Scale Up Your Business goes beyond the success story to explore what it really takes to build, strengthen, and grow a business. Hosted by Zakia Ringgold, the show brings together entrepreneurs, business leaders, resource partners, and the people working behind the scenes to strengthen the small business ecosystem. Each conversation uncovers real experiences, practical lessons, valuable resources, and the relationships that help business owners move from where they are to where they want to go.
Small Business Growth: The Story Behind LA21's Corridor Management and Entrepreneur Development Programs
Are you passionate about neighborhood revitalization, small business growth, and making an impact right where you live or work? Do you struggle to find practical, trusted resources to launch or scale your business? Are you seeking to understand how your business fits into a broader economic ecosystem—or simply want to be inspired by real, measurable progress?
This episode of Scale Up Your Business is a must-listen for:
Small Business Owners & Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Community Leaders & Commercial Corridor Champions
Those Feeling Left Behind by Traditional Resources
Entrepreneurs Facing Barriers
Change-Makers & Future Partners
Key Takeaways
The Power of Ecosystem Building: Why managing both entrepreneur development and corridor revitalization creates more sustainable, vibrant business districts.
Real, Actionable Resources: From LA21’s Capital Access Readiness Program to hands-on storefront improvements, discover programs you can access today.
Learn more, get connected, and start scaling at la21philly.org (https://la21philly.org).
14 Mar 2026
Building Stability Before Life Happens With Craig Lytle
In this relaunch episode of Scale Up Your Business, Zakia Ringgold sits down with Craig Lytle for a focused conversation on income planning, estate planning, and the discipline of making financial decisions before crisis forces them.
Craig explains what income and estate planning means in practical terms for business owners. This is not about extreme wealth. It is about structuring dependable income, protecting assets from unnecessary exposure, documenting key decisions, and ensuring your business and family are not left vulnerable if life interrupts your plans. The discussion highlights why many options disappear after a health or legal event, why fear delays important conversations, and how acting early and often builds long term stability. You will also hear the difference between defensive and offensive planning, and why financial independence is about maintaining options, not just increasing assets.
If you want control tomorrow, you must make intentional decisions today.
Connect with Craig at Income and Estate Planning: https://iandeplanning.com/ (https://iandeplanning.com/)
Learn more about the Scale Up training program at: https://www.la21philly.org/programs/scale-up-program/ (https://www.la21philly.org/programs/scale-up-program/)
2 May 2025
Building a Service Business with Scent Detection Canines
For service-based business owners looking for inspiration and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen!
Join our host as she sits down with Joanne Scioli, founder of JBS Inspection Services, who built a thriving specialized business using scent detection canines to uncover bed bug infestations. Joanne shares how she turned an unexpected layoff into an opportunity, navigated the challenges of building a service-based business from scratch, and leveraged her network—and a lot of trial by fire—to grow her reputation.
She opens up about the power of referrals, setting boundaries around free work, and why empathy and non-judgment are crucial when working in clients’ homes. Whether you're just starting or looking to scale your service business, Joanne's hard-won lessons on marketing, resilience, and customer relationships will inspire you to take the next step.
For show notes and links to JBS inspection visit: LA21philly.org (https://la21philly.org)
Podcast Authority Score: 17 / 100
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