Sixteen years ago, Tami Levin sat at her desk, wondering how she would turn things around. As a loan officer juggling long hours and life as a single mother of four, Tami Levin wondered if she was cut out for the job. Out of options, she took a risk and hired a business coach, even though she wasn’t sure how she’d afford it. “She told me, ‘I don’t know if you can afford not to,’” Tami said. Within three months, her sales soared from the bottom of her region to number one.

Her success soon caught the attention of another bank, which headhunted her for a branch manager position. That role became a turning point, revealing how leadership and accountability could change outcomes. Coaching her team raised customer service scores from 60% to 96%, demonstrating the power of effective guidance. When a friend later asked for business advice and insisted on paying her, a new path emerged. What began as a single conversation evolved into a thriving coaching practice. By April 2024, she had fully stepped into her calling as a business coach, helping entrepreneurs gain clarity, confidence, and control over their success.

 

Helping Entrepreneurs See the Bigger Picture

When the Keizer Chamber of Commerce invited Tami to lead its Leadership Keizer program, she discovered how much she enjoyed facilitating group learning. So when WaFd Bank partnered with the Chamber to bring CO.STARTERS, powered by FINSYNC, to North Salem, Tami was the person they called to lead it.

“I already knew how powerful community learning could be,” she said. “CO.STARTERS gave me a structured, hands-on way to help entrepreneurs work through their ideas and find real solutions.”

Through FINSYNC’s connected platform, participants could immediately apply what they learned; track cash flow, refine their pricing, and see real results before the program even ended.

One of her favorite moments came during the session on defining a customer problem. “Many participants started with, ‘I have this thing I’m good at, and I need people to buy it.’ Watching them shift to, ‘What problem am I solving for my customer?’ was incredible. You could see the lightbulbs go off.”

 

 

Tackling Common Challenges in Business

Through both her coaching and FINSYNC CO.STARTERS facilitation, Tami has seen a familiar challenge among small business owners: financial confusion.

“The biggest issue is not knowing their numbers,” she said. “A lot of people look at their bank account balance and assume that means they’re making money.”

One client in particular stood out. After reviewing her numbers, they discovered she was only making about a couple of dollars per item sold. With guidance, she raised her prices and shifted her product mix. Within five months, her income doubled.
Stories like that fuel Tami’s work. “I want my clients to walk away with confidence, hope, and the belief that things can get better. Many come to me feeling stuck. I help them move forward and communicate their value clearly.”

 

Collaboration That Builds Stronger Foundations

Behind every success story is a network of support. For Tami, that included WaFd Bank, the Keizer Chamber, and FINSYNC’s CO.STARTERS team.

WaFd sponsored participants, shared financial insights during sessions, and hosted the program’s celebration night. The Chamber helped promote the program through community channels. And the FINSYNC CO.STARTERS team ensured Tami had everything she needed to guide her first cohort with confidence.

“The facilitator videos were so helpful,” Tami said. “Barb even spent 45 minutes with me brainstorming ideas for the celebration night. Shadee provided all the resources and links, so I didn’t have to search for anything. Their support made everything easier.”

 

Looking Ahead

Now, Tami is expanding her business coaching to serve more mid-sized companies. She has partnered with a senior accountant to offer a full-service package that combines financial clarity with leadership growth. “She helps streamline systems and reporting, and I focus on culture, communication, and management,” Tami explained. “Together, we help businesses strengthen both their numbers and their people.”

As a coach, facilitator, and community leader, Tami’s work continues to ripple outward, helping others build the same clarity and confidence that once transformed her own career.

“Entrepreneurs don’t just need information,” she said. “They need belief in their business, in their numbers, and in themselves. That’s where everything starts.”

 

 

About FINSYNC

FINSYNC simplifies how businesses fund and run their operations in one place. With tools to plan, operate, and grow — and a financial network of investors, lenders, and partners — FINSYNC helps entrepreneurs connect with the right opportunities and move forward with confidence.

When Sarah Stephens Krupp joined the Fostoria Chamber of Commerce and began working closely with Renee Smith at the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation, neither of them knew they were about to create a partnership that would change lives.

At a Main Street conference, they discovered FINSYNC CO.STARTERS, a program designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into viable businesses. They were intrigued, but after seeing its real-world impact on Fostoria’s downtown, they were hooked.

“We saw how CO.STARTERS could actually revitalize a small business community,” Sarah recalls. “It was working right in front of us, and we knew other communities needed this too.”

By December 2023, they officially launched Thrive Community Partners.

 

Building Businesses, Strengthening Communities

Through their Chamber and Economic Development roles, Sarah and Renee have led multiple CO.STARTERS Core and Generator cohorts, giving aspiring entrepreneurs the tools and confidence to succeed.

To date, they have supported over 52 entrepreneurs and helped launch approximately 35 operational businesses. But for them, it is not just about the numbers.

