Small Biz Catalyst

In this episode, Ayisat Abilogun and Angela Seaman discuss the significance of Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification for women entrepreneurs. They explore the certification process, debunk common myths, and emphasize the importance of building a supportive tribe. Angela shares her personal experiences and insights on how WBE certification has positively impacted her business revenue and th...

Hey Dear,  If you're just joining us, this is Small Bis Catalyst. We want to invite you to our Tag a business team. Here's what you need to do. Nominate a small business of your choice, tag them on our website at smallbizcatalyst.org. That's small B-I-Z-C-A-T-A-L-Y-S-T dot O-R-G.  Tell us your name, give us your email address, because that's how we'll be able to tell you i...

Summary In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, host Ayisat Abilogun and guest Ted Santos delve into the concept of disruptive leadership. They discuss how leaders can intentionally create problems for their teams to foster innovation and growth. The conversation emphasizes the importance of navigating uncertainty, empowering teams, and transforming mindsets to achieve breakthroughs. Santos shares...

This episode of Small Biz Catalyst delves into the funding landscape for Texas entrepreneurs, highlighting the state's position in venture capital, showcasing success stories of local startups, and providing insights into what investors seek. The conversation also explores alternative funding avenues such as grants and crowdfunding, while offering practical tips for engaging with Texas invest...

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, Ayisat Abilogun explores the concept of entrepreneurial ecosystems, emphasizing their importance for business growth and success. She discusses how these ecosystems provide essential support through networks of people, resources, and institutions. The episode also covers practical steps for entrepreneurs to engage with their local ecosystems and highlights a...

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, host Ayisat Abilogun explores how small business owners can automate up to 80% of their operations to increase efficiency and productivity. The conversation covers the importance of systemization, debunking myths about automation, leveraging tools like Zapier and CRM systems, streamlining scheduling, automating bookkeeping, and the role of virtual assistants....

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, host Ayisat Abilogun explores the creator economy and its significance for entrepreneurs. She discusses how small business owners can leverage their knowledge and skills to create content that drives visibility and authority, ultimately leading to monetization. Ayisat shares practical strategies for content creation and highlights various grant opportunities...

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, host Ayisat Abilogun discusses the challenges small business owners face in retaining good employees. She emphasizes the importance of creating a positive work environment, offering growth opportunities, and providing competitive compensation. Ayisat also highlights the value of employee referrals and shares information about grant opportunities for small bus...

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, host Ayisat Abilogun discusses the importance of establishing and maintaining business credit for small business owners. She emphasizes the need for businesses to have their own credit reputation, separate from personal credit, and outlines key steps to build business credit, including establishing a legal entity, opening a business bank account, and maintain...

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, Ayisat discusses the impact of fear on entrepreneurship, exploring how it can hinder success and offering strategies to overcome it. The conversation delves into different types of fear, including fear of failure, uncertainty, and rejection, and emphasizes the importance of taking action despite these fears. Ayisat shares personal experiences and insights fro...

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, host Ayisat Abilogun discusses how small business owners can navigate the challenges posed by inflation. She shares personal anecdotes about inflation's impact over the years and provides actionable strategies for business resilience, including adjusting pricing, negotiating with suppliers, and enhancing operational efficiency. The episode concludes with...

In this episode, Steven Jones from the Grapevine Economic Development Corporation discusses the vibrant small business culture in Grapevine, Texas, and how the city has strategically positioned itself as a tourist destination, particularly during the Christmas season. The conversation explores the role of podcasting in community engagement, the importance of maintaining a historic Main Street, and...

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, Ayisat Abilogun explores the significant impact of mindset on business growth. She discusses the differences between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset, emphasizing the importance of resilience and learning from setbacks. The episode also highlights successful entrepreneurs like Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, and Richard Branson, illustrating how their mindsets...

Summary: In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, host Ayisat speaks with Ken Malcomson, president and CEO of the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce. They discuss the vital role of Chambers of Commerce in supporting small businesses, the benefits of membership, and the importance of community engagement and collaboration. Ken shares insights on how chambers can help businesses grow through networking,...

In this episode, Ayisat Abilogun discusses the significance of Women's History Month and International Women's Day, exploring their origins, themes, and the contributions of women throughout history. The episode highlights the importance of these observances in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment, as well as celebrating notable women inventors. The episode concludes wi...

Summary In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, Ayisat Abilogun discusses the importance of hiring a virtual assistant for business growth, especially for solopreneurs. She highlights the cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and diverse skill sets that virtual assistants offer. The episode also covers the benefits of delegating tasks to virtual assistants, allowing business owners to focus on strategic...

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, Ayisat provides a comprehensive guide on how to become a government contractor. The discussion covers the essential steps needed to secure government contracts, including setting up a legal business, mastering proposal writing, and the importance of persistence. By following these steps, aspiring contractors can navigate the complexities of government contrac...

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, Ayisat Abilogun interviews Matt Franthaway, co-creator of Legends Boxing Franchising and a franchise consultant. They discuss the importance of franchising as a business growth tool, the journey into entrepreneurship, and the different models of business ownership. Matt shares insights on finding the right franchise, evaluating opportunities, understanding co...

This episode of Small Biz Catalyst focuses on Black History Month, exploring its origins, significance, and impact on the economy, systemic inequalities, corporate responsibility, and government advocacy. The host, Ayisat, shares personal insights and highlights the importance of supporting black-owned businesses during this month, while also discussing the challenges faced by the black community...

Nathan Ohle, CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), discusses the innovative approach of the Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) program and its impact on economic development. The ERC program focuses on building capacity in under-resourced communities and cultivating the next generation of leaders. It provides tools, resources, and opportunities for entrepreneurs and small busine...

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, Ayisat discusses the Beneficial Owners Information (BOI) filing requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act. The conversation covers the importance of compliance, key dates for filing, who needs to file, exemptions, and a step-by-step guide on how to file a BOI report. Ayisat emphasizes the potential penalties for non-compliance and encourages listeners...

In this episode, host Ayisat Abilogun interviews Tracy Erby, the director of Texas Women's University and the Center for Women Entrepreneurship, about accessing grants for small businesses. Tracy shares valuable insights and tips on how to successfully apply for grants, including the importance of reading and following grant guidelines, avoiding common pitfalls, and highlighting the use of fu...

In this episode, our host, Ayisat shares five essential tips for small business owners to achieve steady growth and increase revenue. The discussion covers the importance of separating personal and business finances, monitoring cash flow, building valuable affiliations, strategies for revenue growth, and establishing strong banking relationships. Additionally, Ayisat highlights grant opportunities...

In this episode of Small Bees Catalyst, host Ayisat Abilogun introduces the show and shares her extensive experience in entrepreneurship and economic development. She discusses upcoming changes to the show, including the introduction of grant opportunities and a focus on economic development organizations. Ayisat shares about a new series and emphasizes the importance of building an inclusive ecos...

In this heartfelt holiday episode of Small Biz Catalyst, Ayisat reflects on the journey of the show and expresses gratitude to the audience and contributors. She shares her personal experience of navigating the holidays after the loss of her father, emphasizing the importance of courage and hope during difficult times. Ayisat encourages listeners to find solace and forgiveness, reminding them that...