In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, host Ayisat Abilogun explores how small business owners can automate up to 80% of their operations to increase efficiency and productivity. The conversation covers the importance of systemization, debunking myths about automation, leveraging tools like Zapier and CRM systems, streamlining scheduling, automating bookkeeping, and the role of virtual assistants. Ayisat also shares grant opportunities for small businesses, encouraging listeners to take actionable steps towards automation and efficiency.

Grants & Resources:

Thomas M., Helen McKee & John P. Ryan Foundation
Maximum Grant: $500,000
Deadline: February 1st, May 1st, August 1st, and November 1st by 12:00 pm
Guidelines and Application: Guidelines For Grants — Ryan Foundation

https://www.ryanfoundation.com

Takeaways:

• Automation can free up significant time for business owners.
• Debunking the myth that entrepreneurs must do everything themselves.
• Smart automation enhances human connection rather than replacing it.
• Tools like Zapier can streamline workflows across various applications.
• CRMs are essential for tracking customer interactions and automating follow-ups.
• Automating scheduling can reduce the back-and-forth of setting appointments.
• Bookkeeping automation ensures real-time financial records.
• Delegating tasks to virtual assistants can help manage workload effectively.
• Building a cohesive system is key to achieving business goals.
• Grants are available for small businesses to support their growth.

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In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, host Ayisat Abilogun explores the creator economy and its significance for entrepreneurs. She discusses how small business owners can leverage their knowledge and skills to create content that drives visibility and authority, ultimately leading to monetization. Ayisat shares practical strategies for content creation and highlights various grant opportunities available for entrepreneurs.

Grants & Resources:

MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation - Stepping Stones
Maximum Grant: not specified
Deadline: NONE
Guidelines and Application: https://networkcharitablefoundation.org/grant-programs/stepping-stones/

Nasdaq Foundation
Maximum Grant: not specified
Deadline: May 2, 2025
Guidelines and Application: https://www.nasdaq.com/nasdaq-foundation/grant-program

D-Prize
Maximum Grant: $20,000
Deadline: June 8, 2025
Guidelines and Application: https://d-prize.org/

Takeaways:

• The creator economy allows entrepreneurs to monetize their knowledge and skills.
• Visibility and authority are crucial in a crowded market.
• Content creation is a form of free marketing that drives discovery.
• Every entrepreneur is already a creator in some capacity.
• Trust is a key currency in business; people buy from those they follow.
• Documenting your journey can be more impactful than performing.
• Batching and scheduling content can reduce pressure on creators.
• Monetization can come from various sources like digital products and workshops.
• Grants are available to support small businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Starting small and being consistent is essential in the creator economy.

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In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, host Ayisat Abilogun discusses the challenges small business owners face in retaining good employees. She emphasizes the importance of creating a positive work environment, offering growth opportunities, and providing competitive compensation. Ayisat also highlights the value of employee referrals and shares information about grant opportunities for small businesses, particularly in rural areas.

Grants & Resources:

Thomas M., Helen McKee & John P. Ryan Foundation
Maximum Grant: $500,000
Deadline: February 1st, May 1st, August 1st, and November 1st by 12:00 pm
Guidelines and Application: Guidelines For Grants — Ryan Foundation

https://www.ryanfoundation.com

Takeaways:

• Creating a positive work environment fosters employee loyalty.
• Regular feedback and recognition enhance job satisfaction.
• Opportunities for growth can be horizontal, not just vertical.
• Competitive compensation includes flexible work hours and benefits.
• Investing in employee wellbeing improves overall morale.
• Virtual training options are available for remote teams.
• Employee referrals can be a powerful recruitment tool.
• Grants can support microenterprises in rural areas.
• Technical assistance is crucial for small business growth.
• Engaged employees contribute to a thriving business culture.

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In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, host Ayisat Abilogun discusses the importance of establishing and maintaining business credit for small business owners. She emphasizes the need for businesses to have their own credit reputation, separate from personal credit, and outlines key steps to build business credit, including establishing a legal entity, opening a business bank account, and maintaining good relationships with financial institutions. The episode also highlights the significance of monitoring business credit and introduces grant opportunities available for small businesses.

