Podcasts about sbdc

Host Josh Burdick welcomes CJ Seitz from the SBDC and Mark Treas, an EOS implementor, about opportunities and resources for local small businesses.

Explore Calimesa, CA: Community, Business Growth, and Natural Beauty.On this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, we're thrilled to have Melissa Monroe with us. Melissa is the President of the Calimesa Chamber of Commerce and a financial advisor for Modern Woodmen of America. Calimesa, CA, is located in the picturesque Inland Empire. Melissa shares her experiences growing up in this rapidly evolving community, highlighting the unique blend of small businesses, stunning natural landscapes, and the balance between growth and conservation. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or an entrepreneur looking to put down roots, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and local charm.DISCUSSIONOverview of Calamesa, CaliforniaGeographic location of CalamesaProximity to major areas like mountains, desert, beaches, and Los AngelesHistory and Growth of CalamesaThe development of Calamesa and its surrounding areasStriking a balance between development and preserving natureOutdoor Experiences in CalamesaOutdoor recreational areas like apple orchards and the mountainsBusiness Environment in CalamesaHow the Chamber supports local businessesResources and workshops for new and existing businessesCollaboration with city authorities and organizations like the SBDC.Highlighting Unique Local BusinessesMention of Downright Brewed coffee shop and their special employment program.The Enchanted Cedar Yoga & Holistic Healing and its unique offerings.Fire Rock Burgers and Brews is a community hotspot.Promotions and Marketing of CalamesaTourism and economic developmentPreservation of the green spaces alongside business growthImportance of Community EngagementThe Welcome Bag initiative for new residentsPersonal touchpoints in welcoming and informing new community membersLEARN MOREVisit the Calimesa Chamber on their website at https://www.calimesachamber.com/ or on these social sites:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calimesachamberofcommerceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/calimesachamber_of_commerce/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsgiuXoSDWD-8DLj2pQCVnwNEXT STEPSIf you enjoy podcasts devoted to outdoor adventure, find us online at https://outdooradventureseries.com. We welcome likes, comments, and shares.KEYWORDSCalimesa Chamber of Commerce, Inland Empire, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcasting#CalimesaChamberofCommerce #InlandEmpire #OutdoorAdventureSeries #PodcastIngMy Favorite Podcast Tools: Production by Descript Hosting Buzzsprout Show Notes by Castmagic Website powered by Podpage Be a Podcast Guest by PodMatch

The Small Business Development Center in Williston focuses on helping entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses throughout Northwest North Dakota.In this episode, Keith Olson, Regional Director of the SBDC, shares how the program partners with local entrepreneurs through every stage of the business journey. Keith, Cyrena, and Anna dive into the tactical guidance the SBDC provides, from starting an LLC to accessing financing, and discuss who the program is best suited for.Want to learn more about the Small Business Development Center?Visit https://ndsbdc.orgLearn more about Williston Economic Development:https://www.willistondevelopment.comChapters:00:00 - Teaser  00:12 - Episode Intro00:30 - Williston Works Podcast Intro00:48 - Meet Keith Olson  03:01 - What is SBDC?05:24 - Cyrena Weeks Role in SBDC06:15 - How Does SBDC Help Launch Businesses?07:47 - What is SBA?08:55 - SBDC Demand10:31 - What Types of Businesses Does SBDC Work With?12:08 - Non-Profits13:37 - Most Common Mistake15:55 - Business Bookkeeping17:52 - Williston's Business Landscape20:40 - How Does SBDC Help Businesses Navigate Challenges?23:38 - The STAR Fund25:30 - Advice for Long Term Success29:50 - Continuous Support32:05 - Closing Remarks

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Monday, March 17, 2025. Opportunity Move assists federal agencies in relocating to West Virginia…a Charleston distillery grows with assistance from the West Virginia Small Business Development Center…and get ready for the first-ever Wild Trails Festival showcasing a weekend of great live music at the State Fairgrounds…on today's daily304. #1 – From WVDED – Opportunity Move is a state-run program designed to assist federal agencies in mitigating risk, reducing expense budgets and providing upskilling, workforce recruitment and training opportunities. From real estate solutions to energy savings: West Virginia delivers relief for escalating lease and property costs, a high quality of living for your employees and a geographic location that supports longterm strategic business continuity objectives of your agency. Contact the West Virginia Department of Economic Development to learn how West Virginia is providing fiscal, business continuity, and workforce solutions for Federal agencies. Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/industries/opportunity-move/   #2 – From WV SBDC – Bullock Distillery is a craft, family-owned distillery in the historic Elk City district of Charleston, West Virginia.  Producing vodka, barrel-rested gin, bourbon, brandy, and West Virginia moonshine, Bullock Distillery puts its name on quality as well as taste. The small business sources its limestone water from Greenbrier County offering a unique product with Mountain State appeal. Chief Owner and Operator Tighe Bullock, along with founder John Bullock, says the West Virginia Small Business Development Center has been instrumental in helping the distillery chart through the unfamiliar territories of becoming who they are today.  “There are so many services that we offer from business planning to load packaging,” said Doug Spaulding, regional coordinator for the SBDC. “We help connect people to different resources or lenders to match what their needs are.”  Read more: https://wvsbdc.com/a-taste-of-west-virginia-with-bullock-distillery-and-the-sbdc/   #3 – From WOAY-TV – While the state fair isn't till August, fair officials have some fun coming up in June you do not want to miss. They'll be holding their first-ever Wild Trails Festival. This 3-day festival takes place June 19-21 and features tons of local music. The headliners will be Oliver Anthony, Treaty Oak Revival, and Flatland Calvary, more acts will be announced as we get closer. The festival is part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the State Fair of West Virginia. “It's over West Virginia Day weekend. So what better weekend to celebrate our state than have a music festival here at the state fair,” said Kelly Collins, CEO of State Fair of West Virginia. For tickets and scheduling information, visit wildtrailswv.com. Read more: https://woay.com/state-fair-of-west-virginia-to-hold-the-first-ever-wild-trails-festival/#google_vignette   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

In this week's episode, Anna Nelson and Cyrena Weeks, talk about how to drive economic growth and impact.They discuss how Tri-County RDC helps businesses secure funding, access grants, and navigate loan programs to fuel local development. Cyrena shares insights on how Williston's business landscape has evolved, the challenges entrepreneurs face, and how strategic partnerships have led to major infrastructure projects, including the region's new airport and workforce training programs.If you're looking for more information on Tri-County Regional Development Council, you can reach them at https://tricountyrdc.com/For more information on Williston Economic Development, check out https://www.willistondevelopment.com/Chapters:00:00 - Teaser  00:12 - Episode Intro00:30 - Williston Works Podcast Intro00:50 - Meet Cyrena Weeks  01:56 - What is Tri-County RDC?  03:21 - Williston's Business Culture07:12 - Challenges for Small Businesses  08:33 - $117 Million in Business Funding  09:08 - Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)  11:21 - Successful Business Partnerships  14:43 - The Future of Williston's Growth  16:23 - Goals for Tri-County RDC  17:53 - Workforce & Childcare Initiatives  18:22 - Supporting Entrepreneurs with SBDC  19:48 - How to Contact Tri-County RDC  20:47 - Closing Remarks  

Amy Reid is the Director of the Galveston County Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in business ownership, human resources, marketing, and operations. Since 2010, she has successfully run her own business and has spent more than a decade coaching and advising fellow entrepreneurs. Passionate about […]

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael features guests Andy Gyurisin, the new director of the Laurel Ridge Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Wendy May, the marketing manager for the Frederick County Economic Development Authority. The main topic is the upcoming "Cultivate Your Agribusiness" conference on February 20th, 2025, aimed at supporting local agribusinesses. Andy shares his excitement about his new role and his past experience with the SBDC and as a small business owner. Wendy explains the conference's genesis, stemming from a need identified through EDA surveys for agribusiness resources and support. They discuss various details of the conference, such as sessions on business structure, record keeping, funding opportunities, and agritourism, as well as the value of networking and local expertise. Both guests emphasize the importance of the event for anyone involved in or considering agribusiness, highlighting the availability of local resources and the significance of community support. They encourage registration for the free event, sponsored by Horizon Farm Credit, and stress the benefits of collaboration within the local agribusiness community.  Learn more details and register here: https://laurelridgesbdc.org/conference/2025-agribusiness-conference/ 

"In Ohio, small businesses drive $1,700,000,000 of economic impact. And in 2023, Ohio jobs create or Ohio businesses small businesses created 10,747 new jobs in 2023." Brett Johnson and Carol Ventresca invite Kelly Fuller, a seasoned guest expert and the Senior Vice President of the Columbus Chamber Foundation, to discuss entrepreneurship. Emphasizing local resources, Kelly provides a wealth of recommendations for those starting or running a small business.Networking and Local ResourcesFuller highlights the importance of connecting with local chambers of commerce and economic development offices. These entities offer a plethora of networking opportunities and resources that can be invaluable for new business owners. Fuller underscores that even non-paying members can join chambers to benefit from networking events. Carol suggests that vendors, who are often fellow small business owners, are valuable sources of information.The discussion also brings attention to the importance of expanding one's networking horizon beyond their own industry. This approach can help entrepreneurs meet potential customers and peers in similar situations, thus broadening their support network.Programs and InitiativesThe Columbus Chamber has multiple programs aimed at supporting small businesses. One notable initiative is the Accelerate Program, funded by the city of Columbus. This program includes sessions like "brand camp" tailored to help businesses with their branding and messaging. Other remarkable programs include:Local Libraries and SBA ResourcesLocal libraries and SBA Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are also highlighted as essential resources. Public libraries often have business centers or knowledgeable librarians who can provide guidance. SBA SBDCs are particularly useful as they offer services even in rural areas. The Ohio Small Business Development Centers are widely accessible and federally funded, suggesting that similar resources might be available in other states as well.Fuller advises new entrepreneurs to be cautious and thoroughly research available resources to avoid unnecessary spending. Many resources can be accessed free of charge or at a reduced cost, making it essential to leverage these tools early in the business journey.Financial Management and Legal ConsiderationsThe conversation touches on the crucial aspects of managing cash flow and financial growth. Entrepreneurs must exercise financial restraint, avoiding significant expenditures on premium options initially. Rapid growth can lead to complications, particularly if a business can't meet increased demand.They recommend utilizing local resources like the SBA and SBDC for guidance on navigating these complexities. Engaging professional services such as accountants or attorneys might be costly but approaching them well-prepared can make the interactions more cost-effective.Branding and Cost-Effective StrategiesBranding emerges as a non-negotiable element of business success. "Brand Camp" by Conspire helps businesses establish their brand identity, which is crucial for differentiating in competitive markets. Fuller suggests that employing interns from colleges or high schools for managing social media and branding tasks can be a budget-friendly option. For example, Ohio State University's Bucks GoPro program offers opportunities to engage student-athletes for handling social media efforts.Additionally, Carol points out that cultivating relationships with professionals like CPAs can significantly aid as the company grows. Starting initially with interns or affordable solutions makes it easier for businesses to scale their professional...