“Every business we work with has a ripple effect,” Renee says. “When a small business thrives, a whole community benefits.”

Their passion comes through in everything they do. They are not just teaching business skills. They are building confidence and creating lasting community connections.

 

 

Practicing What They Preach

Sarah and Renee believe in leading by example. That is why they manage Thrive Community Partners using the same tools they recommend to others, including the FINSYNC platform for bookkeeping and financial management.

“We recommend FINSYNC to the entrepreneurs we serve because it just makes sense,” Sarah explains. “It keeps things simple, and we practice what we preach by using it ourselves.”

By walking the same path as the entrepreneurs they support, they have built a level of trust that sets them apart.

 

Expanding Their Impact

Sarah and Renee are just getting started.. By the end of 2025, they plan to transition to full-time entrepreneurship, dedicating themselves entirely to Thrive Community Partners.

They are preparing to purchase a FINSYNC CO.STARTERS license to expand the program into more rural communities that need it most.

“There are so many towns like Fostoria that could benefit from programs like CO.STARTERS,” Renee shares. “These are the kinds of initiatives that help people create opportunities right where they live.”

With their passion, expertise, and shared vision, Sarah and Renee are helping build a stronger and more resilient future for small businesses and the communities they serve.

 

Thriving Together

Thrive Community Partners emerged from Sarah Stephens Krupp and Renee Smith’s shared passion for helping people succeed.

“We both just really care about helping people reach their potential,” Sarah says. “That is what drives us.”

Passionate. Determined. Collaborative. Sarah and Renee are proving that when communities invest in entrepreneurs, entire towns can thrive.

 

 

About FINSYNC

FINSYNC is transforming how businesses fund and run their operations — all in one place. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow, FINSYNC helps you plan, operate, and scale with confidence.

At the core is Fynn, your AI Assistant, guiding you from business planning to funding — bank loans, SBA financing, alternative lending, and investment capital. If you’re not fundable today, Fynn helps you get there.

Backed by a connected Financial Network of banks, credit unions, lenders, investors, and community partners, FINSYNC lowers the cost of capital, reduces admin time by up to 40%, and increases your chances of success.

Execution becomes opportunity, and your business becomes future-ready. That’s the FINSYNC Flywheel.

When you meet Kimberlee Richards, you immediately notice her strength, focus, and drive. It is no wonder she has turned years of hard work and leadership into a thriving business, The Flourishing Agency. She built a platform that empowers entrepreneurs and strengthens community growth in Memphis.

Having navigated personal and professional challenges, she found the tools, confidence, and community to grow her vision, with the support of the FINSYNC CO.STARTERS program helping guide her final steps.

 

Turning Adversity into Purpose

“Eight years ago, I had no idea where this journey would lead,” Kimberlee says. “I just knew I wanted to help people grow their businesses and leadership skills.”

Kimberlee’s entrepreneurial path was marked by profound challenges. Just 11 months after she started her business, her husband passed away unexpectedly. Suddenly, she was a solo parent faced with the choice of whether to keep pursuing her dream or give it up.

“It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever faced,” she recalls. “But I kept going because I believed in what I was building and I wanted to show my children what it looks like to persevere.”

This determination laid the foundation for everything The Flourishing Agency has become today.

 

Years of Branding, Years of Impact

Kimberlee credits much of her success to intentional, consistent branding and SEO efforts.

“My online presence didn’t happen overnight,” she explains. “It’s the result of eight years of building my personal brand, growing my credibility, and making sure people can actually find me online.”

Her work paid off. Today, a quick search yields a thriving website, an engaged Instagram following, glowing Google Reviews, and a strong LinkedIn presence that effectively showcases her credibility and influence.

 

Facilitating Growth Through FINSYNC

Alongside growing her agency, Kimberlee has facilitated multiple FINSYNC CO.STARTERS cohorts, which are hands-on programs designed to guide entrepreneurs through the process of starting and growing their businesses.

“The program is so much more than just learning business skills,” Kimberlee says. “It creates a beautiful, organic community where people support each other and keep growing long after the program ends.”

She describes the CO.STARTERS Canvas as a “powerful organizer” that helps participants test business ideas and find clarity. “You see those light bulb moments,” she says. “That’s what keeps me inspired.”

 

Creating Community Leaders

Kimberlee has witnessed the power of FINSYNC CO.STARTERS to spark lasting connections. Through her role as a facilitator, she has watched alumni like the founders of Pile of Threads and Cousins Cravings Catering go from idea to established businesses. Seeing these entrepreneurs build on their experience and make a local impact shows just how much influence the program can have beyond the classroom.

 

A New Space, A Bigger Vision

After seven years of working in co-working spaces, Kimberlee secured a 1,500-square-foot office in Whitehaven, the same Memphis neighborhood where she grew up and even worked her first summer job in 1996.

