Scale Up Your Business

In this special episode of Scale Up Your Business, LA21 President and CEO Kwaku Boateng turns the microphone on host Zakia Ringgold.

Zakia shares how she moved from technology and instructional design into entrepreneurship, Live Soap School, business advising, and AI enablement. She explains how LA21’s Scale Up program helped her transform revenue-generating ideas into a structured business—and how she later returned to support other entrepreneurs through coaching, technical assistance, alumni programming, and the Scale Up Your Business podcast.

The conversation also explores Zakia’s recovery from stage 3 colon cancer, the story behind her book Nothing Was Random, and the realization that a sustainable business cannot depend entirely on its founder.

Zakia introduces Business Tech Lab and her “orientation before automation” approach to AI adoption. She also discusses her work supporting Philadelphia’s small-business ecosystem, including the Philly Biz Hub, and her vision for building systems, programs, and knowledge that can transfer, scale, and last.

Learn more about Zakia Ringgold at https://businesstechlab.com

Enroll in LA21 programs at https://la21philly.org

How do you know if your business is built to scale or just built to survive? On this episode of Scale Up Your Business, Zakia Ringgold sits down with Tim Daniel, who’s helped hundreds of entrepreneurs across Philadelphia and Delaware counties move from early struggles to sustainable growth.

Discover what separates the businesses that thrive from those that stall, why action plans beat business plans every time, and what three core questions every founder must answer if they want more than just a side hustle. Tim Daniel reveals the surprising patterns he’s seen among local entrepreneurs, why technology is both a challenge and a game-changer, and how the Scale Up program equips business owners to pivot from uncertainty to impact.

Whether you’re just starting out, recovering from setbacks, or asking what it really takes to grow, you’ll walk away inspired and armed with practical strategies to turn hard numbers, real insight, and your own grit into real business results.

Learn more about the Scale Up program at https://la21philly.org

Are you passionate about neighborhood revitalization, small business growth, and making an impact right where you live or work? Do you struggle to find practical, trusted resources to launch or scale your business? Are you seeking to understand how your business fits into a broader economic ecosystem—or simply want to be inspired by real, measurable progress?

This episode of Scale Up Your Business is a must-listen for:

• Small Business Owners & Aspiring Entrepreneurs
• Community Leaders & Commercial Corridor Champions
• Those Feeling Left Behind by Traditional Resources
• Entrepreneurs Facing Barriers
• Change-Makers & Future Partners

• The Power of Ecosystem Building: Why managing both entrepreneur development and corridor revitalization creates more sustainable, vibrant business districts.
• Real, Actionable Resources: From LA21’s Capital Access Readiness Program to hands-on storefront improvements, discover programs you can access today.

Learn more, get connected, and start scaling at la21philly.org.

In this relaunch episode of Scale Up Your Business, Zakia Ringgold sits down with Craig Lytle for a focused conversation on income planning, estate planning, and the discipline of making financial decisions before crisis forces them.

Craig explains what income and estate planning means in practical terms for business owners. This is not about extreme wealth. It is about structuring dependable income, protecting assets from unnecessary exposure, documenting key decisions, and ensuring your business and family are not left vulnerable if life interrupts your plans. The discussion highlights why many options disappear after a health or legal event, why fear delays important conversations, and how acting early and often builds long term stability. You will also hear the difference between defensive and offensive planning, and why financial independence is about maintaining options, not just increasing assets.

If you want control tomorrow, you must make intentional decisions today.

Connect with Craig at Income and Estate Planning: https://iandeplanning.com/

Learn more about the Scale Up training program at: https://www.la21philly.org/programs/scale-up-program/

For service-based business owners looking for inspiration and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen!

Join our host as she sits down with Joanne Scioli, founder of JBS Inspection Services, who built a thriving specialized business using scent detection canines to uncover bed bug infestations. Joanne shares how she turned an unexpected layoff into an opportunity, navigated the challenges of building a service-based business from scratch, and leveraged her network—and a lot of trial by fire—to grow her reputation.

She opens up about the power of referrals, setting boundaries around free work, and why empathy and non-judgment are crucial when working in clients’ homes. Whether you're just starting or looking to scale your service business, Joanne's hard-won lessons on marketing, resilience, and customer relationships will inspire you to take the next step.