The University of Texas San Antonio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) wants to help your business grow. The center is offering several trainings in-person and via Zoom including: •Marketing that Works for Small Business Budgets in 2025 •Business Tax Fundamentals •Business Plan Overview •Business Cooperatives •Practical and Result-based Social Media Marketing. There is no fee for most classes. For more information, visit utsa.ecenterdirect.com/events.Article Link

Dr. Ulrich earned his Associate of Arts degree from Iowa Central before pursing his Bachelor of Arts degree from Buena Vista University. He continued his education at Iowa State University (ISU) and obtained his Master's of Education Degree in Educational Leadership.  He then earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at ISU. Additionally, Dr. Ulrich holds a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Administration (Superintendent Licensure) from Iowa State University. Dr. Ulrich has served as Superintendent of Schools for Fort Dodge, AHSTW (Avoca, IA), and Graettinger-Terril Community School Districts. His collaborative and relational leadership, along with his consensus-building skills, were the catalyst to leading over $20 million dollars of capital projects and three successful public referendums.  Thriving on innovation and a drive to elevate student academic excellence, Dr. Ulrich leveraged his ability to instill trust and worked with stakeholders and the Fort Dodge School Board to implement a grade realignment to improve the systematic approach to teaching and learning.  Through effective consensus building, communication and building a community coalition of support, he led the AHSTW district in developing a long-range facility plan to meet the growing population of students within the district as well as leading the districts through a whole-grade sharing agreement.  Prior to his Superintendent roles, he served as Principal at Graettinger-Terril Community School District from July 2009 through June 2013.  At Dallas Center-Grimes he held the positions of Student Services Coordinator, 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher, and High School Social Science Teacher. Since August 2019, he has been an adjunct instructor at Northwestern College in Orange City, IA.  Dr. Ulrich inspires his passion for teaching, learning, and leadership into his students.  Being an instructor at a higher education institution provides him perspective on how decisions impact the classroom and to effectively educate students. Passionate about community involvement, Dr. Ulrich is a member of Rotary International Club and a Board of Director for the NAACP in Fort Dodge. Dr. Ulrich also serves on Advisory Boards for both Buena Vista University and Iowa State University to provide feedback on the preparedness of their future teachers.  His work with the School Administrators of Iowa has been extensive including currently serving as a member of the Legislative Advocacy Committee, serving on their Executive Committee from 2016-2018, and serving as the District 3 President in 2011. Dr. Ulrich was selected for and recently completed the Iowa Association of Business and Industry's yearlong  Leadership Iowa program and currently sits on the Statewide Advisory Board for SBDC.  

Palm Beach Entrepreneurs: How Jaison's Apex Accelerator Strategies Can Skyrocket Your Business! On today's episode of Diversified Game we are joined by J.J. Raju from Apex Accelerators. APEX Accelerator provides free, confidential consulting and guidance to entrepreneurs and small businesses, with a focus on government contracting and technology commercialization. Connect with JJ: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaisonjraju/ Apex Accelerator Florida: https://www.flapex.org/ Buy Courses at https://bit.ly/PrepareforyourfirsttriptoAfricaudemy Support Us On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/gamediversified Introduction to APEX Accelerator @ 0:00 JJ Raju introduces himself as an APEX Accelerator consultant at Florida Atlantic University, part of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network. He explains that APEX Accelerator provides free, confidential consulting and guidance to entrepreneurs and small businesses, with a focus on government contracting and technology commercialization. JJ's Background and Experience @ 10:36 JJ shares his personal background and journey, from starting in elementary education to eventually working in business incubators, small business consulting, supplier diversity certification, and finally joining the APEX Accelerator program. He describes his passion for helping small businesses and entrepreneurs at all stages of growth. Certifications and Government Contracting @ 14:40 JJ provides an overview of the different certification programs available, both in the private sector (e.g. NMSDC, WBE) and the public sector (e.g. 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB). He advises entrepreneurs to carefully research the market and their eligibility before pursuing certifications, as the process can be complex and time-consuming. Networking and Business Development @ 58:44 JJ emphasizes the importance of networking and business development, especially for companies looking to work with the federal government. He discusses the value of visiting Washington, D.C. and attending industry events to build relationships and stay informed on opportunities. Free Resources and Learning Opportunities @ 1:02:15 JJ recommends several free online resources, such as YouTube channels and webinars, that entrepreneurs can use to learn more about government contracting and small business development. He encourages people to take advantage of the free services offered by APEX Accelerator and the SBDC network. Recap and Next Steps @ 1:06:57 JJ summarizes the key services and support available through the APEX Accelerator and SBDC, and provides contact information for entrepreneurs in the Broward and Palm Beach areas to connect with his team.

In this special episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Jonel Hein, the district director of the North Florida Small Business Administration (SBA) District Office. Together, they explore the pivotal role that the SBA and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) play in empowering small businesses throughout Florida. Jonel shares exciting updates, including North Florida approaching an impressive $1 billion in SBA approvals and contracting. The conversation highlights the various resources, training programs, and support systems offered by the SBA, designed to help businesses navigate government contracts and achieve sustainable growth. Listeners will gain insights into the importance of the SBA's partnership with the SBDC, along with initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility and support for entrepreneurs. They also discuss ongoing efforts to expand outreach and responsiveness to meet the evolving needs of the small business community. Join us for this informative episode packed with valuable resources and updates that can help your business thrive!

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

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

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024  West Virginia's film roots go decades back, and the state continues to support the film industry…learn how the WV SBDC can help you grow or start your own business…and discover the famous people, places and event that shaped WV history…on today's daily304. #1 – From JOBCASE –  Since the earliest days of silent film, West Virginia has played a role in the film industry. A long list of West Virginians played pivotal roles in film and TV history, from late, great stars to modern-day stars such as Jennifer Garner, Steve Harvey, and more. Thanks to the July 1, 2022 launch of one of the best film tax incentives in the country (up to 31 percent with no cap) - the Mountain State is poised to expand its role in creating film industry jobs and steady work here. The Mountain State has rekindled its West Virginia Film Office . Embedded within the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, the Film Office helps foster more productions and build out the state's film industry workforce and opportunities. Learn more: https://www.jobcase.com/articles/film-is-back-in-wv   #2 – From WVSBDC – Thinking of starting your own business? Or perhaps you want to grow your own business. It's all possible here in #YesWV! Meet one-on-one with WV SBDC business coaches to receive confidential, no-cost technical assistance to help start and grow your business in West Virginia.SBDC coaches can help you identify your goals, develop valuable skills and acquire the necessary resources to make your business a success. Read more: https://wvsbdc.com/ #3 – From THE HISTORY PROJECT – Perfectly centered among the Eastern states, West Virginia is where the thresholds of the North, South and Midwest all converge with the Appalachian Mountains, to tell the history of our nation in microcosm.  With The History Project, major events like the Revolutionary and Civil wars, and famous people ranging from Daniel Boone to Katherine Johnson, mix with the rich heritage of Native Americans and men and women of all colors who reshaped the world and serve as guides through the American story. Turn in to learn more about the famous people, places and events that shaped West Virginia history! Learn more: https://daily304.wv.gov/programs/the-history-project/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

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

Send us a textIn this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Andy & Jenny sit down with Conor Flaherty of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to learn more about upcoming training available through Grow Clinton. If you are a small business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, you'll want to take advantage of the courses and seminars available at no cost to Grow Clinton members. Starting and operating a business is hard, so why not leverage the services and knowledge available through the SBDC and Grow Clinton to catapult your dreams toward success? For more information, visit https://iowasbdc.org/. To learn more about Grow Clinton membership, contact the Grow Clinton office at 563.242.5702 or visit us online at www.GrowClinton.com. Grow Clinton's mission is to promote business growth, build community, and advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. The WV Hive receives a federal grant to fund a Food Incubation Hub in Fayette County…Experience a month of changing autumn colors in Almost Heaven…and a Preston County bison farm teams up with the WV SBDC to boost its business…on today's daily304. #1 – From THE REAL WV – Leaders of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority and West Virginia Hive recently joined with the Appalachian Regional Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to showcase the many benefits of small business development throughout southern West Virginia. The day started with the announcement of a $750,000 federal grant to the WV Hive that will locate a new Food Incubation Hub in Fayette County. The hub will include a commercial kitchen with space for 10 to 12 businesses, small wares, and catering supplies. The hub will also include full WV Hive business support services, with one-on-one business advising and technical assistance support. Community leaders also took part in a small business roundtable discussion and toured Water Stone Outdoors in Fayetteville and Pinheads in Oak Hill. Read more: https://therealwv.com/2024/09/01/arc-and-usda-leaders-help-nrgrda-and-wv-hive-celebrate-small-business-progress/   #2 – From WV TOURISM – One of the more unique features of West Virginia is its wide range of elevation. This provides visitors the opportunity to enjoy fall leaf peeping for nearly an entire month throughout the Mountain State. The leaves begin to peak in late September in the eastern mountains of the Potomac Highlands. Mid-October is the New River Gorge's time to shine. Fall color wraps up in late October in the Eastern Panhandle. During this time, you can enjoy a variety of exciting fall festivals and outdoor recreation. Start planning your Almost Heaven fall getaway today! Read more: https://wvtourism.com/fall-leaf-peeping/   #3 – From WV SBDC –  Tucked in the hills of Preston County, Riffle Farms raises grass-fed and finished bison. Owner Liz Riffle has carved out a unique niche in the agricultural scene. Her journey into bison farming began with a personal quest for healthier, more sustainable food options. This dedication to quality and health resonates throughout Riffle Farms' operations, making them pioneers as the first commercial bison operation in West Virginia.  Liz acknowledges the support they received from the West Virginia Small Business Development Center is a crucial resource for entrepreneurs.  “The SBDC is one of those folks who really wanted to help us out from that perspective,” she shares. “It made a big difference for us because we could then be taken seriously from a lending perspective, which allowed us to expand our business.” Read more: https://wvsbdc.com/riffle-farms-a-bison-farm-in-the-mountain-state/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

In this episode we chat with Adriana Torres about the differences between corporate and entrepreneurial mindsets, including the need for calculated risks, continuous innovation, and self-motivation. We also discuss the value of failure as a learning tool as well as some important business resources budding entrepreneurs can use to achieve their dreams.  Links: Check out the business resources from CWE, SCORE and the SBDC,  Start with Why, by Simon Sinek Finding Your Why by Simon Sinek Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman The Lean Startup by Eric Ries Atomic Habits by James Clear The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz How I Built This by Guy Raz The Process Reinvention LLC Email Adriana: theleanidea@gmail.com Check out TCU University for more financial education tips and resources!  Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!  Learn more about Triangle Credit Union View episode transcript

