Small Biz Florida

Hosted by Florida SBDC at Indian River State College

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Episodes

100

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Oct 2026

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About the show

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

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60 recent

November 4, 2026Episode 45514 min

Ep. 437 | Small Business Saturday: Shop Small, Support Local with SBA’s John Rich

Small purchases can make a big difference in your community. In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred welcomes John Rich, Deputy Regional Administrator for the SBA’s Southeast Region, for a conversation about Small Business Saturday and the importance of supporting locally owned businesses. From unique downtown retailers to neighborhood restaurants, cafés, and breweries, Tom and John explore the businesses that give Florida’s communities their character—and why supporting them matters throughout the year. Tune in to discover: • How small business owners can prepare for Small Business Saturday. • Marketing resources discussed from the SBA and American Express. • The impact of supporting legacy businesses and local entrepreneurs. • Ways to shop, dine, and connect with businesses in your community. Make plans to shop small this holiday season—and keep supporting local all year long. Small Biz Florida is sponsored by Florida First Capital.

November 2, 2026Episode 45411 min

Ep 435 | Finding the Right Lender: Navigating Small Business Financing with Mike Ryan

Finding the right financing starts with knowing where to look. In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Mike Ryan, founder of Innovative Financing Solutions, at the 2026 Florida Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (FLAGGL) Conference in Orlando. Drawing on 30 years of commercial banking experience, Mike explains how he helps small business owners identify their financing needs, connect with lenders, and navigate the loan process from application to closing. They discuss SBA and conventional financing, the differences in lenders’ industry preferences, and why looking beyond your local bank can open the door to additional funding opportunities. Whether you’re purchasing a building, acquiring a business, or planning for growth, this conversation offers practical insight into finding a lender whose capabilities align with your business goals.

October 29, 2026Episode 45310 min

Ep 434 | Streamlining SBA Loan Signings with Devin Cobb of White Glove Notary Network

Getting a small business loan across the finish line takes more than approval—it also requires properly signed documents. In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Devin Cobb, founder of White Glove Notary Network, at the 2026 Florida Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders conference in Orlando. Devin shares how his background in real estate and a moment of curiosity during a pandemic-era closing inspired a business that now connects clients with a nationwide network of more than 50,000 notaries. He explains how the service helps lenders, law firms, and small business owners coordinate complex SBA loan signings, complete document packages, and keep funding on schedule. Hear how Devin turned a local mobile notary service into a national business by solving a recurring client problem—and making the signing process easier.

October 26, 2026Episode 45220 min

Ep 433 | From Renting to Owning: SBA 504 Financing with Ken Rosenthal

Could owning your business property be the next step toward long-term growth? In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Ken Rosenthal, Senior Advisor with Momentus Direct Capital, at the 2026 Florida Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (FLAGGL) Conference in Orlando. With 35 years of SBA lending experience, Ken explains how the SBA 504 loan program helps small business owners purchase, build, or improve commercial property. He breaks down its financing structure, explains how it differs from the SBA 7(a) program, and discusses how non-bank lenders can expand access to capital. The conversation explores the benefits of long-term fixed-rate financing, the importance of comparing borrowing options, and how business owners can connect directly with lenders. Whether you’re outgrowing your leased space or planning a new facility, this episode offers a practical introduction to financing your next move.

October 22, 2026Episode 45113 min

Ep 432 | Beyond Traditional Banking: Small Business Financing with Brent LeBlanc

Access to capital can open doors for entrepreneurs—but finding the right lending partner matters. Recorded at the 2026 FLAGGL Conference in Orlando, this episode of Small Biz Florida welcomes Brent LeBlanc, Executive Vice President of Business Development at Peachtree Group, for a conversation about alternative lending and the value of personal relationships in business financing. Brent shares how Peachtree grew from its roots in hospitality lending into financing a broader range of real estate and small business opportunities. He discusses the company’s expansion into SBA 7(a) lending, including support for business acquisitions, startups, and turnarounds, and explains why understanding an entrepreneur’s experience, commitment, and ability to operate a business is central to its approach. Tune in to learn how a lender that takes the time to know its borrowers can help entrepreneurs pursue opportunities and navigate challenges along the way.

October 19, 2026Episode 45018 min

Ep 431 | Get Loan Ready: Simplifying Small Business Financing with Loan Mantra

Getting access to capital starts long before you submit a loan application. In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred welcomes Loan Mantra founder and CEO Raj Tulshan and Vice President Emily Doxford for a conversation about helping entrepreneurs prepare for financing and connect with lenders. Recorded at the Florida Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (FLAGGL) Conference in Orlando, this episode explores how Loan Mantra helps business owners organize financial documents, streamline loan applications, and collaborate with lenders and business advisors through one digital platform. Raj and Emily also discuss the value of preparing early, keeping financial records current, and looking beyond your local bank for lending opportunities. Whether you’re planning to purchase equipment, expand your business, or secure a line of credit, tune in to learn how preparation and technology can help you take the next step toward financing your growth.

October 14, 2026Episode 44911 min

Ep. 430 | Simplifying Small Business Lending: Navigating the Path to Capital with mySherpas

Applying for a business loan can feel like climbing a mountain—but the right tools can make the journey easier. In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Joshua Talbert, co-founder of mySherpas, at the 2026 Florida Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (FLAGGL) Conference in Orlando. Joshua shares how his experience in engineering, entrepreneurship, and private lending inspired a platform that helps borrowers and lenders navigate the loan process. From organizing documents and tracking application requirements to secure communication and optional AI capabilities, mySherpas aims to reduce paperwork headaches and help lenders reach decisions more efficiently. They also explore SBA lending, gathering documents through email, and using existing documents to apply with additional participating institutions. Tune in to learn how technology can help simplify the path to the capital your business needs to grow.

October 9, 2026Episode 44818 min

Ep. 429 | Buy a Business, Build Your Future: Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition with Denise Houghtaling

You don’t have to start from scratch to become a business owner. In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Denise Houghtaling, founder of Southern Country Business Advisors, at the 2026 FLAGGL Conference in Orlando to explore entrepreneurship through acquisition. Drawing on her experience buying and selling businesses, Denise explains how the “silver tsunami” of retiring business owners is creating opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. She shares the advantages of purchasing an established business, including existing cash flow, experienced employees, customer relationships, and brand recognition. The conversation also covers SBA financing, seller financing, business valuation, and the steps buyers should take before beginning their search. For owners considering an exit, Denise discusses how early preparation can help improve a business’s value. Whether you’re looking to buy a business or preparing to sell one, this episode offers practical insights into navigating the next chapter of business ownership. Learn more: DeniseSellsBusinesses.com

September 30, 2026Episode 44719 min

Ep 428 | Beyond the Loan: SBA Resources for Growth with Jonel Hein & Clemence Garcia

The SBA offers more than business loans—it connects entrepreneurs with tools, training, and support to help them start, grow, and navigate challenges. 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 Jonel Hein, District Director of the SBA’s North Florida District Office, and Clemence Garcia, Lender Relations Specialist with the South Florida District Office. Together, they explore the SBA’s four core areas of support: counseling, capital, contracting, and crisis assistance. The conversation highlights lending activity across Florida and developments in financing for working capital, manufacturing, and domestic production. They also discuss how the 7(a) and 504 loan programs can serve different business needs. Beyond financing, Jonel and Clemence share how their district offices bring resources directly to entrepreneurs through webinars, individual assistance, community outreach, and partnerships with the Florida SBDC Network. Clemence explains how “Are You Lender Ready?” programming helps business owners prepare for financing conversations and connect with lenders. Whether you’re exploring funding, preparing to expand, or simply unsure where to turn for guidance, tune in to discover how the SBA and its resource partners support Florida’s small business community.

September 28, 2026Episode 44614 min

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.