Cultivating Business Growth

Jaime Staley is joined by partner and CFO, Katina Peters, to break down what's actually changing, who may benefit, and how to start planning before year-end instead of being surprised next April. In this episode, we cover: How the 2025 tax brackets and standard deduction look under the new bill "No tax on tips" and "no tax on overtime" - who qualifies and what the limits are Updates to the child tax credit, senior deduction, SALT cap, and estate & gift tax exemption Key small business changes, including QBI, bonus depreciation, Section 179, and more What Trump child accounts are, how they work, and why starting early can matter Why proactive mid-year and year-end tax planning is still essential If you're wondering how the Big Beautiful Bill might affect your 2025 tax return or your business, this conversation will give you a clear starting point and the right questions to take to your tax advisor. This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Please consult your tax professional about your specific situation.

Choosing the right entity taxation is not just a startup decision, it's a lever that can create or erase six figures as your business grows. In this episode, Jaime and Katina discuss the difference between an S Corp and a C Corp, how LLCs fit into the picture, and why entity choice should be reviewed over time, not just once when you file paperwork. Katina explains the tax implications of each structure, including when C Corp double taxation is actually worth it, how reasonable compensation works for S Corp owners, and the five-year lock-in rule when switching. We also talk about the types of businesses that should consider each approach and why service-based businesses often start with S Corp but shouldn't assume they'll stay there forever. If your business has grown and you've never re-evaluated your entity structure, this episode will help you know what to revisit with your CPA or CFO. This episode is for educational purposes only and not legal or tax advice.

In today's fast-changing business world, profitability isn't just about working harder—it's about working smarter. In this updated episode of Cultivating Business Growth, we revisit one of our most popular topics from Episode 18 with a fresh look at four modern strategies to increase profitability in 2025 and beyond. Join Megan Spicer and Katina Peters, Partner at Willow Virtual CFO, as they discuss: Why doubling down on high-margin offers and clients is key to sustainable growth How to reevaluate and modernize your pricing strategies, including value-based and tiered models Practical ways to boost customer retention and long-term loyalty How AI and automation are reshaping efficiency for service-based businesses Whether you're a business owner or leader, this episode offers actionable insights to help you grow profitably in the modern era.

When was the last time you gave your business a real checkup? In this episode of the Cultivating Business Growth podcast, we're talking about the importance of a business health check, a structured way to review profitability, cash flow, expenses, pricing, and strategy so you can catch problems early and keep your company on track. Megan Spicer is joined by Willow Virtual CFO co-founder Katina Peters to walk through a simple DIY framework for evaluating your business's financial health. You'll learn how to do a business health check on your own, what red flags to watch out for, and when it may be time to bring in an expert for deeper insight. We also introduce the Willow Business Cultivator a powerful assessment tool designed to give business owners clarity, confidence, and actionable recommendations to move forward. If you've been wondering how healthy your business really is, or you just want to realign with your growth goals, this episode offers practical steps and resources to help you strengthen your foundation. Learn more about the Willow Cultivator at willowcfo.com/cultivator

In this episode, we explore the evolution of our firm from PJS & Co. CPAs to Willow Virtual CFO with co-founders Katina Peters and Jaime Staley. We discuss the motivations behind the rebrand, how we're addressing the growing need for financial accounting advisory services, and how our fractional CFO offerings support small businesses with clarity and confidence. Key Topics: What led to the rebrand and why it matters How the advisory landscape is shifting for small businesses Launching the Willow Cultivator: a financial health check for business owners Staying grounded in core values while growing as a team and brand Links mentioned: Willow Cultivator Assessment: willowcfo.com/cultivator Learn more about fractional CFO services: willowcfo.com

Hitting a financial plateau can feel like one of the most frustrating points in your business journey—you're working hard, but growth has stalled. In this episode of the Cultivating Business Growth Podcast, we're diving into why it happens, how to recognize it early, and what you can do to break through. Megan Spicer is joined by Katina Peters, CPA and Virtual CFO, to walk through: Key indicators that your business may be plateauing Common causes like market saturation, outdated offerings, and leadership burnout How to diagnose root issues using financial data and feedback Strategic steps to get back on track, including innovation, team engagement, and optimized marketing Tools and resources like forecasting models, EOS, and SWOT analysis that support long-term growth This episode is packed with both practical insights and encouragement to help you move forward with purpose. If you're feeling stuck, know you're not alone—and that this is a phase you can work through with the right strategies and support. 🎧 Listen now to get inspired, take action, and regain momentum in your business growth journey. 🔗 Book a Free Discovery Call: https://willowcfo.com/contact

Building a Business Budget That Actually Works In Episode 163 of Cultivating Business Growth, we're diving deep into how to create a business budget that actually works—without making your head spin. Katina Peters, Partner at Willow Virtual CFO, joins us to discuss why budgeting is essential for small businesses and how it can be your most powerful decision-making tool. We cover: Budgeting strategies for businesses that want to grow Why budgets fail—and how to fix them Simple tools and templates you can use right away How to create a budget for business that improves cash flow and long-term success Download our free strategic budget template: https://willowcfo.com/163 Want help creating your business budget or financial strategy? Schedule a free discovery call: https://willowcfo.com/contact Budgeting doesn't have to be complicated. With the right approach, you can gain clarity, control, and confidence in your numbers—so your business can thrive.