Growth isn’t luck; it’s a set of choices made on clear numbers, the right people, and the right capital. Cliff sits down with Roberta McCullough, COO of Institute Capital, to unpack how a Community Development Financial Institution helps founders in Western North Carolina and beyond move from hustle to healthy scale. Roberta breaks down what CDFIs actually do, why pairing money with technical assistance changes outcomes, and how grants can complement loans when communities are recovering, including businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene in Asheville.

We get practical about finances. Roberta explains why looking at your books once a year is too late, how a simple quarterly spreadsheet can reveal true profit, and when “good debt” makes sense for equipment, a second location, or inventory that drives measurable returns. The conversation dives into team building: hiring for cultural fit as much as skill, finding people who thrive in your operating style, and using delegation to make the business stronger than any single person. You’ll hear candid insights on boundaries, rest, and the calendar habits that keep leaders sharp.

If you’re aiming to double revenue, this conversation shows how to map the path: validate demand, model margins, align capital to productive assets, and tap free support many owners overlook. With a downtown Asheville office and bilingual outreach, Institute Capital is building access for entrepreneurs across WNC while pursuing additional grant funding to speed recovery. Listen for actionable steps, local resources, and a mindset shift that turns growth into a plan you can execute.

If this conversation helps you think differently about finance, hiring, or scale, follow the show, share it with a founder who needs it, and leave a quick review so others can discover it.

Guest info:

Phone: (919) 956-8889, X3320

Email: rmccullough@TheInstituteNC.org 

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/

All the best!
Bill

Thanks for listening. Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at williamgilliland@actioncoach.com or at https://billgilliland.biz/

All the best!

Bill