In this flavorful episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred sits down with Oliver Mosqueda, founder and owner of Guanabana, a Jacksonville-based popsicle business turning heads and cooling down customers with bold, unique flavors. Recorded live from the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee during Small Business Days at the Capitol hosted by the Florida Small Business Development Center Network, Oliver shares his inspiring transition from working in restaurants to launching a family-run frozen treat brand. He opens up about the entrepreneurial challenges he faced, the keys to standing out in a crowded market, and how the Small Business Administration (SBA) helped him bring his vision to life. This episode offers practical insights for food-focused founders and anyone dreaming of starting their own venture.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida State Capitol hosted at the Capitol Courtyard in Tallahassee. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: https://guanabanajax.com

In this kickoff episode of the 2025 season of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred is joined by longtime SBA leader Jonel Hein, District Director for the North Florida SBA Office. Recorded live at the Florida State Capitol during Small Business Day, Jonel shares her 34-year journey with the Small Business Administration and the agency's renewed focus on manufacturing under new leadership. The conversation dives deep into SBA's core offerings—capital, contracting, consulting, and crisis support—and what small business owners need to know to become “lender-ready” in today’s market. Jonel also highlights the impressive progress in Florida’s manufacturing sector and the North Florida district’s push to surpass $1 billion in loan and contracting volume in 2025. This is essential for any entrepreneur ready to grow, scale, or access the right funding resources.

This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida State Capitol hosted at the Capitol Courtyard in Tallahassee. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guest: https://www.sba.gov/northflorida

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts from the 2024 Florida Rural Economic Development Summit at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. He is joined by Linda Mosley, Founder and President of 365 Degree Total Marketing, and Brian Schachter, Regional Sales Executive, to discuss the role of marketing in driving economic development in Florida’s rural communities.

Linda shares her background in psychology and marketing, including her work with Texas Instruments before founding 365 Degree Total Marketing in 1986. Brian talks about his journey from New Jersey to Florida, his experience in hospitality and tourism, and his current focus on digital marketing and advertising.

The conversation highlights the importance of well-optimized websites for economic development organizations (EDOs), the power of search engine optimization (SEO) in attracting businesses, and how rural communities can leverage their unique assets to foster growth. Linda and Brian also explore the untapped potential of rural Florida and the opportunities available for small businesses looking to establish themselves in the region. This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Rural Economic Development Summit hosted at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital.

Connect with Our Guests: Learn more about 365 Degree Total Marketing