Author: Nancy Dahlberg

Growth Stages, Operations, Strategy, Team

How one family business navigates a big transition and sets up for more growth

Running a family business can be the same roller coaster ride as any small business. Yet there are different challenges too, much more personal ones. “With a family owned business, it’s not just the accounts payable, receivables and the bottom line. There’s also emotional capital, family, and that equation is […]

Finance, Government contracting, Marketing

Applications now open for StartUP FIU Procurement incubator

This October, StartUP FIU Procurement graduated its first cohort, a group of 11 minority-led small businesses that service the construction industry. The small business incubator was born out of discussions about how information about FIU’s own contracting opportunities weren’t reaching minority-owned small businesses at the levels the university wanted. Turns […]

Economy

Most Miami area small businesses profitable but have limited cash buffers, report shows

While the majority of Miami small businesses are profitable, many have limited cash liquidity. What’s more, small businesses in majority black, Hispanic and foreign-born communities in Miami have lower profitability and cash liquidity than businesses in majority white communities. These were some of the findings in a new report by […]

Finance, Government contracting, Marketing

For niche small businesses willing to work hard, government contracting can open doors

Find a niche where the barriers to entry aren’t too low, become an expert in it, perfect your customer service and then go out and win some lucrative contracts with the government. That’s Craig Waltzer’s formula for success, and it is working. Seven years ago, Waltzer founded GovComm, a boutique […]

Disaster Preparedness, Finance

Low-interest SBA loans available to Florida small businesses hurt by Dorian

Florida small businesses escaped the physical wrath of Hurricane Dorian, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t economic hits because companies needed to prepare for the storm and close up shop. The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that businesses negatively impacted economically by Dorian between Aug. 28 and Sept. 9 are […]

Finance, Government contracting, Marketing, Networking

Doing business with local and state governments: the pros and cons

Many small businesses that have no experience contracting with government at any level often begin with the federal market. No so fast. Federal Government Contracting Officers will look for contractors that have past experience with either state or local government contracts, said Luis Batista, procurement specialist with  Florida PTAC at […]

Growth Stages, Marketing, Operations

How she built it: Lessons from the trenches of global beauty brand It’s a 10 Haircare

All big businesses start somewhere. Carolyn Aronson, founder, CEO and proud 100% owner of It’s a 10 Haircare, started her hugely popular brand from nothing about 15 years ago. She watched every penny, wore every hat in the business, and bootstrapped her way to sales. Sound familiar? Aronson’s products have […]

Finance, Marketing, Operations, Strategy

Government contracting: Tips from a small business in the trenches

If you’ve been putting off learning about government contracting and applying for certifications, this entrepreneur has a message for you: Just do it. Fabiola Fleuranvil is the owner and CEO of Blueprint Creative Group, a strategic communications company based in Miami. With Blueprint Creative, over the years she has successfully […]