For show notes and links to JBS inspection visit: LA21philly.org

Are you in the market to buy a car for your business? In this episode of Scale Up Your Business, we sit down with John Rice—otherwise known as the "Inside Man" of the car industry. With over a decade of experience working every angle of the car business, John spills the secrets dealers DON'T want you to know. From hidden dealer incentives to mind-blowing dealership math, he reveals how car buyers—and even car salespeople—are regularly taken for a ride.

If you've ever wondered if leasing or buying is the smarter move, how much you really need for a down payment, or what happens to your trade-in value behind closed doors, this episode is your masterclass. John shares the knowledge and negotiation tactics that can save you thousands—and the pitfalls to avoid to stop leaving money on the table.

Ready to outsmart the system and drive away with real savings for your business? Tune in, because John’s about to show you how to win the car game from the inside out.

Get the episode show notes and John's contact information at https://la21philly.org

Are you a small business owner in Philadelphia ready to take your business to the next level? In this episode, host Zakia Ringgold sits down with Leslie Acosta, a seasoned educator, and the Outreach & Engagement Manager for the Philadelphia Department of Commerce. Leslie unveils all the details on the city’s brand new Catalyst Fund—a $5 million grant initiative designed to accelerate small business growth with grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000!

But this isn't just about funding. Discover how the Catalyst Fund offers holistic business support—from hands-on advisory services to strategic guidance—and is actively seeking innovative businesses in manufacturing, technology, creative sectors, and beyond. Leslie breaks down eligibility requirements, the application timeline, what makes a standout application, and the wraparound services included to ensure long-term success.

Plus, get the inside scoop on other powerful Philadelphia Commerce Department programs and the impact these resources can have on your business. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice, encouragement, and the information you need to seize this exciting opportunity.

Don’t miss your chance to scale up your business—tune in now and find out how you can get involved with the Catalyst Fund and other game-changing resources Philly has to offer!

In this episode of Scale Up Your Business, Zakia Ringgold sits down with the innovative Candace Johnson, creator of the Touchy Feely Intimacy Card Game. Dive into a conversation filled with intentionality and exploration as Candace shares the inspiration behind this universal play game designed to foster genuine connections through communication and physical energy. Learn about her journey from a television news producer to game creator, her insights into the true meaning of intimacy and pleasure, and the valuable lessons she's learned while scaling her business. Candace opens up about the challenges and triumphs in bringing her vision to life, emphasizing the importance of understanding your market and the power of community support. Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking inspiration or someone intrigued by the dynamics of building meaningful relationships, this episode promises a wealth of knowledge and a compelling glimpse into Candace's mission to transform how we connect with others. Tune in to discover how the Touchy Feely game is not just a product, but a tool for healing and connectivity.

Learn more about the Scale Up Your Business Program at: La21philly.org

Get The Touchy Feely Intimacy Card Game on Candace's website: https://touchyfeelygame.com/

Today, we're thrilled to have Latoya Johnson, the dynamic founder of Natural Body Essentials, as our guest. Latoya’s journey began with a personal quest to alleviate her family's eczema and has since blossomed into a booming skincare brand offering over 40 natural products. In this episode, she shares her inspiring story from medical professional to skincare entrepreneur, her top-selling products, and the importance of education in her business model. Latoya also dives into the challenges of running a business, the rewards of customer feedback, and her ambitious goals for the future. Tune in to hear valuable insights and advice from Latoya on building a successful and authentic skincare business.

Visit Latoya's website at: https://naturalbodyessentialsshop.com/

Learn more about the Scale Up program at: https://www.la21philly.org/programs/scale-up-program/

Keisha is a passionate entrepreneur who brings hands-on, virtual cooking classes to the Philadelphia and tri-state area. In this episode, Keisha shares her journey from being a new parent discovering a gap in home-cooked meals to becoming an influential mobile cooking instructor. We delve into her unique business concept, the challenges she's faced in balancing work and home life, and her impactful experiences teaching various age groups. Keisha's story is a testament to the power of finding your niche, adapting business models, and the importance of life skills such as cooking. Plus, she gives us a glimpse into her future aspirations for her business and invaluable advice for other small business owners. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on scaling your business with a mix of passion and purpose!

Learn more about Keisha: https://g.co/kgs/KkN2TGj