In this episode, Ayisat delves into the critical topic of cash flow for business owners. She explains what cash flow is, its importance, and how it is calculated. Ayisat covers the three segments of cash flow: operations, investing, and financing, and emphasizes the significance of understanding cash flow for making informed business decisions. Ayisat also clarifies the difference between revenue and cash flow, and shares insights on free cash flow, providing a comprehensive overview of financial management for businesses.

Takeaways

• Business owners must proactively understand cash flow.
• Cash flow is the total money in minus money out.
• Cash flow statements are essential for financial health.
• There are three segments of cash flow: operations, investing, financing.
• Operating cash flow relates to core business activities.
• Investing activities include capital assets and equipment.
• Financing activities show how a business is funded.
• Free cash flow indicates money available for expansion.
• Revenue and cash flow are distinct concepts.
• Understanding cash flow is vital for business growth.

Resources:
Small Biz Catalyst Podcast: Driving Economic Change Through Innovation | Small Biz Catalyst
YouTube: @SmallBizCatalyst-b2h
Instagram: @SmallBizCatalyst
X: SBizCatalyst
https://youtu.be/MtHl2MbpPbY?si=BmAhgf2KcMEI4vur


Tag a Business

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

Tag a Business | Small Biz Catalyst

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

In this episode of Small Biz Catalyst host, Ayisat Abilagun, reflects on the first ten episodes, celebrating the insights shared by guests and emphasizing the importance of community support for small businesses. The conversation covers key strategies for growth, including effective cash flow management, marketing, and understanding customer needs. Ayisat also discusses the significance of networking, navigating grant applications, and the impact of storytelling in business. The episode concludes with a reminder that success can come at any stage in life, encouraging entrepreneurs to persevere.

Takeaways

• Small businesses must prioritize cash flow management.
• Effective invoicing and negotiation are crucial for success.
• Investing in marketing is essential for visibility.
• Understanding your customer avatar helps tailor your offerings.
• Networking with other entrepreneurs provides valuable support.
• Reading grant guidelines is vital for eligibility.
• Building a strong online presence is non-negotiable.
• Access to capital is a significant challenge for many entrepreneurs.
• Organizational skills are fundamental for business owners.
• Storytelling can create connections and opportunities.

Resources:
Small Biz Catalyst Podcast: Driving Economic Change Through Innovation | Small Biz Catalyst
YouTube: @SmallBizCatalyst-b2h
Instagram: @SmallBizCatalyst
X: SBizCatalyst
https://youtu.be/MtHl2MbpPbY?si=BmAhgf2KcMEI4vur


Tag a Business

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

Tag a Business | Small Biz Catalyst

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

In this episode, Ayisat shares valuable insights on the importance of networking for small business owners and highlights essential resources available to them. She recounts her personal experiences with networking, emphasizing the significance of connecting with the right organizations. Additionally, she provides practical advice on finding grants and utilizing local economic development organizations to support entrepreneurial growth.

Takeaways

• Networking is crucial for small business success.
• Finding the right organization to network with is key.
• Utilize online platforms like Facebook for networking.
• Explore grants available for small businesses.
• YouTube is a valuable resource for learning.
• Economic development organizations offer many resources.
• Check your local city or county website for opportunities.
• Culturally specific chambers can provide tailored support.
• Invest time in discovering available resources.
• Nonprofit organizations can be a great support for entrepreneurs.

Resources:
Small Biz Catalyst Podcast: Driving Economic Change Through Innovation | Small Biz Catalyst
YouTube: @SmallBizCatalyst-b2h
Instagram: @SmallBizCatalyst
X: SBizCatalyst
https://youtu.be/MtHl2MbpPbY?si=BmAhgf2KcMEI4vur


Tag a Business

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.

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

In this conversation, Akeem Shannon shares his inspiring journey from losing a college scholarship to becoming a successful entrepreneur and inventor. He emphasizes the power of storytelling in personal and professional growth, the importance of building connections, and the role of economic development in supporting entrepreneurs. Akeem provides valuable insights on how to effectively tell stories that resonate with audiences and drive business success, while also offering advice for aspiring entrepreneurs to persevere through challenges and failures.

