Business on the Edge, Silicon Valley

Today we are talking about one of the biggest questions entrepreneurs ask: “Where can I find the money?” But before we chase grants, loans, crowdfunding, sponsorships, or investors, we need to ask a better question: “Is my business ready for capital?”  

Today’s show is not about chasing grants. It is about helping small businesses and nonprofits understand what funders are really looking for before they ever submit an application. Grant money is competitive, and the organizations that win are usually not the ones that simply “need” the money — they are the ones that can prove readiness, alignment, capacity, and impact.

Today we’re talking about why small businesses cannot afford to wait for perfection. Your Minimum Viable Product, or MVP, is the simplest marketable version of your product or service that lets you test the market, earn feedback, make improvements, and start generating sales before the opportunity passes you by.

Today on the show, we are talking about one of the largest infrastructure projects in California history: California High-Speed Rail. But we are not just talking about trains, tracks, and timelines. We are talking about progress, jobs, procurement, contracts, small business access, and how entrepreneurs can position themselves to participate in this historic economic opportunity. Our guest today i...

Today we are talking about the top AI assistants small businesses should be paying attention to: ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, Perplexity, Monica, and a few specialty tools like Canva AI. Now let me say this upfront: every AI tool is not created for the same job. Some are better for writing. Some are better for research. Some are better inside your email, spreadsheets, meeting...

Why smart entrepreneurs do not start with a business plan — they start with proof.

Today’s guest, Sperling Services, joins us to discuss why mobile notary, I-9 verification, loan signing, and apostille services are more important than ever in a world of remote work, global mobility, and high-stakes paperwork.

Today we’re talking about a man who didn’t just build a company… he built a movement. A system that has helped everyday entrepreneurs go from idea… to income… to impact. I’m talking about Russell Brunson, cofounder of ClickFunnels alongside Todd Dickerson.   Here’s the truth—success in today’s economy isn’t about who has the best product… it’s about who has the best system to sell it.

Today on the show, we’re going to talk about why LinkedIn cold messaging, especially from the free version, is one of the worst marketing strategies in business today. Not only does it rarely produce deals…It actually damages your brand and destroys trust before the conversation even begins. But here’s the crazy twist…   LinkedIn is still one of the most powerful platforms in the world for landing...

If you’re using grants just to survive, you’re thinking too small. Grants are leverage. And leverage gets you approved.

 Today, we are wrapping up our Grant Readiness Series with one of the most important conversations nonprofit leaders must understand if they want to survive the next decade — revenue diversification.  

Today’s conversation is one that most grant seekers wish they could be a fly on the wall for. Because we’re not just talking about grants… We’re talking about what actually happens inside the room— where funding decisions are debated, defended, and decided. My guest today brings a rare and powerful perspective. She’s spent decades serving at the highest levels of the arts and cultural ecosystem—wo...

Katrena Friel is an author, business mentor, expert, speaker, trainer, executive, and more…she is making her introduction to the Silicon Valley/ Bay Area and sharing her genius with you. Go on this wild ride show kicking off the New Yea, it is a no-holds bar kind a show! Check out the rebroadcast on our podcast channels. (iTune, Podbean, and iHeartradio)

How AI can help small businesses build credibility, readiness, and leverage grants to power up their next loan approval.   Most small businesses don’t get denied for bad ideas—they get denied because they’re unprepared. Today, we’re diving into how Artificial Intelligence can help small business owners get loan ready—from cleaning up financials to generating professional loan packages that impress...

Don’t miss your opportunity to join Coach and Radio Personality Margaret Jackson – anywhere in the country – to attend the 1st SBDC California North Bay AI Summit for Small Businesses. Tune in on this week episode of AM 1220. 

We’re in the final quarter of the year—the season when smart businesses and nonprofits get serious about positioning themselves for new funding opportunities. Grants are not just about writing a proposal; they’re about being ready—financially, organizationally, and strategically. Today, I’m going to walk you through my Grant Readiness Framework in 5 power-packed segments, so you can finish this ye...

On today’s show where we’re unlocking the playbook for turning a business idea into a high-five-figure—or even six-figure—machine in the next 12 months. Now, I know that sounds bold—but it’s not hype. With today’s digital tools, artificial intelligence, and proven business development strategies, it’s more possible than ever to launch, scale, and ramp up sales fast. Whether you’re a start-up, a sm...

This wasn’t politics as usual. It was political violence. And violence of any kind is always a failure of leadership, a failure of our society’s character. We can agree or disagree with Charlie Kirk’s views, but none of that justifies taking a life. None of that excuses threats, extremism, or the kind of rhetoric that leads people to believe that violence is ever acceptable. What should unite us n...

Welcome to today’s show. AI is everywhere—you can’t scroll, swipe, or search without running into it. But for small businesses, it’s not just about what AI can do—it’s about what you should do, what to avoid, and what could get you into trouble. From copyright issues with AI art to data privacy, customer trust, and the ethics of automation—today, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real opportunit...

Today we’re diving into one of the biggest hurdles and opportunities for small business owners — financing. If you’ve ever wondered how banks really decide who gets a ‘yes’ and who gets a ‘not this time,’ this episode is for you. I’m going to walk you through the mindset, the tools, and the programs, like the SBA 7(a), 504, and even the brand-new 7(a) Working Capital Pilot that could be the key to...

We’ve hit the halfway mark of the year, and the clock is ticking. In this high-energy episode of The Halfway Hustle, we’re talking about the smart, strategic moves every small business should make right now to finish the year strong. From tightening up your finances and streamlining your systems to recharging your marketing and reconnecting with your best customers, we break down the exact mid-yea...

Join Business Coach Margaret Jackson because today we’re turning the spotlight on the fearless women who are rewriting the rules of business. This is the show where grit meets grace, and strategy meets unstoppable ambition. If you’re a woman thinking about starting your own business—or you’re already in the arena—this hour is for you. We’ll talk about the top industries to dive into, real strategi...

Tune in to Business Coach Margaret Jackson where she reveals Power Moves that make women led businesses succeed. Learn the moves to turn the launch of your business into a successful sustainable one. Be sure to check it out on this week's episode of AM 1220 KDOW. 

Join Business Coach Margaret Jackson where she asks ChatGPT on what are the best tools you should be using in your business in 2025. Find out which tools you will need on this week's episode of AM 1220 KDOW.

Join Business Coach Margaret Jackson, on today's show where she goes over how a change in administration can impact your business & careers. Learn how to overcome those changes on this week's episode of AM 1220 KDOW.