Business ownership has long been part of life in tribal communities across the country. However, the systems that support Native entrepreneurs have not always been in place. For over 30 years, Indian Dispute Resolution Services (IDRS) has focused on promoting tribal sovereignty, community development, and self-sufficiency.

What began as a dispute resolution organization has grown into a vital source of entrepreneurship training. Their newest chapter features a promising partnership with FINSYNC and WaFd Bank, enabling Native American entrepreneurs to access the tools, knowledge, and financial services they need to build sustainable businesses.

This story centers on rebuilding trust, aligning economic development with local cultural values, and creating programs tailored to each community’s unique reality. It demonstrates a clear understanding of the challenges faced by tribal communities.

 

From Advocacy to Entrepreneurship

IDRS began by helping tribes navigate complex legal disputes, including negotiations over land and water rights with the federal government. As those needs changed, IDRS shifted its focus to economic development at the individual level.

Camille Koster, who leads IDRS’s entrepreneurship programs, has been a key voice in that evolution. “Helping people gain legal footing was important,” she explained. “But we also saw that real, lasting change comes when people have a path to support themselves and their families.”

That realization led IDRS to entrepreneurship. About 15 years ago, the organization began offering business training programs tailored for Native entrepreneurs and communities. Some tribes were starting to receive government funds and wanted to reinvest in their members. Others sought ways to create opportunities that aligned with traditional values and local resources.

 

Partnerships That Fill the Gaps

To support this vision, IDRS partnered with platforms such as Etsy and Airbnb, enabling participants to sell their goods and services online. Collaborating with GoDaddy enabled the team to offer free website development, making it easier for entrepreneurs to reach a wider audience.

But many of these new businesses lacked access to reliable banking or financial literacy support. That’s where the partnership with FINSYNC and WaFd Bank became essential.

“We saw a real need to help people not just start businesses, but manage them in a sustainable way,” Camille said. “That means knowing how to handle money, use banking tools, and track your business performance.”

The program combines practical financial education with digital tools from FINSYNC, including an AI-powered interface designed to help users manage cash flow, set financial goals, and prepare for growth. It also helps build confidence in banking systems, which have often been met with mistrust in Native communities.

“We can’t just hand someone a tool and expect it to work,” Camille said. “We need to walk with them through the process and show that it’s something that can actually help.”

 

 

Training That Fits Real Life

IDRS adopted the FINSYNC Bootcamp program to replace outdated materials with a more flexible, peer-driven approach. The boot camp model teaches practical skills, including identifying a target market, calculating break-even points, and managing costs. These tools help participants make informed decisions about starting, growing, or adjusting their businesses.

Traditional programs often required internet access or used examples that didn’t reflect rural life. One participant realized she was underpricing her handmade goods and quickly adjusted. Another restructured his mobile repair business to reduce travel and increase profits.

“These programs help people take control,” Camille said. “They realize they don’t need to rely on outside jobs or wait for permission to succeed.”

 

Trust Comes First

IDRS only launches a program after building a local partnership, whether with a tribal council member, community center, or another trusted contact. These relationships ensure the training is both practical and respectful.

“There’s a long history of programs coming in and not following through,” Camille said. “We have to earn that trust, and we do that by showing up consistently and listening.”

That respect also guides how IDRS shares participant stories. Some individuals want to share their progress publicly, while others prefer to maintain their privacy. Each story is told with the consent and cultural awareness of the individuals involved.

 

A Strong Start in Fallon

IDRS, FINSYNC, and WaFd launched their first joint program in Fallon, Nevada. Participants received business training, financial tools, and support from WaFd Bank. WaFd’s Fallon branch, led by longtime banker Georgia Harvey, played a central role in the launch. Harvey introduced the program in person and offered one-on-one banking consultations to participants. It helped begin rebuilding trust in financial institutions, a challenge that many Native communities have faced for generations.  WaFd also provided giveaways during the in-person session and graduation gifts for those who completed both sessions.

Fallon was chosen as the starting point because the tribal community is located within the town itself rather than being separated by distance. The location made it easier to build relationships and test a collaborative model. Early results are promising, and the team is already planning the next round.

“We’re not trying to be everything to everyone,” Camille said. “We’re focused on the places where we can make the biggest difference.”