“It feels like coming full circle,” she says. “To build something right here in my community, in a space that already holds so much personal history, is incredible.”

 

Looking Ahead

Kimberlee’s vision extends far beyond her agency’s walls. She’s now working to build partnerships with community development corporations to bring entrepreneurship programming to more small business owners.

For Kimberlee, true success means helping others flourish — living up to the name of her agency.

“I know what it feels like to start from scratch,” she says. “That’s why I’m passionate about creating spaces and resources where other entrepreneurs can succeed.”

 

About FINSYNC

FINSYNC is transforming how businesses fund and run their operations — all in one place. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow, FINSYNC helps you plan, operate, and scale with confidence.

At the core is Fynn, your AI Assistant, guiding you from business planning to funding — bank loans, SBA financing, alternative lending, and investment capital. If you’re not fundable today, Fynn helps you get there.

Backed by a connected Financial Network of banks, credit unions, lenders, investors, and community partners, FINSYNC lowers the cost of capital, reduces admin time by up to 40%, and increases your chances of success.

Execution becomes opportunity, and your business becomes future-ready. That’s the FINSYNC Flywheel.

Building a business can feel like going it alone, but The Bloom Market proves you don’t have to. As a growing hub for local entrepreneurs, The Bloom Market creates opportunities for business owners to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another.

The Bloom Market was founded on the belief that small businesses thrive when they have access to resources, education, and community. Through events and initiatives, they provide a welcoming space where entrepreneurs can share experiences, discover solutions, and build relationships that strengthen their businesses.

 

Maker 101

One of The Bloom Market’s most impactful initiatives is Maker 101, a monthly meet-up designed specifically for small business owners. Hosted at Mayberry Acres, this event blends networking with hands-on learning.

Each month, business owners gather to hear from guest speakers who cover topics that matter most to entrepreneurs, including marketing, financial planning, growth strategies, and overcoming common challenges.

“We thought there was a need where small businesses could gather while also being educated along the way,” The Bloom Market team shared.

 

 

Support Small Business Success

For FINSYNC, sponsoring The Bloom Market and supporting events like Maker 101 is a natural fit. Our mission is to help entrepreneurs succeed by simplifying financial management and improving access to business funding, payroll, and cash flow solutions. 

Partnering with organizations like The Bloom Market allows us to extend that mission and empower entrepreneurs with both education and tools.

 

Learn From Real Business Stories

The Bloom Market also shares valuable insights through its podcast. Each episode showcases real-life stories from local entrepreneurs, their journeys, and the valuable lessons they have learned along the way. It is an excellent resource for anyone seeking inspiration and practical advice from peers in the small business community.

If you are a small business owner seeking connection, education, and inspiration, Maker 101 is the ideal place to start. Whether you are just getting your business off the ground or preparing for your next stage of growth, these monthly gatherings provide practical tips, new perspectives, and a supportive network of fellow entrepreneurs.

 

 

FINSYNC Supports Your Growth

FINSYNC provides small business owners with the tools they need to manage their businesses all within one platform. By partnering with organizations like The Bloom Market, we are proud to help create a stronger, smarter, and more connected small business community.

 

 

About FINSYNC

FINSYNC is transforming how businesses fund and run their operations — all in one place. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow, FINSYNC helps you plan, operate, and scale with confidence.

At the core is Fynn, your AI Assistant, guiding you from business planning to funding — bank loans, SBA financing, alternative lending, and investment capital. If you’re not fundable today, Fynn helps you get there.

Backed by a connected Financial Network of banks, credit unions, lenders, investors, and community partners, FINSYNC lowers the cost of capital, reduces admin time by up to 40%, and increases your chances of success.

Execution becomes opportunity, and your business becomes future-ready. That’s the FINSYNC Flywheel.

 

For over 35 years, Shan Ross has been fueling mornings and building community through coffee. As the longtime owner of Central Perk, a drive-through shop in La Pine, Oregon, she’s seen it all. But what she hadn’t found, until recently, was a simple way to manage the paperwork.

 

Juggling Two Businesses, Two States, and Too Much Paperwork

Shan recently scaled back from three locations to one, but the workload didn’t get lighter.. “I live in Arizona now but still manage Central Perk in Oregon,” she explained. “There was so much paperwork. I was constantly behind on QuickBooks, and my accountant was always frustrated with me.”

With multiple bank accounts, frequent debit card purchases by staff, and pages of transactions every day, keeping the books in order became a nightmare. “There’d be six months where I didn’t touch it, and then I’d spend a full month catching up.”

She looked into syncing QuickBooks with her WaFd account but was told it wasn’t possible. That’s when she discovered FINSYNC.

 

Finding FINSYNC: A Better Way Forward

After a quick demo, Shan decided to try the platform.  She started small, then added more tools as she got comfortable.. When she had questions, she reached out.

