Podcasts about sba

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

Franchise marketing is more than running ads or managing brand awareness. It's a strategic process that connects entrepreneurs, brands, and customers through trust, storytelling, and value-driven engagement. The best franchise marketing strategies help businesses expand their reach while maintaining the integrity of the brand at every level — from national awareness to local community relationships. Few people understand that dynamic better than Ali Kraus, Chief Marketing Officer at Benetrends Financial. With deep expertise in franchise development marketing, digital strategy, and brand building, Ali has become one of the most respected voices in the franchising industry. Her leadership reflects how marketing can not only grow businesses but also empower people and strengthen communities. Benetrends Financial has been at the center of franchise success stories for decades. As a leader in franchise funding, Benetrends helps entrepreneurs start and expand their businesses through innovative financial solutions, including their signature Rainmaker Plan and SBA lending support. The company's commitment to entrepreneurship goes beyond numbers — it's about helping people achieve independence, stability, and long-term growth. Ali's marketing approach aligns with that mission. By integrating creative strategy with practical execution, she helps franchisors and franchisees navigate challenges in visibility, recruitment, and retention. Her belief in collaboration and community has made her a strong advocate for empowering women in franchising, both through her work at Benetrends and her leadership with the International Franchise Association's Women's Franchise Committee. As an incoming Chair of the committee, Ali is helping pave the way for more women to find opportunities in leadership, ownership, and influence within the franchise industry. Her work demonstrates how franchise marketing can be a vehicle for change — not only driving business results but also creating a more inclusive and diverse community of entrepreneurs. In an era where consumers demand authenticity and connection, Ali's perspective on franchise marketing reminds business owners that success isn't just about selling a product. It's about building relationships, aligning brand purpose with customer values, and giving people a reason to believe in the businesses they support. For franchise brands and entrepreneurs alike, her message is clear: effective marketing starts with clarity, consistency, and connection. When combined with the right funding foundation and strategic leadership, those elements create a roadmap for sustainable growth. Franchise marketing continues to evolve, and leaders like Ali Kraus are shaping what comes next — a future defined by innovation, inclusion, and purpose-driven progress. Through her work at Benetrends Financial and her commitment to empowering women across the franchise landscape, she continues to show what's possible when vision and leadership come together. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Join Fordify LIVE every Wednesday at 11 a.m. Central on your favorite social platforms and catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Ali Kraus Ali Kraus is the Chief Marketing Officer at Benetrends Financial, where she leads brand development, marketing strategy, and franchise growth initiatives. A passionate advocate for women in franchising, Ali serves as the incoming Chair of the International Franchise Association's Women's Franchise Committee. She has been recognized as a Top Franchise Influencer and one of 1851 Magazine's Young Ones to Watch. Her expertise in franchise marketing, digital strategy, and leadership has made her a respected voice in the industry and a driving force for innovation and inclusion. Learn more about her work at Benetrends.com About Ford Saeks Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator who has helped generate more than a billion dollars in sales worldwide, working with companies from start-ups to Fortune 500s. As President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., he specializes in helping businesses attract loyal customers, expand brand awareness, and drive innovation. An entrepreneurial powerhouse, Ford has founded more than ten companies, authored five books, and been awarded three U.S. patents. His expertise also extends to artificial intelligence and marketing innovation, where he is recognized for training teams on how to use AI tools to enhance operations, improve customer engagement, and increase profitability. As the creator and host of Fordify LIVE! and The Business Growth Show Podcast, Ford continues to share insights that help leaders accelerate results, strengthen their brands, and future-proof their organizations. Learn more at ProfitRichResults.com and watch his TV show at Fordify.tv

Back to Basics: Building for Growth In this Back to Basics episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith unpack what it really takes to grow an ABA business without burning yourself out in the process. From breaking inefficient systems before they break you to understanding your true capacity as a leader, this episode focuses on the practical, behind-the-scenes work that makes sustainable growth possible. If scaling your ABA business feels overwhelming, this conversation gives you a roadmap for doing it with intention and clarity. Key Takeaways Systems Are the Foundation of Success April and Stephen remind listeners that growth isn't about working harder — it is about building systems that work even when things get tough. If your business has solid processes in place, you're already ahead. Without systems, every challenge feels like an emergency. With them, you can scale with confidence and clarity. Grow With Intention by Knowing the “Why" Important requirements like CPR training or employee handbooks are often overlooked when you're growing fast. April emphasizes the importance of understanding the “why” behind these systems, not just ticking boxes. When you know why each piece matters, your growth becomes purposeful and much more stable. Build a Business That Can Survive Without You If you want to sell your ABA business someday, or even simply step back, it must be able to grow without you constantly pushing it forward. Stephen talks about how vital it is to build a company structure that can function independently. Long-term sustainability depends on replacing heroics with systems. From understanding your limits to building a business that can thrive without you, this conversation is a must-listen for any ABA entrepreneur preparing for the next phase. This episode is sponsored by Live Oak Bank. Live Oak offers specialized loan solutions tailored to the unique needs of ABA businesses. As America's premier SBA lender, they've helped thousands of small businesses secure financing for acquisitions, real estate, construction, expansion, and partner buyouts. Their team works with you to craft financial solutions that align with your business goals.

What if the one thing stopping you from owning a thriving online business isn’t money… but what you don’t know about SBA financing? In this episode, Jaryd Krause chats with Ray Drew—aka SBA Ray—host of The Art of SBA Lending, the #1 podcast that pulls back the curtain on how SBA loans really work. Ray is the Managing Director at Truliant Federal Credit Union, a deal closer with hundreds of successful SBA-financed businesses under his belt, the man behind millions in SBA-backed deals, and the architect of SBA success stories nationwide. He’s seen everything—the smooth wins, the total nightmares, and the deals that fell apart days before closing. Most people think an SBA loan is simple: apply, get approved, buy the business, boom—you’re a CEO. But the truth? There are traps hidden in plain sight. And missing just one could cost you the deal—or tens of thousands in wasted time and fees. Here’s what Ray and Jaryd dive into:

Show SummaryNatalie Elliott Handy, a caregiver for her husband and mother and co-host of the Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver Podcast. During our conversation, we share the commitment that she and her sister have to highlighting and supporting military connected caregivers. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestNatalie is someone who genuinely loves people. She has a natural passion for meeting new faces, staying closely connected with family, friends, and colleagues, and, most of all, helping others. Anyone who knows her will readily say, “Natalie doesn't know a stranger.” It's simply who she has always been.Raised in her family's hardware store, Natalie learned early how to engage customers — and how to count change — by talking to everyone who walked through the door. At church, she was the first to volunteer to sing, recite Bible verses in “big church,” and attend every youth activity, especially lock-ins. In school, her teachers often placed her in the front row to help minimize “distractions,” because she was, without a doubt, a social butterfly.Those gifts — her ability to connect, her quick wit, and her desire to support others — naturally led her into leadership roles throughout her career in the mental health field. She married young at 21 and, many years later, again at 39. She often describes her first marriage as a light-hearted “practice run” with someone kind, but not Jason, the partner she shares her life with today.From the outside, Natalie's life looked picture-perfect: a fulfilling job, a loving husband, a close-knit support system, and of course, her beloved dogs. But behind the scenes, she was burning the candle at both ends — working 12-hour days, six days a week, answering every request with, “No problem. Happy to help.”Everything shifted when Jason was diagnosed with cancer in March 2022. In the midst of that crisis, Natalie confronted the truth that she couldn't keep living at that pace. During those darkest moments, she reconnected with her faith and, through that, rediscovered her true self. She learned to acknowledge her imperfections and, more importantly, to love herself fully — flaws and all.Today, Natalie has reordered her life with clear priorities: God, herself, Jason, family and friends, and then work. She says “no” far more often, seeks silver linings in difficult moments, and is grateful for the journey that led her to live God's plan instead of her own. She embraces the mantra of being “perfectly imperfect.”Her mission is simple: to share stories and experiences that inspire, uplift, and — whenever possible — spark a little laughter. She strives to encourage others to be true to themselves while supporting the people they love. And along the way, she fully intends to keep making new friends.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeConfessions of a Reluctant Caregiver Website2024 Heroes Caring for Heroes series2023 Heroes Caring for Heroes seriesPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course course Understanding the VA for Caregivers. This course helps caregivers navigate and better utilize the services of the VA – the largest integrated healthcare system in the country. The content for this course was developed collaboratively with a working group of various VA Departments. You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/understanding-the-va-for-caregivers-2 Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

In this episode, I talk with Ron Homer – Chief Strategist for Impact Investing at RBC Global Asset Management, and one of the earliest architects of community development investing in the United States.Ron's perspective was shaped in Bedford-Stuyvesant, where he watched a thriving neighborhood decline not because of its people but because mortgage support and investment disappeared. That experience set him on a five-decade mission to help redirect capital back into places that had been overlooked.He went from banking in Boston to co-founding Access Capital Strategies, where he flipped mortgage-backed securities into something that actually supported low- and moderate-income communities.In 1997, he co-founded Access Capital Strategies with the goal of creating market-grade, fixed-income products that were community-aligned. His idea was to use the same mortgage-backed security structure that powered Wall Street, but build it around loans made to low- and moderate-income borrowers.The model showed that you could structure institutional-grade portfolios that delivered both financial performance and community impact.In 2008, Access Capital Strategies was acquired by RBC Global Asset Management. When the global financial crisis hit shortly after, Ron's portfolios outperformed, especially for clients like New York City. “We were the highest performing investment – made 10% – because people who had 30-year fixed-rate mortgages and were buying them for shelter didn't default.”Today, Ron leads RBC's U.S. impact investing strategy, part of a fixed income platform with about $80 billion AUM. His team oversees about $3 billion in community investment strategies. These include customized portfolios primarily composed of agency-backed mortgage securities targeted at low- and moderate-income borrowers, as well as allocations to SBA loan securitizations and municipal bonds.And the results are measurable: over 50,000 individual homes financed, tens of thousands of affordable multifamily units, and for institutional clients like the City of New York, quarterly reports that track each dollar to the specific mortgage, census tract, borrower income level, and racial demographics, down to the loan level.But data only tells part of the story. What keeps Ron going is something deeper: the ripple effect.He believes homeownership and small business act as beacons within communities. “If you have one or two people who take pride in their home, maybe that becomes three people and four people and five people." That's how change takes root, with visible progress that others want to join.Ron also sees what he calls “conditioned helplessness”, a kind of behavioral resignation that sets in when people stop believing their efforts will make a difference.“Some people think the only way to get money is through concessions. But the community doesn't need concessions. They need access.”Ron didn't invent impact investing. But he helped prove it can work, not just morally, but financially. And he did it by choosing reform over revolution, trusting the data, and never letting go of the lesson from Bed-Stuy: that pride and ownership, applied the right way, can change everything.Tune in.—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK—Additional Resources:- Ron Homer LinkedIn- RBC Global Asset Management

Greg Geronemus bought a highly-profitable travel business at favorable terms, helping to ensure a great return on exit.Register for the webinar: What a Good Investor Pitch Looks Like - Nov 20th - https://bit.ly/47YbVXjTopics in Greg's interview:Challenges of searching in New YorkCobbling together a search fund in earlier days of searchStrategy of cold email outreachAcquiring at age 26Partnering with a friendSignificant challenges of running a tour operatorDigital marketing did not move the needleDirect mail was the silver bulletPartnering with universities and religious groupsExiting after 4 yearsReferences and how to contact Greg:LinkedInFootbridge PartnersKatherine & Rahul on Acquiring Minds: Why Choose Ownership Over Being a CEOWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

You're trying to win government contracts, but you're flying blind. You don't know which agencies buy what you sell, where they're buying, or who's winning the work you could be doing. The federal government spends $500+ billion annually. They're already buying what you sell—you just need to know where to look. In this episode, I'll show you the exact 5 research tools I've used for 40+ years to identify high-probability government customers—the same process that's helped small businesses win millions in federal contracts. You'll Learn: • Which agencies are already buying what you sell How to see past contracts: who bought what, when, for how much The 5 most powerful (free) market research tools Why research beats networking as your first stepThe Bottom Line: When you know who your customers are and where they buy, you stop guessing and start winning.Next year, the government will spend $127 billion with small businesses. Will they spend it with you? Ready to stop guessing? Grab Writing Proposals for Government Contracts at winninggovernmentcontracts.com Questions: info@federalpcs.com

Send us a textWelcome back to Laundromat Resource! In today's episode, your favorite laundromat news anchor Jordan Berry brings you the latest updates from the world of laundromats. We'll dive into the current state of Alliance Laundry's stock after their recent IPO, and what it means for operators and investors everywhere. We'll explore how the recent government shutdown is shaking up small business lending, with specific data from the SBA on how many loans are getting held up across different states.Jordan Berry also covers the ongoing impact of ICE raids on laundromat businesses, and the aftermath of New Jersey's Department of Labor's crackdown, which led to thousands in back wages for workers. Plus, we'll highlight inspiring stories of community support — like a North Omaha laundromat offering free drying to neighbors in need — and share updates on the rapid expansion of laundry franchises such as Kathy Ireland Laundry and Tide.With big money and private equity making moves in the industry, and new investments focused on sustainability, Jordan Berry explores whether the laundromat business is headed for growth or decline. Finally, we get a timely reminder about dryer fire hazards and best safety practices after a laundromat fire in Pen Hills.Tune in for the freshest news, industry insights, and tips to help you run a safer, smarter, and more community-focused laundromat. If you've got a story to share, don't forget to reach out and get featured on Laundromat News Today!Show notes: https://www.laundromatresource.com/laundromat-news-november-14-2025/Don't miss out!Subscribe so you don't miss fresh episodes, exclusive stories, and all the links mentioned in today's show. Got some news to share about your laundromat? Hit reply, or send it in to news@laundromatresource.com – we love celebrating what you're up to!Connect With UsYouTubeInstagramFacebookLinkedInTwitterTikTok

Send us a textMore women are buying homes, building businesses, and managing household decisions, so why are we still being overlooked when it comes to HVAC, home maintenance, and major service decisions?In this episode, we're sitting down with Jillian Eberhard, co-owner of Aire Serv Heating and Air Conditioning of Glenbrook, who made a bold leap from 15+ years in corporate consulting to owning a business in one of the most male-dominated industries, HVAC.She shares the real story behind taking the risk, blowing through their SBA loan faster than expected, being underestimated on job sites, and why she's now building a home service business that treats women like smart, capable decision-makers (because we are!).04:52 Jillian Eberhard and Aire Serv11:12 Navigating Male-Dominated Spaces as a Woman14:36 Scaling the Business and Personal Growth20:19 Financial Lessons in Business Ownership22:29 The Realities of Starting a Business from Scratch30:06 Essential HVAC Maintenance TipsThis episode is your reminder that you don't need to know it all to start, you just have to start. And if you're a business owner… join us on November 20th for Money Talks “Scaling Smarter: End-of-Year Moves for Business Owners”. Click here to register for FREE and bring your questions! Follow & connect with Jillian Eberhard:WebsiteLinkedIn -Follow & connect with us! Website Facebook Page Facebook group Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Reddit Resources Have questions? Click this to check out our expert Q&A for tips from industry experts, tailored to help women address their most common financial concerns. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive financial tips delivered weekly here! Explore our free guides to help you on your financial journey

In this episode I sit down with Ben Kelly, a former Army intelligence officer who learned inside JP Morgan how real wealth is built and then applied that blueprint to small-business acquisitions. We break down using other people's money with SBA 7(a) loans, what lenders really underwrite, and why accounting firms trade at 1x revenue but can exit at 10 to 12x EBITDA in a rollup. Ben shares how AI increases margins without replacing CPA signatures, plus his own alternative cash-flow plays—from luxury assets and short-cycle supercar deals to semi-truck fleets with powerful tax write-offs. We finish with the hard truth most founders miss: build the foundation as fast as you build the portfolio, and anchor the whole thing to purpose and faith. About Ben KellyBen Kelly is a former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer turned entrepreneur and acquisition specialist. After transitioning from the military into JP Morgan's Private Bank, Ben discovered the strategy ultra-wealthy clients used to grow net worth: business acquisitions. Today, he runs a small business acquisition company focused on rolling up accounting firms to build a 9-figure exit. He also shares real-world insights through his newsletter Acquisition Ace and is launching Alternative Ace to spotlight passive-income strategies beyond Wall Street. Connect with Ben KellyWebsite: https://BenKelly.coInstagram: @BenKellyoneX / Twitter: @BenKellyone About Justin: After investing in real estate for over 18 years and almost 3000 deals done, Justin has created a business that generates 7 figures in active income through wholesaling and fix and flipping as well as accumulating millions of dollars of rental properties including 5 apartment buildings, 50+ single family homes, and 1 storage facility Justins longevity in real estate is due to his ability to look around the corners, adapt to changing markets, perfecting Raising private capital, and focusing on lead generation which allows him to not just wholesale and fix & flip, but also accumulate wealth through long term holds. His success in real estate led him to start The Entrepreneur DNA podcast and The Science Of Flipping podcast and education company, and REI LIVE where he's actively doing deals with members. He has coached and mentored thousands of aspiring and active investors over the last decade. Connect with Justin: Instagram: @thejustincolby YouTube: Justin Colby TikTok: @justincolbytsof LinkedIn: Justin Colby Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week marks the finale of The Art of SBA Lending podcast, and Ray Drew brings it home by reuniting with his original mentors and colleagues from the era that shaped his career: the Mercantile Capital team. Listen as they reminisce about the "good old days" of 2011–2013, an era defined by reinventing business after the 2008 crash. The panel discusses how Mercantile Capital was built around the niche business of 504 interim lending (an industry they essentially invented). They recall the unique office culture, characterized by healthy competition, daily in-person mentoring sessions, frequent celebration of birthdays, and bizarre marketing tactics (shiny envelopes and stress-ball brains). The alumni highlight the competitive, yet collaborative, environment where young talent was actively taught the business. The episode features hilarious and nostalgic stories, including the infamous "Find My iPhone" conference incident involving a police car and a hungover apartment owner. Tony shares lessons learned from the creative ways he structured deals, while Carolyn explains how she fell in love with SBA lending by serving small business owners.

In this episode, I'm joined by Jordan Coleman, loan officer at Live Oak Bank - one of the few banks that truly understands property management. We break down how SBA loans can unlock 100% financing for acquisitions, the hidden pitfalls in seller notes, and what lenders really look for in both buyers and sellers. Jordan also shares practical tips for navigating SBA terms, structuring clawbacks, and avoiding red flags (like client concentration risk). We even cover how to refinance a seller note and why time kills deals more often than you think. If you're considering buying, selling, or just want to understand your options, this episode is packed with insight.Timecodes: (00:00:00) - Intro(00:01:39) - Meet Jordan Coleman from Live Oak Bank(00:01:53) - Understanding Live Oak Bank's unique offerings(00:02:15) - Jordan Coleman's background and role(00:03:21) - Live Oak Bank's industry focus(00:04:45) - Live Oak Bank's property management focus(00:05:55) - Importance of SBA loans and preferred lenders(00:07:22) - Qualifying for an SBA loan(00:08:47) - Live Oak Bank's loan products for property management(00:11:05) - Analyzing buyers and sellers for acquisitions(00:18:37) - Sponsor: PropertyManagement.com(00:20:31) - Loan terms, interest rates, and closing process(00:28:44) - Understanding SBA loan trade-offs(00:29:23) - Pros and cons of SBA loans(00:31:38) - Importance of clawback clauses(00:34:13) - Sponsor: AppFolio(00:35:50) - Navigating SBA lenders(00:38:57) - Pre-qualified buyers and sellers(00:46:23) - Refinancing seller notes(00:48:38) - Horror stories and lessons learned(00:53:44) - Building relationships with lenders(00:54:53) - Conclusion and final thoughtsLearn more and connect with Jordan here: Jordan on LinkedInLive Oak BankLearn more & connect with me here:⁠⁠⁠Crane⁠⁠⁠, the private community for property management business owners.⁠⁠⁠My Free PM Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RL Property Management⁠⁠⁠ 

In this episode of Business Lunch(Snack Time): This conversation delves into the significant impact of the federal shutdown on small business financing, particularly focusing on the halt of SBA loans. It explores the resulting liquidity shock, the opportunities it presents for buyers, and the alternative financing strategies that can be employed during this period. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of preparation for sellers and outlines a rapid 10-day strategy for buyers to navigate the current market dynamics effectively.TakeawaysThe federal shutdown has halted SBA loans, impacting small business transactions.A liquidity shock creates temporary opportunities for buyers.Waiting for the SBA to reopen may lead to missed opportunities.Sellers should be flexible and ready to negotiate terms for certainty.Alternative financing options include seller financing and CVRs.Buyers need to prepare a clean deal package to be competitive post-shutdown.The urgency to act now is critical to avoid chaos when the SBA reopens.Understanding geographical concentrations of SBA loan blockages can inform strategy.A proactive approach is essential for both buyers and sellers in this market.The negotiation strategy should align incentives between buyers and sellers.Chapters00:00 Impact of Federal Shutdown on Small Business Transactions04:30 Navigating the Liquidity Shock: Opportunities for Buyers07:27 Alternative Financing Strategies During the Shutdown10:32 Preparing Sellers for a Quick Exit13:38 Aggressive Strategies for Buyers in a Tight Market16:13 snackable introI'm Retiringhttps://epicnetwork.com/epic-retirement-program-vault/Connect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube

Welcome back to The Lending Brief, brought to you by the GovNavigators and sponsored by Allocore. The Lending Brief shares stories of innovation, challenge, and impact in federal lending.In this episode, Allocore Managing Director Ben Wallace joins to discuss how government lending programs can finally catch up to the scale and speed of modern finance. Throughout our conversation, Ben breaks down what it really takes to modernize loan origination and servicing across agencies like SBA, USDA, DOE, and VA. He shares insights from decades of federal financial-system reform, lessons from recent platform integrations, and the steps needed to make lending both efficient and equitable.Want more from The Lending Brief? Check out The Lending Brief Newsletter

In this episode, Eric Coffie delivers a wake-up call to small business owners chasing government contracts but skipping the rooms that create them. He lays out proof: multimillion-dollar contractors, agency insiders, and program directors from NASA, DOD, SBA, and the Department of State have all shown up to help—yet most small businesses never do. Eric breaks down how relationships with lawyers, accountants, and service providers can open doors to major opportunities and why showing up is still the most underrated growth strategy in GovCon. Key Takeaways: Stop waiting for access—you're being invited and not showing up. Relationships with service providers = insider introductions. The real ROI is in the room, not in the replay. Join the Bootcamp: https://govcongiants.org/bootcamp Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/  Listen to the FULL Youtube Live here: https://youtube.com/live/CSj43yA6vcI  All the video links discussed. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zEcjpP-CcDTdVggNyY1qsJUGECZNGZeW9luftdAS39U/edit?usp=sharing

Is now the right time to start on that construction project, given the recent rate cuts? The guys dive into the current lending environment with guests from Live Oak Bank, discussing how SBA loans can be the gateway to expanding your business in today's market. Plus, learn how SBA loans can provide benefits where traditional loans may fall short.   LINKS Live Oak Bank Podcast Video cainwatters.com Submit a Question Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're featuring a conversation with Navy Veteran David Boone, a retired Rear Admiral and President and CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council or SDMAC. SDMAC is a nonprofit that advocates on behalf of the service members, veterans, and their families in the greater San Diego region. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestSan Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) President and CEO David Boone is the CEO of SDMAC (sdmac.org) which is a nonprofit that advocates, informs and connects the San Diego military with the community, industry and civic leaders. Previously, he provided consulting services for a wide portfolio of clients in the engineering and construction industry. He was the Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer for Michael Baker International responsible for both public and private sector development in the consultant and engineering industry from highway and bridges to water, construction services and planning. Prior to that, he was President of CB&I Federal Services and its successor organization, APTIM Government Services. He joined the CB&I team in December 2013 following a 30 year career in the Navy. He began in Strategic Development, and Business Development then promoted to Chief Operating Officer and then President in the Federal sector of Engineering and Construction, Environmental Services, Energy and Base Operating Services.Mr. Boone retired from the US Navy in 2013 as a Navy Civil Engineer Corps Rear Admiral. His last active duty assignment was the Director of Shore Readiness where he was responsible for overseeing facilities and energy funding and policy for 70 bases worldwide – a $9 billion annual budget. His tours as Commanding Officer included Underwater Construction TEAM ONE (Seabees), NAVFAC MARIANAS (Guam), and NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic.Raised in Yokohama, Japan, high school in Oregon, Mr. Boone first attended the University of Oregon and the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology. He then transferred and graduated from Cal Poly SLO in Civil Engineering with Masters degrees in Coastal Engineering and Construction Management from the University of California, Berkeley. He is a registered professional engineer (Virginia and Florida). He was a Navy contracting officer, a Navy Diver, and maintains a TOP SECRET security classification. He received numerous personal Navy awards, including the Nippon Zenkokai Award from the Office of the Prime Minister of Japan. He is currently a member of the Industry Leaders Council with ASCE Industry Leaders Council | ASCE.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeSan Diego Military Advisory CouncilSan Diego Emergency Action GroupPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Seeking Support. Transitioning from military service can evoke strong emotions. PsychArmor Institute's “Seeking Support” offers service members the tools and resources needed to seek support during and after military transition and into civilian life.   You can find a link to the resource our show notes https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/Seeking-Support   You can find the resource here:  https://psycharmor.org/podcast/chris-jachemic Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Small business owners need fast access to capital, with fair rates.  That's the reality that Lukas Haffer, chief executive of AI-native loan origination provider Casca, tells FinAi News on this episode of “The Buzz” podcast. For small business owners, the “No. 1 problem is access to capital,” he says. The time it takes to close a Small Business Administration loan, one guaranteed by the SBA, is 90 days, Haffer says. No one has time for that, he says. And this is where AI and a streamlined experience come in. Manual procedures in the lending process, including document collection, analysis and communication, can be streamlined with AI, he says. In fact, Casca is working with financial institutions to do just that. For example, when a client sends an email, creating a response that includes personalized messaging, previous correspondents, and necessary information, it can take 20 to 25 minutes, Haffer says. With Casca, that message can be created in 63 seconds. Casca, founded in 2023, continues to grow. Its most recent fundraise consisted of $29 million in a series A round, bringing total funding to $33 million, according to the company. The round was led by Canapi Ventures. Live Oak Bank, Huntington National Bank and Bankwell Bank also participated. Listen to “The Buzz” as Haffer discusses the opportunity for AI in small business lending and where Casca plans to expand its business. 

After chafing under the constraints of being a CEO, Katherine Butler-Dines & Rahul Desai bought a business of their own.Register for the webinar:Financing Your Deal: SBA vs. Non-SBA - Nov 13th - https://bit.ly/47OQpUATopics in Katherine and Rahul's interview:Katherine's early CEO experienceBoard conflicts pushed her toward majority ownershipAcquiring without a traditional bank loanConvincing the seller to do a seller notePaying the seller note with float from advance bookingsRahul built custom software to increase marginsSearching nights and weekends while at their W-2sAffordability of living in the midwestVision of acquiring and integrating more travel businessesLearning to delegate and enjoying free timeReferences and how to contact Katherine and Rahul:Katherine's LinkedInRahul's LinkedInAffinity Travel Co.Shell Zhang on Acquiring Minds: Buying a Not Boring Business with $600k SDEJared Benoff on Acquiring Minds: Why Buy a Travel Agency (Because They Can Crush It)Get complimentary due diligence on your acquisition's insurance & benefits program:Oberle Risk Strategies - Search Fund TeamWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

Thomas English talks with a guest from the U.S. Small Business Administration to talk about disaster loans and individual assistance residents can receive. The guest is Raenada Mason, a public information officer in the SBA's Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience. In this program she discusses the disaster loans that the SBA provides and details the interest rates and monetary amounts available. She also discusses eligible property, loan requirements as well as refinancing and funding mitigation.  

The WOSB Program should deliver value to WOSBs… but it does not.This is not my opinion, it is a fact based on awarded contracts.And this isn't a complaint, it's a recognition driving me to train WOSBs how to have success despite the certification.In this training, you'll learn:• The facts about the WOSB program• How the SBA gaslights WOSBs• What to do to win contracts as a woman-owned small business___________________________________

In this episode of Acquisitions Anonymous, the hosts dig into a $4.4 M e‑commerce business in the diabetes sensor accessory space and debate whether its 41% net margin, Australian base, and licensing opportunity make it a smart buy—or a risky startup in disguise.Business Listing – https://websiteproperties.com/websites/13755-sticking-with-success-great-business-opportunity-in-the-growing-diabetes-market/Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them.

In this episode of Acquisitions Anonymous, the hosts dig into a $4.4 M e‑commerce business in the diabetes sensor accessory space and debate whether its 41% net margin, Australian base, and licensing opportunity make it a smart buy—or a risky startup in disguise.Business Listing – https://websiteproperties.com/websites/13755-sticking-with-success-great-business-opportunity-in-the-growing-diabetes-market/Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them.