Want to unlock new opportunities for your auto repair shop? Learn how to tap into local organizations that are eager to help your business thrive, connect with valuable resources, and maximize community support.We'll explore the benefits of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), leveraging Downtown Development Districts, and participating in programs like Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses. Plus, discover how to network with local government officials, secure grants, and enhance your shop's visibility and growth.Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsLagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Tanchubajo Economic Development Foundation (TEDF) - https://www.tedf.org/Small Business Development Center (SBDC) - sba.gov/sbdcGoldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) - https://10ksbapply.com/The Idea Village in New Orleans - https://www.ideavillage.org/Show Notes with TimestampsIntroduction to the Episode (00:00:01) The hosts introduce the podcast and discuss the episode's focus on local organizations for business support.Tangible Economic Development Foundation (00:01:10) Brian shares his experience with TDF, emphasizing its role in supporting local businesses.Importance of Economic Development Foundations (00:02:27) Discussion on how these foundations help attract businesses and provide resources, particularly for small enterprises.Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) (00:04:15) Kim explains the role of SBDCs, offering assistance with business planning, funding, and market research.SBDC Resources and Classes (00:06:09) Overview of various resources available through SBDCs, including classes and networking opportunities for business owners.Finding Your Local SBDC (00:08:09) Advice on how to locate an SBDC and the value it brings to small business owners.Downtown Development Districts (00:09:15) Brian introduces Downtown Development Districts and their potential benefits for businesses in historic areas.Engagement with Downtown Development Districts (00:10:12) Discussion on the importance of local business involvement and awareness of district events and resources.Marketing Opportunities through Events (00:11:15) Encouragement to participate in local events to promote businesses, even if they seem unrelated to automotive repair.Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program (00:13:17) Brian explains the program's purpose, which is to provide small business owners with essential skills and resources.Experience with the 10K SB Program (00:15:35) Kim shares her perspective on the program, highlighting its benefits and the connections made among participants.Startup Accelerators (00:16:32) Discussion on startup accelerators that help new businesses grow quickly, including local examples.Local Government Support (00:18:01) Insights on the role of local government in supporting businesses and fostering a positive business environment.Getting Involved in the Community (00:19:48) Encouragement to engage with local organizations and...

Want to unlock new opportunities for your auto repair shop? Learn how to tap into local organizations that are eager to help your business thrive, connect with valuable resources, and maximize community support.We'll explore the benefits of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), leveraging Downtown Development Districts, and participating in programs like Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses. Plus, discover how to network with local government officials, secure grants, and enhance your shop's visibility and growth.Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsLagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Tanchubajo Economic Development Foundation (TEDF) - https://www.tedf.org/Small Business Development Center (SBDC) - sba.gov/sbdcGoldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) - https://10ksbapply.com/The Idea Village in New Orleans - https://www.ideavillage.org/Show Notes with TimestampsIntroduction to the Episode (00:00:01) The hosts introduce the podcast and discuss the episode's focus on local organizations for business support.Tangible Economic Development Foundation (00:01:10) Brian shares his experience with TDF, emphasizing its role in supporting local businesses.Importance of Economic Development Foundations (00:02:27) Discussion on how these foundations help attract businesses and provide resources, particularly for small enterprises.Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) (00:04:15) Kim explains the role of SBDCs, offering assistance with business planning, funding, and market research.SBDC Resources and Classes (00:06:09) Overview of various resources available through SBDCs, including classes and networking opportunities for business owners.Finding Your Local SBDC (00:08:09) Advice on how to locate an SBDC and the value it brings to small business owners.Downtown Development Districts (00:09:15) Brian introduces Downtown Development Districts and their potential benefits for businesses in historic areas.Engagement with Downtown Development Districts (00:10:12) Discussion on the importance of local business involvement and awareness of district events and resources.Marketing Opportunities through Events (00:11:15) Encouragement to participate in local events to promote businesses, even if they seem unrelated to automotive repair.Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program (00:13:17) Brian explains the program's purpose, which is to provide small business owners with essential skills and resources.Experience with the 10K SB Program (00:15:35) Kim shares her perspective on the program, highlighting its benefits and the connections made among participants.Startup Accelerators (00:16:32) Discussion on startup accelerators that help new businesses grow quickly, including local examples.Local Government Support (00:18:01) Insights on the role of local government in supporting businesses and fostering a positive business environment.Getting Involved in the Community (00:19:48) Encouragement to engage with local organizations and...

Colette Moore, a dedicated advocate for small business development, shares her impactful journey of empowering entrepreneurs and fostering community growth. As a leader in small business advocacy, Moore brings to light the critical role small businesses play in local economies and the broader societal impact of supporting entrepreneurial endeavors. In this episode of the Culture Leaders Podcast, join us as Colette Moore delves into her mission to use her talents in administration, collaboration, and community engagement to help small businesses thrive. She discusses the importance of providing small business owners with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to succeed, emphasizing the significance of legacy and community support.   Segmented Timestamps [00:00] Introduction to Colette Moore and her advocacy for small businesses. [01:28] Colette discusses her motivation and the importance of legacy in her work. [03:03] Comparing leadership in small businesses to tech giants. [04:33] Importance of establishing a supportive culture before hiring. [06:47] Hiring challenges in small businesses and the importance of flexibility. [09:03] Utilizing storytelling to foster cultural beliefs and drive business goals. [11:39] Colette emphasizes the role of transparency and sharing in team meetings. [13:57] Transition from corporate to entrepreneurship and its challenges. [16:09] Colette reflects on the cultural changes within organizations post-pandemic. [19:05] Discussing financial fitness and preparedness in small businesses. [21:21] Utilization of AI and other technologies to streamline small business operations. [26:30] Advice for entrepreneurs: Know your numbers and the importance of a solid support network.   Notable Quotes "My why is to use my God-given talents to help our small businesses meet their goals." - Colette Moore   "It's really important to me that they have a better understanding of how they can be successful." - Colette Moore   "Helping small businesses is about leaving a legacy that impacts their homes and communities." - Colette Moore   "You shouldn't hire until you understand what kind of culture you want... what kind of personality who's going to be a fit with me and my style who's going to help advance." - Colette Moore   "Storytelling in doing that, you get to hear the tough stuff... and I think that that storytelling had a huge component in making people care." - Colette Moore on the power of storytelling.   "Let's let them tell us. And we spend quite a bit of time talking about some of those clients." - Colette Moore on engaging with business stories to understand challenges.   "We want our businesses to think bigger because they have capacity, they have capability, they can do it." - Colette Moore encouraging small businesses to set ambitious goals.   "Know your numbers. Gotta know where you stand... Times will get tough and things will get hard and unexpected things happen." - Colette Moore   USEFUL LINKS   Reach Colette at: Websites:  https://pcrcorp.org/ https://pcrsbdc.org/   GET MORE FROM THE CULTURE LEADERS PODCAST Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ Jessica's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Culture Partners LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/    Enjoyed the episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please rate / review on Apple.

Send us a Text Message.In this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Andy & Matt sit down with Conor of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to learn more about the small business services offered to Grow Clinton members through the Entrefuel program. Conor reveals the tools available to small businesses to help them catapult sales. The SBDC leverages the Business Model Canvas to aid entrepreneurs in identifying their target market and offers a variety of workshops.Thank you to Conor for being a guest on the podcast!Access the SBDC at www.IowaSBDC.org. To learn more about Grow Clinton membership, contact the Grow Clinton office at 563.242.5702 or visit us online at www.GrowClinton.com. Grow Clinton's mission is to promote business growth, build community, and advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

Hey Get Unstuck Nation, our guest today helps entrepreneurs to start up small businesses throughout central Pennsylvania to grow through the consulting services and educational programs of the Small Business Development Center at Bucknell University. Please welcome Steven Stumbris Director of SBDC at Bucknell University and host at WVIA-TV's Keystone Edition Business program: to Get Unstuck Podcast today!   Timestamp: (00:03:06) How did you start your entrepreneurial journey? (00:07:20) What do you think inspires someone to start this startup Journey or Innovation Journey? (00:09:11) How would someone with a creative mindset/idea know that he is ready to start in the center? (00:11:58) What's the process or workflow in starting with SBDC? (00:13:28) SBDC's Workshops and Consulting for Aspiring Entrepreneur and Businesses (00:17:06) Do you help them seek capital or how to create a pitch? (00:20:33) Do you think starting a business should be self-funded? (00:23:33) How young should they be to start using your service? (00:29:52) Where can they reach you and your company?   More Episode like this visit: https://www.getunstuckmethod.com/podcast   #getunstuckpodcast #getunstuck #lifestylebusiness #StevenStumbris #mutitapanmook #entrepreneurialjourney

The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we're featuring Green Lake County; https://www.wicounties.org/counties/green-lake-county/  The Cabin is also presented by Jolly Good Soda: https://www.jollygoodsoda.com/    Campfire Conversation: The Cabin helps you start your business this week as Ana, Eric, and Jake hook up with Ken Little, the State Director of Wisconsin's Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The SBDC is a statewide network supporting entrepreneurs and business owners through no-cost, confidential consulting and business education. Almost all new net jobs in the country comes from small and emerging businesses, so this is a crucial area for our economy and the well-bring of Wisconsinites. After all, if you have a dream and a goal, we would like to connect you with resources to help you achieve that goal! Ken Little recently joined as State Director and our conversation with him covers many of the resources the SBDC offers: the education, consulting services, and connection to mentors, loans, and more. Some businesses have special initiatives, including farms, restaurants, and some businesses looking to export, and places like the SBDC can get you the needed information to assist you. The SBDC is one of five programs at the Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship, with locations on many University of Wisconsin college campuses including Madison, Milwaukee, Parkside, Platteville, Waukesha, Whitewater, Oshkosh, La Crosse, Stevens Point, Green Bay, Eau Claire, River Falls, and Superior. They're part of the SBDC's national network.Small Business Development Center site: https://wisconsinsbdc.org/   Connect with your nearest SDBC here: https://wisconsinsbdc.org/centers/Inside Sponsors:Jefferson County: https://www.enjoyjeffersoncounty.com/Benvenuto's: https://www.benvenutos.com/

Illinois Small Business Development Center for Central Illinois hosts the show during National Small Business Week as SBDC advisors Lashonda Fitch and Mark Franklin and Illinois SBDC State Director Ericka White chat about the many services available.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IL SBDC 40th Birthday, National Small Business week