 

Building a Better Path Forward

Camille Koster is helping lead a partnership that goes beyond tools and training. Through her work with IDRS, alongside FINSYNC and WaFd Bank, she’s helping rebuild trust where it has been broken. This will open doors for Native entrepreneurs and support businesses that stay rooted in culture, values, and community priorities.

By combining education, tools, and deep community relationships, this work is helping to reshape what economic development looks like in Indian Country.

 

 

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. 

In the rolling hills and rugged coastlines of Oregon, small towns often echo with creativity, grit, and untapped potential. But for many entrepreneurs in these areas, good ideas alone are not enough. The lack of mentorship, funding, and infrastructure creates barriers that too often turn dreams into dead ends. That’s where the story of the Foundry Collective begins. Through its Reinventing Rural initiative, in partnership with WaFd Bank and FINSYNC, the organization is helping bring new life to rural communities across the state.

The work happening in Oregon’s rural communities goes far beyond business growth. It builds local capacity, shifts mindsets, and demonstrates that innovation can thrive anywhere, not just in urban areas.

 

The Beginning of Reinventing Rural

The Foundry Collective is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small business ecosystems in underserved communities across Oregon. One of its core areas of focus is Reinventing Rural, a program created to address the specific challenges of rural business development.

Brad Attig, CEO of the Foundry Collective, helped shape the direction of Reinventing Rural after years of working with Hatch Innovation, a Portland-based nonprofit focused on social entrepreneurship. When Hatch launched Hatchlab Baker to support rural entrepreneurship, it became clear that rural areas needed a more tailored approach. As the pandemic shifted priorities, Brad launched Foundry Collective to continue and expand that work, turning Reinventing Rural into a full initiative with statewide reach.

The mission was clear: close the rural resource gap by offering technical assistance, mentorship, and access to capital in communities often overlooked by traditional economic development programs.

 

 

A Need for More Than Good Ideas

Rural entrepreneurs face a specific and stubborn set of challenges. “Lack of demand, lack of infrastructure, and isolation,” Brad explains. “It’s not that rural people aren’t innovative. It’s that the systems haven’t caught up to support that innovation.”

One of the biggest needs is access to a solid foundation: business education, mentorship, and tools. That is where the FINSYNC programs came in, thanks to Brad’s collaboration with Jose Alfaro. Misty Lambrecht, a business coach at Foundry Collective, helped bring the program to Oregon’s coast, making it more accessible to communities far from the usual support hubs. Soon, rural towns from La Grande to Baker City were seeing new energy and opportunity.

Still, for many of these businesses, a program alone was not enough. They needed the infrastructure to move from idea to income.

 

Power of Partnership: WaFd Bank Steps In

The real turning point came when WaFd Bank entered the picture. What started as an idea to host programs in bank branches evolved into a sponsorship model with even greater impact in the communities it was meant to serve. WaFd began funding local delivery partners such as Sisters Makers and EDCO so the cohorts could run independently with real financial backing and business banking support.

The impact was immediate. “Thanks to WaFd’s support, we nearly doubled the number of entrepreneurs we could reach in Oregon,” Brad says. The sponsorship helped cover the cost of materials, allowing participants to focus on building their businesses instead of worrying about fees.

WaFd’s involvement also provided entrepreneurs with free business checking accounts, a crucial yet simple step in legitimizing a business. With these accounts, startups began laying a more formal foundation and connecting with bankers earlier in their journey.

As Brad puts it, “It’s not just about the money. It’s about relationship-building and creating a sense of legitimacy for these rural entrepreneurs.”

 

 

Building for the Long Haul

Sustainable impact is not just about one-time support. That is why Foundry Collective takes a long-term view. Their model includes developing local facilitators who can eventually lead future cohorts. “We want graduates to become mentors,” Brad says. “That way, the support stays rooted in the community.”

This approach is already taking hold. Misty notes that there have been 11 cohorts with direct WaFd connections. The organization is also collecting data on demographics, business types, and outcomes to help tell the story of what is working and where support is still needed.

