Small Biz Florida

Florida SBDC at Indian River State College
  • 4.7 (15)
  • Business
  • Updated Daily

Small Biz FL was designed to highlight issues and promote business assistance resources available throughout the state of Florida.

  1. 1d ago

    Ep 427 | When Banks Say No: Exploring Startup Funding with Boyd Karren

    A bank’s “no” doesn’t have to mean the end of your business idea. Understanding other funding options—and how to prepare for them—can help entrepreneurs identify a path forward. Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Charlotte Harbor, this episode of Small Biz Florida features host Tom Kindred in conversation with Boyd Karren, founder and CEO of Otro Financial. A serial entrepreneur, Boyd shares how his own experience being denied a business loan inspired him to help other founders navigate financing challenges. Drawing from his presentation, “When Banks Say No,” he introduces alternative funding approaches, including credit-based financing, personal term loans, business-purpose home equity lines of credit, and retirement-fund business financing. The conversation explores why early-stage businesses face lending hurdles and how building credit, documenting cash flow, and establishing business history can help prepare entrepreneurs for future financing opportunities. Boyd and Tom also discuss starting a business as a side venture while maintaining employment. Boyd highlights his financial education books and introduces plans for Go Biz Girl, a startup academy designed to combine entrepreneurship training with credit education and funding preparation, with a focus on supporting single mothers. Tune in for an encouraging conversation about becoming better prepared for financing, exploring your options, and moving your business idea forward.

  2. 4d ago

    Ep 426 | Building Your Capital Stack: Financing Business Growth with Kirk Gimenez

    Winning a new contract is exciting—but how do you fund the work before the money comes in? Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Charlotte Harbor, this episode of Small Biz Florida features host Tom Kindred in conversation with Kirk Gimenez, Senior Vice President of Brickell Capital Finance. A former ESPN anchor turned entrepreneur and finance professional, Kirk shares how his own business journey revealed a gap between knowing your craft and understanding how to access capital. He introduces the concept of a “capital stack”—a combination of financing options designed to support a business’s operating needs and growth. The conversation explores business lines of credit, term loans, accounts receivable financing, equipment leasing, and contract financing. Kirk discusses why understanding these options and building a relationship with a financing partner can help entrepreneurs prepare for opportunities that stretch their available cash. Kirk also shares his concerns about merchant cash advances and the pressure costly repayment arrangements can place on a business. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes financial education, organized records, and understanding cash flow before seeking funding. Tune in for a conversation about expanding your financing knowledge, asking better questions, and preparing your business for its next stage of growth.

  3. 6d ago

    Ep 425 | Beyond the AI Hype: Technology That Fits Your Business with Kathy Durfee

    With new AI tools and software appearing every day, how do you decide what your business actually needs? Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Charlotte Harbor, this episode of Small Biz Florida features host Tom Kindred in conversation with Kathy Durfee, founder and CEO of TechHouse. Celebrating 30 years in business, Kathy shares how a personal challenge led her to launch a company dedicated to helping small businesses succeed through technology. She explains why an effective IT strategy starts with understanding your current systems, your goals, and the problems you need to solve. From accounting software and customer relationship management to cybersecurity and everyday support, Kathy explores how technology decisions affect the entire business. Her central message: Let your business needs guide your choice of tools, rather than feeling pressured to chase the latest AI trend. The conversation also highlights the importance of expert guidance when evaluating AI-generated recommendations and choosing systems that work together. Kathy discusses how TechHouse supports businesses through assessments, planning, implementation, and flexible ongoing services. Tune in for a practical conversation about cutting through technology overload, asking better questions, and choosing tools that support your business goals.

  4. Sep 21

    Ep 424 | Lead from Within: Building Better Leadership Habits with Dr. Adriene Wright

    You have the idea, the skills, and the passion to start a business—but have you considered who you are as a leader? Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Charlotte Harbor, this episode of Small Biz Florida features host Tom Kindred in conversation with Dr. Adriene Wright, business consultant with the Florida SBDC at Florida A&M University. Drawing from her workshop on the leadership alignment gap, Dr. Wright explores how our internal habits, learned behaviors, and automatic responses shape the way we lead. She explains why recognizing these patterns matters—and how the gap between our intentions and our actions can affect employees, relationships, and business performance. The conversation also examines the difference between managing day-to-day responsibilities and leading with a vision. Dr. Wright emphasizes that leadership can be developed through awareness, learning, and intentional practice. One practical tool she shares is the “mirror moment”: a deliberate pause to recognize a habitual response, consider its impact, and choose how to move forward. Whether you’re launching a new venture or leading an established team, tune in for insights on understanding your strengths, recognizing your blind spots, and becoming a more thoughtful, effective leader.