How to Use Your Mind to Transform Your Life with Dr. Magie Cook Dive into an inspiring journey on Episode 64 of "Look for the Good," where we're joined by the remarkable Dr. Magie Cook. If you're a fan of heartfelt conversations and stories that resonate deeply, you won't want to miss Magie's transformative tale. From her humble beginnings in a Mexican orphanage to becoming a trailblazing entrepreneur who ultimately sold her company to Campbell's Soup for millions, Magie's story is a testament to the power of determination and love. In this episode, Magie shares her incredible journey and the "little steps of courage" that propelled her toward a life of fulfillment and success beyond her imagination. Her insights will not only move you to tears but also inspire you to appreciate your life, discover your purpose, and take actionable steps towards your dreams. Join us on "Look for the Good" to explore how living with love, intention, and focus can bring your dreams within reach. Tune in and let Magie Cook inspire you to transform your own life. Your dreams are closer than you think. BIO: I was born in an orphanage in Mexico and I migrated into the US at the age of 17. I was homeless here in America before I started my company with $800. Eleven years later, my company sold with Garden Fresh for $231m. Shortly after, I went back to Mexico and helped rescue many children (some of whom were sex trafficked) from a drug cartel. Based on my success and experience, my talks are very customized to my client's needs. I speak on Inspiration, Mindset, Leadership & Development, Diversity & Inclusion (including LGBTQ), Empowerment, Mindfulness, Motivation, Company Culture Success, Nonprofit Excellence and Social Good among other themes. I roughly speak at 50+ events each year. I have spoken to the following industries/Organizations: Lenders, SBDC, Universities, Women's Events, Leadership Events, Diversity events, Attorney's/Law Events, Food & Beverage Associations, Religious Institutions, Growth Events, Nonprofits, and to many other Corporate Cultures. The typical size of my audiences range from 50 to 5,000. I have received many awards including, a Nobel Entrepreneur Prize in Mexico, The Hollywood Dreams International Film Festival Woman of the Year Award, The Small Business Administrations Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, etc. We are currently working with Hollywood in making a movie about my story. Here is my story video: https://youtu.be/nK3zqXnUQ8k Here is my speaker reel: https://youtu.be/33Kzflta6So MagieCook.com 304-550-5460 Want to find out when the next incredible episode of Look for the Good is dropping? Sign up for the Look for the Good Podcast Chat weekly newsletter to get behind the scenes insights, special tips, and insider only offers. Click HERE to sign up today!  Learn More about Carrie here: https://carrierowan.com/

Tune in for a conversation with Dana Espinal, Director of the Lamar State College Port Arthur Small Business Development Center (SBDC). With over 30 years of experience as  a small business owner and trusted advisor, Dana shares her wealth of knowledge on how the SBDC supports entrepreneurs and small businesses in Southeast Texas. From one-on-one consulting and training programs to navigating SBA loans and certifications, Dana provides invaluable insights on the challenges and opportunities facing small business owners. She also discusses the importance of community engagement, youth entrepreneurship, and supporting local businesses to foster a thriving small business ecosystem in the region. For more information, visit: https://www.sbdc.uh.edu/sbdc/Lamar_State_SBDC.asp

In this inspiring episode of the Badass Women in Business Podcast, hosts Aggie and Cristy are thrilled to welcome Marla DiCarlo, an accomplished business and financial consultant with over three decades of accounting expertise and the co-owner of BizNavigators. Marla's storied career has seen her at the helm of Raincatcher as CEO and co-owner, earning accolades such as #1 Business Broker by Inc. Magazine, Best Workplace in 2020, and a spot at #376 on the Inc. 5000 List in 2021. Her leadership in the small business community is further cemented by her recognition among the Denver Business Journal's Top 50 Women-Owned Businesses.Born into a lineage of entrepreneurs, Marla's journey spans a multitude of business disciplines, including accounting, Fractional CFO services, M&A, finance, and management. Her voice is a beacon of guidance for small business associations like Inc., SCORE, SBDC, SBA, and more. Marla shares the invaluable lessons learned from her tenure as Director of Accounting for an M&A and investment group from 2000 to 2008, where she led new business deals, investments, and financing with notable groups such as Credit Suisse First Boston and Madison Dearborn Partners.The episode delves into Marla's transition from her role in mergers and acquisitions to founding a fractional CFO, accounting, and bookkeeping company in 2009, which she eventually sold to a private equity group in 2016. Marla's narrative is rich with insights into the power of decision-making, the importance of embracing risks, and the learning curves that shape a successful entrepreneurial journey.Listeners will benefit from Marla's profound advice on driving business value through financial performance, growth potential, and unique selling propositions. Her personal story of selling Raincatcher and founding BizNavigators illuminates the strategic planning necessary for a fulfilling and prosperous business exit and transition.This episode is a masterclass for entrepreneurs at any stage, offering wisdom on overcoming fear of mistakes, strategic financial planning, and the significance of understanding business financials for long-term success. Marla DiCarlo's journey from a family of entrepreneurs to becoming a venerated leader in the small business space is a compelling story of risk-taking, strategic foresight, and relentless passion for the world of business.Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here: Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders Instagram: @badass_women_in_business LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business Twitter: @badass_leaders

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Sunday, April 7, 2024. FASTER WV invites food & beverage entrepreneurs to tour its new kitchen in Putnam County. The History Project travels memory lane to Marx Toys in Glen Dale. And the WV SBDC teams up with a Martinsburg barber shop to help grow the business…on today's daily304. #1 – From FASTER WV – The future Learning, Innovation, Food and Technology (LIFT) Center represents a transformative opportunity for the City of Charleston and our region ~ and it wants you to be part of it. Join FASTER WV and fellow food and beverage entrepreneurs in Valley Park, Putnam County on April 24 as implementation of the vision develops. Attendees will tour the commercial kitchen, learn about grants and technical assistance available to food and beverage producers, and discuss your current needs as you grow your food and beverage business. Register now: https://airtable.com/appegPWSYEIyH4rR7/shrOmEwLheobw5kom?utm_source=Advantage+Valley&utm_campaign=4fd042b7ae-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_03_27_05_37_COPY_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-04b50449ea-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D   #2 – From THE HISTORY PROJECT –  Throughout history, children have written letters to Santa with the list of toys they wanted, under the idea they were created in his workshop. And they were…by extension of America's Santa, Louis Marx, who built his busiest factory in the Northern Panhandle town of Glen Dale, where the classics of 20th century toys were made. The History Project is the daily304's presentation of famous people, places and events that shaped West Virginia. Watch the video and follow our YouTube channel for more great content! Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=Oopg9T-u71CcJ04P&v=eUhOD3YjwnY&feature=youtu.be   #3 – From WV SBDC  –  The folks at the Rugged Gentlemen's Barbershop pride themselves on providing an authentic barbershop experience. The Martinsburg shop is owned and operated by a father and son team who are passionate about the craft of cutting and styling hair.  Owner Austin Hale, a third generation barber, believes the barber shop is more than just a place to get a haircut. It's a time honored American tradition and should serve as a pillar for the community. However, traditions don't survive through the generations without people who care about passing them on. To pass along the business of barbering to his children, Hale found that he needed more than just passion – he needed funding.  Hale connected with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center and WV SBDC Business Coach Michael Boyd, who helped him create a business plan and find a lender. “Because of the SBDC we are able to keep barbing in our family for a third generation with me and will hopefully continue on with a fourth generation with my kids,” Hale said.  Read more: https://wvsbdc.com/barber-shop-owner-opens-their-doors-with-the-support-of-the-west-virginia-sbdc/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Friday, March 29, 2024. Teamwork  with the WV SBDC helps a Martinsburg family-owned barber shop stay in business for continued generations. Check out the latest concert from Mountain State Music. And plan a trip to Watoga State Park to celebrate its 90th birthday…on today's daily304. #1 – From WV SBDC – Walking into the Rugged Gentleman's Barber Shop, you'll step on classic black and white checkered floors and sit in 100-year-old barber chairs. In this familiar atmosphere, you'll find children getting their very first haircut and old friends laughing together.  The Martinsburg shop is run by a father and son team who are passionate about the craft of cutting and styling hair.  However, traditions don't survive through the generations without people who care about passing them on. To pass along the business of barbering to his children, owner Austin Hale found that he needed more than just passion – he needed funding. That's when he turned to the West Virginia Small Business Development Center.  “Austin wondered in one day… he was discouraged. He had been to several banks trying to get a loan to start this business,” SBDC Business Coach, Michael Boyd said. “We started from zero, created a business plan and did some financial projections and then we found a lender.” With the help of the WV SBDC Hale is able to continue barbing in his family, Hale said. “Because of the SBDC we are able to keep barbing in our family for a third generation with me and will hopefully continue on with a fourth generation with my kids.”  Read more: https://wvsbdc.com/barber-shop-owner-opens-their-doors-with-the-support-of-the-west-virginia-sbdc/    #2 – From MTN STATE MUSIC –  Hankering for some live music but not able to get out? We've got you covered! The daily304 and Folklore Music Exchange are proud to present Mountain State Music Concert from the Folklore Stage in Charleston, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  Guests from the March 8 show include Kindred Valley and Noah Freeman. It's a concert from your couch! Sit back, relax, and enjoy LIVE music from West Virginia. And don't forget to hit LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more great local music.  Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/live/xcKq4ZQHmOY?si=t4B52mF8DD0D3Ekt   #3 – From ONLY IN YOUR STATE – Located in Greater Marlinton, West Virginia, Watoga State Park is a true gem of dark skies, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure. With its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and numerous recreational opportunities, this state park has captivated visitors for almost a century.  In 2024, as it approaches 90 years since the establishment of Watoga State Park in May of 1934, it's worth celebrating the rich history and continued allure of this beloved destination, West Virginia's oldest and largest state park. Enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and simply basking in the beauty of Almost Heaven. Visit www.wvstateparks.com to book your cabin or campsite today! Read more: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/west-virginia/milestone-anniversary-destination-wv/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Monday, March 25, 2024.   Advantage Valley seeks regional companies for its Economic Gardening program. A Martinsburg barbershop's partnership with the WV SBDC helps the business secure funding. And get your registration in today for Bridging Innovation Week…on today's daily304. #1 – From ADVANTAGE VALLEY –  Wanted: Participants for Economic Gardening, a program designed to provide sophisticated technical assistance to local companies poised for growth. Advantage Valley is seeking growth-oriented companies in Boone, Cabell, Clay, Kanawha, Putnam, Lincoln, Mason, Jackson or Wayne counties that sell to markets outside the region, have 6-100 employees, and have experienced growth 2 out of the past 5 years.  Advantage Valley is offering this program for free to select companies through a partnership with the National Center for Economic Gardening, an organization that has patented this successful approach to economic development over 20 years. Learn more: https://advantagevalley.com/business-services/economic-gardening/   #2 – From WV COMMERCE –  Walking into the Rugged Gentleman Barber Shop, you'll step on classic black and white checkered floors and sit in 100 year old barber chairs. In this familiar atmosphere, you'll find children getting their very first haircut and old friends laughing together.  When the Martinsburg shop needed funding, owner Austin Hale worked with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center to help him create a business plan and do some financial projections that helped him to secure a loan. “Because of the SBDC we are able to keep barbing in our family for a third generation with me and will hopefully continue on with a fourth generation with my kids,” Hale said. Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcQUwPqIIkA   #3 – From WV ESHIP ECOSYSTEM – Register now for Bridging Innovation Week, set for April 8-11 in Huntington! Bridging Innovation Week is the state's premier ​entrepreneurship event. The annual symposium ​advances entrepreneurship-led economic ​development by providing connection and education ​to business owners, current and prospective ​entrepreneurs, and entrepreneur serving ​organizations (ESOs) throughout West Virginia. Whether you're just starting or looking to scale, this is ​the place to explore entrepreneurship opportunities ​in the Mountain State! Learn more: https://wveshipecosystem.org/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

A conversation with Gina Woodward, the Regional Director of America's SBDC at WTAMU. Gina is a Canyon resident who grew up here and has earned multiple degrees from WT. At the SBDC, she helps clients in the top 25 counties of the Texas Panhandle start and expand small businesses. She shares with host Jason Boyett about the no-cost, one-on-one consulting offered by the SBDC, as well as the low-cost training and research available to clients. Gina also details how the diverse and energetic local business community continues to inspire her. This episode is sponsored by Wieck Realty, Pinnacle by Rockrose and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.