Hannah Johnson, who leads marketing and storytelling at Foundry Collective, has been instrumental in sharing these stories through podcasts and Substack posts. These real-life profiles highlight not just the businesses but the people and purpose behind them. The stories resonate far beyond Oregon, showing what is possible when communities invest in themselves and when organizations like FINSYNC help amplify those efforts.

 

Believing in Rural Potential

This story is about believing in people who are often overlooked by traditional programs. It is about meeting them, listening, and helping them build businesses rooted in their values and communities.

When asked what keeps them going, the team at Foundry Collective does not hesitate. “We’ve seen firsthand what can happen when someone finally gets the support they need,” Brad says. “That spark of belief changes everything.”

With continued collaboration, storytelling, and investment, that spark is catching fire across Oregon.

And the best part? This is just the beginning.

 

 

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. 

We believe every community grows stronger when local entrepreneurs are set up to succeed. Great Bend Economic Development is leading the way by using its CO.STARTERS program, powered by FINSYNC, to help business owners move from idea to action with confidence.

By combining local leadership with FINSYNC’s tools, training, and financial connections, Great Bend is doing more than launching businesses. It is building long-term momentum for the entire community. The success of its most recent entrepreneur cohort shows what is possible when people come together with the right support.

 

Real People, Real Progress

This spring’s group brought together passionate entrepreneurs, each with their vision and a drive to turn it into something real. You could feel the energy growing from the first class to Celebration Night. Facilitators Jeremy and Regan helped guide the group with care, focus, and a strong understanding of how to move from idea to action. Their decision to return for the fall session speaks volumes about the value they bring.

 

 

Melissa’s Story: A Second Act in Business

Melissa Prosser, owner of Etched at 670, had worked with her husband on a business in the 1990s. With her children grown, she felt ready to start something of her own. The CO.STARTERS program gave her the tools and confidence to take her etching business seriously. She shared how different starting a business feels today compared to 30 years ago and how encouraged she felt by the experience.

 

Christina’s Story: From Home Kitchen to Local Favorite

Christina entered the program as a home baker with a dream. Throughout the sessions, she gained the clarity and courage to take a big step forward. She had open and honest conversations with her peers and facilitators about transitioning from a side hustle to a real business. That support and her growing confidence helped her partner with Mitchell’s Bakery. She bakes out of their kitchen, giving her more space to grow her offerings and maintain a healthier work-life balance.

 

Looking Ahead

Great Bend Economic Development continues to strengthen the local business community by supporting entrepreneurs through the CO.STARTERS program. Each new cohort brings more momentum, and the next session is already scheduled for September 3 to November 5, 2025.

FINSYNC is proud to support this work and help provide the tools and structure that make programs like this successful. We believe in the power of local partnerships and are honored to contribute to the growth of small businesses in Great Bend.

 

 

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. 

A Passion for Helping Business Owners Understand Their Numbers

Luke Thomas has spent his career working directly with small business owners, helping them understand the financial side of running a business. As a former Community Business Banker at WaFd Bank and a Partner Representative with Heartland, Luke built a reputation for translating complex financial language into clear, actionable insights.

What he enjoys most is helping business owners make sense of their numbers. 

“When people understand what their numbers tell them, they make better decisions, and that’s where real growth begins.”

 

Discovering the Power of FINSYNC

Through his work with banks and small business owners, Luke had the opportunity to explore many financial tools. Among them, FINSYNC stood out. It wasn’t just the software’s features that caught his attention, but how it helped entrepreneurs move beyond basic bookkeeping and into real financial strategy. 

“With FINSYNC, business owners can track their costs, understand their profit margins, and make informed plans for growth.”

These were skills Luke often found missing in the businesses he supported.

He saw how FINSYNC helped new entrepreneurs lay strong financial foundations and gave more established business owners the clarity they needed to move forward with confidence. He also noticed the support that came with the platform. The FINSYNC customer service team helped users understand what needed to be done and why it mattered, often stepping in to ensure important tasks were completed correctly.

Luke also witnessed the impact of FINSYNC firsthand through his role as a facilitator in one of the company’s entrepreneur education programs. In that role, he guided aspiring business owners through the process of turning their ideas into real businesses. He helped them shape business models, define their value propositions, and build financial plans they could actually use. That experience gave him a front-row seat to the kind of transformation that can happen when people are equipped with the right tools and support from the beginning.

