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Season 2, Episode 8: Kisha Smith – Fueling Small Business in Saginaw

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Like Me Podcast, we’re highlighting the local support systems powering entrepreneurship in Saginaw, Michigan.

Courtney sits down with Kisha Smith, Coordinator at the Saginaw Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), to talk about how SEDC is helping small businesses thrive through accessible micro and macro lending programs.

Kisha breaks down what it takes to apply, why a business plan and financial statements are key, and how SEDC is showing up for entrepreneurs beyond just funding—like at the upcoming Small Business Expo on August 28th, which will feature food trucks, entertainment, and mini-grant opportunities.

🎧 Tune in and learn how Saginaw is creating space for small businesses to grow and win.
 👉 www.cmurc.com/elmpodcast

#EntrepreneurLikeMe #SaginawEntrepreneurs #SEDC #SmallBusinessSupport #GreatLakesBayRegion #BusinessResources

Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Connect with us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp
• Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm

Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

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Season 2, Episode 7: Christiana Malacara – Purpose, Power & Platform

We’re back and better than ever with an inspiring episode featuring Christiana Malacara, founder of That’s What She Said Radio Show and 3rd Eye Marketing.

Christiana is a powerful voice in the Great Lakes Bay Region—connecting communities, empowering women, and elevating the Latino voice through media, networking, and bold authenticity.

In this episode, she shares how discipline today creates freedom tomorrow, and why showing up, even when it’s hard, matters most. Christiana breaks down what it means to build your platform with purpose and reminds us all that representation is power.

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite streaming platform.
 Learn more: www.cmurc.com/elmpodcast

#EntrepreneurLikeMe #ChristianaMalacara #3rdEyeMarketing #ThatsWhatSheSaid #LatinaLeader #GreatLakesBayRegion #InclusiveEntrepreneurship

Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Connect with us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp
• Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm

Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

Send us a text

What happens when a tech entrepreneur brings Silicon Valley vision back to his hometown?

In Episode 6 of Entrepreneur Like Me, we sit down with Shane Emmons, Founder and CEO of Swept.AI, a rising AI company that recently secured a pre-seed investment led by Chicago-based VC firm M25.

But for Shane, the mission is deeper than tech—it's about investing in people, potential, and place. As a Saginaw native, Shane is determined to prove that innovation can start anywhere—and thrive in unexpected places.

In this episode, we talk about:
 💡 What it takes to build a startup in AI
 🏙️ Why Saginaw still feels like home
 🚀 The power of believing in untapped talent

This one is for anyone who's ever dreamed big—right from their hometown.

Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Connect with us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp
• Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm

Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

Send us a text

We’re celebrating 1 YEAR of the Entrepreneur Like Me Podcast! And for this milestone episode, I’m joined by someone very special—my mother, Tracey Floyd.

Tracey is the founder of Core Elevations Solutions, providing expert HR consulting services to help small businesses stay compliant and grow. She’s also the owner of Encore 360, an event business offering 360 photo booth experiences, stand-alone selfie booths, and audio guestbooks for unforgettable events.

In this episode, we talk about:
 💼 Building businesses that serve the community
 🎤 Balancing multiple ventures
 🧠 What it means to create solutions that elevate others

It’s a heartfelt and inspiring conversation, and the perfect way to mark our podcast anniversary. Thank you for rocking with us for a full year—here’s to many more!

Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Connect with us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp
• Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm

Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

Send us a text

Season 2, Episode 4: Gina Anayana – United We Go
In this heartfelt and powerful episode, we sit down with Gina Anayana, founder of United We Go—a nonprofit rooted in collaboration, diversity, and creative expression.

Launched in 2023 and based in Bay City, Michigan, United We Go is transforming communities through programs like the City of Mural Festival, I AM Youth Empowerment, the Voice of Youth Podcast, and the Birthday Fund Program.

From amplifying youth voices to creating space for public art and cultural storytelling, Gina’s work is all about celebrating identity, sparking connection, and building unity in every corner of the community.

