Small Biz Catalyst

Is your business truly future-ready? 

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, host Ayisat Abilogun sits down with Allister Frost, former Microsoft leader, author of Ready Already, and expert in digital transformation to unpack how small business owners can build a Future Ready Mindset in an era defined by rapid change and emerging technologies like AI.

Drawing from his years at Microsoft and his groundbreaking work helping entrepreneurs embrace change, Allister shares:

1. Why “future-proofing” is a myth and what to do instead
2.  The FROST Model for sustainable growth (Follow, React, Open, Surprise, Tell)
3.  How to adopt small, consistent improvements that compound into big results
4. The 3 human superpowers you can’t delegate to AI curiosity, creativity, and collaboration
5. Why continuous learning and curiosity are your greatest assets in business

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by constant change or eager to stay ahead of the curve, this episode will help you think differently, act intentionally, and be ready already for whatever’s next.

🔗 Resources & Links

📘 Ready Already by Allister Frost → https://readyalready.me

Access more resources at https://smallbizcatalystorg/resources

Grants:

Grant Information:
1. Tee It Up for the Troops Grant
Deadline: No deadline
Maximum Grant Amount: Not specified
Website: teetupforthetroops.org/apply-for-grants
Contact: Ashley ([email protected]) or Becca
([email protected])
Supports: Family & caregiver support, PTSD & TBI treatment, suicide prevention, golf & sports rehabilitation, employment, housing & homelessness.

2. Bernard Family Foundation Grant
Deadline: December 31, 2025
Maximum Grant Amount: $50,000
Contact: Cathy S. Bernard, 5532 Gretstone Manor, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Focus Areas: Community-focused projects (reach out directly for guidelines).

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

Fear can shape our beliefs and actions. Through personal anecdotes, particularly about teaching her daughter to drive, Ayisat illustrates how fear can hold us back from achieving our goals. The conversation emphasizes the importance of taking small steps, staying in one's lane, and overcoming self-imposed limitations. Ayisat also engages the audience by encouraging them to reflect on their own fears and share their experiences. 

Resources:

Grant Information:
1. Tee It Up for the Troops Grant
Deadline: No deadline
Maximum Grant Amount: Not specified
Website: teetupforthetroops.org/apply-for-grants
Contact: Ashley ([email protected]) or Becca
([email protected])
Supports: Family & caregiver support, PTSD & TBI treatment, suicide prevention, golf & sports rehabilitation, employment, housing & homelessness.

2. Bernard Family Foundation Grant
Deadline: December 31, 2025
Maximum Grant Amount: $50,000
Contact: Cathy S. Bernard, 5532 Gretstone Manor, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Focus Areas: Community-focused projects (reach out directly for guidelines).

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

Getting a grant for your small business could be daunting. Do you know that you can easily qualify and apply for the StartHer grant?

Tracy Irby discusses grant opportunities for women entrepreneurs, focusing on the Start Her grant. Tracy shares insights on common pitfalls in grant applications, the importance of understanding guidelines, and how to effectively utilize grant funds. The conversation also highlights the significance of verifying grant credibility to avoid scams, and concludes with encouragement for women entrepreneurs to take advantage of available resources.

Resources & Grants:

StartHer Grant by TWU CWE

Maximum Grant: $5,000
Deadline: 5:00:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025
Guidelines and Application: StartHER Grant | Texas Woman's University

Grant application review email: [email protected]
45 Small-Business Grants for Women: Free Funding in 2024 - NerdWallet
SmallBizCatalyst.org/resources
Nerd Wallet

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

These 5 strategic moves will help you learn how to create a positive internship and virtual assistant experience to drive revenue. Ayisat emphasizes the importance of clarifying roles, developing onboarding systems, tracking work, and providing feedback. The conversation also highlights how interns can drive revenue through operational efficiency and market expansion. Additionally, the episode concludes with announcements about available grants for organizations.

Resouces & Grants:

America In Bloom

Maximum Grant: $25,000
Deadline: November 1, 2025
Guidelines and Application: https://americainbloom.org/programs/cn-grant/

Saxena Family Foundation

Maximum Grant: $50,000
Deadline: December 1, 2025
Guidelines and Application: http://saxenafoundation.com/guidelines/

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

Dr. Froswa' Booker-Drew shares her insights on the unique challenges faced by women of color in leadership roles. She discusses her new book, 'Front Porch Wisdom,' which draws on personal stories and faith to provide guidance and resilience strategies. The discussion covers common mistakes institutions make in supporting BIPOC leaders, the importance of community and mentorship, and valuable lessons learned from her experiences. Dr. Booker-Drew emphasizes the need for reflection and the significance of recognizing one's worth in the workplace.

Resources:

Grants:

King Ranch Family Trust

Maximum Grant: $45,000
Deadline: 4/1/2026
Guidelines and Application: https://www.krft.org/

Roger I. & Ruth B. MacFarlane Foundation

Maximum Grant: $250,000
Deadline: None
Guidelines and Application: https://www.macfarlanefoundation.org/grantmaking

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

Ayisat Abilogun discusses the entrepreneurial landscape in Austin, Texas, highlighting its vibrant ecosystem, resources for startups, and the challenges posed by the cost of living. The episode also features grant opportunities available for entrepreneurs in the city.

Resources:

The Texas Entrepreneur Ecosystem Summit:

The Texas Entrepreneur Ecosystem Summit is a convening of diverse Texas Ecosystem leaders, including entrepreneurs serving organizations, economic development professionals, and entrepreneurs, to identify and address the current gaps in entrepreneurial growth in our state. Connect with resource partners. Attend impactful workshops, hear from an amazing panel of experts, share your views, and visit exhibition rooms to connect with resource partners. Registration is free.

https://texasecosystem.org/events

Grants:

Austin Community Foundation

$1.1M in Grant Funding Available for Nonprofits in Central Texas | Austin Community Foundation

Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin
Maximum Grant: $10,000
Deadline: December 1, 2025
Guidelines and Application: https://dairyfoundation.org/grant-seekers/

SHARE Institute

Maximum Grant: $500
Deadline: December 1, 2025
Guidelines and Application: http://theshareinstitute.org/mini-grant-information

MasterClass
Maximum Grant: not specified
Deadline: NONE
Guidelines and Application: https://learn.masterclass.com/grants

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

Could faith and business go hand in hard? In this episode, Ayisat Abilogun explores the profound impact of faith on business practices and personal identity. She shares her journey of faith, from her upbringing in a Muslim household to her relationship with God, and how these experiences shape her approach to business. The conversation highlights the importance of integrating personal beliefs into professional life and encourages listeners to authentically express themselves in the workplace and business practice.

Resources:

Daniel and Barbara Chapman Trust - Chapman Prize

Maximum Grant: $100,000
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Guidelines and Application: https://www.chapmanprize.org/prize-program

Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust
Maximum Grant: not specified
Deadline: December 1, 2025
Guidelines and Application: https://www.wellsfargo.com/private-foundations/buehler-perpetual-trust

Texas Entrepreneur Ecosystem Summit:

The Texas Entrepreneur Ecosystem Summit:

The Texas Entrepreneur Ecosystem Summit is a convening of diverse Texas Ecosystem leaders, including entrepreneurs serving organizations, economic development professionals, and entrepreneurs, to identify and address the current gaps in entrepreneurial growth in our state. Connect with resource partners. Attend impactful workshops, hear from an amazing panel of experts, share your views, and visit exhibition rooms to connect with resource partners. Registration is free.

https://texasecosystem.org/events

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, host Ayisat Abilagun reflects on the first fifty episodes, celebrating the insights shared by guests and emphasizing the importance of cash flow, marketing, and community support for small businesses. The conversation covers essential strategies for business growth, including effective invoicing, negotiation tactics, understanding customer needs, and the significance of a strong online presence. Ayisat also shares valuable tips on grant applications, networking, and the importance of organization in managing a business. The episode concludes with a motivational message about the power of storytelling, the timing of success, and grant resources. 

Resources:

Verizon Digital Ready Grant

https://www.verizonwireless.com/grants

Grants | Hello Alice

The Texas Entrepreneur Ecosystem Summit:

The Texas Entrepreneur Ecosystem Summit is a convening of diverse Texas Ecosystem leaders, including entrepreneurs serving organizations, economic development professionals, and entrepreneurs, to identify and address the current gaps in entrepreneurial growth in our state. Connect with resource partners. Attend impactful workshops, hear from an amazing panel of experts, share your views, and visit exhibition rooms to connect with resource partners. Registration is free.

https://texasecosystem.org/events

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, Ayisat Abilogun discusses the crucial role of economic development corporations (EDCs) in supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship. She emphasizes that economic development is fundamentally about people and highlights the various ways EDCs can assist entrepreneurs, including providing grants, real estate support, workforce training, and business navigation. The episode also covers the importance of connecting with local EDCs and the resources available to entrepreneurs, including upcoming grants and events.

Resources: 

Texas Entrepreneur Ecosystem Summit: 

https://texasecosystem.org/events

Grants:

Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin
Maximum Grant: $10,000
Deadline: December 1, 2025
Guidelines and Application: https://dairyfoundation.org/grant-seekers/

SHARE Institute

Maximum Grant: $500
Deadline: December 1, 2025
Guidelines and Application: http://theshareinstitute.org/mini-grant-information

MasterClass
Maximum Grant: not specified
Deadline: NONE
Guidelines and Application: https://learn.masterclass.com/grants

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, Ayisat introduces the Startup to Success series, highlighting the journeys of entrepreneurs who have turned challenges into successful businesses. The episode features Veronica Garza of Siete Family Foods, who transformed her family's struggles with health into a thriving wellness brand. Ayisat emphasizes the importance of perseverance and encourages listeners to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. The episode also includes information about grant opportunities for small businesses in Texas.

Resources:

Amarillo Area Foundation:

Maximum Grant: $20,000
Deadline: June 27, 2025
Guidelines and Application: https://amarilloareafoundation.org/grants/

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst