Practical Bizz Podcast

There is nothing like a dress or a suit that fits you just right to make an unforgettable first impression. The precision of a skilled tailor is a true craft and one that you will find at this veteran family-owned tailor shop in Johnston, Rhode Island. From the moment you walk into their new larger location, you are greeted with a comfortable waiting area, spacious changing rooms that are wheelcha...

There are 5.5 million family-owned businesses in the US. If you are a small business owner, there is a good chance you will work with a family member or will during your business journey. Running a small business can be challenging but rewarding; however, running a family-owned business has a unique set of challenges; when done right, it can significantly impact your family and community more than...

If you have a great business that is booming and you are ready to fast-track your growth, then the nationally recognized 10K Small Business Program is for you. ‌ To discuss this free program, yes free to business leaders, more in depth, executive director Karina Holyoak Wood joined me.  Take it from me as a graduate from the program, and it was instrumental in helping my business not only survive...

This episode is in partnership with Beacon Communications Business Spotlight Spring has arrived here in Rhode Island, meaning more time outside for you and your family, and let's not forget our beloved family pets. We love the nice weather, but unfortunately, so do many critters and creepy crawlers, such as spiders, mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. These can be minor nuisances but can later resu...

Small business owners often struggle with branding their businesses; there is a good chance you are among them if you're a new business owner just starting out. The great news is you do not need to go it alone! There is great power in collaboration and working with others, especially those who currently use your products and services. Anthony Borrelli, a small business owner, shares advice on...

Who You Need to Know for Safe Reliable Tire & Auto Care in Rhode Island Broadway Tire is a Rhode Island family-owned business that strives to provide excellent customer experience with multiple locations in Pawtucket, Warwick, and their latest location in Johnston. A flat tire or unfamiliar sound from under your vehicle's hood is always a cause for concern, leading to financial stress and...

According to the 2022 Census Bureau, there are currently 140,918 black or African-American-owned businesses, with 141. Billion annual receipts and 1.3 million employees with 42.2 billion dollars in payroll each year. We agree that these stats are impressive and continue to grow each year. However, you will find as you dig deeper into black business communities, they are still faced with many chall...

A special Beacon Communication Business Spotlight: Look behind the scenes and learn more about the fascinating man behind the famous Chef Walters Cooking School in Cranston, RI. In 1972 Chef Walter arrived in New York as a young man with energy and ambition, seeking the same future for his family as his grandparents gave him. He decided long ago that he would not compromise quality, and to this da...

In this week's episode, we interview co-owner Victor Regino from Papi's Coquito. The first, Latino millennial owned liquor brand in Rhode Island. He shares how he and his partners took a family tradition and created a brand for others to enjoy. This trio state that their Coquito evokes feelings of good vibes and tastes of the islands and brings official taste of their Puerto Rico culture...

If you are starting a business or ready to put your growth plan into action, chances are you will need financing, and a loan backed by the SBA may be the best choice for you. An SBA loan offers flexibility, longer repayment terms, and lower interest rates. In addition, the support from the SBA can help improve your odds of loan approval for funding with your local bank. This week, we are joined by...

In today's episode, we are joined by Mary T. O'Sullivan, she is an experienced Executive and Professional Coach specializing in supporting managers, executives, and professionals when they need to exhibit grace under pressure in a stressful career, leadership, or personal situations. We talk about her experience working in a male-dominated field during her amazing career spanning several...

If you own or are considering starting a women-owned business in New England, listen carefully. We had an informative conversation with a remarkable young lady named Lindsey Ramirez. She is a Rhode Island native, world traveler, computer coder, and entrepreneur that has her hands in everything. She inspires other women to feel empowered by encouraging them to try new things and take on any obstacl...

In life and business experience, talent, focus, support, and knowledge are power. There is a great benefit to working with a mentor or industry expert who has a wealth of golden nuggets to share with you as an entrepreneur. Let’s face it, running your business is hard. Day-to-day decision-making takes many skills sets that one business owner may not have. We are often juggling so many pieces of ru...

Print media is still king and there is a significant impact when businesses connect with their local newspaper. In today's discussion, we talk with John Howell, Editor/Publisher of the Warwick Beacon, among many publications, he is a contributor. The Beacon is a local newspaper published in little ole Warwick, Rhode Island and one we are very familiar with here at Practical BizZ. You will be...

We are joined this week by our guest R.I. Secretary of State Gregg Amore and Maureen Ewig, Director of Business Services at the Rhode Island S.O.S. offices, to get the details on what you need to know and the services available to help small businesses just like yours. We know many business owners often dread the "red tape" that can often come with opening or expanding their growing busi...

In today's episode, we are joined by entrepreneur Hugo Adames, owner of the Event Factory located in Warwick, RI.    Hello, 2023! We can finally host in-person events and reconnect with our employees, customers, and colleagues in our small business community. If you love people like we love people, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.   Imagine hosting a top-notch VIP event as part of y...

In this candid conversation, Erica Saccocio interviews successful business owner Jesus Rios about how he started his Rhode Island-based tattoo business in East Providence RI. We talked about the importance of taking care of your customers, and how reviews naturally occur on their owner. We also discuss how life changes are often the catalyst that pushes people and business owners to act on things...

What is restructuring? Restructuring is usually when you face financial troubles or pressures. You take action to modify your financial situation and other operational aspects of your company. Be prepared to strengthen your company with a view to achieving better and more efficient policies. Increase that profit and adapt to the changing market. Why is this necessary? There are lots of changes occ...

How does that expression go? New Year, New Me! You want to lose the excess weight, start the next million-dollar business, and get your work-life balance back on track. You have been operating in a pandemic and the residual aftermath for the past three years. You’re worried about how this upcoming recession is going to impact you and your business. These might range from nightmares, supply chain i...

We have Chris Ball from Paint Parties and More with Chris. She was a general manager for my daycare, Family Tree for six years. She worked for me for ten years in total before taking her leap of faith with her small business. Chris has painted many murals for me at my centers. She became the very first client at Stellar Business Concepts in April of 2022. Like many, business owners she has some fe...

In this week's episode host Erica Saccoccio discuss her thoughts about her passion for working with people. The best way to have a successful business is to take care of your people, and when I mention people, I am talking about your employees, customers, and community, both in person and online. Company culture is more than a new buzzword; it is your company's heartbeat, right along wit...

According to the headlines, the recession of all recessions is heading our way in 2023. As big businesses prepare with scaling back, layoffs and strategy, could this shift provide an opportunity for small businesses to do the same? There is some positive news as small business owners; we have advantages over big corporations. We can make decisions quickly while picking up top talent for positions...

For the Video for this Episode visit https://youtu.be/LvhePKrlY_I In this conversation, Erica Saccoccio, Child Care Directors Chair Creator, Practical Bizz Podcast host, multi-location childcare owner, and current board member of riaeyc (the Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children), is joined by fierce children's education advocate, Coordinator of Program Quality for Brig...

"It is the mentor's responsibility to create a safe and trusting space that enables a mentee to stretch and step outside their comfort zone, take risks, and show up authentically." ― Lisa Fain. In this week's episode, Erica meets with LA and Ed from Mentor RI to talk about the many opportunities business owners, early childhood, and youth educators have to network together whil...

Special Episode: Hello RI Vendors & Artists !!! This episode is for you if you are a small business owner looking to enter the retail or wholesale market or expand into new spaces to sell your products and services. This month we are lucky to be working with 40 amazing artisans and vendors for our upcoming holiday event. During our Happy Holiday event, we will welcome up to 400 shoppers and of...