In this episode of Economic Vitality Unplugged, host Keith Bowers sits down with Katrina Tuggerson, President of the Capital City Chamber of Commerce, for an inspiring conversation on the CityStart initiative and the creation of the Financial Empowerment Blueprint for Tallahassee-Leon County. Tuggerson shares her passion for closing equity gaps in access to capital, affordable housing, and financial education, particularly for underserved communities. She explains how the Capital City Chamber brought together public and private stakeholders, including the City, County, and financial institutions, to strengthen pathways to wealth-building and small business success.

Key topics include:

• The launch of “Bank On Tallahassee” and its impact on access to banking services.
• Support for clearing heirs' property to unlock economic mobility.
• The SmartSteps Microloan Program for minority and women-owned businesses.
• Building sustainable systems for long-term financial stability.

Katrina emphasizes the importance of persistence, partnerships, and the belief that “what’s next” should always guide our efforts toward inclusive economic growth. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone passionate about community-driven development, small business support, and building financial resilience. Tune in to hear how Tallahassee is setting a national example—and how you can get involved.