“They walked me through everything,” she said. “Eventually, I added the accounting tools, which helped my accountant out a lot.”

One of the biggest time-savers was FINSYNC’s automation. “It uploads everything for me. I just go in once a month and make sure everything’s categorized correctly. Before, it used to take me two or three hours to enter one month’s worth of transactions.”

Now, instead of spending weeks hunting down receipts, she can generate a full year’s worth of categorized, balanced reports in a single email. “I sent my accountant the report, and she had my taxes done in a week.”

 

Why Simplicity Matters

Shan had been using QuickBooks for decades, but between outdated software, incompatible systems (she uses a Mac, while her accountant uses Windows), and a lack of support, it was no longer working for her.

“FINSYNC is just a lot more simplistic,” she said. “It’s way less stressful. Everything gets uploaded. I reconcile, categorize, and send the reports. That’s it.”

 

Support That Shows Up

One standout for Shan has been the support team, especially Clark. “I probably annoy him with how many questions I ask, but he always gets back to me. Even when we don’t have time for a call, he’ll help me fix what’s wrong.”

Even when glitches popped up after a WaFd update, the team quickly resolved them.

“Honestly, customer service has been amazing. I never even knew QuickBooks had support, and if they did, they’d charge for it. With FINSYNC, someone actually helps you.”

 

Getting Back to the Work That Matters

With FINSYNC handling the back office, Shan has more time to focus on the business itself. That means keeping customers happy, managing her team, and occasionally catching up on the books after returning from a trip to Oregon.

“I’ve been in coffee for 35 years, and I’m still passionate about it,” she said. “FINSYNC made it possible for me to keep my original location running while semi-retiring. That’s a big deal.”

 

 

About FINSYNC

FINSYNC is transforming how businesses fund and run their operations — all in one place. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow, FINSYNC helps you plan, operate, and scale with confidence.

At the core is Fynn, your AI Assistant, guiding you from business planning to funding — bank loans, SBA financing, alternative lending, and investment capital. If you’re not fundable today, Fynn helps you get there.

Backed by a connected Financial Network of banks, credit unions, lenders, investors, and community partners, FINSYNC lowers the cost of capital, reduces admin time by up to 40%, and increases your chances of success.

Execution becomes opportunity, and your business becomes future-ready. That’s the FINSYNC Flywheel.

In the quiet community of Fallon, Nevada, something powerful is taking root. Through a unique partnership among FINSYNC, WaFd Bank, and IDRS (Indian Dispute Resolution Services), a long-time banker with over 30 years of experience in Georgia is helping aspiring entrepreneurs from Native American communities take the first steps toward building their own businesses.

This initiative began with a bootcamp designed not just to teach business fundamentals but to offer accessible guidance, tailored to the needs of early-stage business owners. One of the key facilitators behind this effort was Camille Koster, whose coordination helped bring the program to life. And it was Georgia who stepped in to meet these aspiring business owners face-to-face.

“For me, it was very easy to execute,” Georgia said. “It was just kind of step by step. Camille was awesome in how she communicated, and we had some freedom to market how we chose. I enjoyed it.”

 

Building Trust, Not Just Businesses

Georgia isn’t just there to open accounts. She’s there to listen.

“It was lovely to hear where they’re at in the stage of their businesses,” she said. “These weren’t established businesses yet. They were just sticking their toe in the water, making jewelry or pottery, and selling it to friends.”

Many of the participants were working other jobs and testing the waters of entrepreneurship for the first time. Georgia’s approach was supportive and gentle.

“I’m not pushy,” she explained. “I am at the stage of earning their trust.”

 

From Dream to Direction

Helping First-Time Business Owners Navigate the Basics

With decades of experience in banking and a genuine passion for helping others, Georgia knows how to guide people through the early steps of starting a business. She helps answer practical questions, such as whether they need to register a fictitious name or what type of license is required.

“For example, you can get a fictitious firm name paper for around $15, and it lasts five years,” she said. “That kind of direction takes the mystery out of it.”

She encourages people to reach out, even if they’re not yet ready to open an account. “If you need anything, even if you’re still figuring things out, just reach out. I can help you navigate.”

 

 

More Than a Class

The Real Impact Happens After the Bootcamp Program Ends

For Georgia, the most rewarding part of her work comes after the class ends.

“I really enjoy talking to the participants one-on-one,” she said. “It’s gratifying to be able to help them understand their next steps. Hopefully, that leads to opening an account eventually, but more importantly, it helps them build confidence.”

She noted that everyone she spoke to was still in the early phase of exploring business ownership. Some had small setups at home or shared spaces, while others were simply making goods for friends and family.

“No one treated me like a spam call or a salesperson,” she said. “It was all positive.”

