Big Frog Focus

10/07/2026

Thinking about buying a business? This is something you need to know.

Some significant changes to SBA loan rules took effect October 1—and they could change the financing equation for people looking to acquire an existing business.

One of the biggest changes affects first-time business buyers, who now face a 10% equity-injection requirement, with at least half coming from their own funds.

There are also changes to how acquisition transactions are categorized, credit/underwriting requirements, and SBA eligibility.

For those of us who have been around small-business lending for a while, this is a pretty meaningful shift.

The good news? SBA financing hasn't disappeared as an option for business acquisitions. But the way you prepare for and structure a deal matters more than ever.

If buying a business is on your radar, this is worth reading before you start making assumptions based on how SBA loans have worked historically.

"Here's the article from Inc." (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/4)

And as always, the details of your particular situation matter. Talk with an SBA lender early—before you get too far down the road on a potential acquisition.

Manufacturers could get lower fees, while business buyers may face bigger down payments, stricter credit rules, and slower approvals.

09/28/2026

Not only am I a business owner, I'm also an Entrepreneurship and Small Business Adjunct Instructor for the Venture Center at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, WI. I have a question for all entrepreneurs...

Are you, or someone you know, interested in a hands-on program that helps aspiring entrepreneurs and early‑stage business owners develop, validate, and prepare to launch a viable small business?

The Venture Center at Fox Valley Technical College has exactly what you’re looking for. We still have a few spots open for the live virtual E‑Seed Express course I’ll be teaching beginning next Wednesday, October 7, from 5:30–8:30 PM.

If you’re wondering whether this program makes a real difference, take it from someone who completed E‑Seed Express 20 years ago and now runs a thriving business. Their story says it all.

Course info: https://training.fvtc.edu/training/Course/1778/e-seed-express-entrepreneurship-training

Student success story: https://news.fvtc.edu/news/story/focus-e-seed-express-sparks-an-a-mazing-idea/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUnNBhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7_ev-WsbYZEFH3mlLS6KunNe_0RVkru44pqQzzsDoA52kAEJu3sbdRmFeQTg_aem_Ab-ulnOy1g78pJpMP9uaWg

💡 Have a business idea you can’t stop thinking about?

Maybe it's time to see where it could go.

E-seed™ Entrepreneurship Training connects aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners with the tools, expertise and support to move forward with greater confidence.

Registration is closing soon!

Don’t let your business idea stay an idea. Take the next step with E-seed™.

👉 Register today: https://training.fvtc.edu/training/Course/1778/e-seed-express-entrepreneurship-training

07/28/2026

If you've been displaced, The Laundry Gal would like to help.

The Laundry Gal is offering one complimentary wash & fold service (up to 30 lbs) for displaced residents, while their schedule allows.

Check out the details in the post on their FB page.

Our hearts are with everyone affected by yesterday's tornado and severe weather.

This one hits especially close to home, as a member of my own family was displaced and significantly affected by the storm.

If you've been displaced, we'd like to help.

The Laundry Gal is offering one complimentary wash & fold service (up to 30 lbs) for displaced residents, while our schedule allows. We know clean clothes won't fix everything, but we hope it can be one less thing to worry about.

If you or someone you know could use this, please message me here. We'll do our best to help.

07/28/2026

We extend our sincere gratitude to our family and friends for their concern and support yesterday, both during and after the recent storms.

Fortunately, our immediate vicinity was unaffected by the adverse weather conditions. We are also relieved to confirm that all our children and grandchildren are safe, with their homes sustaining minimal to no damage. While some experienced downed tree limbs and temporary power outages, which presented challenges, their residences remain intact with negligible damage, and there were no injuries to pets or individuals. These outcomes represent the most favorable scenarios.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are facing more severe consequences. We are thankful that mass casualties have been largely averted, despite some losses. We offer our deepest condolences to families who have lost loved ones, wish a swift recovery to those injured, and hope for readily available resources for individuals who have been displaced or whose homes and businesses have been damaged.

07/22/2026

Please Help us in Welcoming our New Business Neighbor, Kaukauna Nail Bar!

Stop in this week to check out their great space.

✨ GRAND SOFT OPENING ✨

Kaukauna Nail Bar is officially welcoming you! 🤍

A fresh beginning, a beautiful new space, and a relaxing beauty experience are waiting for you. 💅✨

Join us for our Soft Opening on Wednesday, July 15th and celebrate this special moment with us!

🎉 20% OFF ALL SERVICES
📅 July 15th to July 31st

Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation, luxury, and self-care. We can’t wait to welcome you and create beautiful memories together. 🤍✨

Your beauty journey starts here. 💅
________________________

KAUKAUNA NAIL BAR

🏤 111 Plank Rd, Suite 140, Kaukauna, Wi 54130

📞 (920) 883 - 2955

---------------------------------------------------

04/15/2026

I came across a couple of YouTube videos about Wisconsin, and based on the titles, you’d think they were going to be about how “weird” our state is… 🦡

But after watching them, that’s not what I heard at all.

Here's what stood out:
✔️ Cranberry Capital of the World
(we produce over half of the world’s supply)
✔️ Harry Houdini from Appleton WI
✔️ Our beloved Green Bay Packers
✔️ The Electric Guitar
✔️ Harley Davidson
✔️ Waterpark Capital of the World
✔️ A legacy of brewing, agriculture, tourism, and innovation

And the list goes on and on!
I wonder how many of you can get them all, without peeking.
How many did you name before watching the videos?

What I really heard was this:
Wisconsin is clever.
Wisconsin is innovative.
Wisconsin is resilient.
Wisconsin knows how to build community and drive economic growth—and has for generations.

If you’re not proud to be a Wisconsinite… watch these and tell me you’re not.

This is exactly why I love working with small businesses and organizations here—there’s something special about how Wisconsin builds, supports, and grows.

Our state is pretty incredible. See for yourself. 💛

https://youtu.be/omCPgeYLaR4?si=GlKYYRSsxzJwM_hM

https://youtu.be/Lnt2X0S1ho8?si=-fcIwanWQ7WpaJS_

The Badger State.Wisconsin isn’t just cheese and football. It’s a state shaped by ice, water, and industry — with more lakes than you can count, a coastline ...

04/13/2026

Excited to officially launch something I’ve been working on behind the scenes!

I’m starting a new series called the Micro Strategy Incubator (Business Growth Session), a small-group, interactive session for entrepreneurs and professionals who want to work through ideas, challenges, and strategy in real time.

The first session is now open for registration (limited to 7 people to keep it highly interactive).

This is the beginning of a series Big Frog Focus will be hosting throughout the year. We'll focus on a different topic each session.

If you’re interested, here’s the link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1987145078422?aff=oddtdtcreator

Feel free to share with anyone who might benefit!