Resources:
Akeem Shannon Inspires | Shark Tank, Flipstik, Motivation, Inspiration
Flipstik | Hands-Free Selfies & Videos (getflipstik.com)
Akeem on shark tank: https://youtu.be/MJO3kI8D974?si=pqIYo_jVdZR2DtDb
Watch the video episode:  https://youtu.be/MtHl2MbpPbY
Get the storytelling blueprint from Akeem Shannon at (314) 789-9005
Small Biz Catalyst Podcast: Driving Economic Change Through Innovation | Small Biz Catalyst


Takeaways

• Storytelling can transform your personal and professional journey.
• It's crucial to connect with the right network for opportunities.
• Your self-narrative shapes your reality and potential.
• Failing is a necessary part of the learning process.
• Economic development plays a vital role in entrepreneurial success.
• Crafting compelling stories can enhance business pitches.
• Understanding your audience is key to effective storytelling.
• Success often comes after many failures and setbacks.
• It's never too late to pursue your dreams and rewrite your story.
• Persistence and resilience are essential for entrepreneurs.

About Akeem:
Akeem Shannon has had more than his fair share of failures, fall downs, setbacks, and hurdles. But through failing again and again, he found himself inching his way toward success. From college dropout to CEO of an Inc. Magazine, Top 50 Fastest Growing Consumer Brand, Akeem has shared his story on the stages of antsy 3rd graders to the walls of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. While Akeem's story has inspired many, and may just inspire YOU, his ultimate goal is for YOU to write your own story that inspires YOU.

Akeem is an Entrepreneur, Story Architect, Inc 5000 CEO, Dog Dad, and Motivational Speaker

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

In this conversation, Ayisat Abilagun and Tosin Amatayo discuss the essential aspects of business organization, cash flow management, and the importance of maintaining clean financial statements for entrepreneurs. They emphasize the need for business owners to be organized, understand their financials, and the role of a CPA in supporting their business growth. The discussion also covers practical tips for managing finances effectively, including the separation of personal and business expenses, and the significance of keeping accurate records. The episode concludes with valuable advice for entrepreneurs on how to navigate their financial responsibilities and ensure their business's success.

Takeaways

• The primary responsibility of every business owner is to be organized.
• Register your business to establish a solid foundation.
• Open a business checking account and credit card to separate finances.
• Keep all receipts for accurate record-keeping.
• Use your bank accounts as a ledger for financial statements.
• Measure three times before making significant business decisions.
• Understand your cash flow to avoid financial pitfalls.
• Utilize accounting tools to monitor your business performance.
• Seek a CPA who provides access to your financial records.
• Focus on scaling your business while automating financial processes.

Chapters

00:00 The Foundation of Business Organization
10:04 Understanding Cash Flow Management
19:51 The Importance of Clean Financial Statements 
25:06 Advice for Entrepreneurs
29:12 Final Thoughts and Resources

Resources:
Accounting & Tax Experts in Dallas, TX | Omotayo CPA LLC
Spend Management Software for Receipts & Expenses | Expensify
Small Biz Catalyst Podcast: Driving Economic Change Through Innovation | Small Biz Catalyst

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

In this episode, Tarsha Hearns, Senior Director of Ecosystem at the DEC Network, discusses the impact of small businesses on local communities and the challenges they face.
She highlights the importance of job creation, recycling money into the local economy, and access to capital. Tasha shares examples of small businesses in her ecosystem that have innovated to meet community needs, such as a transportation company providing affordable rides to job seekers.
She recommends strategies for small businesses to ensure their impact is sustainable, including managing cash flow, maintaining good credit, and advocating for themselves. Tasha invites listeners to connect with her and learn more about the DEC Network.

Additional Takeaways

• Small businesses can ensure their impact is sustainable by managing cash flow, maintaining good credit, and advocating for themselves through engagement with local government and associations.
• Small businesses contribute to the social fabric and wellbeing of local communities through job creation and meeting daily needs.
• Ecosystem directors can support small businesses by partnering with entrepreneurial support organizations and advocating for resources and initiatives.
• Challenges for small businesses in engaging with local communities include lack of awareness of available resources and limited marketing efforts by economic development organizations.

Resources:
The DEC: The DEC Network – The DEC Network is a 501c3 nonprofit organization driving parity and economic impact by helping entrepreneurs start, build and grow their businesses.