 

Tools That Make Growth Possible

Why FINSYNC and WaFd Bank Are Investing in These Communities

Alongside Georgia’s support, FINSYNC’s tools provide an additional layer of assistance. Georgia compares FINSYNC to QuickBooks, but with more hands-on service.

“QuickBooks used to charge for customer support. With FINSYNC, someone is always there to help you. Their customer service team is based in Atlanta, and they’ll walk you through anything you need, like syncing your bank or creating an invoice,” she said. “I tell people that FINSYNC is like having your own bookkeeper, so you can focus on your craft.”

FINSYNC also helps business owners when they’re ready for funding. While most of the people Georgia meets are not yet ready for traditional loans, FINSYNC provides a path forward.

 

Meeting People Where They Are

A Partnership That Understands the Pace of Progress

Whether someone is working out of their garage or selling jewelry at local events, Georgia meets them where they are. Each conversation is tailored to the individual’s goals and comfort level.

“I see a lot of people in the community who just have a dream. They’re hard workers, and sometimes they just need someone to help them pause and ask, Is this going to make money? Can it replace my day job?” she said.

For Camille and the team supporting this effort, Georgia has become more than a banker. She’s a trusted advisor and mentor who helps tribal entrepreneurs understand what’s possible and how to move forward.

And while the bootcamp may have started small, its reach is growing steadily through every relationship Georgia builds.

 

 

About FINSYNC

FINSYNC is transforming how businesses fund and run their operations — all in one place. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow, FINSYNC helps you plan, operate, and scale with confidence.

At the core is Fynn, your AI Assistant, guiding you from business planning to funding — bank loans, SBA financing, alternative lending, and investment capital. If you’re not fundable today, Fynn helps you get there.

Backed by a connected Financial Network of banks, credit unions, lenders, investors, and community partners, FINSYNC lowers the cost of capital, reduces admin time by up to 40%, and increases your chances of success.

Execution becomes opportunity, and your business becomes future-ready. That’s the FINSYNC Flywheel.

Nick Beyer didn’t set out with a grand plan to start a business. He was excelling in corporate sales and had established a strong career. But something kept tugging at him. He wanted to create a business that felt closer to home and more rooted in his community. That desire eventually led him to launch Neat Commercial Cleaning, a janitorial service based in Northwest Arkansas.

“I loved my time in the corporate world,” Nick said. “But I wanted to do something more local. Something that served people where I live.”

That simple idea turned into something real. Neat Commercial Cleaning has been operating for over a year, serving commercial properties throughout Northwest Arkansas. The region is experiencing rapid growth, fueled in part by major institutions like Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Such expansion means more businesses, more buildings, and a growing demand for reliable commercial cleaning services. Nick saw the opportunity and stepped in to meet it.

 

Behind the Cleaning Business

Neat is strictly a business-to-business company. The team works after hours, cleaning offices and workspaces, emptying trash, restocking supplies, and making sure each location is ready for the next workday.

“Janitorial work is really our specialty,” Nick said. “The work itself is straightforward, but building a team that shows up and takes pride in the job is the hard part.”

That’s where the business gets personal. Staffing is often the biggest challenge, but for Nick, it’s also the most meaningful.

“I’ve hired people who are paying off debt, trying to catch up on bills, or just looking to earn a little extra,” he said. “Most of our staff already work full-time jobs and come in at night for a second shift.”

The team is a mix of people from all different walks of life. For many of them, this work makes a real difference.

“It feels good to know we’re helping people stay afloat or reach a goal,” Nick said. “That’s what makes this all worth it.”

 

Finding the Right Financial Tools

When Nick started the business, he leaned on the relationships he had built over time. One of those was with his longtime bank, Generations Bank.

“They’re great people. I’ve known them most of my life,” he said. “When I was getting the business off the ground, they recommended I look into FINSYNC.”

Nick had already been researching tools like QuickBooks and Xero. But FINSYNC stood out.

“What really caught my attention was the customer support,” Nick said. “I had a demo call with someone in Georgia. Not a robot. Just a real person I could talk to.”

That kind of support matters when you’re running a business.

“I wanted to understand the numbers myself before handing anything off to a CPA,” he said. “FINSYNC gave me the confidence to do that. If something wasn’t clear, I could pick up the phone and talk to someone who actually understood what I needed.”

That personal connection helped Nick stay on top of his finances and gave him peace of mind as the business started to grow.

 

Advice for New Entrepreneurs

When asked what advice he’d give to someone thinking about starting a business, Nick didn’t hesitate.

“Just start,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be perfect. You don’t need a brand-new idea. You just need to take the first step.”

Nick and his business partner also host a local podcast where they interview entrepreneurs who have scaled their businesses. The biggest pattern they have observed is that most of those people did not wait until everything was in place. They took action, figured things out as they went, and learned from real experience.