  5. Sep 18

    Ep 423 | Think Bigger, Act Bolder: AI and Small Business Innovation with Shawn Kanungo

    What if AI could help you do more than save time—what if it could help you reimagine what your business can become? Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Charlotte Harbor, this episode of Small Biz Florida features host Tom Kindred in conversation with keynote speaker, author, and innovation strategist Shawn Kanungo. Shawn challenges entrepreneurs to move beyond conventional thinking and explore AI’s potential beyond writing emails and creating content. He introduces the concept of agentic AI—technology that can carry out tasks under human direction—and discusses opportunities to expand a small team’s capabilities, improve operations, and pursue new sources of growth. But getting started begins with business fundamentals. Shawn explains why a clear strategy, documented processes, organized data, and an understanding of your business challenges provide the foundation for effective AI adoption. He also emphasizes involving the entire team in learning and experimenting with these tools. At the heart of the conversation is a distinctly human message: technology can support your work, but bold ideas, trust, and meaningful relationships remain essential. Shawn shares why caring deeply about customers and helping people take action matter in an increasingly digital world. Tune in for an energizing conversation about embracing innovation, building your team’s confidence with AI, and thinking bigger about your business’s future.

  6. Sep 16

    Ep 422 | Hidden Costs, Smarter Savings: Putting AI to Work with Bill Kurtzner

    Could everyday business expenses be costing you more than they should? From utility bills to office supplies, overlooked charges and missed discounts can add up. Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Charlotte Harbor, this episode of Small Biz Florida features host Tom Kindred in conversation with Bill Kurtzner, co-founder and CEO of CostSavings.ai. Drawing on 15 years of experience helping large companies identify billing errors and reduce operating costs, Bill shares how his team is bringing similar tools to small and midsize businesses. Bill explains how the platform uses AI to review invoices and contracts, identify potential savings, and help business owners prepare questions for their vendors. The conversation covers expenses such as electricity, telecommunications, and waste removal, along with opportunities to negotiate better terms at contract renewal. He also discusses how group purchasing can give smaller businesses access to discounted supplies and how employee discount programs can extend savings to their teams. Tune in for a practical look at using AI to better understand your expenses, uncover savings opportunities, and make more informed purchasing decisions.

  7. Sep 14

    Ep 421 | Beyond the Business Loan: Exploring Retirement Funds as Startup Capital with Mickey Parker

    Could your retirement savings offer another path to business ownership? Understanding the options—and the responsibilities involved—is an important place to start. Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Charlotte Harbor, this episode of Small Biz Florida features host Tom Kindred in conversation with Mickey Parker, CPA and CEO of AccellaFund. Mickey explains a funding approach that allows eligible retirement funds to be rolled into a new company’s retirement plan and invested in that company’s stock. He walks through the basic structure and discusses how this equity investment differs from a traditional business loan. The conversation explores questions entrepreneurs should ask about rollover eligibility, including potential restrictions on funds held in a current employer’s retirement plan. Mickey also discusses ongoing plan administration and potential exit options, such as a company repurchasing its shares or an eventual business sale. Throughout the episode, Tom and Mickey emphasize that access to funding is only one part of starting a business. A solid business plan, market research, and guidance from an SBDC advisor remain essential preparation. Tune in to learn about an alternative funding option, the considerations involved in putting retirement savings into a business, and the questions to explore before taking the next step.

  8. Sep 11

    Ep 420 | Running with Purpose: Leadership Lessons from Brooks’ Jim Weber

    What does it take to turn a struggling company into a brand customers believe in? For Jim Weber, former CEO of Brooks Running, the answer starts with customer focus, perseverance, and a team committed to execution. Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit in Charlotte Harbor, this episode of Small Biz Florida features host Tom Kindred in conversation with keynote speaker and author Jim Weber. Drawing on his experience leading Brooks through a business turnaround, Jim shares lessons entrepreneurs can apply to businesses of any size. The conversation centers on three themes: focusing on your customers, pushing through challenges, and putting in the work to turn a vision into results. Jim explains how identifying a profitable niche helped Brooks compete against larger brands—and why protecting cash flow is essential to staying in the game. Jim also explores the people behind business success, from developing leaders to building a culture defined by everyday behavior. He shares insights from his book, Running with Purpose, and reflects on why business is a team sport. Tune in for an inspiring, practical conversation about finding your focus, leading through uncertainty, and building a business with purpose.

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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Small Biz FL was designed to highlight issues and promote business assistance resources available throughout the state of Florida.

Information

  • Creator
    Florida SBDC at Indian River State College
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Small Biz Florida