By Robert Hansen | OBSERVER Staff Writer

The Florin Square Community Development Corp. held its fifth annual small business success summit July 26, where small businesses and entrepreneurs had an opportunity to network and utilize untapped resources.

Aaron Boyce, executive director of the development corporation, said the goal is to connect people with people. And although the development corporation is intentional about connecting diverse communities, there is an emphasis on connecting Black entrepreneurs and small business owners.

“The fate of America rests with the fate of Black America, and so we try to raise them up financially, economically and entrepreneurially,” Boyce told The OBSERVER.

Boyce said the summit provides the opportunity for small businesses to learn and network about finance, creating a business plan, workforce development, marketing, and even how to incorporate AI into their business.

One startup, Vidlo, “turns customers into your best sales team through video content,” according to founder Chynna Morgan.

Vildo is a platform for customers to give short video testimonials about a service or product, which then can be shared across social media, expanding a business’ reach.

In its third year, Morgan explained that the company started with the idea of giving the audience the power to create the stories for their favorite businesses.

“Because when someone really vouches for you, they’re gonna wanna talk about you anyway. So let’s get that in video so it’s super-charged, and people can now see why people love you so much,” Morgan said.

Keynote speaker Allison Tibbs encouraged entrepreneurs to prioritize their well-being.

Tibbs, author of “The Nourished CEO,” explained how many business owners overextend themselves by working long hours, hosting workshops, and constantly serving others, often at the cost of their physical and mental health.

She said she tells her clients to remember three things: setting boundaries, priority management and finding the wellness routine that helps each individual entrepreneur decompress and recharge.

“What works for one person might not work for another,” Tibbs said.

She said that entrepreneurs, especially those driven by purpose and service, often lose sight of their own priorities and boundaries. To avoid burnout, she encouraged creating personal wellness routines that work for the individual – whether meditation, exercise, art, or even gaming.

Joseph Cordova with the Sacramento Small Business Development Center was at the summit trying to help entrepreneurs grow and succeed by offering one-on-one mentorship, specialized training programs, and support from a team of expert business advisors.

One of the biggest hurdles for small businesses, he said, is access to capital. Many entrepreneurs struggle to secure funding, especially from traditional banks.

“Our advisors specialize in different avenues that may work out for our clients based on their specific situation, and they can kind of help navigate, connect them to funding sources that are most likely to lead to success,” Cordova said.

Cordova noted that their services are available to a wide range of clients, from individuals who have yet to launch their business to established business owners, including those with up to 500 employees.

Boyce had simple advice for young entrepreneurs: always ask questions and always look for opportunities that aren’t right in front of you.

“You have to be able to make things happen,” Boyce said. “Things won’t happen for you, and excuses don’t happen in success.”

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