 

So Convinced, Luke Joined the Mission

Luke didn’t just recommend FINSYNC. He believed in it so much that he joined the team.

Today, as FINSYNC’s Director of Customer and Partner Development, Luke works closely with Commercial Loan Officers and Personal Bankers, including his former colleagues at WaFd. His role focuses on helping banking partners better serve small business clients through FINSYNC’s tools and support network.

FINSYNC gives business owners more than just a software platform. It gives them confidence, direction, and the ability to make smarter decisions faster. That is precisely what motivated Luke to be part of the team.

 

Supporting the People Behind the Business

Whether he is connecting with bankers who want to serve their clients better or guiding entrepreneurs who are just starting, Luke brings his deep experience and genuine passion for small business success to every conversation.

He understands what business owners are facing and knows how to help them succeed. Now, he’s using that insight at FINSYNC to support a growing network of partners and customers.

If you are a Commercial Loan Officer or part of a bank’s business lending team looking to work with financially prepared clients, Luke is ready to help. He also supports personal bankers seeking to connect their customers with tools that make funding and long-term success more achievable.

 

 

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. 

 

After decades of working in excavation, John Hickok knew the industry inside and out. But he needed a partner he could trust to manage the business side of things. That is the moment FINSYNC became part of the solution.

John, the owner and sole operator of J W Hickok Excavating in Idaho, spent years working for other companies before deciding to go out on his own. “I just got tired of working for other people, having to be on their time clock,” he says. “There comes a point when you want to be accountable for everything you do.”

 

A Security Scare That Sparked a Change

For several years, John relied on QuickBooks to manage his business finances. But everything changed when he became the target of a phishing scam that compromised his financial data.

“I got hacked. Someone posed as a QuickBooks manager and got access to my debit card information,” Hickok recalls. “I had to cancel all my cards and basically start over.”

That experience pushed him to search for an alternative. His bank, WaFd, recommended FINSYNC.

 

A Simpler, Safer Solution

John was immediately drawn to how easily FINSYNC integrated with his bank. “What stood out was how smoothly it works with my WaFd account,” he explains. “That connection makes it so much easier than what I was doing before.”

He also appreciated the pricing. “QuickBooks was charging outrageous fees for electronic payments,” he says. “With FINSYNC, the pricing made more sense for a small business. Even the accounting tools felt more intuitive.”

Though still early in his journey with the platform, John has already used FINSYNC for estimates and is preparing for his first complete billing cycle. He is particularly excited about the system’s smart automation. “Once I enter operator hours and machine time a few times, the system starts recognizing the patterns,” he says. “Eventually, it will know exactly where things belong without me touching them.”

 

Support That Speaks 

As someone who does not consider himself tech-savvy, John greatly values accessible support. He says one of FINSYNC’s biggest benefits is the ability to speak directly with someone who understands him.

 

From Dirt Roads to Digital Records

Running a business in the rugged terrain of Idaho comes with unique challenges. John and his wife move between McCall and the milder Riggins during the winter. With FINSYNC, that transition is more effortless.

“Being able to forward everything electronically, especially during tax season, is a game changer,” he says. “It saves me from driving an hour through the snow just to drop off documents.”

With the constant changes in the costs of raw materials, John also appreciates how FINSYNC helps him stay organized. “Prices change daily. One day apart is five dollars; the next, it’s ten. I don’t try to remember it all. I let the software do that.”

 

Advice for Entrepreneurs

John Hickok has strong advice for aspiring business owners. “Go slow. Many guys start by buying brand-new equipment and end up in debt before they even land their first job,” he says. “Start with what you can afford. It’s like your first car. Don’t get the brand-new luxury vehicle. Get the reliable Honda Civic.”

He also stresses the importance of insurance. “In excavation, you can hit gas lines, fiber optics, and power lines. You need to be protected. And that applies to any business.”

Today, Hickok is mentoring a young landscaper and encouraging him to take ownership of his future. “I tell him daily, if you’re motivated to work for yourself, do it. You’re building your own house. You’re buying your food. That’s freedom.”

 

Why FINSYNC Works

For John Hickok, FINSYNC is not just accounting software. It is a tool that allows him to run his business with confidence.

“I am a simple guy. I like things that just work,” he says. “FINSYNC keeps it simple, and that is what makes it powerful.”

 

 

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. 

 

Every great business starts with an idea, but turning that idea into reality takes guidance, support, and the right resources. For entrepreneurs in Rutland, Vermont, the journey got a little easier thanks to Bill Lucci and the FINSYNC CO.STARTERS program. 

Bill is the Program Director for The Hub CoWorks, where he recently led his first 10-week program, bringing together a passionate group of aspiring business owners, expert mentors, and community partners to create a truly impactful experience.

 

A Commitment to Excellence

Bill’s dedication to delivering a high-quality program was evident from the start. One of his biggest wins? Securing top-tier guest speakers to enrich the curriculum each week. By partnering with SCORE, Heritage Family Credit Union, the Vermont Law School, and the Vermont Small Business Development Center, he ensured participants had direct access to expert insights and real-world guidance.

“Rather than us trying to scramble to find a guest speaker every week, SCORE provided me with an expert who could take one of those primary areas and be the guest speaker. It was seamless. We got some pretty heavy hitters each week,” Bill shared.

From financial planning to intellectual property law, these speakers helped demystify the startup process, making the information accessible and actionable for participants.

 

The Power of Community Support

Beyond the structured curriculum, what set this program apart was the strength of community collaboration. Heritage Family Credit Union, a key supporter, played an active role in the program’s success.

“Heritage Family Credit Union was happy to be a part of the recent session that Bill Lucci helped facilitate. This process started with a call between Bill, myself, and FINSYNC CO.STARTERS to see how HFCU could be involved in this programming. We are always happy to support programs like this that aim to help local entrepreneurs either start a business from scratch or continue to build on a business that they have already started. Bill’s passion for helping small business owners in the community is definitely commendable,” said Dylan Watts, VP of Commercial Lending for Heritage Family Credit Union.

SCORE also stepped up in a big way, ensuring a strong mentorship presence throughout the program. “Overall, SCORE really appreciated being invited to be part of each of the 10 sessions. It actually gave 10 of our volunteers a chance to be part of a community program in Rutland,” shared Gene Calvano, a SCORE mentor.

 

 

The Graduates’ Success Stories

Bill’s inaugural program featured diverse entrepreneurs, each with a unique vision. Among them was Harper Ennis, founder of Trehalose Biosciences, who walked away with a refined business model and a clear path forward.

“The course materials taught us how to make a proper business model canvas and prepared us for everything I had not thought of yet. It’s very thorough, very detailed, nice, easy to understand. It’s really helped me,” Harper said.

Another standout team was Mike Woods and Dylan BB, partners working on an innovative video game. With one focused on coding and the other on design, they leveraged CO.STARTERS to solidify their business structure and map out their market strategy.

 

A Grand Celebration and Looking Ahead

The culmination of the 10-week journey was a well-deserved celebration attended by program partners and local supporters. Heritage Family Credit Union went above and beyond, treating graduates to a $150 gift card to Roots, one of the best restaurants in Rutland, and funding a catered event graduation.

Reflecting on the experience, Bill highlighted the importance of collaboration: “The partnerships all made it better for the people participating in the program. The program alone is a great skeleton, but all these partners added meat and skin to the bones. It just made it so much better to have partners just as eager to see these people succeed as I am.”

The program’s success has already laid the groundwork for future sessions, with sign-ups underway for the next cohort in April.

 

 

Start Your Business with FINSYNC CO.STARTERS

For aspiring entrepreneurs looking for the right support system, FINSYNC CO.STARTERS offers the perfect launchpad. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining an existing business, the program provides expert guidance, valuable connections, and a structured path 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. 

Alisha Kowalski has been passionate about empowering others to lead happier, more fulfilling lives as a life and happiness coach. With over 15 years of experience, she recently took a bold step forward, by leveraging FINSYNC’s AI Assistant, Fynn, to transform her vision into a thriving business. 

 

A New Approach to Coaching

When Alisha joined the CO.STARTERS Core training, she was introduced to Fynn and the CO.STARTERS Canvas, a revolutionary tool designed to help entrepreneurs transform their ideas into an actionable business roadmap. Initially skeptical, Alisha quickly realized how powerful the tool was. “Using the CO.STARTERS Canvas opened up my program to be more than I thought it could be,” she shared. “It projected me forward in a whole different way.”

Alisha had always envisioned in-person workshops and small group sessions as the foundation of her coaching business. However, with the support of Fynn, she expanded her offerings to include online Zoom groups. “Just yesterday, I launched an online group, and it’s already helping me connect with more people than I imagined.”

 

 

Turning a Vision Into Tangible Success

The AI Canvas provided Alisha with structure while sparking a new business opportunity. “I’ve been working on a workbook for emotional inventory journaling for years, but the timelines and accountability within the CO.STARTERS group pushed me to finally publish it,” Alisha explained. The workbook, now available on Amazon, has become an integral part of her coaching program. “The AI Canvas showed me how I could distribute the workbook and make it a revenue stream, all with minimal cost.”

 

A Community of Support

Alisha credits the CO.STARTERS community and FINSYNC’s tools for helping her overcome challenges. “It’s hard to sell something intangible like coaching,” she said. “But the support and ideas I received helped me refine my approach and realize the value of investing in myself.”

 

Looking Ahead

As Alisha continues to grow her business, she’s eager to explore the recent  Business Plan product that FINSYNC just released. “If I can input everything I know about my business and have the AI create a professional plan, it will save me so much time and allow me to focus on helping others.”

For Alisha, the journey with CO.STARTERS and Fynn has been transformative. “It’s amazing to think about how far I’ve come. These tools and this community have truly helped me bring my ideas to life.”

 

 

About FINSYNC

FINSYNC, with Fynn as your 24/7 AI Assistant, is the leading platform for going from business dreams to financial success. From high-growth startups to main-street businesses, Fynn transforms ideas into actionable business plans and delivers real-time insights, enabling entrepreneurs to save time and focus on growth. Fynn and FINSYNC integrate essential tools like cash flow management, payroll, and accounting into one powerful business platform while connecting entrepreneurs with local support organizations, financial institutions, investors, and community resources to accelerate success.

By fostering a connected entrepreneurial ecosystem, FINSYNC and Fynn empower small businesses to grow faster, amplify local resources, and strengthen their communities—driving economic growth for all.

Shakhan Kelly, a passionate entrepreneur and skilled photographer, discovered her path to success with the help of FINSYNC’s AI Assistant, Fynn, which she used to craft her business canvas. Drawing on a unique blend of artistry and technical expertise developed during her years as a civil engineer, Shakhan now runs her own business, Shakhan Kelly Photography. Specializing in sports action shots, headshots, portraits, and corporate events, her story showcases how the right tools can transform business dreams into thriving realities.

 

Getting Started with Fynn

Shakhan first encountered Fynn through FINSYNC’s Starter Tools. While exploring the CO.STARTERS Canvas platform, she quickly discovered how intuitive the design was. “When I initially opened it, I skipped over defining my business idea. Once I backtracked and started inputting details about my business problem and customer, everything began to click,” Shakhan recalls, highlighting how Fynn helped her organize her thoughts and bring her vision to life.

Her challenge was clear: many business owners struggle to find high-quality, personalized images that authentically represent their brand. With the help of Fynn, Shakhan refined her ideas, turning her insights into a professional roadmap that clearly articulated her value proposition.

 

A Game-Changer for Entrepreneurs

Shakhan appreciated how Fynn guided her through the process with tailored prompts and insightful suggestions. “I love how AI made everything sound more professional while still reflecting my vision,” she says. “The detailed suggestions helped me think critically about aspects of my business that I hadn’t fully considered before.”

By leveraging AI, Shakhan transformed a rough outline into a polished plan, saving time and ensuring her business was built on a solid foundation. For someone who admits that writing isn’t her favorite task, Fynn became an invaluable partner, streamlining the process and giving her confidence.

 

A Lifelong Passion, Reignited

Shakhan’s love for photography began in high school, where she majored in visual arts at the High School of Art & Design in New York City. Despite pursuing a successful 16-year career in civil engineering, she never put down her camera. After moving to Ohio, Shakhan decided to follow her passion full-time, blending her creative vision with her technical expertise to create stunning visuals for her clients.

