This Is Small Business

Latest Episodes:

Next Generation: Unveiling the Contenders (part two) Jul 04, 2023

Show notes

In Episode 3 of "This is Small Business Next Generation," hosts Andrea Marquez and Mitch Gilbert uncover the dos and, more importantly, the don'ts of pitch presentations by speaking directly with RBPC judges. They provide insights into the key differences between various pitch formats, offering advice on how to adapt and make a significant impact within the given time constraints, while also emphasizing the importance of demonstrating your business's investability. Andrea and Mitch also introduce you to two additional teams we'll be following throughout the RBPC: Sloane Tilley and Julio Fredin co-founders of Dia, and Shiv Bhakta and Richard Swartwout co-founders of Active Surfaces. Get a glimpse into the worries and aspirations of these teams as they prepare for the competition by meeting with mentors, and rewriting and practicing their pitches. Join Andrea and Mitch as they equip you with the essential knowledge and skills to succeed in your business plan competition journey, enabling you to confidently impress judges and investors and secure the support your business truly deserves.

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By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

Next Generation: Unveiling the Contenders (part one) Jun 27, 2023

Show notes

In Episode 2 of "This is Small Business Next Generation," hosts Andrea Marquez and Mitch Gilbert break down the various stages of the Rice Business Plan Competition (RBPC) and explain how the competition will unfold over three days. They talk about the mentorship and extensive feedback the RBPC offers their competitors (talk about a major advantage!) and give you a little insight into what the judges are looking for in a winning pitch. Mitch and Andrea also introduce you to two of the four teams we’ll be following throughout the competition: Kevin Long and Alex Duncan, co-founders of Outmore Living, and Bilal Issifou, the founder of Unchained Inc. You get to hear them talk about their plans and worries as they prepare for the RBPC. Join hosts Andrea Marquez and Mitch Gilbert as they discuss some of the issues entrepreneurs face like learning to prioritize and offer valuable takeaways on how to get your business plan ready for a pitch competition.

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Next Generation: High $takes Jun 20, 2023

Show notes

On Episode 1 of “This is Small Business Next Generation”, host Andrea Marquez gets you acquainted with her new co-host Mitch Gilbert, founder of OYA Femtech Apparel, a past winner of the Rice University Business Plan Competition and one of the first 200 Black women to raise over $1M in venture capital. Mitch and Andrea get you up to speed with the RBPC by talking to some of the organizers and judges and they also introduce the four diverse teams that we’ll be following throughout the competition. Mitch shares valuable lessons that they learned from competing in the RBPC like making sure your business is solving a problem, getting an advisor, and possibly the most important in any pitch competition: practice, practice, practice. Join hosts Andrea and Mitch as they guide you through the exciting world of pitching and share valuable takeaways and insights that could help you polish up your business plan.

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The Who’s Who of Business Plan Competitions (Trailer) Jun 13, 2023

Show notes

Are you ready to witness the ultimate battle of wits and innovation as entrepreneurs compete for up to $3M in prizes in one of the largest and richest intercollegiate startup competitions? Look no further than "This is Small Business Next Generation" - a podcast miniseries brought to you by Amazon that follows the Rice University Business Plan Competition (RBPC). Join Andrea Marquez, a future small business owner, and her co-host Mitchella Gilbert (or Mitch), founder of OYA Femtech Apparel and an ex-RBPC winner, as they take you behind the scenes and follow four teams as they prepare to pitch their business ideas in front of some of the world's leading venture capitalists and investors. Can they handle the pressure? Will their business ideas stand out? Will they have what it takes to win? Join Andrea and Mitch as they follow the intense journey of the Rice University Business Plan Competition and offer valuable insights and learnings for entrepreneurs looking to succeed in the world of business pitch competitions. And make sure you’ve got your small business playbook ready because we’ll be pointing out key learnings from each episode so you feel ready to take on the challenge of pitching your business.

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Bonus Episode: Empowering Diverse Voices Through Storytelling Jun 06, 2023

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In this special bonus episode of This is Small Business, Andrea Marquez travels all the way to Las Vegas for Movement Evolutions where she hosts a panel of inspiring and diverse voices in podcasting. Andrea engages in insightful conversations with Mike Sargent, co-host of Brown & Black Podcast, Kulap Vilaysack, co-host of Add To Cart, Lee Adams, Audio Producer of The Midnight Miracle, and Lori Lizarraga, host of Code Switch. Together, they explore the importance of diverse storytelling and its impact on various communities and share their thoughts on how individuals in positions of power can foster and encourage diverse storytelling. Join Andrea as she points out all the key takeaways from these talented storytellers that’ll get you excited to share your own stories through your branding as an entrepreneur.

Did you know that we have a voicemail line? If you have questions – or maybe a small business story you’d like to share – all you have to do is click HERE and leave us a message!

Live From Dallas: US Veteran Matt Has a Plan May 30, 2023

Show notes

In this special bonus episode of This is Small Business, host Andrea Marquez goes to the Veteran Edge conference by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, an event dedicated to Veterans and military spouses who are small business owners, to sit down in a live interview with Matt Butler, the founder of Rollers and co-founder of Tally Tumbler. Matt shares his story as a veteran-turned-entrepreneur or as he likes to say Vetrepreneur, and talks about all the transferable skills he learned during his service that enabled him to succeed in building his businesses. He also delves into the importance of being passionate about your business, trying to solve a problem with your business, and making sure you go in with a plan. Join Andrea as she writes down all the important takeaways from this inspiring interview that’ll get you motivated to start, build, and grow your business.

Did you know that we have a voicemail line? If you have questions – or maybe a small business story you’d like to share – all you have to do is click HERE and leave us a message!

Miguel Connects With His Community to Grow His Brand May 23, 2023

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On Episode 28 and the season finale of the second season of This is Small Business, Andrea explores what it means to be a Latinx entrepreneur by talking to a Latino business owner that she admires: Miguel Leal, the Co-Founder and CEO of SOMOS Foods. Miguel shares all of the learnings he picked up along his entrepreneurial journey and talks about the importance of representation, sharing your brand’s story, and how to leverage your community. Join Andrea as she wraps up this season and fills her small business playbook with a bunch of advice and lessons that’ll help you no matter where you are in your small business journey.

Did you know that we have a voicemail line? If you have questions – or maybe a small business story you’d like to share – all you have to do is click HERE and leave us a message!

Danyel Manages a Momentous Merger May 16, 2023

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On Episode 27 of This is Small Business, Andrea looks into what could be the future of your business, that is, if you eventually want to merge your small business with another business. Andrea talks to a familiar guest from season one, Danyel Surrency Jones, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of POWERHANDZ Inc., about her own journey merging POWERHANDZ inc. with another business as well as Danyel's newest role as Director of Amazon's Black Business Accelerator. Danyel talks about how to make your business more appealing to potential partners like making sure you have a solid financial model and a marketing strategy. Next, Andrea talks to Kison Patel, the CEO and Founder of DealRoom, FirmRoom and M&A Science, about how to set up your business in a way that’ll lead you to a successful merger. They talk about the many different reasons why you might consider a merger and the importance of a good M&A lawyer to help you through the process. Join Andrea as she fills up yet another chapter in her small business playbook with info that might help you pull off a successful merger.
Did you know that we have a voicemail line? If you have questions – or maybe a small business story you’d like to share – all you have to do is click HERE and leave us a message!
By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Product Improvements Without Breaking the Bank May 09, 2023

Show notes

On Episode 26 of This is Small Business and the seventh of our This is Small Business Minisodes series, Andrea continues her discussion on product iteration but this time we dig deep into how you can work on different versions of your products without breaking the bank. Founder of Princeton Popcorn Company, Robert Ralph aka Farmer Bob, talks about how you can iterate without needing to create an entirely new product and how to mitigate any financial losses that might pop up from failed experimentation. Join Andrea as she jots down key takeaways from this delightful conversation that will leave you feeling satisfied and ready to start experimenting.
Did you know that we have a voicemail line? If you have questions – or maybe a small business story you’d like to share – all you have to do is click HERE and leave us a message!
By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leslie Adds a New Product to Her Lineup May 02, 2023

Show notes

On Episode 25 of This is Small Business, Andrea discusses product iteration – more specifically how do you find out when it’s time to offer additional products? First up, President of Hot Taco Inc. Leslie Pierson (who’s running this business for her son who created a card game called Taco vs Burrito when he was 7 years old) walks us through the process of creating a second product and why they decided to launch a second game. Next, CXO and Dean of Rocket Club Academy Aicha Sharif explains how pivoting could help you replicate what worked in your first product while also making sure you create something new for your customers. Join Andrea as she points out all the key takeaways that will help you decide if you’re ready to iterate your product.
Did you know that we have a voicemail line? If you have questions – or maybe a small business story you’d like to share – all you have to do is click HERE and leave us a message!
By submitting your voicemail, you’re granting us permission to use the recording in episodes of This is Small Business. Please note, voicemails will not receive direct responses. For help with other questions to Amazon unrelated to this show, you can reach out to Amazon’s customer service team at amazon.com/contact-us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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