The lower middle market makes up 80% of the total middle market, representing approximately 160,000 businesses in the U.S. In this episode, we dive into how digital payment innovations are fueling growth in this critical segment with two industry experts: Edward Galvin (Visa) and Andrew Jamison (Extend).Our discussion explores key findings from NCMM research, highlighting the evolving needs of middle market businesses and how financial tools can drive efficiency and expansion. Tune in to hear expert perspectives on how businesses can bridge the gap and future-proof their operations.

Edward Galvin is responsible for North America B2B Commercial Payments Sales at Visa. Visa helps connect businesses to a secure, global network of platforms, products, and services—no matter where you are on your business journey.

Andrew Jamison is the CEO of Extend, a financial technology company building innovative payment solutions for banks and their SMB customers. Extend has built a virtual card and expense management platform as an out-of-the-box product available for issuers to offer alongside their corporate card programs, allowing businesses to access modern spend management software with the commercial card they already have.

Read the report at globalclient.visa.com/middlemarket.

Join us to hear from NCMM Managing Director, Doug Farren, as he discusses key insights from the 2024 End-Year Middle Market Indicator.

Listen to the full webinar presentation, see the slideshow, and explore more from the most recent MMI here: https://www.middlemarketcenter.org/performance-data-on-the-middle-market.

In this solo episode, Doug Farren from the National Center for the Middle Market takes a forward-looking approach to 2025. He discusses key trends impacting middle market companies, including improving macroeconomic conditions, rising business confidence, advancements in technology like AI, and talent management strategies. Doug also provides insights from NCMM's latest Middle Market Indicator survey, offering projections for revenue growth, employment expansion, and innovation. Tune in for a comprehensive sneak peek at the challenges and opportunities shaping the middle market's vital role in the U.S. economy.

In today’s episode, we welcome Sarah Steele, Senior Director at Visa Commercial Solutions, to discuss new research on Canada’s middle market. Sarah shares compelling insights into economic confidence, growth trends, and the distinct challenges Canadian middle market companies face. From adopting digital innovations like AI and automation to leveraging cross-border partnerships with U.S. businesses, she offers practical strategies to overcome hurdles such as limited resources, high costs, and fear of the unknown. Join us as we uncover how these businesses can unlock their full growth potential and thrive in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

Sarah is an award-winning payments professional, with over 20 years of experience leading product strategy, complex projects, and thought leadership. Her accomplishments and experiences are varied, spanning consumer and B2B clients, front and back office, consulting and product management. Currently, as Senior Director of Small & Middle Market Business Products, Sarah is responsible for go to market strategy and roll-out Visa’s products, platforms, and resources in North America.

VISA Commercial Solutions, a division of VISA, helps connect businesses to a secure, global network of platforms, products, and services—no matter where you are on your business journey.

Download the latest research report at www.middlemarketcenter.org.

In this insightful conversation, Bryan Wheelock and Joe Walsh from Harness IP discuss the untapped potential of intellectual property for middle market companies. Discover how these businesses can uncover and protect valuable IP assets like copyrights, trade secrets, and unique branding elements that may not be immediately apparent. Learn actionable strategies for identifying, documenting, and leveraging these assets to gain a competitive edge, mitigate risks, and enhance business value. Whether you're facing challenges or seeking growth, this conversation provides practical advice to help you maximize the potential of your intellectual property.

Harness IP is an intellectual property law firm serving clients across the globe. Their attorneys counsel and represent clients across the full range of intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, litigation, IP management, and licensing. Learn more about Harness IP at https://www.harnessip.com/

In this episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities facing middle market companies with Lori Goltermann, CEO of Aon, North America & Enterprise Clients. Delving into the collaborative study between the NCMM and Aon, Driving Growth: The Role of People, Risk and Technology in Middle Market Success, (focused on companies with revenues of $50mm-$1bn), Lori provides an expert perspective on how human capital, risk management, and evolving technology—especially in the realm of cybersecurity—are key to driving sustainable growth. From building resilient teams to leveraging cutting-edge technologies, tune in to hear about actionable insights to help middle market companies thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Lori Goltermann, CEO of Aon North America and Global Regions, has over three decades of experience transforming the insurance and professional services industry. She leads Aon’s Risk Capital and Human Capital strategies, delivering value across global markets while strengthening client relationships through the firm's Client Leadership model.

In this episode, we're joined by Lauren Serota, Chief People and Culture Officer at Brand Velocity Group, as she and Doug delve into the evergreen topic of talent and culture.

Lauren shares her unexpected journey into HR and leadership development, providing valuable lessons from her time at Patagonia, where she helped foster a culture that balanced purpose with profit. She and Doug explore key elements of building a world-class company culture, the critical role of leadership, and what companies often get wrong when managing culture. Whether you’re leading a small business or a middle market firm, this episode offers practical insights on shaping a thriving, people-centered workplace. Tune in to discover the strategies behind cultivating lasting talent and culture success.

Lauren Serota is Chief People & Culture officer for Brand Velocity Group. Brand Velocity Group is an innovative investment firm focused on accelerating business well-positioned to benefit from our deep operational expertise, deep in-house marketing resources and thoughtful approach toward enhancing company culture. To learn more about Brand Velocity Group please visit us at  brandvelocitygroup.com or reach out directly at [email protected].

Join us for an insightful conversation with NCMM Managing Director, Doug Farren, as he discusses some of the key insights from the 2024 Mid-Year Middle Market Indicator.

Explore more from the most recent MMI here: https://www.middlemarketcenter.org/performance-data-on-the-middle-market 

Join us for an insightful conversation with Moses Harris, senior vice president and the Black/African American Segment leader for Wells Fargo Commercial Banking, as he delves into the importance of telling the story of black-owned middle market businesses. Learn why it is crucial to tell these stories, the unique advocacy points for these companies, and the historical context that has shaped their current landscape. This episode highlights the importance of bringing minority-owned businesses into the spotlight and offers insights from the recent groundbreaking report by the NCMM and Wells Fargo.

Moses Harris is a senior vice president and the Black/African American Segment leader for Wells Fargo Commercial Banking, where he has worked 14 years. Wells Fargo is a financial services company that offers banking, insurance, investments, mortgages, and consumer and commercial finance. Learn more about Wells Fargo at https://www.wellsfargo.com/ and explore the NCMM and Wells Fargo research report at https://www.middlemarketcenter.org/research-reports/2024-insights-and-perspectives-from-black-leaders-in-the-middle-market

In this episode, we welcome Robert Shenton, Executive Director of the CEO Forum at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. Robert shares his vision for fostering leadership and growth in Ohio's middle market. Discover how peer-to-peer networks,  unique insights from the NCMM, and strategic business experiences are fostering growth, innovation, and advocacy within Ohio's vibrant middle market sector. Learn more about our partnership with the CEO Forum at https://www.middlemarketcenter.org/partnership-with-the-ohio-chamber-of-commerce-ceo-forum.

The CEO Forum provides Ohio business leaders with a network of peers to share and seek advice on challenges they’re facing, while also giving them the tools necessary to scale their businesses. This membership program consists of an engaging asynchronous educational course delivered through The Ohio State University Max M. Fisher College of Business.