Tune in to hear how one vision can inspire a movement and how Gina is leading with heart, purpose, and impact.
 #EntrepreneurLikeMe #UnitedWeGo #GinaAnayana #CommunityImpact #CreativeLeadership #YouthEmpowerment

Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Connect with us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp
• Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm

Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

Send us a text

Season 2, Episode 3: Letisha Randle – Entrepreneur of the Year
In this inspiring episode, we’re celebrating CMURC’s 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year—Letisha Randle. As the Co-Founder and CEO of PRH Group, Letisha is transforming the electrical construction industry, advancing diversity, and building lasting impact throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region.

From scaling PRH to over 65 employees to securing five major utility contracts in 2024, Letisha’s entrepreneurial journey is one of vision, resilience, and intentional leadership. And with ventures like L&V Properties, I Heart Mac & Cheese, Bloom & Blaze, and HR Properties under her belt, she’s creating jobs, opportunities, and a legacy of empowerment.

Tune in as we dive into her story—and celebrate the power of entrepreneurship to shape the future of our communities.

Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Connect with us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp
• Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm

Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

Send us a text

Season 2, Episode 2: Beauty In Me with Donald Bivens

This episode shines a spotlight on Beauty In Me, a local modeling agency founded by entrepreneurs Donald and Brittany Bivens. We dive into their mission of empowering emerging models in the Great Lakes Bay Region through their signature four-step program focused on self-love, confidence, and resilience. From taking 30 models to New York Fashion Week to launching their second season of an inspiring video series, Donald and Brittany are proving that national success starts right here at home. Tune in for a conversation about purpose, passion, and creating opportunities in unexpected places.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Connect with us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp
• Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm

Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

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🎉 Season 2 of the Entrepreneur Like Me Podcast is here! 🎉 And to kick things off, I’m sitting down with Phil Eich of Storyville, the storyteller behind Riverfront Saginaw and the voice behind so many of our community’s most powerful stories.

But this time, Phil is sharing his own story—one that many entrepreneurs can relate to. We talk about:

🔥 The reality of burnout and how to move through it

🔥 How to stay the course when things get overwhelming

🔥 Learning to cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Tune in now and get inspired!

Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Connect with us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp
• Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm

Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

Send us a text

We’re wrapping up Season 1 of Entrepreneur Like Me with a powerhouse guest—my sister, my friend, and an absolute force, Latrice Goodwine! Owner of Allstate Insurance Company, the Goodwine Agency, and author of Girl, What’s in Your Purse?, Latrice has been a trailblazer in women’s finance, small business growth, and insurance.

From financial advisor to coach, she’s made it her mission to help women understand what it means to have the right tools—and layers—in their "purse." Latrice makes finance fun, relatable, and empowering for everyone she meets.

I met Latrice in 2019, and she was one of the first people I connected with during my journey at CMURC. Now, she’s here to share her story and drop gems on financial literacy, building wealth, and knowing your numbers.

Don’t miss this final episode of the season—it’s one you’ll want to listen to over and over again!

Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Connect with us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp
• Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm

Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

Send us a text

In Episode 17 of Entrepreneur Like Me, we sit down with the incredible Keta Leatherwood, founder and owner of Hair Drip Wear—a luxury beauty garment that will become your best friend during any hair prepping routine. Hair Drip Wear is a one-of-a-kind product designed to elevate your daily lifestyle, and its journey from a simple sketch on a legal pad to a celebrity favorite is nothing short of inspiring.

Keta shares how she overcame challenges with a manufacturer, leveraged her connections at CMURC, and turned her vision into a true Cinderella story. She also emphasizes the importance of networking and boldly sharing your product—because you never know who you’ll meet or where the next big opportunity might come from.

Tune in to hear Keta’s amazing journey and learn valuable lessons about persistence, resourcefulness, and the power of connection.

Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Connect with us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp
• Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm

Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!