For small business owners seeking actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen. Carissa Reiniger, CEO of Silver Lining, breaks down how traditional coaching and training often fall short for entrepreneurs. Instead, she champions behavior-based support systems tailored to help owners build sustainable habits and achieve lasting change. With over 20 years of experience, Carissa discusses the core challenges small business owners face, from unrealistic goals to lack of focus, and offers an...

Learn how a pandemic pivot turned Jonathan's side hustle into a business success. Jonathan shares his journey, the challenges he faced, and the invaluable lessons he's learned from the ScaleUp program. Find out what makes GoFor Delivery stand out and get insider tips that could transform your own business. Hit play and get ready to be inspired!  Access show notes and learn more at https://la21philly.org

If you've ever wondered how to turn your artistic hobbies into a thriving business, this episode is for you! Join us in this episode as Nicole Dupree, founder of Indigo and Green, shares her journey from hobbyist to business owner. Learn how she creates unique, eco-friendly products and explore her TV show that takes you into the heart of nature. Tune in for inspiring stories, creative tips, and find out how embracing your creativity can transform your life and business. Don’t miss out—hit...

Listen to the inspiring journey of Marie Jeanne Aka, founder of Shining Light Green Cleaning Services. Learn how she turned natural ingredients like lemons and vinegar into eco-friendly cleaning products, and her plans to create jobs in Philadelphia. Find valuable business tips, the importance of perseverance, and how Marie uses AI to boost her company. Tune in for an episode full of innovation, resilience, and green cleaning solutions that could change the way you think about...

Discover the extraordinary journey of Nzingha Ma'at and her innovative approach to healing in this episode of Scale Up Your Business! Learn how she helps people overcome tough issues like anxiety and imposter syndrome by blending traditional talk therapy with unique methods like acupuncture, yoga, and sound healing. Get ready to be inspired by Nzingha's story of turning her passion into a thriving business. Tune in to find out how you can take charge of your own well-being and unlock the...

Listen to this episode where Marisia Robinson of Seed, Weed, Reap, shares her journey from corporate downsizing to teaching communities how to grow their own food sustainably. Discover the top gardening tips everyone asks her about and learn how she uses Facebook groups to connect and grow her audience. Plus, get insider advice on valuing your time and knowing your customer to scale up your business. Hit play to uncover Marisia's secrets to success! Access show notes and learn more at...

In this episode we\'re joined by Kiarra Solomon and Kasie Jones, the dynamic duo behind \"Dads Do Dope Things,\" an event aimed at honoring fathers in our community who often go unrecognized. Hosted at the 4th District Container Village, this event celebrates dads who make significant contributions, not just to their own families, but to the community at large. In this episode, we learn about the origins of this unique event, discuss its impact and future potential, and highlight the 4th...

Are you a homeowner looking to maximize your property's value? Are you struggling with how to stage your home to attract potential buyers or renters? Do you want to learn how small, strategic changes can significantly impact your home's market value? In this episode of Scale Up Your Business, host Zakia Ringgold sits down with Allyson Moultrie, the founder of A. Renee Home Designs, to discuss the art and science of home staging. Whether you're a real estate agent, property investor, or a...

In today's episode, we sit down with Nija Wiggins, the owner of Corneeys, a Philadelphia-based food cart specializing in gourmet corn on the cob and popcorn. Nija shares her journey of turning her childhood dream into a reality and discusses the challenges and triumphs of starting and scaling her business. She also touches upon her experience with the ScaleUp Your Business program and offers valuable advice to aspiring business owners. Tune in to learn how Nija's passion for food and...

The Department of Commerce helps businesses start, operate and grow in Philadelphia. Commerce also funds and works in partnership with local organizations to connect businesses with as many resources as possible. Businesses can contact the Department of Commerce’s Office of Business Services for one-on-one assistance by calling 215-683-2100 or emailing [email protected] If you are a business owner in Philadelphia you want to listen in to this episode because we have Liam Kelly Fleming from...