In this episode, the host interviews Kelcey Lehrich, founder of 365 Holdings and co-founder of the HoldCo Conference. Kelcey shares her journey from traditional business to e-commerce, the growth of 365 Holdings, and the challenges of acquiring and integrating multiple brands. He discusses the purpose of the Holdco Conference for multi-business entrepreneurs, strategies for stable acquisitions, and the realities of shared services. The episode offers practical advice on self-awareness, focusing on key business levers, and learning from experience in scaling and managing holding companies.Chapters:Introduction to Kelcey Lehrich and Holdco Conference (00:00:00)Kelsey introduces himself and explains the origin and purpose of the Holdco Conference for multi-business entrepreneurs.Kelcey's Journey into E-commerce and 365 Holdings (00:02:22)Kelcey shares how he and his partner entered e-commerce, acquired their first businesses, and built 365 Holdings.365 Holdings' Structure and Focus (00:03:30)Discussion of 365 Holdings' current scale, vertical integration, and future focus on food, baby, and consumable brands.Growth Strategies: Product Launches and Acquisitions (00:04:28)Comparison of launching new products versus acquiring businesses, and the importance of consistent experimentation.What to Avoid When Acquiring Businesses (00:05:52)Kelcey outlines lessons learned and what to avoid when evaluating acquisition opportunities.365 Holdings' Core Strengths and Incremental Improvements (00:07:04)Exploration of the company's strengths, vertical integration, and focus on small, compounding operational improvements.The Reality of Shared Services in a Holdco (00:09:54)Kelcey discusses the challenges and realities of sharing services across multiple brands in a holding company.Three Actionable Takeaways for Entrepreneurs (00:11:44)Host summarizes three key lessons: self-awareness, vision and action, and learning through experience in M&A.Kelcey's Book Recommendation (00:14:03)Kelcey recommends "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" by Ben Horowitz for entrepreneurs managing growing teams.Favorite Productivity Tool (00:14:40)Kelcey shares Superhuman as his favorite email productivity tool.Influential Figures in E-commerce (00:15:25)Kelcey discusses the many people who have influenced him, mentioning Gary Vee, Roland Frazier, and others.How to Connect with Kelcey and Learn More (00:16:59)Kelcey provides ways to connect with him and learn more about Holdco Conference and 365 Holdings.Links and Mentions:Tools and ResourcesSuperhumanWebsitesHoldco Conference365 HoldingsBooksThe Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz on AmazonInfluential FiguresGary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee)Roland FrasierTranscript:Josh 00:00:00  Today I'm super excited to introduce you to Kelcey Lehrich. Welcome to the podcast, Kelcey.Kelcey 00:00:05  Thank you for having me. Great to be here.Josh 00:00:06  Kelcey I attended Holdco conference. You did a fantastic job. That was your first ever Holdco conference. Tell our guests a little bit more about this Holdco conference, because I think it's really unique. And you're kind of one of the first to kind of come up with this type of holding company conference.Kelcey 00:00:24  Yeah. So I appreciate your kind words and glad you could come. And we'll see you there next year. date's coming soon. so I have a friend in town named John Wilson. you can find him on the internet. He's pretty public. he and I met, and we both have, 50 to 100 employees, multiple tens of millions of revenue, and we have multiple businesses. And we knew a few other people that had similar circumstances. And there really was no event, no conference, no, kind of home base or hangout place for people like us.Kelcey 00:00:56  And one day I'm like, hey, like, why don't we go ahead and we'll host the party. and so John and I partnered on that project, and, from January, when it was kind of hatched with the tweet to July, it was a bit of a wild ride, but it was a lot of fun. We're really proud of the first year. And, yeah, it's meant to be the place that multi business entrepreneurs called the holding company, meet, learn, scale and grow. But the kind of niche there is that if you're in software and you're venture backed, there's a conference for you. If you are in real estate, there's a conference for you. If you are in insert any industry, sales, metal stamping, mobile home parks, whatever it is, there's a conference for you. If you're a Holdco entrepreneur, there really wasn't a place to call your own. And our vision for Holdco is to be kind of that home base for people like us.Josh 00:01:43  Yeah, I love that.Josh 00:01:44  I love what you guys have started there. And I think we'll dive into that a little bit in more detail later in this podcast. But Kelcey, you've got a vast experience in e-commerce. Obviously you have a holding company that has multiple brands. You've acquired multiple e-commerce brands, you've grown them, you've scaled them. So you have a wealth of knowledge. And for our listeners that have established businesses, they're looking to take things to the next level. I think they're going to be able to learn a lot from you. So why don't we rewind the tapes a little bit? Kelcey? And why don't you tell us a little bit about how you got into the e-commerce world to begin with, and then what led to the formation of 365 holdings?Kelcey 00:02:22  So six years ago, my partner and I, his name is Justin. I'm kind of the ideas guy, and he's kind of the executor. She's familiar with iOS. I've got the kind of visionary CEO role and he's kind of the integrator or CFO, and he and I have worked there for a long time.Kelcey 00:02:37  And prior to e-commerce, it was kind of like, the same idea. However, instead of ideas and strategy and like execution, it was like I was the sales guy and he was like the ops guy and all of our prior businesses, but we weren't online. We've never, never run ads, never shipped products. But we had sold a business for just enough money to make a down payment on an SBA loan. We had sold a business for $100,000, which was a lot of money. We did not hold any of it aside for taxes. We put all 100 grand down on the $900,000 loan to buy the million dollar first business. That was how we got started. 60 days later, we drained the checking account and maxed out the line of credit and bought another one. And thus begins the compounding. So, Yeah, six years ago. by by two that that, spring and summer, we had always had a vision of back to the old topic, wanting to run many businesses. We wanted to have diversity.Kelcey 00:03:30  I guess that's like, hey, what if you focused? What if you just did one thing? Could it be bigger? And my answer is like, I don't know, probably. But this is the business I want to have. I want to do many things. one of the things financially from a diversification perspective. two, I think it's fun. It's like what I want. So like, yes, this is what I'm doing. I'm sure it's like slightly less optimal than, I don't know. but six years have elapsed and today we've got 80 some employees. Six brands. we're in Akron, Ohio, and heavily vertically integrated. So we do in-house customer service, in-house ...

Jonathan Greene sits down with self-storage investor and operator Joe Downs, CEO of Bellrose Storage Group, which sources, acquires, and manages self-storage facilities across the East and Southeast. With a background in commercial real estate, capital raising, and distressed second mortgages, Joe explains how he pivoted into self-storage after discovering just how mom-and-pop dominated and under-optimized the space really was. Their conversation explores why self-storage is still far from "too late," how technology and remote management have transformed operations, and why small, overlooked facilities under 30,000 square feet can be a goldmine for investors willing to modernize them. Joe also breaks down creative plays like boat and RV storage, industrial outdoor storage, and converting large vacant retail boxes into multi-revenue storage campuses. Listeners will come away with a grounded understanding of why self-storage is such a powerful niche, what to look for in a mom-and-pop facility, and how to avoid overpaying by underwriting expenses correctly. Joe and Jonathan also discuss the importance of relationships and "caretaker" mentality with long-time owners, the role of SBA loans, and how to keep shiny object syndrome in check while still recognizing adjacent opportunities. In this episode, you will hear: How Joe went from distressed debt and 1031 capital raising to building a self-storage platform Why self-storage is still largely mom-and-pop owned and what that means for opportunity How technology, remote management, and autopay have transformed facility operations What to look for in a first small storage acquisition and how to approach owners as a "caretaker" The importance of underwriting real expenses (marketing, tech, management) so you don't overpay Creative self-storage derivatives, including boat and RV storage, IOS, and big-box retail conversions Follow and Review If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth.   Supporting Resources Connect with Joe Downs: Website: https://belrosegrp.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belrosestoragegroup Twitter: @downsjoe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-downs-7990851/ Connect with Jonathan: Website - www.streamlined.properties  YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos  Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene  Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties    Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinen​j Bigger Pockets -  www.biggerpockets.com/users/jonathangreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties  Email - info@streamlined.properties    This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.   

Today's podcast features the second part of a recent webinar produced on September 24, 2025, titled: "A New Era for Banking: What President Trump's Debanking Executive Order and Related State Laws Mean for Financial Institutions, Government, and Banking Customers." In Part 2, we discuss the following topics: 1.               What are the areas of uncertainty with respect to the Executive Order, including:  ·                 Defining an "unlawful business" or "religion and why those definitions are important.   ·                 What regulator or regulators will issue regulations or other guidance? 2.               What is the role of the Small Business Administration ("SBA") 3.               Intersection with AML/BSA 4.               Intersection with state debanking statutes and experience of the states 5.               Pending Federal legislation 6.               What should financial institutions be doing now to prepare for regulator review? 7.               Is the Executive Order good or bad policy? 8.               Is there a proven need for the Executive Order?  Is there any empirical evidence of need based on complaints submitted to states with debanking statutes, SBA or other federal banking prudential regulators or is it all anecdotal? Our presenters, who hold diverse views on the wisdom of the Executive Order, are: ·        Jason Mikula Founder and Publisher, Fintech Business Weekly Jason Mikula is an independent fintech and banking advisor, consultant, and investor. He also publishes Fintech Business Weekly, a newsletter analyzing trends in banking and fintech. He opposes the Executive Order. ·        Brian Knight Senior Counsel, Corporate Engagement, Alliance Defending Freedom Brian Knight serves as Senior Counsel on the Corporate Engagement Team at Alliance Defending Freedom. His work focuses on issues of financial access, debanking, and preventing the politicization of financial services. He opposes the Executive Order. ·        Todd Phillips Assistant Professor of Law, J. Mack Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University Todd Phillips is an assistant professor of law at Georgia State University. His areas of expertise include bank capital and prudential regulation, deposit insurance, and the laws governing federal regulators. He opposes the Executive Order. ·        Will Hild Executive Director, Consumers' Research Will Hild is the Executive Director of Consumers' Research, the nation's oldest consumer protection organization. He has led efforts to combat ESG and what he considers "woke capitalism," including launching the Consumers First campaign. He supports the Executive Order. ·        Graham Steele Assistant Secretary for Financial Institutions, U.S. Department of the Treasury Graham Steele serves as the Assistant Secretary for Financial Institutions at the U.S. Department of the Treasury. He is an expert on financial regulation and financial institutions, with over a decade of experience working at the highest levels of law and policy in Washington, D.C. He opposes the Executive Order. Alan Kaplinsky, the founder and first practice group leader and now Senior Counsel of the Consumer Financial Services Group at our firm, moderated the webinar. We released Part 1of this webinar on October 30, 2025

We're kicking off a new series on the AmiSights Podcast — The Rundown, where we break down the stories making waves in small business, SBA lending, and entrepreneurship. When big news breaks, The Rundown delivers.In these special episodes, Ami Kassar and Lynn Ozer share timely insights on what's happening in the world of small business lending—and why it matters to you.In this first installment, Ami Kassar and Lynn Ozer share real-time insights from the NAGGL Annual Conference — set against the backdrop of a government shutdown that's sending ripple effects across the lending industry.What happens when Washington stops? For many small businesses, it means stalled approvals, frozen funding, and uncertainty about the future. Ami and Lynn discuss how shutdowns disrupt SBA operations, what lenders are experiencing on the ground, and why collaboration within the industry matters more than ever during uncertain times.“We live as part of an ecosystem that runs on the SBA,” says Ami Kassar. “It's a reminder of the far-reaching implications of this program — and how we all make our living by supporting and helping borrowers through it.”The main topics of today's episode include:Government shutdowns create ripple effects throughout the lending ecosystem.SBA lenders face stalled deals and client uncertainty during shutdown periods.Conferences like NAGGL play a vital role in maintaining connection and clarity amid disruption.Staying informed — and united — helps the industry adapt when Washington goes quiet.Recorded on 11/3/2025

Both buyer Jared Lenner and seller Dave Serwitz share their perspectives on the acquisition of a 20-year-old business.Register for the webinars: Investor-Backed Search and SBA: Buy Bigger, Keep Control - TOMORROW! - https://bit.ly/4qABMgnOvercoming Risks from a Lender's Perspective - Thu Nov 6th - https://bit.ly/4qDoJdVTopics in Jared & Dave's interview:Jared buying Dave's tutoring businessDave's motivation to sellChoosing to work with Search Fund AcceleratorTheir agreement to “assume positive intent”Why Dave didn't sell to private equityHow the in-person business survived CovidBookkeeper quit right after transition“Other people's money is scarier than a PG”Competing with AI in the futureHow it feels to sell your companyReferences and how to contact Jared & Dave:Dave Serwitz LinkedInJared Lenner LinkedInGrade Potential TutoringMarc Anderegg on Acquiring Minds: So Much Fun: The Buyer of Choice in a Fragmented IndustryGet a free review of your books & financial ops from System Six (a $500 value):Book a call with Tim or hello@systemsix.com and mention Acquiring MindsDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

What does it take to finance a business transition or acquisition? In this episode, Laurie Barkman sits down with David Miller, Executive Vice President at Enterprise Bank, to demystify lending for business owners — from SBA loans to insider buyouts. David shares how banks assess deals, why management continuity matters most, and how entrepreneurs can become "bankable" when it's time to grow or exit.

In this episode the hosts dissect a two‑location Virginia car wash business listed at $10.999 M with ~$940K cash flow and debate whether it's a real estate play or a tough operating bet.Business Listing – https://www.empirebusiness.com/business-opportunity/10056/2-car-wash-locations-in-virginia-579956/Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them.

Yesterday, I did a video as part one on this subject. Here is the link to that video.   https://youtu.be/bHAMpMlY_jo?si=28uHN0XrwjR6aqmC    This podcast is part two. The subject is that important and warrants more information for you.   The US government shutdown is affecting a lot, and banking is in that category.    How is the shutdown affecting business acquisition and SBA loans?   That is the subject of this week's video and podcast, and I point out the hidden opportunity that exists.    To Your Success,   Bruce Whipple brucewhipple.com   p.s. - Here is the seller finance course I mentioned.  Https://go.brucewhipple.com/sellerfinance 

The Small Business Administration acted in record time to suspend ATI Government Solutions from federal contracting. SBA made the decision the day after a video emerged from the O'Keefe Media Group, a right wing activist organization, showing that an official from ATI admitted to defrauding the SBA is eight a program for more on the broader implications of the ATI suspension. Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins us now to discuss.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shaun Stimpson had worked for two decades before pivoting to buying businesses in a different industry. He's moved fast.Register for the webinar: Tax Issues: Entity and Deal Structuring - TODAY! - http://bit.ly/47CVZuiTopics in Shaun's interview:Staying in corporate was the riskier choiceCalling 1200 businesses during his searchGoing back to school to learn more about acquisitionAcquiring with his partner, Robert WolfRaising $6m from outside investorsLeaning on his professional networkChoosing his investors carefullyAcquiring in his mid-40'sLong-term hold strategyAcquiring 3 businesses in successionReferences and how to contact Shaun:LinkedInMitten FluidpowerFLN-MARFrank Murken ProductsWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryGet a complimentary IT audit of your target business:Email Nick Akers at nick@inzotechnologies.com, and tell him you're a searcherDownload the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

This week on The Art of SBA Lending, we sit down with Live Oak Bank CEO and founder, Chip Mahan, to discuss the revolutionary ideas that transformed the SBA landscape. Chip Mahan, who started the bank in 2008, disrupted the existing SBA playbook by focusing on nationwide industry vertical lending. Chip details the bank's founding during the 2008 financial crisis , when he was told by the FDIC to liquidate the bank. He reveals the unique philosophy that led to the bank becoming a top SBA lender, including: rejecting the traditional commission-based compensation model to properly align interests , developing a "theory of verticality" by targeting specialized industries like veterinarians and chicken farmers , and using data from the Freedom of Information Act to determine which industries pay back their loans. He argues that a floating rate 7(a) loan is the "best asset that anybody can put on any bank's books." The episode also covers the bank's commitment to technology, the importance of perfecting the "handoff" between the lender, underwriter, closer, and servicer , and the future of banking in the age of Artificial Intelligence. Chip explains how AI will dramatically affect determining SBA loan eligibility and create an "automatic credit memo".

Welcome to The Lending Brief, a brand new show brought to you by the GovNavigators and sponsored by Allocore. The Lending Brief shares stories of innovation, challenge, and impact in federal lending.Our first guest is Doug Criscitello, former CFO at HUD and SBA, and now a fellow at Arnold Ventures. Doug unpacks how the federal government quietly became one of the world's largest lenders, and why the volume of loans has exploded since the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-era Paycheck Protection Program.He explains how shrinking workforces and rising demand are forcing agencies to modernize through automation, analytics, and AI, not just to process loans faster, but to strengthen risk controls and inform policy decisions in real time. Doug also makes the case for a “Federal Credit Intelligence Hub,” a centralized data platform that could track performance, detect fraud, and guide smarter policy across agencies.Want more from The Lending Brief? Check out The Lending Brief Newsletter

Vincent Vallelong, President of the Sergeant's Benevolent Association, joins Sid live in-studio to discuss his history with the show and his opinions on current political endorsements and public safety in New York City. Vallelong explains why the SBA has not endorsed a candidate in the upcoming mayoral election, stating the decision is based on member consensus and a focus on public safety. He expresses dissatisfaction with the current candidates, particularly criticizing one for dishonesty and ideological issues. The conversation also touches on the impact of bail reform, the importance of remembering September 11, and the future of the NYPD and public safety under different potential administrations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, in episode 268, Jay Goltz, Lena McGuire, and Liz Picarazzi discuss a common concern: When does it make sense to buy a building for your business? Under the right circumstances—say, with an SBA loan, a good location, and a little luck—the real estate could end up being worth more than the business itself. But what if the business is just getting started? Or what if the owner is nearing retirement age and may not be around to reap decades of appreciation? Is buying the business still a good idea? Meanwhile, Liz and Lena also compare notes on their ever-evolving tariff challenges. One thing Lena has observed is that some owners in her industry have just had it. They don't want to deal with the uncertainty, and they're just packing it in: “We're going to see who survives all this,” she says, “and I want to be a survivor.” Plus: Liz has her first “aha” moment with an AI tool her team built, one that's already helping convert sales.

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're featuring a conversation with Army Combat Veteran Jaymes Poling and Modern Warrior LIVE — a powerful blend of personal storytelling and music that explores the emotional weight of war and the journey toward healing.Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestJaymes Poling is a former infantry leader in the 82nd Airborne Division who served three years in Afghanistan. After coming home, he turned to writing to make sense of his experience, which led to the creation of Modern Warrior LIVE — a powerful blend of personal storytelling and music that explores the emotional weight of war and the journey toward healing.He's since become a speaker and mental health advocate, working with veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors across the country. Through hundreds of engagements nationwide, Jaymes brings a raw, honest voice to conversations about leadership, community, and post-traumatic growth. Links Mentioned During the EpisodeModern Warrior Live Web SitePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Supporting Someone with Invisible Wounds. Not all wounds can be seen, and invisible wounds are just as serious as visible ones. This course introduces the four main types of invisible wounds - Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Substance Use Disorder, and Depression.   You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/supporting-someone-with-invisible-wounds    Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Kelly Loeffler, the administrator of the SBA, joins the program to talk about a wide range of things. Plus, decades of anti-Christian views being mainstreamed in democrat politics have finally caught up to them.

When COVID hit, EIDL loans provided a lifeline for countless small businesses. But now that those loans are coming due—often after a business has already folded—the looming threat of EIDL collection is causing massive stress. If you're receiving those nagging monthly statements, terrifying letters from the Treasury Department, or simply lying awake wondering what the SBA is going to do next, you need to hear this. In this essential episode, attorney Barry Levine joins us to reveal the SBA's actual (and often surprisingly sluggish) collection pattern, what happens when your business goes defunct, and most importantly, the strategic solutions available to protect your personal assets and finally put an end to the anxiety. Don't panic—get prepared. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://getfundablepodcast.com

On today's show we are talking about how to interact with a lender. If you're in the game of real estate, chances are you've borrowed money. Lenders come in all shapes and sizes from the traditional community and regional banks, to the larger agency debt like Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, to the government sponsored loans from HUD or SBA. There are then numerous private options including debt funds, CMBS loans, preferred equity, CPACE  and mezzanine lenders. They all have one thing in common. They will go through an underwriting process that requires you to provide documentation about the borrower, the guarantor if it's a recourse loan and the property. Those requirements will be listed generally on a term sheet, and then perhaps later in the process in a commitment letter, or a closing checklist.On today's show I'm going to share what we believe are best practices, or at least I'm going to share how we manage this process in our development company. ------------**Real Estate Espresso Podcast:** Spotify: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/3GvtwRmTq4r3es8cbw8jW0?si=c75ea506a6694ef1)   iTunes: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-real-estate-espresso-podcast/id1340482613)   Website: [www.victorjm.com](http://www.victorjm.com)   LinkedIn: [Victor Menasce](http://www.linkedin.com/in/vmenasce)   YouTube: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](http://www.youtube.com/@victorjmenasce6734)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/realestateespresso](http://www.facebook.com/realestateespresso)   Email: [podcast@victorjm.com](mailto:podcast@victorjm.com)  **Y Street Capital:** Website: [www.ystreetcapital.com](http://www.ystreetcapital.com)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital](https://www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital)   Instagram: [@ystreetcapital](http://www.instagram.com/ystreetcapital)  

Text us a pool question!In this episode, host Rudy Stankowitz gets into two powerful topics shaping the pool industry right now.First, we take a hard look at the federal government shutdown and how it's creating ripple effects across small service-based businesses — including pool service companies. From stalled SBA loans and federal contract delays to the trickle-down impact on cash flow and customer payments, Rudy explains how this period of economic uncertainty requires adaptability and strong communication.Then, the conversation shifts to something much more uplifting — the 2025 Swimming Pool Industry Mentor of the Year recognition. Rudy celebrates the top ten mentors who have made waves through leadership, innovation, and community support. Together, they discuss mentorship, technology in pool service, pool chemistry innovations, safety, and the challenges of running a modern pool business.Hear from the industry's best — Greg Beard, Laci Davis, Shannon Wilson, Maddy Vandiver, Que Hales, Tim Bolden, John Poma, Rich Gallo, Ron Deloux, and Kevin Post — as they share hard-earned wisdom and inspiring stories from the deep end.

