Small Biz Florida

Special Episode: Hurricane Helene Recovery – Florida SBDC Network's Essential Support for Small Businesses

In this special episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College, explores the vital recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. Joined by Greg Britton, the state director of the Florida SBDC Network, the episode highlights the extensive support available to small businesses impacted by the disaster.
Listeners will discover how the Florida SBDC Network is mobilizing mobile assistance centers and coordinating efforts across teams to provide timely and effective resources for recovery. The conversation underscores the importance of a quick response and the variety of resources available to help small businesses not only recover but also prepare for future challenges.
This episode is a must-listen for any small business owner looking to navigate the recovery process and access the support offered by the SBDC.

Special Episode: Recovery After Hurricane Helene – Florida's Path to Supporting Small Businesses

In this special episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred engages in a vital conversation with J. Alex Kelly, Florida's Secretary of Commerce. Following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, the state is mobilizing resources to support small businesses in their recovery efforts.
Join us as we delve into the organized response of the Florida Department of Commerce, alongside partners like SBDC, CareerSource, and Hope Florida. Kelly shares insights on the critical importance of restoring confidence within the business community and outlines available resources, including emergency bridge loans and support programs tailored for recovery.
Listeners will gain valuable information on accessing these resources through FloridaDisaster.biz, ensuring that small businesses can rebuild and thrive in the wake of disaster. Tune in to understand how Florida is working tirelessly to assist those affected and foster a resilient business landscape.

Ep. 280 | Unlocking Small Business Success through Leadership with Dr. Kelvin McCree

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred takes listeners to the 2024 Small Business Success Summit in Ponte Vedra, Florida. Sponsored by Florida First Capital and the Florida SBDC Network, this event brings together over 400+ small business owners to exchange insights and learn from experts. Tom interviews Dr. Kelvin McCree, Chief Learning Officer at Laser Focus Leadership Solutions. Dr. McCree shares his entrepreneurial journey and expertise in organizational growth, as well as key insights from his latest book, Drop the Cape: How to Ignite Your Influence and Brand Your Awesome. The conversation delves into authentic leadership, building high-performing teams, and how to inspire employees by leveraging their unique talents. This episode is filled with practical advice for small business owners looking to enhance team performance and foster strong leadership within their organizations.
This podcast episode was recorded live at the Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:
Laser Focus Leadership Solutions, LLC

Ep. 279 | Exploring Crowdfunding for Small Business Growth: Insights from Crowdfund Better's Kathleen Minogue

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Kathleen Minogue, founder and CEO of Crowdfund Better, during the 2024 Small Business Success Summit. Kathleen shares her expertise on crowdfunding, charting its evolution from simple Kickstarter campaigns to more advanced forms of rewards and investment crowdfunding. The discussion dives into how small businesses can harness crowdfunding to fuel growth, breaking down the basics and benefits of various crowdfunding models. Kathleen emphasizes the importance of preparation, strategy, and legal considerations in successful crowdfunding efforts. This episode offers Florida's small business owners practical insights and success stories to help them navigate and leverage crowdfunding as a powerful financing tool.
This podcast episode was recorded live at the Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:
Crowdfund Better

Ep. 282 | Opportunities in Small Business Acquisition: Insights from Florida Business Exchange's Terry Sherman

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Terry Sherman, a Certified Business Intermediary with the Florida Business Exchange, live from the 2024 Annual Small Business Success Summit in Ponte Vedra, Florida. Terry shares her expertise on the booming small business acquisition market in Florida, driven by the 'silver tsunami'—the wave of baby boomers retiring and selling their businesses. She explains how the Florida Business Exchange connects buyers and sellers, offering key insights into the advantages of acquiring an existing business versus starting from scratch. Terry also touches on the SBA loan products available to finance these acquisitions and the vital role innovation plays in turning around underperforming businesses. This episode is packed with essential strategies and tips for aspiring business owners looking to enter the world of business acquisition.
This podcast episode was recorded live at the Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:
Florida Business Exchange
 

Ep. 278 | Navigating Small Business Success: Financial Insights from SBDC Consultant Christina Lynch

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred engages in an enlightening conversation with Christina Lynch, a seasoned business consultant with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Florida A&M University. Christina shares her journey from accounting and HR to becoming a trusted advisor for small businesses in Florida. The discussion covers common financial challenges faced by entrepreneurs, the critical importance of understanding and interpreting financial statements, and how to adjust business strategies in a post-pandemic world. Christina also highlights the advantages of fractional CFO services for small business owners. With her deep experience and expertise, Christina offers valuable guidance for those looking to navigate the complexities of small business finance and growth.
This podcast episode was recorded live at the Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:
Florida SBDC at Florida A&M University - Website

Ep. 277 | Connecting Small Businesses with Major Contractors: Insights from Great Lakes Dredge and Dock's Moquita Quinan

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred interviews Moquita Quinan, a Small Business Analyst/Liaison for Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company, during the 2024 Small Business Success Summit at Sawgrass Resort in Ponte Vedra, Florida. Sponsored by Florida First Capital and the Florida SBDC Network, the summit offers small businesses a platform to network and learn best practices for growth and success. Moquita shares her extensive experience in supplier diversity and discusses how Great Lakes Dredge and Dock engages small businesses to meet federal contract requirements, with a special focus on marine construction opportunities. The episode underscores the significance of small businesses connecting with major contractors like Great Lakes to tap into lucrative government contracts and scale their operations.
This podcast episode was recorded live at the Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:
Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company - Website

Ep. 276 | Reducing Customer Friction: Insights from Customer Experience Expert David Avrin

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred interviews keynote speaker David Avrin at the 2024 Small Business Success Summit in Ponte Vedra, Florida. David, a renowned expert in customer experience, shares key insights from his book Ridiculously Easy to Do Business With, focusing on the critical need to reduce friction points and streamline customer interactions. The conversation delves into how small businesses can compete with industry giants like Amazon by prioritizing convenience and immediate access. David also distinguishes between customer service and customer experience and introduces the Platinum Rule: treating customers the way they want to be treated. This episode is packed with actionable strategies for enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
This podcast episode was recorded live at the Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:
David Avrin's Website

Ep. 275 | Unlocking the Potential of CareerSource Florida: Insights from President & CEO Adrienne Johnston

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College, engages in a compelling conversation with Adrienne Johnston, President and CEO of CareerSource Florida. Adrienne shares her background and discusses the essential resources CareerSource Florida offers to both job seekers and employers, including apprenticeships, On-the-Job Training (OJT), and more. The episode also touches on CareerSource's initiatives in digital literacy and how the organization is adapting to the rise of AI in the workforce. Tune in to discover how CareerSource Florida can support your small business's growth and success.
This podcast episode was recorded live at the Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
 
Connect with Our Guest:
CareerSource Florida - Website

Ep. 274 | How AI is Transforming Marketing: Insights and Ethical Tips for Small Businesses with Alexis Quintal

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Alexis Quintal, founder and owner of Rosarium PR and Marketing, to explore the transformative impact of AI on the marketing landscape. Alexis shares valuable insights on how small businesses can leverage AI tools to boost efficiency while maintaining the essential human touch in their branding and outreach. The discussion covers the ethical considerations of using AI, practical applications in tasks like writing and advertising, and how to strike the right balance between technology and creativity. Alexis also shares her personal journey in blending her passions for marketing and education to empower small business owners.
This podcast episode was recorded live at the Small Business Success Summit hosted at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.
Connect with Our Guest:
Rosarium PR and Marketing - Website