Small Biz Catalyst

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, Ayisat Abilogun introduces Grapevine, Texas, highlighting its charm, economic opportunities, and support for small businesses. The discussion covers the city's leadership, economic development initiatives, and available resources for entrepreneurs, including co-working spaces and funding opportunities. Ayisat also shares valuable grant information for small businesses, emphasizing the importance of community support and resources for growth.

Resources:

Grapevine, TX - Official Website | Official Website

Growing Grapevine Podcast: Growing Grapevine Podcast - Apple Podcasts

Grants:

United States Department of Agriculture - Local Food Promotion Program:

Maximum Grant: $500,000
Deadline: June 27, 2025
Guidelines and Application: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/lfpp

Bob Woodruff Foundation:

Maximum Grant: not specified
Deadline: NONE
Guidelines and Application: https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org/grants/

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Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

In this episode, Ayisat Abilogun and Angela Seaman discuss the significance of Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification for women entrepreneurs. They explore the certification process, debunk common myths, and emphasize the importance of building a supportive tribe. Angela shares her personal experiences and insights on how WBE certification has positively impacted her business revenue and the value of networking among women entrepreneurs.

Grants & Resources:

Jacobs Engineering Foundation  

Maximum Grant: $30,000
Deadline: NONE

Contact:
Kevin C. Berryman
1999 Bryan Street
Dallas, TX 75201

Richard King Mellon Foundation - Conservation

Contact:
42 21st Street, Suite 201
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
[email protected]
412-392-2800
https://www.rkmf.org
Maximum Grant: not specified
Deadline: NONE
Guidelines and Application: https://www.rkmf.org/pages/conservation

Marc David Foundation 

Contact:
PO Box 27039
Philadelphia, PA 19118
Maximum Grant: not specified
Deadline: NONE

Angela Seaman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-seaman-853137/

Seaman Group - https://seaman-group.com/

Women's Business Council Southwest Women Owned Business Certification | WBCSW

Texas Security Bank Business Banking, Lending & Executive Training | Texas Security Bank - Texas Security Bank

Women's Business Council - Bliss Coulter https://www.linkedin.com/in/blisscoulter/

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Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

Hey Dear, 

If you're just joining us, this is Small Bis Catalyst. We want to invite you to our Tag a business team. Here's what you need to do. Nominate a small business of your choice, tag them on our website at smallbizcatalyst.org. That's small B-I-Z-C-A-T-A-L-Y-S-T dot O-R-G. 

Tell us your name, give us your email address, because that's how we'll be able to tell you if you're a winner or not. And then give us a website to a business of your choice. It could be your business or somebody else's. Once you've tagged the business, you'll be entered for a $25 drawing to a local business of your choice. We'll announce winners every month. 

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Summary

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, host Ayisat Abilogun and guest Ted Santos delve into the concept of disruptive leadership. They discuss how leaders can intentionally create problems for their teams to foster innovation and growth. The conversation emphasizes the importance of navigating uncertainty, empowering teams, and transforming mindsets to achieve breakthroughs. Santos shares personal anecdotes and practical strategies for leaders to develop their teams and themselves in a rapidly changing business environment. The episode concludes with a grant announcement for small businesses.

Grants & Resources:

Contact:
[email protected]
https://nbafoundation.nba.com
Maximum Grant: not specified
Deadline: November 14, 2025
Guidelines and Application: https://nbafoundation.nba.com/grants/

About the guest - Ted Santos:

Most people focus on solving problems—but what if the key to intentionally creating breakthrough success lies in purposely creating problems instead?

As a leadership coach and creator of the Disruptive Leadership Model, Ted helps business owners and executives intentionally create challenges that force innovation, drive growth, and disrupt stagnant thinking. 

Instead of fixing what’s broken, Ted's approach reveals hidden opportunities and reshapes industries by training people to break through mental barriers and blind spots.

In this eye-opening episode, Ted shares:

• The science behind problem creation as a tool for innovation.
• How leaders can design challenges to drive strategic growth and resilience.
• Real-world examples of executives who achieved breakthroughs by rethinking traditional approaches.

Ted Santos is a leadership expert committed to transforming organizations by flipping conventional thinking on its head. His methodology blends strategic disruption with a Socratic questioning approach, helping leaders spark innovation and build a lasting competitive edge.

You can learn more about Ted here.

https://turnaroundip.com/

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Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

This episode of Small Biz Catalyst delves into the funding landscape for Texas entrepreneurs, highlighting the state's position in venture capital, showcasing success stories of local startups, and providing insights into what investors seek. The conversation also explores alternative funding avenues such as grants and crowdfunding, while offering practical tips for engaging with Texas investors. The episode concludes with key takeaways and resources for entrepreneurs looking to navigate the funding landscape effectively.

Resources - Grant:

Ferguson - Ferguson Cares
Contact: [email protected]
https://www.corporate.ferguson.com
Maximum Grant: not specified
Deadline: NONE
Guidelines and Application: https://www.corporate.ferguson.com/ferguson-cares/default.aspx

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst, Ayisat Abilogun explores the concept of entrepreneurial ecosystems, emphasizing their importance for business growth and success. She discusses how these ecosystems provide essential support through networks of people, resources, and institutions. The episode also covers practical steps for entrepreneurs to engage with their local ecosystems and highlights a grant opportunity for youth development programs.

Resources:

Grants:

Contact:
[email protected]
https://nbafoundation.nba.com
Maximum Grant: not specified
Deadline: November 14, 2025
Guidelines and Application: https://nbafoundation.nba.com/grants/

Takeaways

• An entrepreneurial ecosystem is a network of support for startups.
• Successful founders leverage their community for growth.
• Ecosystems provide access to mentors, funding, and talent.
• Engagement in an ecosystem can lead to faster business success.
• Mapping your local ecosystem can help identify resources.
• Attending local events can enhance your network.
• Visibility and engagement with leaders are crucial.
• Giving value to others in the ecosystem fosters reciprocity.
• Your business thrives better within a supportive community.
• Grants are available for programs targeting youth development.

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

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.

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

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.

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

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.

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

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

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.

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst