Onahira Rivas, the architect behind Florida's Cotton Clouds, recently hosted a TV interview to illustrate the effectiveness of merging small business philosophies with the innovative nature of startups.
Onahira Rivas (@onahirarivas) during the discussion panel in Tulsa, OK
Drawing from her own experience with almost 15 years of being an entrepreneur, she emphasized the importance of fostering an environment that cherishes both stability and innovation. Onahira Rivas's compelling narrative underscored the need for small businesses to embrace change, leverage technology, and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset to thrive in today's rapidly evolving landscape.
Her strategic approach not only resonated with aspiring entrepreneurs but also offered valuable insights for established businesses seeking to reignite their entrepreneurial spirit.
Merging Small Business & Startup Philosophy
Entrepreneurs can choose to develop a startup or a small business; the decision will be delineated by different matters: invention, type of product, service, market size, and technology, among others.
There are differences between startups and small businesses in funding, business model, growth potential, marketing, risk tolerance, innovation and creativity, team size, time to profitability, scalability, exit strategy, legal structure, and taxes.
Nonetheless, there are several compelling strategies that both can bring to the table; for example, startups are great at branding, scalability, technology, vision—the bigger picture, and design. On the other hand, small businesses excel at customer service, relationship building, sales, launching sooner, and follow through.
Therefore, the recommendation for entrepreneurs is to keep the best of both models, merging them and squeezing a valuable output philosophy that can be adjusted and deployed in your business.
Onahira Rivas with panel judge Emily Keyes
About Onahira Rivas:
Onahira Rivas, a visionary entrepreneur whose indomitable spirit and strategic prowess have propelled her to the forefront of global business. Driven by a profound determination to revitalize American manufacturing, Onahira founded Florida’s Cotton Clouds, the first factory of cotton products in Florida.
Her relentless passion doesn't stop there; she also established Legacy Architects, a platform designed to inspire and empower entrepreneurs to build enduring legacies that resonate through the ages. Onahira Rivas's remarkable journey is a shining testament to resilience and unwavering dedication. No matter where you come from, if you set your mind and heart to it, you can achieve greatness!
