her own experience as a former small business owner and business attorney, Secretary Griffin shares key insights into how the department is cutting red tape, improving customer service, and launching innovative tools, such as the Open My Florida Business platform—a multi-agency resource designed to guide entrepreneurs through licensing and regulatory requirements. Whether you're starting a barbershop, architecture firm, or even a boxing gym, this episode has valuable takeaways for anyone navigating Florida’s business landscape.

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.

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OpenMyFloridaBusiness.gov