“You’re going to learn more by doing than you ever will by researching,” Nick said. “Experience is the best teacher.”

For Nick, starting Neat Commercial Cleaning wasn’t just about building something for himself. It was about creating jobs, serving the community, and investing in something meaningful. With support from his local bank and easy-to-use tools from FINSYNC, he was able to stay focused on what mattered most.

“You don’t have to figure it all out on your own,” he said. “But you do have to begin.”

 

 

About FINSYNC

FINSYNC is transforming how businesses fund and run their operations — all in one place. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow, FINSYNC helps you plan, operate, and scale with confidence.

At the core is Fynn, your AI Assistant, guiding you from business planning to funding — bank loans, SBA financing, alternative lending, and investment capital. If you’re not fundable today, Fynn helps you get there.

Backed by a connected Financial Network of banks, credit unions, lenders, investors, and community partners, FINSYNC lowers the cost of capital, reduces admin time by up to 40%, and increases your chances of success.

Execution becomes opportunity and your business becomes future ready. That’s the FINSYNC Flywheel.

Southwest Virginia’s hills are home to UVA Wise, where classrooms meet community and ideas grow far beyond campus borders. Thanks to its work with FINSYNC CO.STARTERS, UVA Wise is helping to shape a new kind of entrepreneurship in central Appalachia. The approach is rooted in community and focused on long-term impact.

At the heart of this effort is Blake Salyer, Innovation and Ecosystem Manager for the UVA Wise Office of Economic and Community Development. Salyer and his team are working to expand economic opportunity in a region long shaped by coal. While their office continues to support traditional strategies, such as business recruitment, they are also focusing on a locally driven approach that helps residents start and grow their own businesses.

The goal is to meet real community needs with tools that work. “People in our community are starting businesses not just for themselves,” Salyer said. “They’re doing it because they want to see this region thrive.”

 

 

Why UVA Wise Chose FINSYNC’s CO.STARTERS Program

That mission led UVA Wise to adopt the FINSYNC CO.STARTERS curriculum, a structured, peer-driven program that helps people turn ideas into action. 

Salyer and his team put real thought into the choice. They consistently received positive feedback about the program’s clear structure, visual layout, and practical approach.

“CO.STARTERS doesn’t just tell you what to do; it gives you a way to actually do it,” he said. “For our participants, many of whom are brand new to the world of business, that’s essential.”

The curriculum pairs naturally with FINSYNC’s financial and planning tools, which continue to support small business owners long after the sessions conclude. While the CO.STARTERS program helps participants move from idea to action, the broader FINSYNC platform supports their long-term success by simplifying cash flow, managing finances, and connecting them to funding opportunities.

 

Building Peer-Led Momentum

One of the standout elements of the most recent cohort at UVA Wise was its hybrid format. While virtual sessions can sometimes dampen engagement, Salyer reported the opposite: strong participation and a genuine peer-led experience.

“We wanted to create a space where people learned from each other, not just from the facilitator,” he explained. “That peer dynamic is where a lot of the magic happens.”

That dynamic was compelling in a surprising place: the wellness sector. In this cohort, several massage therapists joined the program not to compete, but to support each other. Rather than jockeying for market share, they shared ideas, referrals, and encouragement.

“Watching them work together was incredible,” said Salyer. “It was a real reminder that entrepreneurship, when done right, can be collaborative instead of cutthroat.”

 

 

New Beginnings

Other cohort stories show just how far-reaching this work goes. Federal funding cuts resulted in one participant losing his job. He responded by launching a land management company to serve regional property owners. Another newcomer to the region started a fresh juice beverage business, which became a welcome addition to the local food scene.

“These are people who didn’t necessarily set out to be business owners,” said Salyer. “They were responding to circumstances and saw a gap they could fill. What we’re trying to do is meet them right there, at the intersection of passion, need, and possibility.”

In Appalachia, where economic transition has often felt out of reach, these stories are proof of something different: innovation can be homegrown.

 

Stronger Financial Foundations

Understanding that many first-time founders struggle most with the numbers side of running a business, UVA Wise is exploring ways to integrate FINSYNC’s new financial toolkit. This three-hour plugin session breaks down complex topics, such as profit and loss statements and charts of accounts, in a way that’s practical and accessible.

FINSYNC developed the toolkit in response to widespread confusion around financial tracking, compliance, and funding readiness. Jeanette Brewster, who leads partnerships at FINSYNC CO.STARTERS, said the goal is to help entrepreneurs build confidence not just with their ideas, but with their books.

“It’s hard to get funding when your records aren’t in order,” she said. “This toolkit gives people a stronger foundation, and that makes everything else, like connecting to banks or CDFIs, more achievable.”

Salyer agreed, adding that there’s interest from local institutions like People Inc. and several regional banks to support sessions like these or even co-sponsor future cohorts.

“There’s a shared understanding in our community that this kind of work matters,” he said. “And we’ve found real alignment with partners who want to be part of the solution.”

 

Momentum in Motion

As UVA Wise continues to expand its entrepreneurial programs, FINSYNC will remain a vital component of the equation, not just through tools and training, but through its commitment to evolving alongside the communities it serves.

From rural landowners to wellness professionals to transplant founders just finding their footing, the people behind these small businesses are proving that economic development doesn’t have to come from the outside. It can grow from within.

With partners like FINSYNC CO.STARTERS walking alongside them, this movement is gaining traction. In places like central Appalachia, that steady progress is beginning to reshape what is possible. That’s momentum in motion.

 

 

Fynn Moves Your Business Forward Faster 

Meet Fynn, your AI assistant, built to simplify business planning, funding, operations, and growth. With a fully connected Business Platform and Financial Network, Fynn helps you turn ideas into action, secure funding, streamline operations, and accelerate success.

From business planning to seamless execution and smarter financial connections, Fynn keeps everything and everyone in sync—so you can focus on what truly matters, in business and in life. 

At a time when small business owners face conflicting advice, outdated information, and an overwhelming number of options, real support still comes down to one thing: education. 

The most effective SBA lenders are not just there to process paperwork; they are also committed to providing personalized support. They guide, teach, and advocate for entrepreneurs who often need more clarity than capital. This shared approach connects Mitchell Jones, Joel Krominga, and Scott Bossom, three standout lenders in the FINSYNC network.

Although they represent different banks, all three prioritize education as their top priority. By doing so, they build trust, close smarter deals, and help businesses grow with greater confidence.

 

 

Making Lending Easier to Understand

Mitchell Jones, an SBA lender with UMWSB, focuses on simplifying the lending experience. Early in his career, he used the phrase “Welcome to easy” with clients, reflecting his belief that lending should not feel overwhelming.

SBA lending can be complex, but Mitchell believes the confusion often comes from poor communication. “Many borrowers misunderstand the process,” he says. “They think a personal paycheck equals affordability when it’s really about business revenue.” He emphasizes education from the start by explaining loan structures, limits, and expectations in plain terms.

Mitchell regularly partners with the SBDC to support business owners, utilizing his background as a buyer, seller, and business owner to connect with clients on a personal level. His approach replaces pressure with partnership.

 

Guiding with Empathy and Perspective

Joel Krominga, also with UMWSB, brings a similar mindset to his work. He describes himself as an empath who tries to see every decision through the eyes of the entrepreneur. Education, to him, is a means to reduce stress and help business owners make informed decisions.

Joel understands that many entrepreneurs are experts in their field but may struggle with financial documentation. “It’s not negligence. Most are just busy running their business,” he explains. 

That is why he and his team take a hands-on approach to guiding borrowers through the process, from organizing documents to clarifying the next steps.

He stresses that not all SBA lenders operate with the same values. “One bad experience can damage someone’s perception of the entire SBA program,” Joel says. “It’s our job to help fix that by being clear, responsive, and honest.”

One of Joel’s proudest moments came during the early days of the pandemic when his team worked around the clock to distribute PPP loans. He recalls it as intense but deeply rewarding. “We saw the impact in real-time. That period reminded me why I do this work.”

 

Counseling Over Selling

Scott Bossom, SBA Program Manager at WaFd Bank, takes a thoughtful, educational approach to lending that centers on bankers building trust. He refers to himself as an “SBA psychologist” because he helps bankers learn how to support clients and sort through the noise to focus on what matters.

“There is a lot of misinformation out there,” Scott says. “Many entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed before they even start.” He believes in training WaFd bankers to help people slow down, clarify their options, and take meaningful action. That clarity builds trust and often helps clients take steps they once thought impossible.

Scott helps WaFd bankers support customers even when they do not qualify for traditional bank SBA financing. Currently, this process involves making calls and referrals across various departments. He looks forward to using tools like FINSYNC’s Funding Navigator to automate this step and connect business owners with the right lending alternatives.

“If a customer walks in and we can’t help directly, I still want them to leave with a solution,” he says. “A system that supports that makes the whole process better for everyone.”

Some of Scott’s most fulfilling experiences have been helping longtime employees purchase the businesses they have worked at for years. Many of these individuals never saw themselves as future owners, especially given the need to come up with sizable down payments. Scott worked closely with them to structure financing creatively and make those deals possible. “Helping people step into ownership and keep those businesses alive — that’s the part I love most,” he says.

 

A Shared Commitment to Better Lending

Despite working in different places and serving different communities, Mitchell, Joel, and Scott share a belief that sets them apart. They prioritize education over sales and view lending as a form of service. 

They take the time to explain the details, guide business owners through uncertainty, and refer them to the right place when needed. This mindset is why FINSYNC chooses to work with lenders like them.

