Small Business Hot Topics- October 2026

Build the Relationship. The Revenue Will Follow.

Join the FWC for Small Business Hot Topics on Thursday, October 1 from 12 PM - 1 PM. This bi-monthly lunch and learn series is designed to educate small business owners and provide resources to assist in today's business challenges. 

October's session will feature Stae Hall, Founder of EmpowerEQ & CEO of the Institute for Success and Leadership Training, who will lead a practical discussion on how stronger relationships can lead to stronger businesses. While business owners often focus on generating leads, closing sales, and finding new opportunities, sustainable growth is often rooted in something more fundamental: trust, connection, and authentic relationships.

Stae will share practical strategies for using emotional intelligence to communicate more effectively, build trust, and develop meaningful relationships with clients, community partners, and team members. Participants will learn how to move beyond transactional networking and take a more intentional approach to building the connections that can influence client loyalty, referrals, collaboration, and long-term revenue.

What we’ll cover:

• Recognize why authentic relationship-building is one of the most valuable strategies for long-term business growth.
• Use emotional intelligence to communicate more effectively and build trust with clients, community partners, and Team Members.
• Move beyond transactional networking to create meaningful, mutually beneficial professional connections.
• Build and nurture relationships before a need, opportunity, or challenge arises.
• Strengthen internal trust and collaboration to positively influence performance, client loyalty, referrals, and revenue.

Stae Hall is a visionary leader, transformational speaker, and passionate advocate for personal and professional growth. She is the Founder of EmpowerEQ, a nonprofit organization dedicated to removing financial barriers so individuals can access the career and workforce development coaching they need to succeed. She also serves as CEO of the Institute for Success and Leadership Training (iSALT), where she provides executive coaching and leadership development designed to help professionals elevate their presence, communication, and influence. With a deep commitment to empowering others, Stae focuses on equipping individuals with critical skills such as conflict resolution, team building, effective communication, and problem-solving. She is especially passionate about women’s empowerment, creating spaces and resources that affirm their value, voices, and leadership.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Stae is very involved in the community and serves on several boards, where she uses her expertise to drive impact, advocate for equity, and support entrepreneurship. She is recognized as a dynamic leader who inspires others to reach the level of success, they both desire and deserve.