David Stob   David Stob/UGA Small Business Development Center Across the […]

David Stob   David Stob/UGA Small Business Development Center Across the […] The post David Stob with the UGA Small Business Development Center appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

This interview with the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center Executive Director, Brandon Eldridge, was recorded on February 16, 2024. In this episode we talk about the SBDC's purpose and how they serve the local business community. If you want to learn more about the SBDC, or want to become a consultant, you can visit their website at https://pikespeaksbdc.org/. If you are interested in more stories about organizations and projects in the community that are putting ARPA grant funding to good use, please visit https://admin.elpasoco.com/el-paso-county-arpa-stories/ and stay tuned to future episodes of this podcast. If you'd prefer to view a YouTube version of the recording, watch the embedded video below.  

I met Mike O'Connell in the fall of 2013, early into his final career stop, when he became Director of the Larimer Small Business Development Center in Fort Collins - and soon before I left my banking career!  The organization had struggled for all the years of my volunteer involvement going back to 2008, and Mike was the 3rd or maybe 4th Director to serve.  From July 2013 through December of 2021, Mike engineered a great transformation of the organization, built many partnerships and coalitions, and became arguably the highest-performing SBDC office in the State of Colorado by the end of his tenure.  LoCo Think Tank was just getting started in those years, and Mike saw the value of peer collaboration and partnership from the beginning.  The SBDC Mike I know well, but his business and personal journey toward the role, and what he's been up to since retirement were lesser known.  Mike had a high achieving career in sales and then in management, and eventually purchased a business - Mountain Woods Furniture in Laramie, WY.  Mike shares many lessons learned from his journey into, and then out of, a small business enterprise, and also shares his love for music, his disdain for Donald Trump, and his passion to bring to light the “squeeze on the average American”.  He's a good friend and a great conversationalist, and I'm pleased to share my conversation with Mike O'Connell.  Episode Sponsor: InMotion, providing next-day delivery for local businesses. Contact InMotion at inmotionnoco@gmail.com

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Friday, Dec. 29  Rock climbers work to make the New River Gorge more inclusive. The WV SBDC helps a Hardy County EMS team stay afloat. And a WV manufacturer markets The Perfect Axe…on today's daily304. #1 – From WV PUBCAST – What's new in rock climbing and whitewater paddling?  Climbers have been working to make West Virginia's New River Gorge more inclusive. And a master craftsman, who makes one-of-a-kind whitewater paddles, remembers some advice. Tune in to Inside Appalachia to hear these stories and more! Listen now: https://wvpublic.org/the-climbing-climate-and-paddle-making-inside-appalachia/   #2 – From WV SBDC – Members of the West Hardy Emergency Medical Services first met Robert “Buc” Hammer, a business coach with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, near the end of 2021.   The small town of Moorefield, the seat of Hardy County and where most of the county's population lives, was about to lose its only emergency medical service. The next nearest service was more than 10 miles away, and in a rural town, that can mean life or death depending on the situation.  The emergency service had been privately owned, and the small group of emergency workers decided to make it a 501c3 in order to get funding to keep it open. And it worked. But the EMS group needed money for payroll and other expenses. Cue Buc Hammer.  “What the bank wanted to see was a business plan,” Hammer said. “That's something we do at the SBDC, as coaches, we help develop a business plan and financial projections.”  Because the EMS service took on the new classification as a non-profit, they were able to work with the county commission to secure funding for equipment.  “It was so easy to work with the enthusiasm of the small group that did this, there's only four of them,” Hammer said.  Hammer's background is in healthcare and he was a former CEO of a hospital in Elkins for decades and he says he knew what this meant to the community.  “I was like them; this was going to happen.” Hammer said.  Read more: https://wvsbdc.com/west-hardy-ems-small-town-with-big-heroes/   #3 – From FIRE ENGINEERING – Warwood Tool, a West Virginia manufacturer of superior tools and machinery, has unveiled its latest accomplishment—the Perfect Axe. This state-of-the-art implement was designed to redefine traditional woodcutting and forestry practices. The Perfect Axe melds wood chopping technology with refined artisanship. Its ergonomically shaped handle is crafted for maximal comfort and control across various proficiency levels. Equipped with an exceptionally sharp edge and thoughtfully proportioned weight, the axe is designed to ensure top-tier effectiveness and pinpoint accuracy. The Perfect Axe is available for pre-order exclusively via www.warwoodtool.com and will ship to customers in January 2024.  Read more: https://www.fireengineering.com/industry-news/warwood-tool-introduces-perfect-axe/#gref   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

Timiry McCaskell is the Founder and Owner of Dora Grace Bridal, named after her two grandmothers.  Dora Grace has been fitting brides and prom dates and more in Fort Collins since 2011, and opened a second location in Windsor in January of 2023.  The second location came along as an unplanned opportunity of sorts, and has allowed Dora Grace to expand their design offerings and demographics.  Timiry wasn't a bride looking for a better experience for future brides, nor was she a retail expert looking for a niche, nor instinctively entrepreneurial - but she did notice an opportunity after the failure of Mountain Avenue Bridal in 2009.  There was no longer a cool and local bridal store for the every-woman!  You could have a super-expensive boutique experience, or the David's Bridal corporate experience, but really nothing in between!  She soon started telling friends about this problem, and later engaged a bit with the SBDC, started working on a business plan, and before she knew it she was talking to bankers and landlords and then bada bing, bada boom - she's got a location and an SBA loan and and quits her job and she's a business owner!  After a couple years of bumps and bruises, her super powers of curiosity and tenacity helped her find traction in the business, and she's evolved over the years to be a light-touch, systems-building, employee empowering lady boss - but she'd cringe at those labels and that's why she's fun.  Timiry is a former - and I hope, future - member of LoCo Think Tank, and every conversation we've shared has been full of dynamic learning and idea-chasing - and this one is no different.  She pulls back the curtain on the bridal industry, envy-criticizes the Best of NOCO awards, and shares many lessons the journey, so please enjoy, as I did, my conversation with Timiry McCaskell.  Episode Sponsor: InMotion, providing next-day delivery for local businesses. Contact InMotion at inmotionnoco@gmail.com