Grants & Resources:

Thomas M., Helen McKee & John P. Ryan Foundation
Maximum Grant: $500,000
Deadline: February 1st, May 1st, August 1st, and November 1st by 12:00 pm
Guidelines and Application: Guidelines For Grants — Ryan Foundation

https://www.ryanfoundation.com

Takeaways:

• Your business needs its own credit reputation.
• Establish a legal entity to separate personal and business credit.
• Sign up with credit bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet.
• Maintain a business bank account for financial clarity.
• Establish trade lines with suppliers to boost credit score.
• Negotiate payment terms with suppliers for better cash flow.
• Keep a low debt-to-income ratio for better bankability.
• Build strong relationships with financial institutions.
• Regularly monitor your business credit for accuracy.
• Explore grant opportunities to support your business.

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In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, Ayisat discusses the impact of fear on entrepreneurship, exploring how it can hinder success and offering strategies to overcome it. The conversation delves into different types of fear, including fear of failure, uncertainty, and rejection, and emphasizes the importance of taking action despite these fears. Ayisat shares personal experiences and insights from successful entrepreneurs to illustrate how fear can be transformed into a motivating force for growth and achievement.

Grants & Resources:

Foam Recycling Coalition
Maximum Grant: $50,000
Deadline: April 15, 2025
Guidelines and Application: https://www.recyclefoam.org/grants

McGuffin Creative Group, Inc.
Maximum Grant: not specified
Deadline: April 25, 2025
Guidelines and Application: https://www.mcguffincg.com/grant/

Takeaways:

• Fear is a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey.
• Many entrepreneurs face the fear of failure, which can prevent them from starting.
• The fear of uncertainty can be particularly daunting when starting a new business.
• Evaluating the worst and best outcomes can help manage fear.
• The fear of rejection is common, especially when seeking funding or customers.
• Taking action, even in small steps, can help overcome fear.
• Transforming fear into excitement can shift your mindset positively.
• Successful entrepreneurs often face rejection before finding success.
• Building confidence in your value can reduce fear of asking for payment.
• Community support and partnerships can alleviate fears in entrepreneurship.

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Tag a business for a chance to win $25. Winners will be randomly selected each month. The winner choice of business could be featured on the podcast or our social media outlet.

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In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, host Ayisat Abilogun discusses how small business owners can navigate the challenges posed by inflation. She shares personal anecdotes about inflation's impact over the years and provides actionable strategies for business resilience, including adjusting pricing, negotiating with suppliers, and enhancing operational efficiency. The episode concludes with information about grant opportunities for small businesses.

Resources:

Grant: Ryan Foundation

Maximum Grant amount: $500,000

 https://www.ryanfoundation.com/

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Tag a business for a chance to win $25. Winners will be randomly selected each month. The winner choice of business could be featured on the podcast or our social media outlet.

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In this episode, Steven Jones from the Grapevine Economic Development Corporation discusses the vibrant small business culture in Grapevine, Texas, and how the city has strategically positioned itself as a tourist destination, particularly during the Christmas season. The conversation explores the role of podcasting in community engagement, the importance of maintaining a historic Main Street, and the collaborative efforts of local businesses to thrive. Stephen shares insights on attracting new businesses, the significance of low property taxes, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Resources:

Grapevine, TX - Official Website | Official Website

Growing Grapevine Podcast: Growing Grapevine Podcast - Apple Podcasts

Grant: Jobber

Eligibility:  Any home service business owner or aspiring business owner 18 years old or older, residing in the U.S. and Canada, excluding Québec.

Maximum Grant: $10,000
Deadline: June 11, 2025
Guidelines and Application: https://www.jobbergrants.com/

Takeaways

• Grapevine has a rich history as an agrarian community.
• The city has strategically developed its economy around tourism.
• Podcasting serves as a tool for community engagement and storytelling.
• The Christmas Capital of Texas initiative boosts local businesses.
• Maintaining a historic Main Street is vital for community charm.
• Community involvement is key to the success of local events.
• Low property taxes are maintained through tourism revenue.
• Small businesses thrive due to a supportive local culture.
• Entrepreneurs should have a long-term plan for success.
• Understanding the community is essential for new businesses.

Tag a Business: Tag a Business | Small Biz Catalyst

Tag a business for a chance to win $25. Winners will be randomly selected each month. The winner choice of business could be featured on the podcast or our social media outlet.

