On August 20, 2024, I had the privilege of participating in the “Confessions of an Entrepreneur” session at the summit organized by the Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC). The FSBDC holds a special place in my heart, as they have been instrumental in supporting my entrepreneurial journey from the very beginning and continue to do so today.
The session, moderated by the talented Christa-Tiffany Wilson, brought together a panel of entrepreneurs to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. The beautiful intro video showcasing the three featured businesses set the stage for an engaging and insightful discussion. I know she said she was going to do it but it really caught me by surprise (thank you Christa Y Aly).
Throughout the session, we delved into various aspects of entrepreneurship, from the initial inspiration and challenges of starting a business to the strategies for growth and scaling. We shared our experiences in securing funding, building strong teams, and fostering innovation within our companies. One of the most valuable aspects of the session was the opportunity to discuss our involvement with the FSBDC. Each panelist shared specific examples of how working with FSBDC consultants has made a significant impact on their business. The tools, resources, and advice provided by the FSBDC have been crucial to our growth and success. We also touched on the importance of leadership and team building, sharing our strategies for motivating and managing our teams. My favorite part of the conversation was talking about common myths. My favorite was the one that David Delancy from One Day Came Inc came up with: no, we are not swimming in cash! We discussed the challenges of balancing personal well-being with the demands of running a business and shared our thoughts on the future of our respective industries. I loved hearing from Diana Hall from ActivArmor because she shared her thoughts on the medical industry which I don’t know much about.
And this is why these conferences are so important: this cross-pollination of ideas can lead to innovative solutions that we did not consider in our own businesses before. (I have to say, I heard someone saying that the summit was essentially a “cross-pollination of ideas” while I was walking in the exhibitor’s hall and I just loved it!)
The most rewarding part of the summit was the opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and the dedicated staff of the FSBDC. I ran into old friends like Greg Britton, Jill Kaufman, Ann Dziadon, Jairo Batista and so many others. The networking sessions allowed us to connect with other entrepreneurs, forge new friendships and share our experiences in a supportive and inspiring environment.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the FSBDC for organizing this wonderful event and to all the staff members who consistently bring joy and support to entrepreneurs like myself. The FSBDC’s unwavering commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and small business growth is truly commendable. As I reflect on the “Confessions of an Entrepreneur” session, I am filled with excitement for the future. This is why I keep coming back. Thank you, FSBDC, for being a pillar of support and empowerment for entrepreneurs throughout Florida.
Leave a Reply