In today's episode of the IC-DISC show, I have a captivating discussion with Carolyn Turner from the Alabama International Trade Center. We uncover fascinating details about Alabama's economic progress and the pivotal role of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in boosting job growth and new businesses. Carolyn shares inspiring success stories of SBDC clients who utilized free services to export goods successfully. I also learned more about the SBDC's impactful support for small businesses through cost-free assistance. We wrap it up by exploring how SBDC teams in Texas and Colorado foster business growth.   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Carolyn Turner, the Assistant Director of Research and Training at the Alabama International Trade Center for Imports and Exports, joins us to discuss Alabama's economic progress and the impact of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). We discuss the remarkable growth in job creation, economic investment, and new business formations in Alabama, which can be directly linked to the efforts of the SBDC. Carolyn shares inspiring success stories of businesses that have used the SBDC's free services to successfully export goods. We delve into the valuable, cost-free services provided by the SBDC and its transformative role in Alabama's business landscape. We explore the flourishing industries in Huntsville, Alabama, including aerospace, aviation, missile defense, and genomics. Carolyn and I have a lively discussion about the economic influence of Bucky's in Alabama and the importance of taking breaks. We touch on the peculiarities of international business, such as the unnecessary pursuit of perfection, and engage in a playful debate about whether to use hot or cold water when scooping ice cream. We highlight the work being done by the SBDC teams in Texas and Colorado to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. Carolyn emphasizes the importance of making use of SBDC resources, particularly for those in Texas, and encourages checking out the San Antonio SBDC. We end on a note of importance, discussing the significance of finding joy in what you do and taking breaks to maintain passion and enthusiasm. LINKSShow Notes Be a Guest About IC-DISC Alliance About Alabama International Trade Center GUEST Carolyn TurnerAbout Carolyn TRANSCRIPT (AI transcript provided as supporting material and may contain errors) Dave: Hi, my name is David Spray and this is the IC disc show. My guest today is Carolyn Turner from Alabama. Carolyn is the Assistant Director of Research and Training at the Alabama International Trade Center for Imports and Export. I think this might be the longest title of any guest I've ever had. So the Alabama International Trade Center for Importing and Exporting is a division of the Alabama Small Business Development Center, which in turn is funded by the Small Business Administration. I learned that every state has its own Small Business Development Center focused on increasing the economic impact of small businesses. So we talked about the different ways that the Small Business Development Center in Alabama has had an impact. Carolyn shares some amazing stats as far as job growth, economic investment, new business formations in Alabama that are directly tied to the Small Business Development Center. We also discussed some specific stories of clients of her organization who export and successful export stories and success stories that developed. And then, on a more fun note, we also talked about which Texas retail behemoth has had a bigger impact on her life in Alabama the famous Whataburger or the famous Buckeys and her answer there was pretty interesting. So even if you're not in Alabama, I would recommend that you investigate the Small Business Development Center in your state as well as the exporting arm to take advantage of their free services. This was a great episode and Carolyn has a real passion for helping small businesses and it comes through in the entire conversation. Carolyn: I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Dave: Good morning, Carolyn. Welcome to the podcast. Carolyn: Good morning. Thanks for having me. Dave: Sure. Now. Where are you? Where are you located today? I'm in Birmingham, Alabama, In Birmingham okay, and so are you a native Alabama. Is that the correct term? Carolyn: I've spent most of my life here. Technically, I was born in California, but I grew up in Alabama. Dave: Got there as quick as you could. That's what we say in Texas. Carolyn: I know it gets a bad rep, but it's a pretty good state to live in. Dave: I know I've been to Alabama several times. We have a client there and always wonderful experiences there. So let's talk about the organization, and I'm really intrigued by this whole structure and I've learned a lot about this from you. So you're technically an employee of the University of Alabama, right? Carolyn: Yes. Dave: But this is part of a bigger structure, so could you maybe give the audience a sense of how everything fits together? So let's maybe start at the top. What's the umbrella organization for everything? Carolyn: Sure, so I'm part of America's SBDC that stands for the Small Business Development Center. We are a national organization that's funded mostly through Congress, through the Small Business Administration, and there are these in every state. So Alabama SBDC is part of that organization and in the state of Alabama it's a partnership with the University of Alabama, so this is really considered a federal state partnership. Funding comes through Congress, through the SBA. We get some matching funds through the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama manages our grant. Dave: Okay. Carolyn: Slightly differently in other states. Every state can kind of handle it differently, but in Alabama that's how it's worked for the last 40 plus years. Dave: Okay, and then within the Alabama SBDC, I guess there's kind of sub organizations, of which the Research and Economic Development Center is one of those kind of subsidiary arms, is that right? Carolyn: So the University Office of Research and Economic Development is a UA department. Within the SBDC we have four kind of divisions. We have our domestic business advisors that are just called the SBDC Small Business Development Center. We have our government contracting branch, which recently changed names to APEX. We have the Alabama International Trade Center, which I'm a part of, and then we also have a separate capital access team that is part of the SBDC. Dave: Okay. Carolyn: And within UA, we are housed within the Office of Research and Economic Development. Okay, and that's the dean that we report to. Dave: Okay, well, that's, and I believe that you're a proud graduate of the University of Alabama. Carolyn: Right Double degree graduate yes, I got my undergrad in international marketing in Spanish, with some extra studies and international studies, and then, a number of years later, once I started back with the SBDC, I got my master's degree in global business management. Dave: Okay, now would, if you'd been a graduate from, say, one of the other large Alabama universities, would that have been a problem in your current role, or are they kind of not as competitive as people are on Saturdays? Carolyn: No, In fact, because the university manages our grant, they actually manage the grants for a number of the other SBCs located throughout the state. So within Alabama, we have offices located at all of the major universities Auburn, Troy, Jacksonville State, North Alabama, UAH, Alabama State University, South Alabama, West Alabama. I think that's all of them, but many of them, even though they're located at Auburn or at UAH, they can be considered a University of Alabama employee. Dave: Okay, that must be interesting for the folks at Auburn. Carolyn: It can be. We do have some people that are UA employees but are definitely Auburn fans, and it's okay. Dave: That's wonderful. Yeah, nothing like a nice friendly rivalry, friendly, some friendlier than others. Carolyn: So the way it doesn't manage all of our centers, some universities still manage their own grants. We'll just see where it goes. Dave: Gotcha, what a great attitude. So let's talk about the SBDC then in Alabama, and that's the Small Business Development Center. Is that what the C stands for? Yes, do you? I know I'm not as familiar with Alabama, but I know like in Texas the SBDC has a really big impact on the small business community. Do you happen to have any types of stats or summary or anything of the economic development that's occurred because of the SBDC or that the SBDC has been involved in? Carolyn: Absolutely we do. We publish an economic impact report every year. So last year the metrics that we had were in 2000,. We created or helped create in Alabama over 1278 jobs. We worked with a lot. I know and for a relatively small center, I think it's a pretty big impact. We had nearly 350 new business starts last year and our capital access team helped companies get over $100 million in capital access, whether that be traditional bank loans, sba loan guarantees, startup loans, investment capital all sorts of options. Wow, we do track that over the years as well. So over the last five years combined, we've helped over 7000 job creations, about 1300 new business starts and around 550 million in capital access. Dave: Wow, that's really amazing. Carolyn: It's a really incredible thing to see the impact that we can have. A few years ago, we informally did an interview of our employees and one of the questions was what is the reason you get out of bed in the morning? Why do you do this job? And the majority decision was the reason why all of us do this is because we love making an impact in our community. Dave: Yeah, that really resonates with me because our business is really serving the same market. It's those privately held, closely held small businesses that seem to be the economic driver of our economy and I find it to be very satisfying to be able to make a difference in those organizations, because they are the bedrock of our communities. So, that's pretty cool. And how long have you been doing this? How long have you been involved with these various entities? Carolyn: I just celebrated 15 years 15 years, wow. Dave: Well, that's awesome, so obviously you must really enjoy it. Carolyn: I do. I love my job. I love the different projects that we get to work on and all the different companies. I love seeing the impact that we get to have. One of the downfalls in economic development across the industry is that you have to spend a lot of time and a lot of hours trying to work on projects before something turns to fruition. So being able to be here for the long haul and seeing the results of the work that we do is really inspiring. Dave: Yeah, I bet it is. I bet it is. So why don't we now drill down to the division that you're part of, that's the Economic Development Center. So, at kind of a high level, what are some of the ways that the center helps businesses? Carolyn: So the Alabama International Trade Center is focused on helping the small and medium-sized companies in Alabama grow through international trade. Our domestic business advisors work on what I call domestic business issues how to start a business, what kind of legal formation do you want, market research on how to grow your business, hiring and firing and tax questions, and quick books and all the basics of how to run a business. When it comes to international, we help them when they are trying to either export or import their products or services. Most of our clients tend to be manufacturers, just because it's, I guess, more common industry knowledge to export a tangible product. But many of companies have services that they can export. So we definitely work with exports of services as well. But the vast majority of our clients are manufacturers. They manufacture some kind of product that has typically been selling successfully domestically for a number of years and then they start branching internationally, and so the way that we work with companies is through a variety of different services. We have educational training sessions available on different international business topics. So about once a month we host an educational seminar on some kind of international business topic. I'm hosting one tomorrow on international documentation, partnered with UP, on the documentation requirements for exporting and importing. In the past we have done sessions on inco terms, classification, export controls, hazardous material, shipping certifications, on how to sell in Europe, general data protection regulations, you name it. We've probably hosted a seminar on that topic, okay. I have to do one-on-one training. So I will go and visit companies and provide a few hours of one-on-one training on different business topics. Sometimes it's on Zoom. I'm seeing that a lot more often and I think probably across the country. You see this, Teams are not localized anymore. They might have team members spread over the country, and so pretty often we're doing Zoom sessions with clients when they'll bring in at the same time all of their employees from various locations and we'll do a training session on the basics of exporting or the basics of importing or export compliance, those types of things, and it's really great because new to export companies obviously need this training. You know they don't know what they're doing, but what we see a lot of is even successful companies. As they grow and hire more people or they have turnover in employees, they'll bring us back in a couple years later and do refresher training, continuous education, for their employees. So that gives a lot of use. And then we also provide guidance on export trade finance. So that's really a niche market kind of separate than our general capital access team. When companies need to get access to the money that they need to manufacture their product for export. Sometimes it can be very challenging for them to get access to a line of credit through a bank, and so we'll talk to them about export working capital programs that exist, export credit insurance that they could get through the XM Bank on how they can mitigate risks of foreign receivables and what companies through all of those options, Because these programs exist to make it less risky for a small to medium size company to start thinking about exporting. And you know, maybe they're exporting $250,000 worth of equipment to Germany or India, and if that customer in Germany or India didn't pay them, that could really hurt their business. I mean, who knows they could go out of business or doesn't pay them $250,000. And so why these programs exist? To make it easier. We also do a lot of market research, so that is one of the great partnerships that we have with the University of Alabama. We provide an internship to University of Alabama students that are then able to come in and help put together these industry specific customized market research reports for our Trade Center clients. So whether that maybe they have no idea where they want to export to, and so we're starting from scratch, trying to help them figure out where overseas would be a good target market to start with, or successfully exported to 100 countries, and now they're trying to get into a new one for the first time, or they're having trouble with their existing distributor and they want contact information for other options. So standard research reports for us could take anywhere from 40 to 60 hours and we pay to have access to a lot of databases. As well as being part of the university, we get access to databases through the university, and so we'll pull all these different pieces of information and put together a customized report that companies can use to help develop their export strategy. It's great experience for the students because they get to work real world projects, not just make believe, made up ones, yeah, interaction with the companies usually and it's great information for the clients as well. I mean they would pay thousands and thousand dollars on the private market sector for this kind of research. Dave: Sure, now, and that raises the question I was curious about Is there any? Does the Trade Center generate any revenues from any of its services, or are they all just complimentary? Carolyn: It's all offered at no fee, so we do not charge for any of the services that we provide. Because our funding comes from the SBA, we are allowed to offer these services at no cost. The only thing we ask in return from our clients is that twice a year, they fill out a survey letting us know it's done a good job, because we have to gather all of that data and our metrics. You know we're one of the few organizations that is really judged on our metrics and if we don't meet our goals, if we don't work with enough companies and help them grow and succeed and increase their sales and get access to capital, then we are at risk of losing our funding. So every metric point that we report, every economic impact that we report, is actually backed up by our clients. We're not allowed to claim anything, any kind of success, without their written permission. Dave: Okay, well, that's well. That seems like a really fair trade. You do all this to help these companies and they just have to complete a survey twice a year. That seems like a fair trade. Carolyn: It's pretty good and we're not just one time. That's one of the other things people think oh, you know, I'll just talk to you one time. No, most of my clients have been working with me for years and for a new to export company. Sometimes that's how long it takes, Other times, you know, they've just grown tremendously over the last few years and it's amazing to see where they've started versus where they are now. Dave: Yeah, that's awesome and I bet you're really popular with your clients because you're providing the service at no out-of-pocket cost to them. Carolyn: For the most part. Yes, I think our clients are fairly satisfied. We use a net promoter score rating that we track with our clients. It's typically pretty high up there. Every now and then we'll get a client that you know feels like they already know everything, like they don't need any help, but for the most part they're pretty helpful for the help that they receive. Dave: Yeah, I would think so, because they're certainly getting their money's worth, right? Carolyn: So at least they should feel like it. I think so. We're constantly adding to our services as industry changes, as things modernize. So, you know, especially during the COVID pandemic, we switched a lot of efforts into online marketing, global website globalizing websites, information on how to do international shipping for direct you know, direct to consumer and e-commerce. We launched a program a few years ago on graphic design, so now we offer graphic design for free so that companies that are trying to upgrade their website so that it's more user-friendly for international users. Or we have a student right now who's creating animation videos for marketing for a couple of companies all at no cost. Dave: That's awesome. Well, I love like case studies stories. I think it really kind of pulls it all together. Do you happen to have any examples of companies you've worked with in the last few years that you could kind of use as a case study and share some of the details? Carolyn: Absolutely. We do turn in success stories to the SBA every year. That's part of our goals and metrics. I think that definitely makes us a little bit unique. We have a confidentiality agreement with all of our clients, so we're not allowed to discuss specifics of what we do with anyone else without written permission, so it's good that we get these authorized success stories from companies. Over the last few years we've had quite a variety of different companies that have that we've worked with on these. So last year we worked with a company in Huntsville Polaris Solar Systems, polaris Sensor Technologies, I think is what it was called and we helped them navigate the world of export compliance. They have a regulated, export-controlled technology and so they had to make sure that they were following all the regulations and applying for licenses. We helped them practice their pitch when they were going to be pitching to foreign customers, realizing that the benefits of their products and technologies were actually different in different parts of the world and used in a different way, and so working with them to develop their pitch and their value proposition and introducing them to potential customers overseas. Another example is totally different industry sector. There was a company in a very rural, economically disadvantaged area of the state that had created a company developing very small tractors or very high tech. But the way that they came up with this design, it was easy to build, it was small, it was more affordable for individually run farms or small co-ops. And they had this novel idea of they were either going to manufacture these tractors in northeast Alabama or they would give the design, the blueprints of the tractor, for free, at no cost, to a foreign manufacturer for them to be able to create a manufacturing plant overseas and create local jobs. It's one of the ways that they wanted to give back to the community. Oh, that's how cool is that? It was really cool. They changed names a couple of times when we worked with them. It was called Kleber Technologies and so we worked with them way back in the beginning, before they had done any exporting, and we went and visited them and provided in-house training on basics of international shipping and how to do export marketing. Through the years we did market research to help them find customers or distributors and overseas parts of the world. They eventually went and visited and sent pictures of clients in sub-Saharan Africa and Central and Latin America writing on the tractors Last year. So this is probably seven or eight years after we started with them. But last year, at this particular company, one of the Alabama's governor's exports awards oh, wow, because they successfully exported to 50 plus countries now and it's just amazing to see. So I tracked back down the student who had helped work on their market research way back in the beginning. Oh, really I actually did that article on LinkedIn. I said hey, do you remember that project from eight years ago? Look at them now. Dave: Wow, that's really cool. And that first company you mentioned you said they were in Huntsville, right? Yes, and I think a lot of folks outside of Alabama don't realize that Huntsville is like one of the rocket capitals of the US, right, space industry. How would I describe the industry? Carolyn: Yeah, I mean rocket and space were known for NASA in Huntsville. We also have Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville and FBI, I think, just relocated down there. There's SpaceX activities that are planned, so aerospace, aviation, missile defense is another big one. But then surprisingly, hudson Alpha also is located there and they have been instrumental in genetics, genomics, research, pharmacogenomics, so it definitely kind of covers the gambit. When you take a tour at Hudson Alpha it's really interesting. From one side of the building you can look out and see all the NASA and space technologies, and then inside the building is genomics and genetics and agrogenetic, and then on the other side is cornfields, because that's the real Huntsville. Dave: Wow, that is pretty cool. So this has really been kind of a fun overview for folks who are listening to this, who are in Alabama, who do international trade. What would be the best way for them to learn more? Would you just direct them to the website, or where should they kind of start? Should they just reach out to you? What's the kind of ideal process? Carolyn: Just go to our website, aitcuaedu. Registration is free. As I said, we don't charge for anything that we do, and within the state of Alabama, we're part of a bigger group called the Export Alabama Alliance, so that's a group of all of the entities in the state that work together to promote trade. So we've got the Governor's International Trade Office, the US Department of Commerce on the federal level, local chambers of commerce, sba, ports, various entities that exist to help promote exporting, and so when you get one of us, you get all of us. We work together as a team to make sure that the companies get the support that they need, no matter what they're trying to do. And then, yeah, I just strongly recommend, no matter what state you're in, google your SBD, because they have a very valuable resource. Dave: That's awesome. Well, as we're wrapping up, I have a couple of kind of more personal wild card type questions just for fun. So you mentioned you joined the organization 15 years ago, and so I'm just curious if you could like go back in time and give advice to your 15 year younger self, knowing what you know now. Like, what advice might you give to yourself with the perspective of 15 years of experience? Carolyn: That's a tough one. Dave: I know that's what makes it fun Fun for me, not so much fun for you. Carolyn: I'm a. On a personal note, I am a recovering perfectionist. Dave: Oh yeah, my wife is one of those, but not the recovery stage yet. Carolyn: That has been a hard lesson to learn. A colleague that I had taught me something and it's a quote that has stuck with me and I tell it to everyone now and it is that you are a human being, not a human doing Okay, so that'd be your advice to yourself is just taking a bit of a chill pill and absolutely. Dave: Yeah, my one of the quotes I like around that subject I also have some perfectionist tendencies is that great quote progress, not perfection. Carolyn: Yes. Dave: So, although you know there are some things I do push back a little bit, there are some things you need perfection on landing an airplane, open heart surgery, right, I mean, there's some things that you know it pretty much, perfect is the only, the only option. Carolyn: Yeah, I agree. But in the world of international business I think perfection is not needed and progress is. And you know what I tell my students all the time that are doing these market research reports? Because you know they're so open ended. You could just keep researching for ever and ever and keep on finding more pieces of information. So I focused a lot on quality over quantity. Dave: That is awesome. So by last question and this is a really fun one I think there are two famous or at least you know Texas institutions that have expanded eastward and I'm going to ask you which one you think is had made a bigger difference in your life, if any of them have. What a burger or Bucky's, oh Bucky's. I had a feeling you'd answer that one. Carolyn: Yeah, it's kind of a saving joke. I mean I think we have two Bucky's in Alabama, maybe three. Dave: According to the research I just pulled up, that as of April 10th of 2023, they'll have four stations in Alabama, but it's not quite clear how many of those are up and running right now. Carolyn: There is one not far outside of Birmingham, on the path between Birmingham and Atlanta, and it is packed no matter what time of day it is. It's like a town, it's so big. Dave: But Does it have? Is the road it's on called like Bucky's Boulevard too? That seems to be. Carolyn: I don't think so. I don't know. Maybe, but it's definitely impacted everyone's road trips. I think you can't. Dave: Yeah, I'm told that, not by without stopping at Bucky's. Yeah, I'm told that Alabama has the second most number of Bucky's outside of Texas. So things are, yeah, and it's interesting because they're always Bucky's are always the same, but like in a good way, you know, and the best one, and I've always said that off on a tangent. I've always said that it seems like Bucky's competitive business advantage are the clean restrooms. That seems to be like what they really differentiate. But when you take a big picture, look at it from a business perspective, you're thinking that shouldn't be a sustainable business differentiator. Right, because in theory that anybody could copy that, but for whatever reason, nobody else cares to. Carolyn: I don't know. I mean, I would say their main competitors would be like the pilots and the lying Jays. Sure, I remember the names of them. But as far as competition, I think that's definite competition there. I think Bucky's is the shop I mean it's, I don't know. Cracker barrel meets gas. Dave: Yeah, yes, yeah. It's hard to describe to somebody who's not been to a Bucky's. Carolyn: No, but this. Dave: And they seem to be an economic development force because everyone I've ever been to because they need so much land and they always want to be on a busy highway that they oftentimes are not near cities, they're kind of in the middle of nowhere and they're always advertising really high starting hourly wages. So I get the sense that for a lot of these areas that they come into they really bring economic opportunity for folks that live nearby. I mean, it seems like the classic example is the person working the checkout registers Oftentimes seem to be a teenager that lives there locally and I think, man, can you think of a better like part-time job to have in high school than to be making $15 or $18 an hour working at Bucky's inside the air conditioning? Yeah, just talking to folks all day, I don't know. *Carolyn: * My high school job was scooping ice cream at Baskin Robbins. Oh that's. I mean with free ice cream perks. Dave: Yeah, that one might have to trump Bucky's. I bet you're. I've always wondered are your hands and wrists and forearms just worn out at the end of the day? Oh my gosh, yes. Carolyn: And gosh, the first Baskin Robbins I worked at. They used cold water in their faucets where you put the ice cream scoop and it was At my one arm. I had like huge muscle by the end of every summer. Dave: Now did you get used to it then Like by the end of the summer, were you not as fatigued by the end of the day? Carolyn: Yeah, but then you know, other ice cream shops use hot water to store their ice cream scoops in and it makes a huge difference. Dave: Oh, I bet it does. You know why they use the cold water instead of hot? Yeah, any theory. Carolyn: Looking back, I think they were just being cheap Okay. Dave: Yeah, because I think I know at home if I'm scooping up several servings. You know, I know the old trick of the hot bowl of water to dip the scooper in to make it work better. The people. Carolyn: We used to get these, the big old jars of cherries, and they would make us go through and cut them all in half. Oh wow, they would last twice as long, oh wow. Well, Honey, you know I guess. Managing is almost as hard right. Dave: Yeah, that's the beauty of the free enterprise system. Every person tries, you know, gets to do it their way, and all of that. I mean, who knows, maybe the little bit of money they saved, maybe that translated to higher hourly earnings for the employees who knows, maybe, who knows? Carolyn, this has really been a fun conversation. Was there anything I didn't ask you that you wish I had, or anything that we should mention? Carolyn: I would just say that the world of international trade is constantly changing. Okay, so find a local resource in your area that can keep you up to date. Dave: Okay, that's awesome. Well, I appreciate that and I really appreciate your time today. I've really learned a lot more about the whole SBDC program in general and you've kind of inspired me to take a look the two states I spend the most time in are Texas and Colorado to take the initiative to start to learn more about those organizations Absolutely. Carolyn: The SBDC team in Texas is absolutely amazing. This is absolutely phenomenal. I'm not sure if I've met anyone from the SBDC Colorado team, but definitely take advantage of your in Texas. Dave: Yeah, I know in Houston. I think it's associated with the University of Houston. I think it's called the U of H SBDC. Carolyn: I know it's the San Antonio SBDC that does most of international trade work in Texas. Dave: Okay Well that's good to know. I'm going to be in San Antonio in a few weeks. I should check that out. Well, that's great. Well, that's great advice and this has really been a fun conversation and I really appreciate you taking time out of your day to share the story and obviously you have great enthusiasm and passion for what you're doing and that comes through and that's always fun to see people that really are inspired and really focused on how much they enjoy their job. Carolyn: It makes a big difference when you enjoy what you do For sure, all right. Dave: Well, have a great day, carolyn. Carolyn: You too. Special Guest: Carolyn Turner.

