Small Biz Catalyst

Ayisat Abilogun | Small Biz Catalyst
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Hello and welcome to Small Biz Catalysts. This show is for struggling small business owners who want to be able to earn a consistent 6 figure salary from their businesses and the economic development professionals who support them.  Explore with us as we delve into innovative strategies, success stories and actionable insights to empower small businesses as catalysts for economic resilience. Your host, Ayisat Abilogun is a Certified Entrepreneurship Development Professional and the CEO of Financial Leadership Club of America.Ayisat loves helping small business owners stay resilient so that their business can move past stagnation to growth phase.In the last 5 years, Ayisat has empowered over 20,000 students and business owner through financial leadership courses, workshops and curriculum.Let's help your business move from wistful to wellspring.Stay with us as we delve into today's topic.

  1. 10/29/2025

    How to future proof your business with Allister Frost E57

    Is your business truly future-ready?  In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, host Ayisat Abilogun sits down with Allister Frost, former Microsoft leader, author of Ready Already, and expert in digital transformation to unpack how small business owners can build a Future Ready Mindset in an era defined by rapid change and emerging technologies like AI. Drawing from his years at Microsoft and his groundbreaking work helping entrepreneurs embrace change, Allister shares: Why “future-proofing” is a myth and what to do instead The FROST Model for sustainable growth (Follow, React, Open, Surprise, Tell) How to adopt small, consistent improvements that compound into big resultsThe 3 human superpowers you can’t delegate to AI curiosity, creativity, and collaborationWhy continuous learning and curiosity are your greatest assets in businessWhether you’re feeling overwhelmed by constant change or eager to stay ahead of the curve, this episode will help you think differently, act intentionally, and be ready already for whatever’s next. 🔗 Resources & Links 📘 Ready Already by Allister Frost → https://readyalready.me Access more resources at https://smallbizcatalystorg/resources Grants: Grant Information: 1. Tee It Up for the Troops Grant Deadline: No deadline Maximum Grant Amount: Not specified Website: teetupforthetroops.org/apply-for-grants Contact: Ashley (ashley@teeitupforthetroops.org) or Becca (becca@teeitupforthetroops.org) Supports: Family & caregiver support, PTSD & TBI treatment, suicide prevention, golf & sports rehabilitation, employment, housing & homelessness. 2. Bernard Family Foundation Grant Deadline: December 31, 2025 Maximum Grant Amount: $50,000 Contact: Cathy S. Bernard, 5532 Gretstone Manor, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 Focus Areas: Community-focused projects (reach out directly for guidelines). Support the show Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

    22 min

  2. 10/07/2025

    Truth or Dare (Fear) - Overcoming Fear: A Journey of Self-Discovery #56

    Fear can shape our beliefs and actions. Through personal anecdotes, particularly about teaching her daughter to drive, Ayisat illustrates how fear can hold us back from achieving our goals. The conversation emphasizes the importance of taking small steps, staying in one's lane, and overcoming self-imposed limitations. Ayisat also engages the audience by encouraging them to reflect on their own fears and share their experiences.  Resources: Grant Information: 1. Tee It Up for the Troops Grant Deadline: No deadline Maximum Grant Amount: Not specified Website: teetupforthetroops.org/apply-for-grants Contact: Ashley (ashley@teeitupforthetroops.org) or Becca (becca@teeitupforthetroops.org) Supports: Family & caregiver support, PTSD & TBI treatment, suicide prevention, golf & sports rehabilitation, employment, housing & homelessness. 2. Bernard Family Foundation Grant Deadline: December 31, 2025 Maximum Grant Amount: $50,000 Contact: Cathy S. Bernard, 5532 Gretstone Manor, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 Focus Areas: Community-focused projects (reach out directly for guidelines). Support the show Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

    9 min

  3. 09/03/2025

    How to apply for StartHer grant for women owned business with Tracy Irby #55

    Getting a grant for your small business could be daunting. Do you know that you can easily qualify and apply for the StartHer grant? Tracy Irby discusses grant opportunities for women entrepreneurs, focusing on the Start Her grant. Tracy shares insights on common pitfalls in grant applications, the importance of understanding guidelines, and how to effectively utilize grant funds. The conversation also highlights the significance of verifying grant credibility to avoid scams, and concludes with encouragement for women entrepreneurs to take advantage of available resources. Resources & Grants: StartHer Grant by TWU CWE Maximum Grant: $5,000 Deadline: 5:00:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025 Guidelines and Application: StartHER Grant | Texas Woman's University Grant application review email: CWEgrants@twu.edu 45 Small-Business Grants for Women: Free Funding in 2024 - NerdWallet SmallBizCatalyst.org/resources Nerd Wallet Support the show Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

    23 min

  4. 08/26/2025

    How to make the internship experience effective for your business and the intern #54

    These 5 strategic moves will help you learn how to create a positive internship and virtual assistant experience to drive revenue. Ayisat emphasizes the importance of clarifying roles, developing onboarding systems, tracking work, and providing feedback. The conversation also highlights how interns can drive revenue through operational efficiency and market expansion. Additionally, the episode concludes with announcements about available grants for organizations. Resouces & Grants: America In Bloom Maximum Grant: $25,000 Deadline: November 1, 2025 Guidelines and Application: https://americainbloom.org/programs/cn-grant/ Saxena Family Foundation Maximum Grant: $50,000 Deadline: December 1, 2025 Guidelines and Application: http://saxenafoundation.com/guidelines/ Support the show Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

    16 min

  5. 08/19/2025

    Unlock Your Leadership Potential: Insights from Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew's 'Front Porch Wisdom' #53

