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 lenders. We’ll talk about how to prompt AI the right way, sanitize your data, and even blend small business grants to strengthen your loan submission.

And joining me today is our guest Underwriter, CHATGPT who’s going to tell you exactly what a loan officer looks for when AI gets involved in your loan application.

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 year strong and enter the new year prepared to win.

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 small business owner, or someone sitting on the edge of entrepreneurship, this show is your blueprint. Stay locked in, because by the end you’ll walk away with the clarity and confidence to take your business from where you are—to where you want to be!

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 now are higher values — respect for life, justice, truth, restraint.

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 opportunities and the hidden gotchas of AI. By the end of this show, you’ll walk away smarter, sharper, and ready to leverage AI without losing your edge—or your reputation.

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 unlocking your next stage of growth. 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-year check-in steps that can transform your next six months. Plus, you’ll get a bonus insider tip on why NOW not December is the time to go after small business grants.

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-year check-in steps that can transform your next six months. Plus, you’ll get a bonus insider tip on why NOW—not December—is the time to go after small business grants.

If you’re ready to cut the fluff, double down on what’s working, and position your business for a big year-end win, this episode is your wake-up call. Hustle smart, finish strong.

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 strategies to grow and thrive, and the funding and grants that are helping women-owned businesses break barriers every single day. So, buckle up! We’re about to power up your WOSB game like never before.