The SmallBizChat with Melinda Emerson

What Do Black Business Owners Need to Know About CDFIs as a Funding Option with Amber Banks

In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Amber Banks to explore the critical role of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in business financing. They delve into understanding CDFIs, tackling credit score issues, and the challenges of borrowing. Amber discusses how CDFIs advocate for small businesses and assist with urgent cash flow needs. The conversation touches on the quality of CDFI services, their impact, and the prevalence of Black-led CDFIs. They examine CDFI funding sources, technical assistance, and preparation for approaching a CDFI. The episode also addresses combating predatory lending and offers insights into navigating lending for business acquisitions and franchises. Amber Banks, President & CEO of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs.Amber leads the nation’s only organization dedicated to supporting Black-led Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)—trusted lenders that help Black entrepreneurs access affordable capital, coaching, and financial tools when traditional banking falls short. Through The Alliance, Amber works closely with Black CDFI leaders who are on the front lines of advancing business ownership and homeownership in underserved communities. To find a CDFI in your area, visit https://www.aaacdfi.org (0:00) Introduction and opening remarks with guest Amber Banks (3:32) Understanding CDFIs and their role in business financing (6:38) Tackling credit score issues and the credit scoring system (12:14) Borrowing challenges and CDFI advocacy for small businesses (16:09) How CDFIs assist with urgent cash flow needs (18:41) Assessing CDFI service quality and their impact (20:21) Black-led CDFIs: Numbers and distribution (21:40) CDFI funding sources and technical assistance (24:45) Preparing to approach a CDFI (26:13) Combating predatory lending practices (33:12) Forecasting the best business advice for 2026 (34:38) Navigating lending for business acquisitions and franchises (36:05) How to find a local CDFI (36:27) Sponsor: SmallBizLady University Sales Accelerator Boot Camp (36:55) Closing remarks and outro

Hit It & Quit It with Joe Mindak and Michelle Walker-Davis

In this episode, Melinda Emerson kicks off The SmallBizChat with a discussion on favorite business tools and tips. She shares her own recommendations and invites listeners to explore new strategies for enhancing their business operations. The conversation transitions to recommended business books, highlighting influential reads that have shaped successful entrepreneurs. Joe Mindak is a connector, operator, and author focused on turning social capital into real economic outcomes. He co-founded Nolodex, a referral platform designed to help communities and B2B organizations capture, track, and pay for introductions, bringing transparency and accountability to a channel that’s historically been hard to manage. He is also the founder of The Connective, a curated, multi-chapter network of vetted connectors, experts, and founders who open doors for one another and share commissions through a clear, tech-enabled model. For more information: https://www.nolodex.com Connect with Joe Mindak: Website:  https://www.nolodex.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemindak Michelle Walker-Davis is a serial entrepreneur, global speaker, author, and social justice advocate for women in business. Known as the “$850 Billion Dollar Boss,” she is a nationally recognized expert in grants, government contracting, and funding strategy. Michelle is the CEO and Founder of Imperial Management Group (IMG), the only AI generative tech development firm dedicated to helping minority-serving organizations and communities access public and private funding. Under her leadership, IMG has helped clients secure more than $50 million in grants and government contracts, building capacity, sustainability, and long-term economic impact. For more information https://www.imgconsulting.info Connect with Michelle Walker-Davis: Website: https://www.imgconsulting.info LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-walker-davis Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/michellewalkerdavis Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/mwalkerdavis TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michellewalkerdav5 (0:00) Introduction and welcome to The SmallBizChat with Melinda Emerson (1:37) Favorite business tools and tips discussion (5:38) Favorite business book recommendations (8:07) Melinda's impactful business book choice (8:30) Closing remarks and guest promotions (9:38) Sponsor: SmallBizLady University

How to Monetize Connections with Joe Mindak

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Joe Mindak to discuss the art of monetizing relationships. Joe shares insights into his background and emphasizes the importance of treating referrals as a viable revenue channel. They explore strategies for converting referrals into revenue and the practice of paying for introductions while maintaining strong relationships. The conversation highlights the commission system on the Nolodex platform as a tool for managing these processes effectively. Joe Mindak is a connector, operator, and author focused on turning social capital into real economic outcomes. He co-founded Nolodex, a referral platform designed to help communities and B2B organizations capture, track, and pay for introductions, bringing transparency and accountability to a channel that’s historically been hard to manage. He is also the founder of The Connective, a curated, multi-chapter network of vetted connectors, experts, and founders who open doors for one another and share commissions through a clear, tech-enabled model. For more information: https://www.nolodex.com (0:00) Introduction to SmallBizChat and guest Joe Mindak (2:39) Joe Mindak's background and monetizing relationships (7:52) Treating referrals as a revenue channel (10:10) Strategies for turning referrals into revenue (13:20) Paying for introductions and maintaining relationships (16:50) Commission system on the Nolodex platform (20:26) Best business advice received by Joe Mindak (21:07) Closing remarks and additional resources