    Dr. Froswa' Booker-Drew shares her insights on the unique challenges faced by women of color in leadership roles. She discusses her new book, 'Front Porch Wisdom,' which draws on personal stories and faith to provide guidance and resilience strategies. The discussion covers common mistakes institutions make in supporting BIPOC leaders, the importance of community and mentorship, and valuable lessons learned from her experiences. Dr. Booker-Drew emphasizes the need for reflection and the significance of recognizing one's worth in the workplace. Resources: Grants: King Ranch Family Trust Maximum Grant: $45,000 Deadline: 4/1/2026 Guidelines and Application: https://www.krft.org/ Roger I. & Ruth B. MacFarlane Foundation Maximum Grant: $250,000 Deadline: None Guidelines and Application: https://www.macfarlanefoundation.org/grantmaking Support the show Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

    26 min

  6. 08/12/2025

    A spotlight on Austin Texas #52

    Ayisat Abilogun discusses the entrepreneurial landscape in Austin, Texas, highlighting its vibrant ecosystem, resources for startups, and the challenges posed by the cost of living. The episode also features grant opportunities available for entrepreneurs in the city. Resources: The Texas Entrepreneur Ecosystem Summit: The Texas Entrepreneur Ecosystem Summit is a convening of diverse Texas Ecosystem leaders, including entrepreneurs serving organizations, economic development professionals, and entrepreneurs, to identify and address the current gaps in entrepreneurial growth in our state. Connect with resource partners. Attend impactful workshops, hear from an amazing panel of experts, share your views, and visit exhibition rooms to connect with resource partners. Registration is free. https://texasecosystem.org/events Grants: Austin Community Foundation $1.1M in Grant Funding Available for Nonprofits in Central Texas | Austin Community Foundation Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin Maximum Grant: $10,000 Deadline: December 1, 2025 Guidelines and Application: https://dairyfoundation.org/grant-seekers/ SHARE Institute Maximum Grant: $500 Deadline: December 1, 2025 Guidelines and Application: http://theshareinstitute.org/mini-grant-information MasterClass Maximum Grant: not specified Deadline: NONE Guidelines and Application: https://learn.masterclass.com/grants Support the show Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

    6 min

  7. 08/05/2025

    Could your faith affect your business? A Personal Journey #51

    Could faith and business go hand in hard? In this episode, Ayisat Abilogun explores the profound impact of faith on business practices and personal identity. She shares her journey of faith, from her upbringing in a Muslim household to her relationship with God, and how these experiences shape her approach to business. The conversation highlights the importance of integrating personal beliefs into professional life and encourages listeners to authentically express themselves in the workplace and business practice. Resources: Daniel and Barbara Chapman Trust - Chapman Prize Maximum Grant: $100,000 Deadline: September 30, 2025 Guidelines and Application: https://www.chapmanprize.org/prize-program Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Maximum Grant: not specified Deadline: December 1, 2025 Guidelines and Application: https://www.wellsfargo.com/private-foundations/buehler-perpetual-trust Texas Entrepreneur Ecosystem Summit: The Texas Entrepreneur Ecosystem Summit: The Texas Entrepreneur Ecosystem Summit is a convening of diverse Texas Ecosystem leaders, including entrepreneurs serving organizations, economic development professionals, and entrepreneurs, to identify and address the current gaps in entrepreneurial growth in our state. Connect with resource partners. Attend impactful workshops, hear from an amazing panel of experts, share your views, and visit exhibition rooms to connect with resource partners. Registration is free. https://texasecosystem.org/events Support the show Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

    16 min

  8. 07/29/2025

    #50: A collection of lessons from the past year - Happy 1 year Small Biz Catalyst

    In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, host Ayisat Abilagun reflects on the first fifty episodes, celebrating the insights shared by guests and emphasizing the importance of cash flow, marketing, and community support for small businesses. The conversation covers essential strategies for business growth, including effective invoicing, negotiation tactics, understanding customer needs, and the significance of a strong online presence. Ayisat also shares valuable tips on grant applications, networking, and the importance of organization in managing a business. The episode concludes with a motivational message about the power of storytelling, the timing of success, and grant resources.  Resources: Verizon Digital Ready Grant https://www.verizonwireless.com/grants Grants | Hello Alice The Texas Entrepreneur Ecosystem Summit: The Texas Entrepreneur Ecosystem Summit is a convening of diverse Texas Ecosystem leaders, including entrepreneurs serving organizations, economic development professionals, and entrepreneurs, to identify and address the current gaps in entrepreneurial growth in our state. Connect with resource partners. Attend impactful workshops, hear from an amazing panel of experts, share your views, and visit exhibition rooms to connect with resource partners. Registration is free. https://texasecosystem.org/events Support the show Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

    23 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Hello and welcome to Small Biz Catalysts. This show is for struggling small business owners who want to be able to earn a consistent 6 figure salary from their businesses and the economic development professionals who support them.  Explore with us as we delve into innovative strategies, success stories and actionable insights to empower small businesses as catalysts for economic resilience. Your host, Ayisat Abilogun is a Certified Entrepreneurship Development Professional and the CEO of Financial Leadership Club of America.Ayisat loves helping small business owners stay resilient so that their business can move past stagnation to growth phase.In the last 5 years, Ayisat has empowered over 20,000 students and business owner through financial leadership courses, workshops and curriculum.Let's help your business move from wistful to wellspring.Stay with us as we delve into today's topic.

Information

  • Creator
    Ayisat Abilogun | Small Biz Catalyst
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Small Biz Catalyst
  • Show Website
    Small Biz Catalyst