By focusing on education, these lenders are building more than just loan portfolios; they are building trust, strengthening communities, and giving business owners the confidence to move forward. 

 

 

Fynn Moves Your Business Forward Faster 

Meet Fynn, your AI assistant, built to simplify business planning, funding, operations, and growth. With a fully connected Business Platform and Financial Network, Fynn helps you turn ideas into action, secure funding, streamline operations, and accelerate success.

From business planning to seamless execution and smarter financial connections, Fynn keeps everything and everyone in sync—so you can focus on what truly matters, in business and in life. 

For many entrepreneurs, the hardest part isn’t deciding to start a business; it involves determining which idea is worth building.

Mackenzie Brown knows this all too well. In a recent interview, she shared how the FINSYNC program, hosted in partnership with the South Coast Development Council (SCDC), helped her shape one of her most meaningful ideas into a business.

Today, she is in the early stages of launching Skipper Feed, a company with a mission to transform low-value seafood byproducts, such as fish skins and bones, into nutritious animal feed and pet treats. It’s a business built on sustainability, community, and a deep respect for the ocean. And it may not have happened without the CO.STARTERS program, supported by SCDC and FINSYNC.

 

Finding Focus in a Sea of Ideas

Mackenzie’s path was not straightforward. Before Skipper Feed, she had tried a few different business concepts, including cooking classes, school garden programs, and local food events. She cared deeply about food systems, but the return on effort was not promising.

“I realized some of my early ideas were more effort than reward,” she said. “FINSYNC helped me sort through what was viable.”

That clarity became a turning point. The program, hosted by SCDC, gave Mackenzie a space to evaluate ideas honestly. It also helped her understand costs, margins, and how to communicate her value proposition in practical terms.

“The program helped me understand how to take an idea and make it real. I used to think I’d need a nonprofit to do something good. But FINSYNC showed me I could build a business model around impact.”

 

A Sustainable Dream

Skipper Feed did not begin as a business plan. It started with Mackenzie’s dog.

“My dog had itchy and dry skin,” she said. “Omega-3s from skins helped a lot. That got me thinking about what happens to the rest of the fish that isn’t sold?”

With a background in environmental studies and a strong interest in the blue economy, Mackenzie was aware that the fishing industry generated a significant amount of waste. In her region, fish heads, bones, and skins are often discarded or sold for pennies. Seeing an opportunity where others saw trash, she began developing a process to turn those byproducts into nutritious treats and food toppers.

“There’s value in what’s being thrown away,” she said. “We just need better systems to capture and use it.”

 

 

FINSYNC as a Compass

Mackenzie credits FINSYNC’s CO.STARTERS curriculum and the community surrounding it for providing her with the structure and confidence to move forward.

“The book is still on my desk,” she said. “It’s one of the clearest tools I’ve used. I refer to it all the time.”

She appreciated how the course made entrepreneurship feel accessible and approachable. For someone who had always considered herself more of an idea person, CO.STARTERS proved that those ideas could become something real with the right planning and support.

 

Barriers and Breakthroughs

Working within the fishing industry hasn’t been easy. The system offers little room for experimentation due to its slim profit margins and complicated politics, which hinder its progress. Mackenzie has built trust with fishermen and navigated slow-moving processes around waste use.

Still, she’s optimistic. She points to groups like Sea Coast Compost, which are using shells in soil products, as signs that things are changing. She is also engaged in broader industry efforts, including the 100% Fish House Bill and the formation of the Oregon Ocean Cluster, initiatives aimed at reducing fish waste and creating new economic opportunities through full utilization of seafood byproducts.

“There’s a growing interest in sustainability and circular systems,” she said. “People are starting to see value in the full catch.”

 

The Power of Partnership

The success of Skipper Feed is not just Mackenzie’s story. It is also a result of what happens when the right partners come together to support local entrepreneurs.

Through the combined efforts of SCDC and FINSYNC’s tools, like the AI Canvas and business plan generator, Mackenzie had access to training, guidance, and practical resources that made a difference.

She’s not alone. Across the country, FINSYNC programs are helping people in rural, Native, and underserved communities turn their ideas into action. And for Mackenzie, that action is just beginning.

“Skipper Feed wouldn’t exist without FINSYNC, the CO.STARTERS program, and the local support I received,” she said. “It gave me the confidence to go from idea to execution and the belief that I can do this.”

 

 

Fynn Moves Your Business Forward Faster 

Meet Fynn, your AI assistant, built to simplify business planning, funding, operations, and growth. With a fully connected Business Platform and Financial Network, Fynn helps you turn ideas into action, secure funding, streamline operations, and accelerate success.

From business planning to seamless execution and smarter financial connections, Fynn keeps everything and everyone in sync—so you can focus on what truly matters, in business and in life.