Small Biz Florida

Ep. 264 | Level Up at the Summit: Unveiling the Secrets of Small Business Success with Bridget Lacoste

In this episiode, Tom Kindred and Bridget Lacoste, Events and Stakeholder Relationship Manager at Florida SBDC Network unveil the strategic vision behind the Small Business Success Summit, now in its third triumphant year. Bridget shares her remarkable journey, from her background in hospitality and event management to her pivotal role at the Florida SBDC Network, where she spearheads initiatives to support and uplift the small business community.
Join Tom Kindred and Bridget Lacoste as they shine a spotlight on the upcoming Small Business Success Summit, a cornerstone event for Florida's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode of Small Biz Florida is a must-listen, offering unparalleled insights and opportunities to unlock your business's full potential.
This episode of Small Biz Florida was recorded at the 60th Annual Florida Economic Development Council Conference hosted at the Marriott Sawgrass Resort in Ponte Vedra Beach

Ep. 263 | Digging Up Success: Environmental Solutions with SCS Engineers' Britney Odom

In this enlightening conversation, Tom Kindred and Britney Odom unveil the multifaceted landscape of environmental consulting and construction services offered by SCS Engineers. With over 17 years of experience in the environmental sector, Britney Odom provides invaluable insights into the due diligence process, emphasizing the importance of thorough assessments to mitigate potential risks for small business owners and developers.
Tom Kindred and Britney Odom delve into the challenges and opportunities facing small business owners, especially in rural communities, as they embark on property development ventures. Through real-world examples and practical advice, listeners learn how strategic partnerships with environmental engineering firms like SCS Engineers can streamline the development process and unlock hidden potential in contaminated properties.
This episode of Small Biz Florida was recorded at the 60th Annual Florida Economic Development Council Conference hosted at the Marriott Sawgrass Resort in Ponte Vedra Beach

Ep. 262 | Sunshine State's Career Goldmine: Unveiling Opportunities with Adrienne Johnston

Under the guidance of Tom Kindred, the Host of Small Biz Florida and Regional Director of the Florida Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College, listeners are invited to explore the array of career pathways woven throughout the Sunshine State. Adrienne Johnston, CEO of Career Source Florida, brings her wealth of expertise to the table, shedding light on the myriad opportunities available to entrepreneurs and job seekers alike.
 
Tom Kindred and Adrienne Johnston uncover the spectrum of programs and resources offered by Career Source Florida. From pioneering apprenticeships tailored to emerging industries to innovative virtual services designed for the digital age. 
 
Listeners gain a profound understanding of the transformative impact Career Source Florida has on the lives of Floridians. Whether it's providing tailored training grants to small businesses or spearheading initiatives like the Hope Florida program, Adrienne Johnston and her team are dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive workforce ecosystem.
 
This episode of Small Biz Florida was recorded at the 60th Annual Florida Economic Development Council Conference hosted at the Marriott Sawgrass Resort in Ponte Vedra Beach

Ep. 261 | Bridging the Digital Divide: How Comcast Connects Rural Florida with Michelle Oyola McGovern, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs at Comcast

This episode of Small Biz Florida dives into Comcast's impactful role in bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth in rural Florida communities.
This episode of Small Biz Florida tackles the critical issue of rural internet access. Host Tom Kindred interviews Michelle Oyola McGovern, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs at Comcast. Together, they explore the state and federal government's multi-billion dollar investment in broadband expansion and how Comcast is a key player in bringing reliable internet to underserved communities. The conversation highlights the importance of "beyond the build" initiatives, where Comcast collaborates with local partners to ensure affordability through programs like ACP and Internet Essentials. The episode emphasizes the transformative power of broadband access for rural economic development, attracting businesses, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating remote work opportunities.
 
Special Thanks to: 
Florida Rural Economic Development Summit
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld

Ep. 260 | Leveraging Technology for Rural Economic Growth with GIS Web Tech and Row Bertasi

Unveiling the power of data!  This episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the Florida Rural Economic Development Association (FREDA) Summit, explores how GIS Web Tech empowers rural economic development.
Host Tom Kindred sits down with Row Bertasi, co-founder and CEO of GIS Web Tech, for an insightful conversation on the importance of data in attracting businesses to rural communities. Mr. Bertasi details how GIS Web Tech's user-friendly software equips Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) with the tools needed to showcase their unique assets and propel rural economic growth.
 
