In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Becky Bartoszek, President and CEO of the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce in Wisconsin, shares the story of how a childhood spent watching her parents run hotels and convention centers turned into a career that brought her full circle to lead the largest chamber in her state, a 150-year-old organization she helped transform from 850 members to more than 2,000 in a remarkably short time. The centerpiece of that transformation was Connect Free, a first-of-its-kind permanent free membership model for small businesses with five or fewer employees, freestanding restaurants, and small nonprofits, an idea the board approved despite projections of significant revenue loss and that ended up growing revenues, not shrinking them, while earning the chamber National Chamber of the Year and Wisconsin Innovation of the Year in the same anniversary season.

The conversation explores what it actually takes to lead a bold bet inside a membership organization, from getting a board to say yes to giving away dues revenue, to staging a launch event so well executed that every local news station led with it that evening and the story traveled to Washington D.C. as a national best practice within months. Becky also digs into what she is hearing from her members right now, talent attraction and consistent revenue remain the top concerns, with AI adoption, affordable housing, and the fear of marketing falling behind adding new layers of complexity for small business owners who are already running out of hours in the day. Her closing advice is simple, direct, and earned: know your customer, chase the data, course correct when something does not work, and do not be afraid to do something nobody has ever done before.

Connect:

Website: https://www.foxcitieschamber.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-bartoszek-8002b151/

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Audrey Bell-Kearney has spent more than three decades turning bold ideas into thriving businesses. From selling perfume on the streets of New Jersey after losing her job to creating one of the first plus-size fashion doll companies in the country, Audrey’s entrepreneurial journey is defined by resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to building opportunities where none seem to exist. Today, she leads multiple ventures, including the Gwinnett Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Noise Media Network, and ClipVinci.ai, while empowering entrepreneurs, authors, and underserved communities through media, technology, and education.

In this inspiring conversation, Audrey shares the lessons she learned from building businesses through setbacks, economic uncertainty, personal loss, and rapid technological change. She discusses the importance of mentorship, the realities of entrepreneurial loneliness, and why she believes artificial intelligence represents one of the greatest wealth-building opportunities for Gen X and Baby Boomers. From creating AI-powered tools and workforce development programs to helping communities prepare for the future of work, Audrey offers a powerful perspective on innovation, legacy, and the value of building a life and business on your own terms.

Connect:

Website: https://gwinnettwomenschamber.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwinnettwomenschamber

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Chinyere Hubbard, President and CEO of the D.C. Chamber of Commerce, offers a front-line perspective on what it takes to lead a business community through uncertainty. From federal workforce reductions to shifting economic pressures, she shares how Washington, D.C.’s small businesses are navigating rapid change—and how strategic partnerships, workforce innovation, and access to resources are helping them adapt in real time. Drawing on her deep roots in the city and experience across business, government, and community development, Hubbard breaks down how the Chamber connects entrepreneurs to capital, talent, and opportunity.

This conversation goes beyond policy to deliver practical insights for small business owners everywhere. Hubbard highlights the importance of staying nimble, listening closely to customers and partners, and remaining grounded in purpose during disruption. She also explores how emerging tools like AI, stronger public-private collaboration, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem are shaping the future of small business growth. Whether you’re building, scaling, or recalibrating, this episode offers a clear look at what helps businesses not just survive—but move forward with intention.

Connect:

Website: https://dcchamber.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chinyere-hubbard-b0205a7/