Small Biz Catalyst

Navigating the Entrepreneurial Landscape: A Conversation with Tracy Irby - SheInspires Series #68

Tracy Irby shares her extensive experience as a serial entrepreneur and director of the Texas Women's University Center for Women Entrepreneurs. She discusses the evolving landscape for women entrepreneurs, the importance of taking action, and the resources available to support women in business. Tracy emphasizes the significance of identifying ideal clients, building confidence, and learning resilience through experience. She also highlights the specific challenges faced by rural entrepreneurs and the importance of community support. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE * Women entrepreneurs are increasingly starting businesses for flexibility and income stability. * Rural grants are available to support women entrepreneurs in underserved areas. * Taking action is crucial; there is no perfect moment to start a business. * Identifying your ideal client is essential for business success. * Access to resources and mentorship can significantly aid women entrepreneurs. * Resilience is built through experience, both good and bad. * Networking and community involvement are vital for building confidence. * Entrepreneurship can be isolating, but support is available. RESOURCES MENTIONED Texas Rural Grant | Texas Woman's University [https://twu.edu/center-women-entrepreneurs/texas-rural-grant/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2383424/support] Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst [https://smallbizcatalyst.org/resources]

Fear Is Not the Enemy: How to Use It as Fuel

Every entrepreneur knows the feeling: the great idea that sits untouched because fear won't let you move. In this episode of The Small Biz Catalyst, Ayisat Abilogun reframes fear as data, not a dead end, and gives you five moves to turn it into forward momentum. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE * Why fear is neurologically normal — and why entrepreneurs feel it more intensely than most * The three types of fear that stall small businesses, and how to identify yours * Why a growth mindset is not a feeling — it's a practice with a schedule * Five moves to use fear as data instead of a stop sign * This week's Catalyst Grant Minute: up to $20,000 available RESOURCES MENTIONED * Mindset: The New Psychology of Success — Carol S. Dweck (available at most public libraries) * SCORE — free mentoring for small business owners: score.org * North Texas SBDC — DFW entrepreneur guidance: ntxsbdc.org * Small Biz Catalyst Resources Page: smallbizcatalyst.org/resources Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2383424/support] Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst [https://smallbizcatalyst.org/resources]

From Side Hustle to Seven Figures - The Ice Shaker Story: Startup to Success Series #66.mp4

Chris Gronkowski went from NFL fullback to DFW entrepreneur after one sweaty gym session gave him an idea nobody had solved. In this episode of The Small Biz Catalyst, he breaks down how he built Ice Shaker from a spare bedroom side hustle to a Shark Tank deal with Mark Cuban and Alex Rodriguez; and $3M+ in annual revenue. Enjoy From Side Hustle to Seven Figures: How Chris Gronkowski Turned a Gym Frustration into a Dallas Product Empire; a Small Biz Catalyst Startup to Success Series. What You'll Learn in This Episode * How a product idea is born and why your frustration might be your business plan * The real reason Ice Shaker stayed a side hustle for over a year before going full-time * What happened the week the Shark Tank episode aired (the numbers will shock you) * The quality control nightmare that almost derailed the first shipment * Five lessons from Chris that apply to any product-based small business Resources:  THIS WEEK'S GRANT SPOTLIGHT Intuit QuickBooks + Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program Maximum Grant:  $20,000 per winner Deadline:  May 15, 2026  Who Can Apply:  U.S. small business owners aged 18+ who demonstrate courage, perseverance, and integrity. 3 winners chosen per quarter. Find it at: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/offers/small-business-hero-program/ Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2383424/support] Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst [https://smallbizcatalyst.org/resources]

Tariffs & Your Small Business: What You Need to Know Right Now #65

Tariffs are no longer just an economic headline. They're showing up in your invoices, your vendor conversations, and your cash flow right now. In this solo deep-dive, host Ayisat Abilogun breaks down exactly what the current tariff landscape means for small businesses, shares the real numbers behind the impact, and delivers 5 strategic moves you can take this week whether you run a product-based or service-based business.  Plus, this week's Catalyst Grant Minute spotlights a $20,000 grant opportunity with a fast-approaching deadline. Resources:  THIS WEEK'S GRANT SPOTLIGHT Intuit QuickBooks + Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program Maximum Grant:  $20,000 per winner Deadline:  May 15, 2026  Who Can Apply:  U.S. small business owners aged 18+ who demonstrate courage, perseverance, and integrity. 3 winners chosen per quarter. Find it at: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/offers/small-business-hero-program/ Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2383424/support] Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst [https://smallbizcatalyst.org/resources]

Discovering Selma, TX: A Business-Friendly City #64

Mayor Tom Daly of Selma, Texas, shares the city's growth as a business hub. The conversation highlights Selma's welcoming environment for entrepreneurs, the cultural initiatives that enhance economic growth, and success stories of local businesses with Ayisat. Mayor Daly also shares insights on the city's development strategies, living standards, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Takeaways * Selma has grown from 2,000 to 14,000 residents since 2010. * The city prioritizes a smooth transition for new businesses. * Selma treats all businesses equally, regardless of size. * Cultural events enhance the quality of life in Selma. * Local businesses like Mia Marcos exemplify success in Selma. * The city has invested significantly in infrastructure and parks. * Selma is recognized as a music-friendly community. * Housing remains affordable and diverse in Selma. * Mayor Daley emphasizes the importance of community engagement. * Entrepreneurs are encouraged to take risks and pursue their ideas. Resources: Visit Selma, TX at Selma, TX - Official Website | Official Website [https://www.ci.selma.tx.us/] https://Smallbizcatalyst.org/resources Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2383424/support] Learn more at Resources | Small Biz Catalyst [https://smallbizcatalyst.org/resources]