Small Biz Catalyst

Ayisat Abilogun | Small Biz Catalyst
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

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. 4d ago

    Bora Laci: A Journey of Leadership and Innovation #69

    In this episode of the SheInspires Symposium Series, Ayisat Abilogun interviews Bora Laci, a consultant and community leader, discussing her journey as a daughter of immigrants, her diverse career across various industries, and the lessons learned about leadership and innovation. Bora emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in driving transformation, the challenges leaders face in aligning their teams, and how women can lead innovation within established organizations. She concludes with valuable advice for entrepreneurs to focus on being useful rather than just appearing successful. Support the show Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

    22 min

  2. May 19

    Navigating the Entrepreneurial Landscape: A Conversation with Tracy Irby - SheInspires Series #68

    Tracy Irby shares her extensive experience as a serial entrepreneur and director of the Texas Women's University Center for Women Entrepreneurs. She discusses the evolving landscape for women entrepreneurs, the importance of taking action, and the resources available to support women in business. Tracy emphasizes the significance of identifying ideal clients, building confidence, and learning resilience through experience. She also highlights the specific challenges faced by rural entrepreneurs and the importance of community support. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Women entrepreneurs are increasingly starting businesses for flexibility and income stability.Rural grants are available to support women entrepreneurs in underserved areas.Taking action is crucial; there is no perfect moment to start a business.Identifying your ideal client is essential for business success.Access to resources and mentorship can significantly aid women entrepreneurs.Resilience is built through experience, both good and bad.Networking and community involvement are vital for building confidence.Entrepreneurship can be isolating, but support is available. RESOURCES MENTIONED Texas Rural Grant | Texas Woman's University Support the show Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

    28 min

  3. May 6

    Fear Is Not the Enemy: How to Use It as Fuel

    Every entrepreneur knows the feeling: the great idea that sits untouched because fear won't let you move. In this episode of The Small Biz Catalyst, Ayisat Abilogun reframes fear as data, not a dead end, and gives you five moves to turn it into forward momentum. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why fear is neurologically normal — and why entrepreneurs feel it more intensely than mostThe three types of fear that stall small businesses, and how to identify yoursWhy a growth mindset is not a feeling — it's a practice with a scheduleFive moves to use fear as data instead of a stop signThis week's Catalyst Grant Minute: up to $20,000 available RESOURCES MENTIONED Mindset: The New Psychology of Success — Carol S. Dweck (available at most public libraries)SCORE — free mentoring for small business owners: score.orgNorth Texas SBDC — DFW entrepreneur guidance: ntxsbdc.orgSmall Biz Catalyst Resources Page: smallbizcatalyst.org/resourcesSupport the show Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

    18 min

  4. Apr 21

    From Side Hustle to Seven Figures - The Ice Shaker Story: Startup to Success Series #66.mp4

    Chris Gronkowski went from NFL fullback to DFW entrepreneur after one sweaty gym session gave him an idea nobody had solved. In this episode of The Small Biz Catalyst, he breaks down how he built Ice Shaker from a spare bedroom side hustle to a Shark Tank deal with Mark Cuban and Alex Rodriguez; and $3M+ in annual revenue. Enjoy From Side Hustle to Seven Figures: How Chris Gronkowski Turned a Gym Frustration into a Dallas Product Empire; a Small Biz Catalyst Startup to Success Series. What You'll Learn in This Episode How a product idea is born and why your frustration might be your business planThe real reason Ice Shaker stayed a side hustle for over a year before going full-timeWhat happened the week the Shark Tank episode aired (the numbers will shock you)The quality control nightmare that almost derailed the first shipmentFive lessons from Chris that apply to any product-based small business Resources:  THIS WEEK'S GRANT SPOTLIGHT Intuit QuickBooks + Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program Maximum Grant:  $20,000 per winner Deadline:  May 15, 2026  Who Can Apply:  U.S. small business owners aged 18+ who demonstrate courage, perseverance, and integrity. 3 winners chosen per quarter. Find it at: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/offers/small-business-hero-program/ Support the show Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

    16 min

  5. Apr 14

    Tariffs & Your Small Business: What You Need to Know Right Now #65

    Tariffs are no longer just an economic headline. They're showing up in your invoices, your vendor conversations, and your cash flow right now. In this solo deep-dive, host Ayisat Abilogun breaks down exactly what the current tariff landscape means for small businesses, shares the real numbers behind the impact, and delivers 5 strategic moves you can take this week whether you run a product-based or service-based business.  Plus, this week's Catalyst Grant Minute spotlights a $20,000 grant opportunity with a fast-approaching deadline. Resources:  THIS WEEK'S GRANT SPOTLIGHT Intuit QuickBooks + Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program Maximum Grant:  $20,000 per winner Deadline:  May 15, 2026  Who Can Apply:  U.S. small business owners aged 18+ who demonstrate courage, perseverance, and integrity. 3 winners chosen per quarter. Find it at: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/offers/small-business-hero-program/ Support the show Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

    16 min

  6. Apr 7

    Discovering Selma, TX: A Business-Friendly City #64

    Mayor Tom Daly of Selma, Texas, shares the city's growth as a business hub. The conversation highlights Selma's welcoming environment for entrepreneurs, the cultural initiatives that enhance economic growth, and success stories of local businesses with Ayisat. Mayor Daly also shares insights on the city's development strategies, living standards, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Takeaways Selma has grown from 2,000 to 14,000 residents since 2010.The city prioritizes a smooth transition for new businesses.Selma treats all businesses equally, regardless of size.Cultural events enhance the quality of life in Selma.Local businesses like Mia Marcos exemplify success in Selma.The city has invested significantly in infrastructure and parks.Selma is recognized as a music-friendly community.Housing remains affordable and diverse in Selma.Mayor Daley emphasizes the importance of community engagement.Entrepreneurs are encouraged to take risks and pursue their ideas.Resources: Visit Selma, TX at Selma, TX - Official Website | Official Website https://Smallbizcatalyst.org/resources Support the show Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

    20 min

  7. Mar 17

    Harnessing AI for Small Business and Economic Development Success with Katie Milton Jordan. E63

    In this conversation, Ayisat and Katie discuss how Small Business owners and economic development professionals can leverage AI for growth and efficiency, starting with people and processes. They explore the psychological aspects of adopting AI, the importance of AI literacy, and how rural communities can leverage AI to compete with urban areas. The discussion emphasizes the need for organizations to invest in people and processes before technology and highlights practical AI tools that can enhance productivity and streamline operations for small businesses. Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiemiltonjordan AI Performance School - Https://www.simpleedo.ai 10% Discount Code on AI training with Katie - 10TxEE About the AI Performance School Support the show Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

    45 min

  8. Feb 24

    Beyond the Celebration: The Business of Black History #62

    In this special Black History Month episode of Small Biz Catalyst, host Ayisat Abilogun takes a thoughtful look at the origins of Black History Month and its evolving role in shaping economic opportunity for Black communities. As a first-generation American who spent her formative years in Nigeria, Ayisat shares a personal reflection on reconnecting with Black History Month as an adult and why this celebration goes far beyond remembrance. The episode explores how Black History Month has become a catalyst for supporting Black-owned businesses, amplifying movements like Buy Black, spotlighting systemic wealth inequalities, and encouraging corporate and government action. You will learn about the economic contributions of Black entrepreneurs, key data on Black-owned businesses in the U.S., and how initiatives from corporations, nonprofits, and policymakers are working to close persistent wealth gaps. The episode closes with eye opening fun facts, actionable ways to support Black businesses, and a grant spotlight from the Kennedy Wilson Charitable Foundation. Whether you’re a business owner, policymaker, or conscious consumer, this episode offers insight into how history, culture, and economics intersect and how each of us can play a role in building a more equitable future. Resources: Check out our resource page below: Smallbizcatalyst.org/resouces Support the show Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

    10 min
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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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Small Biz Catalyst
  • Show Website
    Small Biz Catalyst