The Marketing Lady: Personal Branding Coach for Entrepreneurs - (themarketinglady.com)

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

In this episode, Ayisat discusses the BOIR (Beneficial Owners Information Report) reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). She emphasizes the importance of small business owners being aware of and complying with this reporting requirement to avoid penalties. 
The CTA requires certain types of U.S. and foreign entities to report beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Ayisat provides step-by-step instructions on how to file the BOI report online, including the five sections that need to be completed. She encourages listeners to file the report as soon as possible to ensure compliance with the Corporate Transparency Act.

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

Nathan Ohle, CEO of the International Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), discusses the innovative Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) program and its impact on economic development. The ERC program aims to build capacity in under-resourced communities and cultivate the next generation of leaders. It provides tools, resources, and opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners to grow and thrive. The program also promotes collaboration and knowledge-sharing among fellows and host organizations. The ripple effects of the ERC program are expected to be profound, driving inclusive and equitable economic outcomes in communities across the United States.

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

In this episode, host Ayisat Abilogun interviews Tracy Erby, the director of Texas Women's University and the Center for Women Entrepreneurship, about accessing grants for small businesses. Tracy shares valuable insights and tips on how to successfully apply for grants, including the importance of reading and following grant guidelines, avoiding common pitfalls, and highlighting the use of funds. She also provides information on grants currently available, such as the Start Her Grant, and emphasizes the importance of building a strong network and valuing customers. Overall, this episode offers actionable advice for small business owners looking to access grant funding.

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

Takeaways

• Read and follow grant guidelines to ensure eligibility and meet requirements
• Avoid common grant pitfalls, such as not answering all questions and not requesting the full grant amount
• Highlight the use of funds and be clear and concise in grant applications
• Take advantage of grants currently available, such as the Start Her Grant by TWU CWE opens September 3rd, 2024, at smallbizcatalyst.org/resources
• Build a strong network and seek support from other entrepreneurs
• Value and appreciate customers and clients

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
03:04 How to Access Grants and Common Mistakes to Avoid
05:26 Grant Pitfalls and Tips for Successful Applications
09:41 Increasing Grant Writing Stakes: Tips for Success 
14:17 Current Grants Available for Small Businesses
17:01 Building a Strong Network and Valuing Customers
20:37 Conclusion and Contact Information

Keywords:
grants, small business, funding, entrepreneurship, grants application, grant pitfalls, eligibility requirements, budget, networking

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst

Do you think you could hold your breath for one minute? Could you do it for two minutes? What about three minutes? I won't ask about four minutes because I believe it's scientifically proven that four minutes without oxygen to your brain, you could be dead. But for most of us, that's what we do to our business. We try to hold our breath for as long as we can when we don't monitor our cash flow. And what do I mean? The cash flow is the hair that your business breaths. Without money coming in and feeding into that business, it cannot grow. So, what do need to watch out for?

(00:35.278)
Hello and welcome to Small Biz Catalyst. My name is Ayesat Abilogun and I am your host. I am an Economic Recovery Corps Fellow and the CEO of Financial Leadership Club of America.

This show is for struggling small business owners who want to be able to earn a consistent six -figure salary from their businesses. And the economic development professionals who support them. Every week, we will delve into innovative strategies, success stories, and actionable insights to empower small businesses as catalysts for economic resilience. We will bring in knowledgeable guests who can help small business owners grow their businesses. Whether you're interested in community development, economic policy, or entrepreneurship. This podcast offers valuable insights and inspiration. Today we'll delve into five tips that will help your business remain resilient.

Today's show is sponsored by Comerica Bank. If you like the feel of small business banking attitude and yet want access to big business banking amenities, Comerica Bank is that bank for you. One of the things I like about Comerica Bank is the fact that many of our board meetings were actually held at their locations. Comerica offers small businesses special services like access to their conference rooms to the HQ that's in Dallas. If you're a small business in Dallas, you ought to visit that spot. There's actually even a room to do a podcast like this one and so many other things that you can do there. You can have your client meetings and just so much to do. Well, check it out. Go to smallbizcatalyst.org/Comerica to find out more about Comerica. Enjoy the show as we explore how to grow our businesses together.

Today's resources: Resources | Small Biz Catalyst
Alina Morse's business review: https://youtu.be/NYXFfFfZwxY

Support the show

Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst