Breakthrough Session Block #2
Time For All Panels
Choose from six engaging panel & expert discussions…
Local Funding Experts
Unlocking Capital: Meeting the Diverse Needs of Today’s Business Owners
Time: 11:00–11:45 | Location: Lake Hollingsworth B
About this session
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to funding a business. From startups to scaling enterprises, entrepreneurs face unique challenges based on industry, background, and access to financial networks. This panel brings together experts from leading nonprofit organizations and funding institutions who understand the realities diverse business owners face — and the practical steps needed to overcome them.
You’ll explore a wide range of funding options, including traditional lending, community-based capital, minority-focused programs, and alternative financing tools. Panelists will share insights into what lenders and investors are really looking for, how to prepare your business for funding, and where to find support tailored to your specific needs.
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow, this conversation will empower you with strategies, resources, and connections to move forward with confidence — and capital.
Build your roadmap to funding with guidance from those who know the way.
Panelists
- Tarneisha Peters, BBIF, Regional Director West Florida
- Brent Everett, Sr. Development Manager and Underwriter, TBBIC
- Greg Manning, Business Consultant, Florida SBDC at the University of South Florida Muma College of Business
- Karina Sloan, Owner, Early Childhood Learning Center (client of Prospera)
Time: 11:00 – 11:45 a.m. | Location: Lake Hollingsworth A
Tara Walls, Stephanie-Grace Lutton, Bethany Owen, Ashley Provenza, Ivy Williams
Back by popular demand, this high-value session brings together procurement leaders from across Polk County — now with expanded representation from the Cities of Lakeland, Winter Haven, Haines City, Lake Wales and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Whether you’re new to bidding on government contracts or looking to improve your win rate, this panel discussion will offer practical insights straight from the source. Learn what agencies are really looking for in bids, the most common mistakes to avoid, and how to make your business stand out.
Panelists include:
- Tara Walls, Senior Buyer Risk & Purchasing Department, City of Lakeland
- Stephanie-Grace Lutton, Parks & Recreation Director, City of Lake Wales
- Bethany Owen, Procurement Manager, City of Winter Haven
- Ashley Provenza, Purchasing Supervisor, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
- Ivy Williams, Purchasing Manager, City of Haines City
Jim Mosier
Mosier Data
From Overwhelmed to Organized: How AI Helps Any Organization Work Smarter, Not Harder
 Time: 11:00–11:45 | Location: Sikes I
About this session
From entrepreneurs and government leaders to corporate executives and nonprofit directors, every organization faces the same challenge: operational chaos. This breakout session cuts through that overwhelm using the proven RIDE framework (Role, Instructions, Data, Execution) to harness AI as a true force multiplier, enhancing your team’s capabilities without replacing human judgment.
Anchored in “People First” principles, you’ll walk away with clarity around what AI really can do for your organization, plus actionable strategies that help you save time, increase productivity, and solve complex challenges while empowering your team. We’ll emphasize practical application across all sectors and show how AI can streamline workflows, enhance decision-making, and reduce daily overwhelm without needing technical expertise. Whether you’re leading teams of 5 or 500, this session delivers clarity, tools, and a people-centered path forward that works for any organization.
Austin Brownlee & Ethan Reedy, Brown & Brown Insurance
How to Take Control of Rising Insurance Costs: Auto, Employee Benefits, Property, Liability, Workers’ Compensation and Other Coverages
Time: 11:00–11:45 | Location: Lake Parker C
About this session
Insurance premiums are rising across the board — from auto and property to employee benefits and workers’ compensation — leaving many businesses feeling powerless. This session is designed to help you take back control with proactive, practical strategies that can reduce costs without compromising coverage.
Industry experts will explain what’s driving increases in each major insurance category and offer actionable tips to help you manage risk, negotiate smarter, and improve your company’s risk profile before renewal. Whether you’re overseeing employee benefits or managing business liability, you’ll gain clarity and confidence to make informed insurance decisions.
Key takeaways include:
- What’s really driving rate increasesHow to reduce risk and improve underwriting outcomes
- Ways to spot gaps and inefficiencies in your current coverage
- Practical steps to control costs without sacrificing protection
Troy C. Smith
Troy C. Smith H.O.P.E. Servant Leadership Coach and Speaker
TEACH, MODEL, COACH (TMC): A Purpose-Driven Framework for Transformational Leadership
 Time: 11:00–11:45 | Location: Sikes F
About this session
Effective leadership requires more than authority — it demands intention, clarity, and purpose. In this powerful session, Troy C. Smith introduces the TMC Methodology: a three-pronged approach to leading through teaching, modeling, and coaching that creates engaged, empowered, and purpose-aligned teams.
You’ll explore how common communication patterns — often learned unconsciously — can devalue your team and undermine trust. Through Troy’s inspiring lens as a former high school dropout turned corporate leader, you’ll learn how to reset your leadership voice, connect with authenticity, and create a culture where people thrive.
Whether you’re leading a small team or an entire organization, this session will help you reframe leadership as a daily act of purpose.
Walk away with:
- Clear strategies to lead with intention
- Communication habits that uplift and activate your team
- A renewed sense of purpose in how you show up as a leader
Addison Williams
Faith Driven Entrepreneur
The Unseen Advantage: How Faith Shapes Business Decisions
 Time: 11:00–11:45 | Location: Lake Parker D
About this session
Leaders are often faced with decisions that can’t be made by numbers alone. This discussion explores the often-overlooked advantage faith brings to the table — influencing strategy, shaping culture, and guiding choices in ways that create long-term impact. Led by a member of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur team, this interactive session will invite real-world stories, practical examples, and honest dialogue about what it looks like to bring faith into business conversations with confidence and wisdom in a complex world. With a focus on results-driven outcomes, this conversation will inspire and encourage attendees to discover new ways — or adapt existing practices — to elevate their faith within their business.