Small Biz Catalyst

Ayisat Abilogun and Remi Roy discuss the significance of community in podcasting, the journey of building Podground, and the mindset shifts necessary for personal growth. They explore how women creators are reshaping conversations through digital platforms and the importance of innovation in community building beyond technology. In this conversation, Remi shares her insights on connecting women th...

Ayisat Abilagan sits down with serial entrepreneur Tracy Irby, Director of the TWU Center for Women Entrepreneurs on this episode of Small Biz Catalyst. Tracy dropped a massive truth bomb: analysis paralysis is the silent killer of big dreams. You don't learn how to run a business by planning it out in your head; you learn by jumping in feet first and doing it. Enjoy the actionable hacks and...

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 alig...

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...

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 most Th...

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...

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-ba...

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 entre...

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...

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 thi...

What if entrepreneurship wasn’t an elective—but the foundation of education? In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst , host Ayisat Abilogun sits down with Jeff Meade , Executive Director of the Every Quinnite Is an Entrepreneur program at Paul Quinn College , to explore how entrepreneurship education is being reimagined—and why it matters for business owners, parents, and community builders alike. P...

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just thinking about launching your show, this episode will show you how to make podcasting work for your business growth, not against your schedule. Listen now to learn how to: ✅ Turn your podcast into a networking tool ✅ Build trust through authentic conversations ✅ Repurpose your episodes into social gold ✅ Create a media engine around your business...

Want to start a small business in Irving, TX? Here's what you need to know. In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, host Ayisat Abilogun sits down with the Mayor of Irving, TX; the City Manager, Asst. City Manager, Economic Development Corp Manager, and the President of Irving/Las Colina Chamber to discuss the city's small business initiatives.  🔗 Resources & Links Connect with the c...

Happy New Year! We are keeping our promise to you and we invite you to join us this year as we serve you more. In this episode, Ayisat shares some upcoming changes to the podcast and why those changes have been adopted. We look forward to serving you more this year! 🔗 Resources & Links Access more resources at https://smallbizcatalystorg/resources Grant Information: 1. Tee It Up for the Troop...

Is your business truly future-ready?  In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, host Ayisat Abilogun sits down with Allister Frost, former Microsoft leader, author of Ready Already, and expert in digital transformation to unpack how small business owners can build a Future Ready Mindset in an era defined by rapid change and emerging technologies like AI. Drawing from his years at Microsoft and his gr...

Fear can shape our beliefs and actions. Through personal anecdotes, particularly about teaching her daughter to drive, Ayisat illustrates how fear can hold us back from achieving our goals. The conversation emphasizes the importance of taking small steps, staying in one's lane, and overcoming self-imposed limitations. Ayisat also engages the audience by encouraging them to reflect on their ow...

Getting a grant for your small business could be daunting. Do you know that you can easily qualify and apply for the StartHer grant? Tracy Irby discusses grant opportunities for women entrepreneurs, focusing on the Start Her grant. Tracy shares insights on common pitfalls in grant applications, the importance of understanding guidelines, and how to effectively utilize grant funds. The conversation...

These 5 strategic moves will help you learn how to create a positive internship and virtual assistant experience to drive revenue. Ayisat emphasizes the importance of clarifying roles, developing onboarding systems, tracking work, and providing feedback. The conversation also highlights how interns can drive revenue through operational efficiency and market expansion. Additionally, the episode con...

Dr. Froswa' Booker-Drew shares her insights on the unique challenges faced by women of color in leadership roles. She discusses her new book, 'Front Porch Wisdom,' which draws on personal stories and faith to provide guidance and resilience strategies. The discussion covers common mistakes institutions make in supporting BIPOC leaders, the importance of community and mentorship, and...

Ayisat Abilogun discusses the entrepreneurial landscape in Austin, Texas, highlighting its vibrant ecosystem, resources for startups, and the challenges posed by the cost of living. The episode also features grant opportunities available for entrepreneurs in the city. Resources: The Texas Entrepreneur Ecosystem Summit: The Texas Entrepreneur Ecosystem Summit is a convening of diverse Texas Ecosyst...

Could faith and business go hand in hard? In this episode, Ayisat Abilogun explores the profound impact of faith on business practices and personal identity. She shares her journey of faith, from her upbringing in a Muslim household to her relationship with God, and how these experiences shape her approach to business. The conversation highlights the importance of integrating personal beliefs into...

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, host Ayisat Abilagun reflects on the first fifty episodes, celebrating the insights shared by guests and emphasizing the importance of cash flow, marketing, and community support for small businesses. The conversation covers essential strategies for business growth, including effective invoicing, negotiation tactics, understanding customer needs, and the sign...

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, Ayisat Abilogun discusses the crucial role of economic development corporations (EDCs) in supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship. She emphasizes that economic development is fundamentally about people and highlights the various ways EDCs can assist entrepreneurs, including providing grants, real estate support, workforce training, and business navig...

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, Ayisat introduces the Startup to Success series, highlighting the journeys of entrepreneurs who have turned challenges into successful businesses. The episode features Veronica Garza of Siete Family Foods, who transformed her family's struggles with health into a thriving wellness brand. Ayisat emphasizes the importance of perseverance and encourages lis...

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, Ayisat Abilogun introduces Grapevine, Texas, highlighting its charm, economic opportunities, and support for small businesses. The discussion covers the city's leadership, economic development initiatives, and available resources for entrepreneurs, including co-working spaces and funding opportunities. Ayisat also shares valuable grant information for sm...