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Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, Ayisat Abilogun explores the significant impact of mindset on business growth. She discusses the differences between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset, emphasizing the importance of resilience and learning from setbacks. The episode also highlights successful entrepreneurs like Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, and Richard Branson, illustrating how their mindsets contributed to their success. Ayisat encourages listeners to prioritize time management, delegate tasks, and maintain a long-term perspective to foster growth in their businesses.

Grant:  Jobber

Fifteen home service businesses across 50+ industries, including lawn care, plumbing, residential cleaning, and painting, will be awarded $150,000 in total. Finalists will be announced in August 2025. 

Maximum Grant: $10,000
Deadline: June 11, 2025
Guidelines and Application: https://www.jobbergrants.com/

Takeaways

• Mindset can significantly affect business growth.
• A growth mindset views challenges as opportunities for learning.
• Resilience is crucial for overcoming setbacks in business.
• Successful entrepreneurs often prioritize time management.
• Delegation is essential for effective business operations.
• Learning from failures can propel business forward.
• Surrounding yourself with experts can enhance business growth.
• Long-term thinking is vital for sustainable success.
• Mindset is a powerful tool for entrepreneurs.
• Embracing a growth mindset is key to scaling a business.

Resources:

FLCA Virtual Assistant Services: Smallbizcatalyst.org

Tag a Business: https://smallbizcatalyst.org/tag

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Summary: In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, host Ayisat speaks with Ken Malcomson, president and CEO of the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce. They discuss the vital role of Chambers of Commerce in supporting small businesses, the benefits of membership, and the importance of community engagement and collaboration. Ken shares insights on how chambers can help businesses grow through networking, advocacy, and providing valuable information. He emphasizes the need for inclusivity and the effectiveness of being part of a chamber to enhance business opportunities. The conversation concludes with Ken offering advice for entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of differentiation and confidence in networking.

Grants:

Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company Foundation

Program Types Funded: Youth Development, Youth Programs, Arts, Culture and Humanities including Library, Museum and Historical Society Grants, Education, Food, Agriculture, and Nutrition, Employment, Economic Development, Job Related and Business Grants, Human Services - Multipurpose and Other, Community Improvement, Capacity Building 

Eligibility - Non-profit organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Online grant applications must be accompanied by proof of 501(c)(3) status. The nonprofit must be in good standing with the IRS. 

Deadlines - February 15, May 15, August 15, November 15 

Maximum Grant: $20,000
Deadline: May 15, 2025

Guidelines and Application: https://www.reynoldsamerican.com/santa-fe-foundation/

Takeaways

• Chambers of Commerce play a crucial role in economic development.
• Membership in a chamber can significantly benefit small businesses.
• Networking is essential, but chambers offer more than just networking opportunities.
• Inclusivity is a key focus for the North Dallas Chamber.
• Engaged citizenry is vital for community growth.
• Quality programming and events are essential for member engagement.
• Advocacy at all levels of government is a chamber's responsibility.
• Collaboration with other organizations amplifies business voices.
• Differentiation is crucial for business success.
• Confidence in networking can lead to valuable connections.

Tag a Business: https://smallbizcatalyst.org/tag

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In this episode, Ayisat Abilogun discusses the significance of Women's History Month and International Women's Day, exploring their origins, themes, and the contributions of women throughout history. The episode highlights the importance of these observances in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment, as well as celebrating notable women inventors. The episode concludes with a look ahead to the 2025 International Women's Day theme and a call to action for continued advocacy for women's rights.

Takeaways

• Women's History Month began as Women's History Week in 1978.
• International Women's Day was first celebrated in 1911.
• Both observances highlight women's achievements and ongoing challenges.
• Themes for these celebrations change annually to reflect current issues.
• Women inventors have made significant contributions to technology and society.
• Marie Curie's research led to the development of X-ray technology.
• Hedy Lamarr's invention laid the foundation for modern Wi-Fi.
• Dr. Patricia Bath revolutionized cataract treatment with her invention.
• The 2025 theme emphasizes rights, equality, and empowerment for women and girls.
• Continued advocacy is essential for achieving gender equality.

Resources: https://smallbizcatalyst.org/

Grants: 41 grant opportunities available in the following article

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/small-business-grants-for-women

Tag a Business:

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