From sports photography to corporate events, her work stands out for its vibrant authenticity and attention to detail. With Fynn’s help, Shakhan was able to streamline the business side of her work, giving her more time to focus on what she loves most: capturing unforgettable moments.

 

FINSYNC: A Partner Every Step of the Way

As a CO.STARTERS Core graduate, Shakhan found more than just AI tools with FINSYNC’s all in one platform. It provided her with a supportive community and resources specifically tailored to her unique needs. By integrating AI-powered solutions with local expertise, FINSYNC enabled her to create a business that reflects her passion and values.

As she looks to the future, Shakhan plans to expand her services while continuing to rely on FINSYNC CO.STARTERS to optimize her operations. “The tools make it so much easier to focus on what truly matters, delivering quality work to my clients and spending time with my family.”

 

About FINSYNC 

FINSYNC, with Fynn as your 24/7 AI Assistant, is the leading platform for going from business dreams to financial success. From high-growth startups to main-street businesses, Fynn transforms ideas into actionable business plans and delivers real-time insights, enabling entrepreneurs to save time and focus on growth. Fynn and FINSYNC integrate essential tools like cash flow management, payroll, and accounting into one powerful business platform while connecting entrepreneurs with local support organizations, financial institutions, investors, and community resources to accelerate success.

By fostering a connected entrepreneurial ecosystem, FINSYNC and Fynn empower small businesses to grow faster, amplify local resources, and strengthen their communities—driving economic growth for all.

When Kimberly Sales logged into FINSYNC’s AI Assistant Fynn, she had no idea it would transform her cherished family recipe into a growing business opportunity. “I’ve never used AI before,” Kimberly admitted. “So when I logged in to help me fill out the paper canvas I was working on, I was amazed at all the information that populated for me. The more details I gave, the better the results—it was awesome!”

 

Kimberly’s business, The Pound, is built on a lemon pound cake recipe passed down from her mother. “My mom taught me how to bake this cake when I was 11 years old, and everyone loved it. When she got older, she gave me her KitchenAid mixer. After she passed away, baking that cake brought back so many memories, not just for me but for others. People would share stories about her while enjoying the cake. It became something special, so much so that people would fight over it at gatherings,” she said with a laugh.

 

Initially, Kimberly struggled with the practical side of turning her passion into a business. “I wasn’t charging what the cakes were worth because I didn’t know how to price them. Using the AI Canvas gave me the solutions I needed. It put my story together and created a business plan that saved me so much time and stress. It even highlighted challenges I hadn’t considered, like identifying potential problems for a cake business.”

 

Kimberly credits the tool for opening her eyes to new opportunities. “It helped me think outside the box. It suggested ideas like selling at farmers’ markets and corporate events. For the first time ever, I realized this could be bigger than I thought it could be.”

 

As she fine-tunes her plan, Kimberly continues to rely on Starter Tools like Fynn to adapt to her evolving vision. “The feature to edit sections as my business grows is invaluable. The process is easy, and it allows me to keep refining my business.”

 

Looking ahead, Kimberly dreams of using her success to pursue another passion. “Eventually, The Pound will allow me to leave my corporate job and focus on teaching young kids, something I’ve always wanted to do.”

 

FINSYNC and Fynn, help entrepreneurs like Kimberly turn cherished ideas into actionable business plans. Whether you’re starting with just a dream or ready to grow, FINSYNC equips you with the resources to succeed, all in one seamless platform.

 

Discover how you can take your first step toward business success with tools tailored to your journey. Start your story today.

 

FINSYNC: Empowering Entrepreneurs, Strengthening Communities

FINSYNC is revolutionizing how entrepreneurs, from high-growth startups to main-street businesses, start, grow, and succeed. FINSYNC is the one platform that connects the dots in the fragmented entrepreneurial ecosystem, supported 24/7 by Fynn, your AI Assistant. Fynn empowers entrepreneurs to transform ideas into actionable plans like a CO.STARTERS Canvas or Business Plan, matches entrepreneurs with local programs and experts, and gains real-time guidance every step of the way. FINSYNC’s integrated Business Platform streamlines operations, including cash flow management, payroll, and accounting, while seamlessly connecting entrepreneurs to local support organizations, investors, financial institutions, and professionals. Together, FINSYNC and Fynn foster a connected ecosystem where businesses grow faster and entrepreneurs gain more time to focus on what matters most, and communities prosper—driving economic growth for all.

 

In this FINSYNC Spotlight Interview, we sit down with Ali Megan Wagner, the owner of Pottinger Realty Property Management. Based in Southern Arizona, Ali manages a thriving real estate brokerage that spans multiple towns, from Tucson to Nogales, specializing in residential property transactions and management. 

 

With a passion for helping people buy and sell homes, Ali’s journey into property management began when she took over her Aunt Nancy’s business. This led her to seek an efficient accounting platform to keep her operations seamless. Here, Ali shares her inspiring story, the challenges of running a small business, and how FINSYNC has played a pivotal role in her success.

 

Tell me about your company and what inspired you to start.

 

My business is real estate, and I own a brokerage in Southern Arizona called Pottinger Realty Property Management. I cover many different towns, from Tucson South to Nogales. I help people buy and sell Residential Properties. 

 

I also manage properties. When my Aunt Nancy, who was in real estate, decided to retire, I took over her property management business. As a result, I really needed a good accounting platform to keep everything organized.

 

What prompted you to start using FINSYNC?

 

What attracted me to FINSYNC was primarily the strong endorsement from WaFd Bank. When I opened my brokerage company in the fall of 2022, I was at the bank to open my real estate accounts. I was first at the WaFd Nogales Branch, talking about what I needed for my accounting. They, as well as two other branches, all suggested FINSYNC.

 

What about the FINSYNC Platform that attracted you to it?

 

I just hit it off with the people that I was talking to at FINSYNC, which means a lot to me because I’m a big communicator. I like to learn things. What I needed was complex to set up because I’m not selling goods. I don’t have an inventory that people are buying. 

 

Money flows through my business, so I have a lot of moving parts, but they all have to connect, and that was probably one of the biggest challenges. However, FINSYNC’s personal approach and its platform’s capabilities to handle my complex tasks made FINSYNC a perfect choice for me.

 

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as a small business owner?

 

Property management requires a lot of time, paperwork, and accounting. I manage a little over 50 properties. There are a lot of ins and outs, and my accounts need to equal zero every month. I just jumped into the deep end and went for it.

 

Initially, I used QuickBooks, which was what my aunt used, but she had no idea how to help me with the latest version of QuickBooks Online. It was a lot to learn, their customer service wasn’t all that great, and it required entering data multiple times. Eventually, the price doubled, and I realized that I just needed more from a platform. 

 

While switching platforms initially posed its own set of challenges, what truly impressed me was the extraordinary level of customer service FINSYNC provided during the initial setup—a level of support I hadn’t experienced with QuickBooks. This personalized attention, coupled with the ability to discuss and troubleshoot issues directly with FINSYNC representatives, proved to be a better fit for the unique demands of my business.

 

What are the biggest benefits your business has experienced using FINSYNC?

 

What I really love about the company, one hundred percent, hands down, is your customer service, and they have just been extremely helpful. 

 

They are very supportive and take the time to listen to my needs. Then they try to help improve things, or maybe there is something that I’m not fully understanding; they take the time to educate me, teach me, and walk me through it step by step. I am able to move forward, and that’s the big thing. 

 

How does having FINSYNC connected to your accounts make your business life easier?

 

Your Onboarding team really helped me with my journal entries for money that’s being held to roll over into the next month. Which was wonderful because it was driving me crazy. I was wondering how I could get rid of this. What do I do with this? Someone said, “It’s okay, we’re gonna talk about journal entries,” and that was a big lifesaver for me, especially when I’m reconciling every month. That was really great.

 

How FINSYNC Can Help

 

There are 3 primary ways FINSYNC helps business owners. (1) CO.STARTERS courses through FINSYNC can help turn your business idea or side hustle into a thriving business. (2) On our website, you can also apply for a business bank account. (3) In addition, the FINSYNC software allows you to run your business on One Platform – invoice customers, pay bills, process payroll, automate accounting, and manage cash flow. To learn more about how we can help your business start, scale, and succeed, contact us today.