Scott is not only a renowned transit activist, but also a passionate historian dedicated to preserving Philadelphia's rich past. In this episode, Scott takes us on a captivating journey through the layers of history that make Philadelphia truly unique. We'll delve into the stories of influential figures like Benjamin Franklin, whose impact on the city goes far beyond his famous inventions. We'll also explore the fascinating evolution of transportation in Philadelphia, particularly along...

Erica Martinez started her journey with crochet almost 17 years ago when her son was in a neonatal intensive care unit. Wanting to find solace from her sadness, she took a bus ride to Walmart and stumbled upon a crochet magazine with needles. Intrigued, she picked up a ball of yarn and taught herself how to crochet. By 2010, Erica had honed her craft and began selling layette sets while working at Cooper Hospital. Doctors bought various crocheted items from her, including blankets, teddy...

Erica shares her journey of starting her business Subian by selling items on Instagram, meeting up with customers in designated spots, selling items next to her mothers home and even selling out of her trunk. She emphasizes the importance of passion and commitment for success, and encourages listeners to be patient and have faith in the process. Erica discusses the challenges she faces with shipping time and fluctuating business, but stresses the importance of staying motivated and not...

Isalene Johnson Baptiste, founder of Izzily Waisted and business owner in The West Philadelphia Container Village joins us for a fascinating conversation. Isalene shares her journey of transitioning from selling jewelry to exploring the world of kiosks and heat press printing. She discusses the importance of finding the right location for her business, the challenges she faced, and her 'aha' moment that led her to create her own waist beads. Throughout the episode, Isalene shares the lessons...

Folami Irvine is the CEO of the Precious Jewels Prevention Program and a fifth-generation folklore healing artist. She developed a passion for herbs at a young age when her grandmother introduced her to sassafras tea. As she grew older, other family members shared their knowledge of different herbs, fueling her interest further. Taking her passion seriously, Folami embarked on a journey to expand her knowledge by enrolling in classes and studying under her cousin, Dr. Wyatt. Folami's path led...

Lakia Brown, the owner and sole designer of The Kreative Lab, is a talented creator of wearable art. Growing up in a large household with limited options, Lakia began her journey by customizing and repurposing clothing. Her passion for textiles and fashion deepened during her time living in the Middle East, where she discovered unique handmade garments and developed relationships with local vendors. After returning to the United States and completing her studies in communications, Lakia...

Join us as Marina shares her journey, from learning from influential figures like Dr. Sebi to opening a shop in The West Philadelphia Container Village in Philadelphia. She'll also provide valuable insights for new business owners and highlight the importance of a holistic approach to healing. So, get ready to scale up your business with Marina on today's episode of Scale Up Your Business.

Tune in to hear from Jackie Williams, a founding member of LA21-CDC. She shares how LA21 was formed, its mission to help small business and the power of planting a seed and watching it grow.

Listen in to learn how Dawn Collins turned an accident into a thriving Notary business with The Stamp of Approval along with lessons learned along the way. Don't miss this episode and get inspired by her story.

On this episode of Scale Up Your Business, Tamika, a graduate of the La21 Scale Up program, shares her journey in becoming a successful business owner. Tamika shares her experiences and gives sage advice to new business owners, emphasizing the importance of taking the first step towards success even when unsure of the answers. Tamika also discusses the challenges of juggling both parenting and business operations while creating physical and mental space for both. The business, named 4 Tees...

On this episode of Scale Up Your Business, we talk with Towanda Curtis a beauty bar owner from Southwest Philly who identified a market opportunity and made her services more accessible to customers by allowing walk-ins without requiring appointments or deposits. She shares her personal experience with scaling up her business and creating structure in her approach, and provides advice for new business owners. She also discusses how transformative the LA21 ScaleUp program has been for her...

On this episode of Scale Up Your Business, our guest speaker Tommika Hunter shares her journey starting a business in the retail industry. She discusses her inspiration for starting the business Balloons, Boutique, Baskets and More after a frustrating encounter at a retail store, as well as the challenges she faced with delivery and obtaining items. Tommika also discusses valuable advice she received, including the importance of networking and staying true to her company's values. To learn...