In this episode of Simply Trade, hosts Andy and Lalo discuss the opportunities and challenges small businesses face when looking to expand into international trade. Their guest, Laurent Kahl from the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center, shares valuable insights on the resources available to help companies navigate importing, exporting, and global growth. Key topics covered include: - The 90% of consumers that exist outside the US and untapped potential for American companies internationally - Services the SBDC offers like market research, financing assistance, logistics support, and trade compliance training - How the planning process works and importance of developing a strategic game plan for international expansion - Examples of clients the SBDC has helped break into new markets like a chemical manufacturer exporting to China - Documentation, labeling requirements, and other compliance considerations for importing - Options for sourcing products from alternative countries to diversify supply chains - Financing assistance programs through SBA, Ex-Im Bank and other partners - Training resources on the mechanics of international trade through webinars and conferences Small business owners and executives looking to explore global opportunities will find valuable guidance on utilizing free SBDC consulting services to help strategize expansion plans and navigate regulatory requirements. Listeners gain insight on how to take the first steps into international trade and resources available to help small companies compete on a global scale. Enjoy the show. Show references: Global Training Center - www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com Simply Trade Podcast - twitter.com/SimplyTradePod  Laurent Kahl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurentkahl/   Georgia SBDC - www.georgiasbdc.org Looking for an SBDC near you: https://americassbdc.org/find-your-sbdc/ Contact SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com or message @SimplyTradePod for: Advertising and sponsoring on Simply Trade Requests to be on the show as guest Suggest any topics you would like to hear about Simply Trade is not a law firm or an advisor. The topics and discussions conducted by Simply Trade hosts and guests should not be considered and is not intended to substitute legal advice. You should seek appropriate counsel for your own situation. These conversations and information are directed towards listeners in the United States for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be In substitute for legal advice. No listener or viewer of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal advice from counsel. Information on this podcast may not be up to date depending on the time of publishing and the time of viewership. The content of this posting is provided as is, no representations are made that the content is error free. The views expressed in or through this podcast are those are the individual speakers not those of their respective employers or Global Training Center as a whole. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this podcast are hereby expressly disclaimed.

Episode Summary:In today's episode, we sit down with Kristina Hines from the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC). As an advisor, Kristina offers a wealth of knowledge and hands-on guidance to small businesses in various stages of their journey, and here's the kicker—it's all for free! We delve into her own rich tapestry of experiences in the small business world, exploring how her path led her to SBDC. But we don't stop there. Kristina also shares invaluable business concepts that are sure to provide fresh insights and actionable takeaways for every entrepreneur out there. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, this is an episode you won't want to miss!Links to Things Mentioned in this Episode: Website: https://wsbdc.org/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/WSBDC FB: https://www.facebook.com/washingtonsbdc Email: kristina.hines@wsbdc.org EDASC Website: https://www.skagit.org/ Check out the Camano Voice Link Tree ( https://linktr.ee/camanovoice )

“… Peace, be still. …” – Jesus Christ, Mark 4:39Guest Bio: Blair Abee developed Higher Consciousness Meditation after many years of meditation and yoga, and a traumatic year at a new job with a difficult boss who was abusing employees. This forced him to dive deep into his meditation practice to stay sane. As a result, he emerged with new, vibrant ways of coping with life's challenges. He describes himself this way, “I am an explorer who has discovered a variety techniques, tools and ideas that I think you will find useful in your own personal development. Here's an example of what I mean. From one perspective each of us has a unique story in which we are born, live and die as three-dimensional characters here on Planet Earth. Simultaneously, we are also Five Dimensional Beings having an Eternity experience in a human body on a planet that is a challenge to master, and which gives us an opportunity to grow and evolve into Universal Citizens.”RPP+ Free Sample: Hanging Out with Blaire Abee and David Pasqualone | E106Blair Abee | A “Good boy”, “Bad” Bosses, Whistleblowing, & “Growing” to the Next LevelSHOW NOTES: Website: https://www.HiCMeditation.com REMARKABLE LISTENER SPECIAL OFFER:N/A CORE THEMES, KEYWORDS, & MENTIONS:meditation, good boy, SBDC, small business development center, culture shock, cross country trip, classic Chevy Camaro, entrepreneurship, commitment, personal relationships, commitment issues, yoga, business consulting, bad bosses, whistleblower, spiritual growth, higher consciousness, Peace be still, Peace, illumination, 5th dimension reality, 4th dimension time, Albert Einstein, manifestation For more Remarkable Episodes, Inspiration, and Motivation, please visit https://davidpasqualone.com/remarkable-people-podcast/. Enjoy!Support the showWant Even More?

Join us in this informative episode as we navigate the world of small business financing with Richard Giessert, Vice President and SBA Loan Officer at Marine Bank & Trust. Discover Richard's background, his pathway to Marine Bank & Trust, and the vital role he plays in helping small business owners access the capital they need to grow and thrive. Richard shares insights into the significance of community banks and how they differ from larger institutions. Learn about the flexibility, responsiveness, and personalized service that community banks like Marine Bank & Trust provide to their clients. With a local focus and decision-making authority, community banks can tailor financial solutions to meet the unique needs of small businesses. Explore the various government-guaranteed products available to small business owners, including 7A and 504 loans. Richard breaks down the primary uses of these loans, from working capital to business acquisitions, real estate, and equipment financing. Discover how the 504 loan program allows borrowers to get in with as little as 10% down, offering significant savings compared to conventional loans. Understand the importance of a well-structured business plan and financial projections when seeking financing for expansion or acquisition. Richard emphasizes the value of collaboration with organizations like the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in preparing loan applications. Richard also delves into the SSBIC (State Small Business Investment Company) program, highlighting its unique role in providing financial support to businesses that may not qualify for conventional lending. Discover how the SSBIC program can be leveraged under specific circumstances to help small businesses succeed. Learn about the approval process for SBA loans and how local decision-making and partnerships with organizations like the SBDC play a crucial role in advancing loan applications. Richard shares the importance of marketing and continually nurturing a strong pipeline of loan opportunities. Explore the nuances between SBA and SSBIC programs, including differences in guarantees and eligibility criteria. Discover how the SSBIC program can be a valuable resource for businesses with unique needs, such as nonprofits. Join us for an enlightening conversation that provides valuable insights into the world of small business financing and the essential role community banks play in supporting local businesses. Recorded live at this year's FLAGGL Small Business Lender's Conference hosted at The JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes Learn more about Marine Bank & Trust: https://www.marinebankandtrust.com/ 

Join us in this episode of Small Biz Florida as we sit down with Terry Crispen, representing United Midwest Savings Bank, Terry has a rich history in SBA lending and shares his insights on the current banking landscape and how businesses can access capital. Terry discusses the evolution of United Midwest Savings Bank, founded by industry professionals who wanted to make banking more enjoyable and efficient. He delves into the current state of lending, noting the challenges businesses face in accessing capital. Despite rate increases and tightened conditions, Terry emphasizes that United Midwest Savings Bank is dedicated to helping small businesses. Discover the key criteria for accessing capital through United Midwest Savings Bank, including the importance of business viability and the ability to generate revenue. Terry sheds light on specific industries that are well-suited for their lending model and highlights how they tailor funding to align with businesses' launch points. Learn about United Midwest Savings Bank's innovative $50,000 unsecured loan product designed to provide quick access to capital for both startups and existing businesses. Terry explains the loan terms, including a 10-year amortization period, no balloon payments, and prime plus three-and-a-quarter interest rates. Find out how to connect with United Midwest Savings Bank through your local SBDC and explore their website at SBDC.Loan. Discover how you can secure the financing you need to launch or grow your small business. Recorded live at this year's Florida SBDC Network Small Business Success Summit hosted at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.    Learn more about United Midwest Savings Bank: https://www.umwsb.com/  Get more information about the loan mentioned in this episode: SBDC.Loan 

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and providing them with the right tools and information is crucial for their growth and success. In this episode of Small Biz Florida, we kick off the summit by introducing Samantha Fleck, the Sales Director of Reference USA, a powerful resource for market research that has been an invaluable asset for SBDC centers nationwide. Samantha's journey is one of dedication to helping small businesses thrive. With a background that spans computer applications, sales, and market research, she brings a wealth of experience to the table. She has witnessed the evolution of data analytics and its impact on decision-making. Reference USA is a treasure trove of information, boasting one of the most comprehensive datasets on both businesses and households. Samantha explains how their research team diligently verifies business data through telephone contact, a level of commitment unmatched in the industry. This wealth of data is updated weekly, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of businesses. Discover how you can leverage Reference USA to gain insights into your market. From identifying competitors and assessing their financial health to understanding consumer demographics and lifestyle characteristics, this tool equips small business owners with the data they need to make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition. Samantha emphasizes the significance of accessing this tool through SBDC, highlighting the invaluable support it offers to small businesses. Tune in to understand how accurate data can be a game-changer for small businesses, helping them thrive in today's competitive landscape. Recorded live at this year's Florida SBDC Network Small Business Success Summit hosted at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.    Learn more about Data Axle: https://www.dataaxleusa.com/ 

In a room filled with small business owners and operators, host Tom Kindred embarks on a thought-provoking conversation with Jordan Crenshaw, Senior Vice President at U.S. Chamber of Commerce Technology Engagement Center. This dynamic episode explores Jordan's fascinating journey, from his background in law to his current role at the forefront of technology and small business policy. Discover how technology is revolutionizing the small business landscape and creating opportunities for growth. Jordan's insights shed light on the pivotal role of technology in the modern business world. From AI to blockchain and drones, technology is not only fascinating but also integral to small business success. With examples like Square, which Jordan highlights during the discussion, technology is helping small businesses produce financials, streamline operations, and make better decisions. Tom Kindred, drawing from his experiences as a small business owner, emphasizes the critical role of technology, which has become a game-changer, leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs. The episode explores the impact of technology on small businesses, showcasing how it enables them to compete with larger counterparts, connect with customers, and access new markets. With insights from a recent report, Jordan highlights the significant growth potential for businesses that embrace technology, with social media and AI leading the way. Don't miss this episode that delves deep into the tech-driven transformation of small businesses and the policies needed to support their growth. Recorded live at this year's Florida SBDC Network Small Business Success Summit hosted at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.  Learn more about the U.S. Chamber of Commerce: https://www.uschamber.com/   

Guest BioJoyce Dales is the President of Buzzagogo and the inventor of Cold Bee Gone, a homeopathic, Manuka Honey based remedy that you swab in your nose to fight cold, flu, allergies and to protect the nasal biome. Joyce, who used to be a high school teacher, is married to Jeffrey, who is an attorney and software engineer. In 2009 and 2011 they welcomed two beautiful girls as they grew their family through the gift of international adoption. Together they run their company, while homeschooling, as they travel the country in their 1972 Airstream. Cold Bee Gone is now sold nationwide and is a proud official sponsor of the Boston Red Sox.ℹ️ IntroductionOn this episode of Frugalpreneur, we have a special showcase featuring an inspiring bootstrapped entrepreneur. Join us as we delve into the journey of Joyce Dales, the CEO of Buzzagogo and the creator of the Cold Bee Gone and Allergy Bee Gone nasal swab remedy. From switching careers to natural medicine after her daughter's health scare to experimenting in her kitchen for years, Joyce shares the ups and downs of her entrepreneurial journey. We'll explore how she overcame challenges, sought help from organizations like the Small Business Administration, secured funding as a female entrepreneur, and navigated FDA regulations for her pharmaceutical company.Through her experiences, Joyce provides valuable tips and takeaways for fellow bootstrap business owners. She highlights the power of seeking help, networking, and taking daily action to turn ideas into reality. And don't miss out on the special discount she's offering our listeners on her products!In this episode, Joyce emphasizes the importance of a healthy nose for a healthy immune system, making her remedy all the more valuable. We hope you enjoy this showcase and gain valuable insights for your own business endeavors.Remember, if you have a valuable story to share, we encourage you to reach out and be a part of our show. Your insights might just be what another entrepreneur needs to hear. Stay tuned for more episodes of Frugalpreneur, where we bring you practical advice and inspiring stories to help you succeed without breaking the bank.❇️ Key topics and bullets- Joyce's background as a high school teacher and her journey into natural medicine- Joyce's motivation to create her nasal swab remedy due to her daughter's health issues- Joyce's experimentation and development of her remedy in her kitchen- Expansion of Joyce's products to 12,000 stores nationally and globally- Joyce's decision to seek help from the Small Business Administration (SBA) and local experts- Importance of getting guidance and support- Challenges in starting a small pharmaceutical company and the need for seed money- Assistance from the SBA in securing a small business loan- Joyce's success in raising outside money through an angel investor group- Overcoming obstacles with FDA regulations and the importance of attention to detail- Top tip for entrepreneurs: utilize resources like the SBA, network, and ask for help- Encouragement to take action and make ideas a reality- Joyce's contact information for further discussion or advice- Discount code for Frugalpreneur listeners- Closing remarks and invitation for guests to share their stories on the podcast