In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Andrew Zapf, CPA, Senior Tax Manager at Withum. Andrew shares critical insights into the recently passed legislation known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" or OBBBA. The conversation explains how this bill reinstates the full expensing of research and experimental (R&E) costs, reintroduces 100% bonus depreciation for machinery, and introduces a powerful new incentive: 100% bonus depreciation for new manufacturing facilities under the Qualified Production Property (QPP) rule. Whether you're a small manufacturer or a large-scale producer, this episode unpacks how the latest tax reforms can fuel expansion, increase cash flow, and support growth across Florida’s booming manufacturing sector. Andrew also emphasizes the complexity of these provisions and why strategic, professional tax planning is crucial to avoid costly mistakes.   Connect with Our Guest:https://www.withum.com

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred dives into the impact and importance of Shop Small Saturday, a nationwide initiative designed to spotlight and support small businesses during the critical holiday season. Tom is joined by two powerhouse guests: Tyler Teresa, SBA Regional Administrator for the Southeast, and Jennifer Johnson, founder of True Fashionistas, Florida’s largest lifestyle reseller. Tyler shares his personal connection to entrepreneurship and the SBA’s ongoing mission to empower small businesses across the Southeast. Jennifer recounts her entrepreneurial journey, scaling her retail brand from a small boutique to a 13,000-square-foot powerhouse. Together, they break down why Shop Small Saturday is the “Super Bowl” for small businesses and offer actionable strategies for small business owners to stand out, attract customers, and maximize the benefits of this nationwide shopping event. Topics discussed include gathering customer data, boosting community involvement, and utilizing assets such as the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Connect with Our Guests: Jennifer Johnson’s Retail Store: truefashionistas.com | Jennifer Johnson’s Coaching & Speaking: jenniferannjohnson.com SBA

In this special promotional episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Zoraida Velasco, Executive Vice President of FloridaMakes, to spotlight one of the state’s most important industry events — the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit. Zoraida shares her professional journey and highlights the mission of FloridaMakes, Florida’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which works closely with the Florida SBDC Network to boost productivity and innovation among small manufacturers. This year’s MakeMore Manufacturing Summit returns to Orlando on October 22nd and 23rd, bringing together stakeholders, business leaders, and service providers to address the evolving needs of Florida’s manufacturing sector. The summit will feature in-depth conversations on industry sub-sectors, workforce development, trade and logistics, and the strategic resources available to help manufacturers grow. Use Discount Code "M3PARTNER": Listeners can use this exclusive code to receive a discounted registration for the summit. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest:https://www.floridamakemore.com/home

Recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference, this kickoff episode of Small Biz Florida's latest season features a powerful conversation with Raj Tulshan, Founder and CEO, and Emily Larsen Doxford, VP, of Loan Mantra, a financial technology company transforming how small businesses access capital. Host Tom Kindred explores how Loan Mantra blends a high-tech lending platform with high-touch human support to guide small business owners through the funding process. From preparing complete, lender-ready loan packages to connecting borrowers with a nationwide network of over 100 lenders, Tulshan and Doxford break down how their model levels the playing field and drives better loan outcomes. The discussion also delves into the challenges of micro-lending, the decline of traditional relationship banking, and why personalized financial mentorship is crucial to business growth in today's rapidly evolving lending landscape.   This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.   Connect with Our Guest: https://www.loanmantra.com

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference, host Tom Kindred speaks with Ross McClellan, Director of Business Development for Rapid Business Plans. McClellan offers key insights into why a well-crafted business plan is essential not only for securing capital, but for guiding long-term business strategy. He explains Rapid Business Plans’ collaborative, “boutique-style” process that includes a discovery call, expert financial review, and a four-day turnaround. McClellan also raises an important warning: lenders are increasingly rejecting business plans generated by AI tools like ChatGPT, flagging them as unserious and lacking depth. Listeners will gain valuable perspective on what lenders really look for in a business plan and why entrepreneurs must truly understand the document they're presenting. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest:https://www.rapidbusinessplans.com