 
Special Thanks to: 
Florida Rural Economic Development Summit
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
 

Ep. 259 | Empowering Rural Economic Development - Key Insights from the FREDA Summit with Terry Burroughs, Okeechobee County Commissioner

Bridging the Gap: Unveiling strategies for rural economic development at the Florida Rural Economic Development Association (FREDA) Summit.
This episode of Small Biz Florida sheds light on economic development initiatives in rural Florida. Host Tom Kindred is joined by Terry Burroughs, a county commissioner and economic development leader, for a insightful discussion centered around the FREDA Summit.
Mr. Burroughs delves into the Summit's focus on fostering growth and prosperity in rural counties across the state. The conversation explores the distinct challenges and opportunities faced by these communities, including infrastructure development, workforce housing, and strategic planning.
 
Special Thanks to: 
Florida Rural Economic Development Summit
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld

Ep. 258 | Growing Rural Businesses - Kaylee King & Alex Tijerina of the OEDC Unleash New Initiatives

Small businesses, big dreams in rural Florida? This episode of Small Biz Florida is for you! Join us as we chat with Kaylee King, President, and Alex Tijerina, Director of Existing Industry, at the Okeechobee Economic Development Corporation (OEDC). Kaylee shares exciting new plans for the OEDC, including a focus on business retention and expansion.
We explore the unique challenges and opportunities of rural economic development, discussing strategies for attracting and retaining businesses. Discover how the OEDC tackles issues like housing and broadband access, fostering a thriving ecosystem for all companies.
Tune in for insights on rural economic development in Florida and resources for Okeechobee County small businesses.
 
Special Thanks to: 
Florida Rural Economic Development Summit
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld

Ep. 257 | Fueling Your Business: Unlocking Resources with Duke Energy's Economic Development Programs

Powering Up Growth: How Duke Energy Supercharges Florida's Small Businesses
Florida's small businesses, listen up! This episode of Small Biz Florida connects you with a powerhouse supporter – Duke Energy's economic development team. We chat with Marc Hoenstine, Managing Director, of Economic Development for Duke Energy about the company's commitment to your success. Discover programs designed to fuel your growth, from expansion opportunities to resources hidden in your power bill!  
Learn how Duke Energy helps communities define their vision and find the perfect fit. 
 
Special Thanks to: 
Florida Rural Economic Development Summit
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
 

Ep. 256 | Public-Private Powerhouse: Growing Rural Businesses Through Partnership with Justin Ford, from Dewberry Engineers, and Antonio Jefferson, Gretna's City Manager.

Unlocking opportunity in Florida's rural communities: How innovative partnerships are fueling small business growth.
Ever wonder how small businesses can thrive in rural Florida? This episode of Small Biz Florida dives deep into the power of public-private partnerships! We'll chat with Justin Ford, from Dewberry Engineers, and Antonio Jefferson, Gretna's City Manager. They'll reveal the secrets behind Gretna's successful site development project, showcasing how collaboration can unlock a wave of opportunity for rural businesses. Join us for insights on innovative thinking, the importance of small businesses in rural communities, and the key ingredients for a thriving public-private partnership. It's an episode packed with practical advice and inspiring stories – perfect for any Florida small business owner looking to grow!
 
Special Thanks to: 
Florida Rural Economic Development Summit
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
 

Ep. 255 | Molding Tomorrow: 3D Printing Revolution with Ken Brace

In this special edition of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the prestigious 2023 Florida MakesMore Manufacturing Summit at the iconic Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts in downtown Orlando, host Tom Kindred brings you a groundbreaking episode featuring Ken Brace, the innovator behind Rapid Prototyping Services.
Journey through the evolution of 3D printing with Ken, from its humble beginnings in the '80s to its current prowess in creating aerospace components. Uncover the diverse applications of 3D printing, exploring materials ranging from plastics to metals like stainless steel.
Ken shares insights into how 3D printing has transformed the manufacturing landscape, offering quick-turn prototypes for inventors and facilitating low-volume production for established businesses. Demystify the process of turning napkin sketches into 3D-printed reality and understand the crucial role of CAD files in this innovative journey.
Explore Ken's commitment to education and community engagement, as Rapid Prototyping Services collaborates with local schools and serves a diverse clientele, from inventors to defense contractors.
The episode concludes with a call to action—subscribe to Small Biz Florida for more exclusive insights from the FloridaMakes MakeMore Manufacturing Summit.
Recorded live at the 2023 Make More Manufacturing Summit, hosted at the iconic Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. A special thanks to the conference hosts for having Small Biz Florida attend, and a shoutout to the Dr. Phillips Center for being an outstanding venue for this event.
Stay tuned for more episodes as Small Biz Florida continues to spotlight businesses shaping Florida's future. Thrive, innovate, and make your mark on the evolving world of manufacturing with Small Biz Florida, in partnership with the Florida Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College.