Business Development in 2026 with Michelle Walker-Davis

In this episode, Melinda Emerson introduces Dr. Michelle Walker-Davis, exploring her journey and the significance of her title, "$850 Billion Boss." They discuss common myths about grants and the competitive nature of government contracts. The conversation delves into the role of AI and generative technology at Imperial Management Group, emphasizing the importance of documentation for engagements. Dr. Walker-Davis highlights financial readiness for business investments and addresses funding challenges faced by women and minorities. Michelle Walker Davis is a serial entrepreneur, global speaker, author, and social justice advocate for women in business. Known as the “$850 Billion Dollar Boss,” she is a nationally recognized expert in grants, government contracting, and funding strategy. Michelle is the CEO and Founder of Imperial Management Group (IMG), the only AI generative tech development firm dedicated to helping minority-serving organizations and communities access public and private funding. Under her leadership, IMG has helped clients secure more than $50 million in grants and government contracts, building capacity, sustainability, and long-term economic impact. For more information https://www.imgconsulting.info/ (0:00) Introduction and Melinda Emerson's goals (1:22) Overview of Dr. Michelle Walker-Davis (2:36) The "$850 Billion Boss" title and myths about grants (6:03) Competition and management in government contracts (9:23) AI and generative tech at Imperial Management Group (11:24) Documentation for Imperial Management Group engagement (15:54) Financial readiness for business investment (17:55) Funding challenges for women and minorities (20:08) Mistakes by first-time funding applicants (22:12) Best business advice from Dr. Michelle Walker-Davis (22:36) Conclusion and thank you message

Hit It and Quit It with Carson Wagner, Angela Williams, and Dr. Stephanie West

In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Angela Williams, Dr. Stephanie West, and Carson Wagner for a panel discussion on their favorites in the world of podcasting, top apps for small business owners, marketing tips to enhance business growth, and must-read business books that have influenced their journeys. Carson Wagner is the Founder and CEO of Lifetime of Love Nannies, an emerging childcare franchise based in Reno, Nevada. A college dropout who started her company at just 19, Carson built her business from the ground up with no safety net and no shortcuts. In 2025, she made the bold decision to franchise. Today, Lifetime of Love employs more than 100 women, has sold 10 franchises in just 90 days, and operates with a powerful mission: We are accepting of all children of all capabilities. For more information: https://lifetimeoflovenannies.com/ Connect with Carson Wagner: Website: https://lifetimeoflovenannies.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifetimeoflovenannies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifetimeoflovenannies Dr. Stephanie West, author of SOAP for Success: A Simple Method to Manage Your Business and Revitalize Your Mission. A Cornell-trained veterinarian turned executive leader, Dr. West brings a powerful, practical framework to help business owners cut through chaos, diagnose what’s really wrong, and build clear action plans using her S.O.A.P. method. For more information: https://www.DrStephanieFWest.com Connect with Dr. Stephanie West: Website:  www.DrStephanieFWest.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-west-dvm Angela L. Williams, President and co-founder of DetailXPerts Franchise Systems, LLC, an innovative, eco-friendly mobile cleaning franchise redefining automotive and commercial cleaning. They are a fast-growing mobile detailing franchise with more than 90 units. With deep expertise across finance, technology, and operations, Angela is leading the company toward an ambitious vision of 1,100 franchises while building a business rooted in impact, excellence, and environmental responsibility. For more information: https://www.DetailXperts.net Connect with Angela Williams: Website: https://www.DetailXperts.net LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/detailxperts-franchise Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detailxpertsbiz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DetailXPerts Twitter: https://twitter.com/DetailXPerts Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/detailxpertsfranchis (0:00) Introduction and welcome (1:29) Panel discussion: Favorites in podcasting, apps, marketing tips, and business books (6:56) Closing remarks and upcoming event announcement (8:34) Outro and thanks to listeners