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference, host Tom Kindred sits down with Sarah Sams, Marketing Manager for mysherpas, a FinTech company transforming how small business loan applications are managed. Sams shares how mysherpas was born from the firsthand frustrations of entrepreneurs navigating the commercial loan process and how the platform now empowers both borrowers and lenders through a secure, intuitive, and organized digital portal. Designed to eliminate the back-and-forth of traditional email-based applications, mysherpas helps lenders collect the right documents faster while providing small business owners with clarity and control during the funding journey. With financial institutions rapidly adopting this type of technology, Sams highlights how mysherpas is setting a new standard in efficiency, security, and borrower experience. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest:www.mysherpas.ai

Recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference, this episode of Small Biz Florida dives into one of the SBA's most powerful yet underutilized financing tools: the Energy Public Policy Program, also known as the SBA “Green Program.” Host Tom Kindred speaks with Sol Rosenbaum, Owner and Managing Engineer of SR Engineering & Consulting, to break down how small businesses can exceed the standard $5 million SBA 504 loan cap and access up to $16.5 million in additional capital by implementing renewable energy or energy efficiency upgrades. Rosenbaum explains the two compliance pathways, why solar is the most accessible option for many, and how his firm performs the required engineering analysis to help businesses qualify. This episode is a must-listen for growing companies facing funding limits and for lenders seeking to offer strategic, policy-driven loan solutions. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 FLAGGL Conference hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest:www.srengineeringandconsulting.com

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

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

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

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

Recorded live from the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Training Event in Orlando, this episode of Small Biz Florida features Matthew Jackson, Director of SBDCnet, the national research and information arm of the SBDC network. Host Tom Kindred leads a discussion on the critical role that data and market research play in helping entrepreneurs make smarter, more strategic decisions. Matthew shares his journey from startup founder to research advocate, and how SBDCnet equips small businesses with the same insights used by large corporations free of charge. From industry snapshots to financial benchmarking and trend analysis, this episode shows how small businesses can access high-value resources to support growth and sustainability. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, you’ll walk away with practical tips for leveraging data in your business planning process. 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:http://www.sbdcnet.org

Live from the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Training Event in Orlando, this episode of Small Biz Florida features Kim Fedore and David Glantz, co-founders of Popstart a revolutionary platform combining business tools with essential training. Host Tom Kindred sits down with these two innovative entrepreneurs to explore how Popstart integrates key software, such as QuickBooks, MailChimp, and Xero, into a user-friendly system designed to guide small business owners through every stage of growth. From financial literacy to performance tracking, the conversation highlights the importance of education and effective tools in building a successful and sustainable business. Listeners will also receive an early preview of Popstart’s upcoming roadmap tool, scheduled to launch in Q4 2025, which promises to help entrepreneurs streamline their operations and scale with confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your business foundation, this episode offers practical insights, valuable resources, and exclusive access to future-forward business strategies. 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.

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

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

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

Episode Summary:Recorded live at the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Training Event in Orlando, this episode of Small Biz Florida features Dr. Silvia Mah, founder and chairwoman of the Stella Foundation. With a remarkable background in biochemistry, molecular biology, university commercialization, and entrepreneurial education, Dr. Mah shares the powerful origin story and mission behind Stella a comprehensive platform designed to support female entrepreneurs through courses, community, conferences, and capital. Listeners will learn how Stella’s free learning management system, complete with 500+ educational modules, videos, worksheets, and community interaction tools, is transforming the entrepreneurial journey. The episode also highlights Stella’s collaboration with the SBDC network, bringing structured, no-cost entrepreneurial education to communities nationwide. If you're an aspiring or established entrepreneur looking for accessible, high-quality training and mentorship, this episode is full of actionable insights. 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.stella.co

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

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

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