Small Biz Florida

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, Tom Kindred, welcomes Allison Chase, President and CEO of the Able Trust, a vital partner of the Florida SBDC network. They delve into the Able Trust's mission to advance career development for Floridians with disabilities through collaboration, investment, and partnerships.

Allison shares her journey into this vital work, emphasizing the importance of connecting businesses with talented indi...

 Join us as we venture into the realm of technology-driven economic development with Jake Biggs, Business Development Manager, and Matthew Moloney, Director of Marketing and Sales, both representing BluDot.

At the heart of BluDot's offerings is its Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform, designed to streamline communication, data management, and project coordination for economic development organizations, cities, and cou...

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, we delve into the world of employee ownership and the innovative methods available for transitioning businesses, featuring experts Roy Messing, Director of State Center Operations at Employee Ownership Expansion Network  and John Burgess, Principal at Jackson Lewis. With the looming "silver tsunami" of baby boomer business owners looking to exit, succession planning has become crucial. Roy and ...

In this captivating episode, Tom Kindred sits down with Ruth Buchanan to explore the pivotal role of Florida Makes in shaping the future of Florida's manufacturing economy. With decades of experience in economic development and a passion for driving positive change, Ruth offers invaluable insights into the transformative impact of manufacturing on Florida's economic landscape.

Ruth traces her remarkable journey from the private s...

As Tom Kindred and David Zelaya delve into the intricacies of CRM platforms, they unveil the myriad benefits of leveraging technology to streamline business operations and enhance customer engagement. From automating manual processes to harnessing the power of AI-driven analytics, Glue Up emerges as a game-changer in the realm of CRM solutions.

Get a comprehensive overview of Glue Up's competitive advantage, which lies in its abi...

In this episiode, Tom Kindred and Bridget Lacoste, Events and Stakeholder Relationship Manager at Florida SBDC Network unveil the strategic vision behind the Small Business Success Summit, now in its third triumphant year. Bridget shares her remarkable journey, from her background in hospitality and event management to her pivotal role at the Florida SBDC Network, where she spearheads initiatives to support and uplift the small bus...

In this enlightening conversation, Tom Kindred and Britney Odom unveil the multifaceted landscape of environmental consulting and construction services offered by SCS Engineers. With over 17 years of experience in the environmental sector, Britney Odom provides invaluable insights into the due diligence process, emphasizing the importance of thorough assessments to mitigate potential risks for small business owners and developers.

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Under the guidance of Tom Kindred, the Host of Small Biz Florida and Regional Director of the Florida Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College, listeners are invited to explore the array of career pathways woven throughout the Sunshine State. Adrienne Johnston, CEO of Career Source Florida, brings her wealth of expertise to the table, shedding light on the myriad opportunities available to entrepreneurs and j...

This episode of Small Biz Florida dives into Comcast's impactful role in bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth in rural Florida communities.

This episode of Small Biz Florida tackles the critical issue of rural internet access. Host Tom Kindred interviews Michelle Oyola McGovern, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs at Comcast. Together, they explore the state and federal government's multi-billio...

Unveiling the power of data!  This episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the Florida Rural Economic Development Association (FREDA) Summit, explores how GIS Web Tech empowers rural economic development.

Host Tom Kindred sits down with Row Bertasi, co-founder and CEO of GIS Web Tech, for an insightful conversation on the importance of data in attracting businesses to rural communities. Mr. Bertasi details how GIS Web Tech's...

Bridging the Gap: Unveiling strategies for rural economic development at the Florida Rural Economic Development Association (FREDA) Summit.

This episode of Small Biz Florida sheds light on economic development initiatives in rural Florida. Host Tom Kindred is joined by Terry Burroughs, a county commissioner and economic development leader, for a insightful discussion centered around the FREDA Summit.

Mr. Burroughs delves into the S...

Small businesses, big dreams in rural Florida? This episode of Small Biz Florida is for you! Join us as we chat with Kaylee King, President, and Alex Tijerina, Director of Existing Industry, at the Okeechobee Economic Development Corporation (OEDC). Kaylee shares exciting new plans for the OEDC, including a focus on business retention and expansion.

We explore the unique challenges and opportunities of rural economic development, d...

Powering Up Growth: How Duke Energy Supercharges Florida's Small Businesses

Florida's small businesses, listen up! This episode of Small Biz Florida connects you with a powerhouse supporter – Duke Energy's economic development team. We chat with Marc Hoenstine, Managing Director, of Economic Development for Duke Energy about the company's commitment to your success. Discover programs designed to fuel your growth, from expansion op...

Unlocking opportunity in Florida's rural communities: How innovative partnerships are fueling small business growth.

Ever wonder how small businesses can thrive in rural Florida? This episode of Small Biz Florida dives deep into the power of public-private partnerships! We'll chat with Justin Ford, from Dewberry Engineers, and Antonio Jefferson, Gretna's City Manager. They'll reveal the secrets behind Gretna's successful site devel...

In this special edition of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the prestigious 2023 Florida MakesMore Manufacturing Summit at the iconic Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts in downtown Orlando, host Tom Kindred brings you a groundbreaking episode featuring Ken Brace, the innovator behind Rapid Prototyping Services.

Journey through the evolution of 3D printing with Ken, from its humble beginnings in the '80s to its current prowe...

In this special episode, Tom engages in a dynamic conversation with Lake Ray, the President of the First Coast Manufacturers Association and a prominent figure in Florida's manufacturing and legislative scene. With a background as a professional engineer and 30 years of experience in engineering and small business ownership, Lake brings a wealth of knowledge to his role at FCMA.

Elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 20...

Welcome to a special episode of Small Biz Florida, broadcasting live from the heart of downtown Orlando at the illustrious Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts. We're on the scene at the 2023 Florida MakesMore Manufacturing Summit, where industry leaders converge to explore innovations, collaborations, and the future of manufacturing in the Sunshine State.

Today, we're joined by Robert Linder, Senior Operations Manager at GE Ren...

Get ready for a riveting episode of Small Biz Florida, live from the hub of innovation – the prestigious Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. Join us as we plunge into the dynamic world of manufacturing at the 2023 Florida Makes More Manufacturing Summit.

Our honored guest today is Pavel Kuviarzin, the Business Advisor at FloridaMakes, bringing over 15 years of expertise in revolutionizing operations. Strap ...

Get ready for an electrifying ride through the heart of innovation with Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the 2023 Florida Makes Manufacturing Summit at the renowned Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts in Orlando! In this immersive episode, host Tom Kindred explores the vibrant world of manufacturing, spotlighting the challenges, triumphs, and the thriving small business community that's shaping Florida's industrial landscape...