In this episode, Gresh shares the evolution of his franchise‑building process, noting that it took roughly a year to clarify his target market and strategy. Initially, he aimed at individuals who had been laid off, but he soon realized the more lucrative audience comprises employed professionals who are silently considering additional revenue streams. He explains the financing paradox: without a steady job, securing SBA loans is tough, yet a layoff eliminates the income needed to fund a new business. Consequently, he refines his outreach to those on the brink of layoffs or actively seeking semi‑passive franchise opportunities that can coexist with a full‑time job or another venture. After a brief dip in momentum over the past three months, he recommits to a new pivot, emphasizing daily progress, continual prospecting, and creativity in securing funding.  Blue Star Franchise: bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: bluestarfranchise.com/franchise Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: bluestarfranchise.com/assessment Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - franchiseceo.co Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE.  I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

Get MORE JackQuisitions HEREShould you stay sector-agnostic in ETA (entrepreneurship through acquisition) or plant a flag with a clear buy box brokers, CPAs, and attorneys can remember? After a month sidelined by a home flood, searcher Chris Barr returns to his acquisition entrepreneurship journey—refining a small-business acquisition thesis around B2B services, GovCon janitorial contracts, and Florida/Palm Beach deal sourcing. We dig into search fund tactics, on-market and off-market pipelines, broker outreach, list scraping, AI-assisted follow-ups, and how to position for SBA 7(a) financing, LOIs, diligence, and close.From tier-1 vs. tier-2/3 service models to residential vs. commercial focus, Jack and Chris get tactical about building a repeatable deal flow engine in a tight geo, crafting a memorable buy box (ticket size, customer type, contract length), and using light automation without sounding like spam. If you're refining your acquisition criteria—B2B/government contracting, janitorial cleaning services, niche add-ons (e.g., AeroSeal), high-margin home services, or local trades—this episode hits playbooks for valuation, negotiation, seasonality, staffing, and lender selection so you can source better deals, faster.

Ruchik Gandhi was a diligence CPA when he decided to get in the game himself. Becoming an owner has been an education.Topics in Ruchik's interview:India > Australia > US immigrationDiscovery of the wonders of multiple arbitrageReceiving the deal from another searcherPaying a $20k finder's feeBuying a fabrics and upholstery workroomLearning how to manage a blue-collar workforceMishandling employee relationshipsTaking feedback from his managersEarning the employees' trustHis plan for growth in a fragmented industryReferences and how to contact Ruchik:LinkedInWindow 25Download the New CEO's Guide to Human Resources from Aspen HR:From this page or contact mark@aspenhr.comWork with an SBA loan team focused exclusively on helping entrepreneurs buy businesses:Pioneer Capital AdvisoryLearn more about Walker Deibel's done-with-you buy-side advisory:The Acquisition LabConnect with Acquiring Minds:See past + future interviews on the YouTube channelConnect with host Will Smith on LinkedInFollow Will on TwitterEdited by Anton RohozovProduced by Pam Cameron

Zack Folk is a Business Development Officer at the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (STL Partnership), where he connects businesses with capital solutions that drive job creation and investment across the region. Since joining STL Partnership in 2016, he has held roles in both business development and finance, including Credit Analyst, before moving into his current position in 2020. Zack specializes in marketing and managing economic development finance programs such as the SBA 504 loan and local and federal revolving loan funds. He works directly with business owners and lending partners to guide applications, structure loans, and minimize risk—helping businesses improve cash flow, purchase real estate, refinance debt, or acquire equipment. With a BA in Economics, Political Science, and International Studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an MBA in Economics from Saint Louis University, Zack also connects clients to broader STL Partnership resources, including business counseling, trade assistance, tax incentives, and incubator space—ensuring businesses have the tools to grow and thrive in the St. Louis region.   Resources: https://stlpartnership.com/

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Elliot Holland. The managing partner of Guardian Due Diligence. Here’s a breakdown of the key topics and highlights: Key Themes & Highlights Buying Small Businesses vs. Franchises Holland explains the differences between purchasing a franchise and acquiring an independent business. He highlights the risk-reward balance, noting that franchises offer a structured model, while independent businesses can be more lucrative but require deeper due diligence. Financial Strategies for Business Acquisition He discusses the SBA 7(a) loan program, which allows buyers to acquire businesses with 90-95% financing, making ownership more accessible. Holland explains how leveraging financing can turn a small investment into a million-dollar business. Due Diligence & Avoiding Bad Deals He emphasizes the importance of financial diligence to ensure buyers don’t acquire failing businesses. Holland shares red flags to watch for, such as misleading financials and sellers masking poor performance. Masterclass for First-Time Buyers Holland introduces his Business Buying Masterclass, designed to educate entrepreneurs on the acquisition process. He provides one-on-one coaching, helping buyers navigate financing, negotiations, and deal structuring. Success Stories & Case Studies He shares examples of clients who successfully acquired businesses, including a 24-year-old entrepreneur and a 60-year-old investor. Holland highlights how his expertise helped buyers secure financing, conduct due diligence, and close profitable deals. About Elliot Holland & Guardian Due Diligence Elliot Holland is a Harvard MBA, private equity investor, and business acquisition expert. He founded Guardian Due Diligence to help first-time buyers confidently purchase profitable businesses. His firm specializes in financial diligence, ensuring buyers make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Through his masterclass and consulting, Holland empowers entrepreneurs to build wealth through business ownership. #BEST #STRAW #SHMS Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Elliot Holland. The managing partner of Guardian Due Diligence. Here’s a breakdown of the key topics and highlights: Key Themes & Highlights Buying Small Businesses vs. Franchises Holland explains the differences between purchasing a franchise and acquiring an independent business. He highlights the risk-reward balance, noting that franchises offer a structured model, while independent businesses can be more lucrative but require deeper due diligence. Financial Strategies for Business Acquisition He discusses the SBA 7(a) loan program, which allows buyers to acquire businesses with 90-95% financing, making ownership more accessible. Holland explains how leveraging financing can turn a small investment into a million-dollar business. Due Diligence & Avoiding Bad Deals He emphasizes the importance of financial diligence to ensure buyers don’t acquire failing businesses. Holland shares red flags to watch for, such as misleading financials and sellers masking poor performance. Masterclass for First-Time Buyers Holland introduces his Business Buying Masterclass, designed to educate entrepreneurs on the acquisition process. He provides one-on-one coaching, helping buyers navigate financing, negotiations, and deal structuring. Success Stories & Case Studies He shares examples of clients who successfully acquired businesses, including a 24-year-old entrepreneur and a 60-year-old investor. Holland highlights how his expertise helped buyers secure financing, conduct due diligence, and close profitable deals. About Elliot Holland & Guardian Due Diligence Elliot Holland is a Harvard MBA, private equity investor, and business acquisition expert. He founded Guardian Due Diligence to help first-time buyers confidently purchase profitable businesses. His firm specializes in financial diligence, ensuring buyers make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Through his masterclass and consulting, Holland empowers entrepreneurs to build wealth through business ownership. #BEST #STRAW #SHMS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.