In Good Companies

Starting a new business is one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking moments in a person’s life. The stakes are high: depending on your situation, your whole net worth could be on the line. So how can you make sure that you’re in a position to succeed?

On this episode of In Good Companies, we’re talking business beginnings—the things you can do to prepare for what’s ahead. Guests Alan Thomes (Managing Director of SBA Banking, Cadence Bank) and Allan Adams (State Director, University of Georgia SBDC) join us to discuss bulletproof business plans, funding options, and developing relationships with key stakeholders. Together, we’ll uncover key resources, like expert consultation (for free!) from the Small Business Development Center and low-risk loans through the Small Business Administration. You’ll learn who you need to talk to and how to avoid the pitfalls of overexcited entrepreneurship.

Show Notes

Starting a new business is one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking moments in a person’s life. The stakes are high: depending on your situation, your whole net worth could be on the line. So how can you make sure that you’re in a position to succeed? 

On this episode of In Good Companies, we’re talking business beginnings—the things you can do to prepare for what’s ahead. Guests Alan Thomes (Managing Director of SBA Banking, Cadence Bank) and Allan Adams (State Director, University of Georgia SBDC) join us to discuss bulletproof business plans, funding options, and developing relationships with key stakeholders. Together, we’ll uncover key resources, like expert consultation (for free!) from the Small Business Development Center and low-risk loans through the Small Business Administration. You’ll learn who you need to talk to and how to avoid the pitfalls of overexcited entrepreneurship. 

Business isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon—and nobody rolls out of bed and runs a marathon without training. Preparation is essential and the more prepared you are, the more confidence you’ll have as issues arise. So let us guide you to the starting line, and when the bell rings and you open your doors, you’ll be ready.       

Highlights:
  • The dangers of overexcited entrepreneurship (2:07)
  • Doing your homework (5:41)
  • How the SBDC helps entrepreneurs (7:10)
  • Crafting a business plan (11:09)
  • The 5 C’s of Credit (12:11)
  • How a solid business plan can open doors (14:19)
  • Funding options (15:22)
  • Introduction to the SBA and 7a Loans (18:24)
  • Why you need to create a relationship with your lender (22:51)
  • Think of your bank as a partner (24:43)
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Feedback:
If you have questions about the show or topics you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, sheena.cochran@cadencebank.com

What is In Good Companies?

Starting and running a business or managing one isn’t for the faint of heart. You’re balancing internal and external forces in a continually changing landscape. You’re building strategies, and banking on the future – no matter what it holds. This is where Cadence Bank’s In Good Companies comes in. We share our wealth of knowledge, and insights from noted industry experts, to guide you through the forces shaping business today.

We’re back for Season 6, and this time, we’re setting our sights on the future of work. We’re asking the big questions, like:

What will your career look like in 2030? Or 2050, even?
How is ESG shaping the future of companies?
And how can we leverage AI to our advantage?

We bring together experts from across the board, from Silicon Valley to multinationals like EY, to help you stay on the cutting edge of business. And we get to know those who are building the future of our companies; because at Cadence Bank, we want to hear the human side of every success story.

Hosting our stellar range of guests this season is our new host, Ari Marin. He is a Cadence Bank Senior Vice President and family enterprise advisor, whose specialty is consulting with family-owned and small businesses. Ari’s idea of “good company” is being around creative, insightful people with unique and inspirational stories. For Season 6, he brings in his curiosity and ambition to In Good Companies, to lead discussions with our guests, and bring listeners across the U.S. all the information they need, in one place, in under 30 minutes.

Ready to launch into the future? Then join us!