Speaking of Entrepreneurship
Welcome to Speaking of Entrepreneurship, a podcast powered by the Center for Entrepreneurs at Corporate College®, a division of Ë®¹ûÅÉAV (Tri-C®). This series strives to provide practical strategies and inspiration for entrepreneurs by inviting industry experts to discuss proven methods and insights for navigating today's competitive market.
President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
In this episode, guest host and Tri-C President, Michael Baston, sits down with Beth Hammack, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. Hammack discusses her career in finance, her current role at the Federal Reserve Bank and the importance of community and workforce development.
Entrepreneurship as an Economic Driver
In this episode, guest host and Tri-C President, Michael Baston, sits down with Chris Ronayne, Cuyahoga County Executive for a conversation about entrepreneurship as an economic driver. Cuyahoga County, once a powerhouse during the industrial revolution, continues to lead in innovation thanks to strategic partnerships with businesses, philanthropists, and academic institutions. Tune in to learn about how entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role as an economic driver, creating opportunities for innovation and sustained economic growth.
From Idea to Empire: RaShaun Brown’s Journey with Screen Skinz
How do you turn a simple idea into a thriving business? In this episode of the Speaking for Entrepreneurs podcast, host Heather Holmes Dillard sits down with RaShaun Brown, CEO of Screen Skinz, the innovative company behind customized phone screen protectors. Presented by the Center for Entrepreneurs at Corporate College, this conversation dives into RaShaun’s entrepreneurial journey—from the initial concept to building a successful brand. Discover the challenges he faced, the strategies that worked, and the lessons he learned along the way. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you bring your own ideas to life. Tune in now and get ready to be inspired!
What Is the Center for Entrepreneurs? | Empowering Innovators and Startups
Curious about the Center for Entrepreneurs? In this episode, Ronna McNair, the executive director of the Center for Entrepreneurs at Corporate College, will join us to discuss how this hub empowers aspiring entrepreneurs, supports startups and provides essential tools to turn ideas into successful businesses. Whether you're a budding innovator or just exploring the world of entrepreneurship, this video is packed with insights, tips and inspiration. Don't miss out — hit play and start your entrepreneurial journey today!
Building Brands and Startups
Guest host Renee Richard, the president of Corporate College, sits down with entrepreneur, investor and consultant Kumar Arora to explore his journey of launching and scaling successful startups and brands. Learn his strategies, insights and advice for turning big ideas into thriving businesses.
Franchising for Entrepreneurs
We are thrilled to welcome Vanessa Whiting, the president of A.E.S. Management Corp., operating as Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. As a leader in the franchising industry, Whiting shares a wealth of experience and wisdom, discussing the keys to running a successful franchise, navigating challenges and building a lasting brand. Tune in to hear firsthand insights from a veteran of franchise management and gain valuable advice that can transform your entrepreneurial path.
The Journey to Success
Gain key insights into using Instagram for business growth at this exciting event from the Center for Entrepreneurs. Discover how Instagram influencers Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal have successfully built their brand, Earn Your Leisure, through strategic social media marketing. Understand the vision behind their influential platform and the popular Invest Fest and learn how to avoid common marketing mistakes.
Raising Capital for Rapunzel
This episode covers an entrepreneur's favorite topic: raising capital. Whether pitching to investors, applying for loans, or crowdfunding your next big idea, you will need capital. We've got insights, strategies and real-world stories to help you navigate the road to financial success. No jargon, no fluff — just actionable advice to get your business the capital it deserves. Meet Yelitsa-Jean Charles, the founder of Healthy Roots Dolls, who discusses her journey to raise $500,000 as a young entrepreneur. She shares her approaches to securing the funding to get her dolls on the shelves of Target and take her dreams to the next level. Let's get started!
Buying Businesses. Building Legacies — Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition
Entrepreneurship isn't always about starting from scratch. In this episode, Tony Manna and Larry Fulton share how they built successful portfolios by acquiring undervalued companies, revitalizing them and creating meaningful jobs in their communities. With host Heather Holmes Dillard, they dive into topics like seller financing, SBA loans and the importance of passion, patience and long-term vision.
Hosted by Heather Holmes Dillard
Heather Holmes Dillard is the host of the Speaking of Entrepreneurship podcast. As the principal at the Raben Group, a mission-driven national public affairs and strategic communications firm based in Washington, D.C., Dillard channels her passion for small business ownership and community engagement into every project. She works closely with clients to create lasting relationships grounded in shared values and a collective vision for a better world, with a particular focus on empowering historically underserved communities.
A native Clevelander, Dillard has spent her career leading experiential marketing, event production and community engagement programs across the U.S., creating opportunities for businesses and communities to thrive together. Her expertise has been instrumental in shaping community activations alongside major events like the 2016 RNC, 2021 NFL Draft, 2022 NBA All-Star Game and 2024 DNC.
Dillard has also been a key force in the creation of the U.S. Black Chambers in 2007 and was the founding creator, cochair and producer of Cleveland's Juneteenth Freedom Festival. Her work is driven by a commitment to advancing small businesses, empowering communities and fostering a more inclusive and entrepreneurial environment wherever she goes.