Speaking of Entrepreneurship
Welcome to Speaking of Entrepreneurship, a podcast powered by the Center for Entrepreneurs at Corporate College®, a division of 91ºÚÁÏÍø (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.
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.