#34 How Fraud Happens in Small Businesses (And How to Prevent It)

Fraud doesn’t just happen to big corporations—it happens to small businesses every day. And most business owners don’t see it coming.

In this episode, Nicole Alicea sits down with retired banker Cynthia Weiss to uncover how fraud actually happens inside businesses—and the simple mistakes that leave companies exposed.

From internal embezzlement to vendor scams and wire fraud, Cynthia shares real-world examples and the exact financial controls every business should have in place.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The most common ways businesses lose money to fraud

• Why small businesses are especially vulnerable

• How internal employees can (intentionally or unintentionally) create risk

• The importance of separating financial responsibilities

• Why wire transfers are one of the biggest dangers

• The systems and processes that protect your business

If you think “this won’t happen to me,” this episode will change your perspective—and help you protect what you’ve built.

Produced by David “Fingers” Bell and Nicole Valentin Alicea.

Here are some other episodes you might like

#37 From Survivor to Founder: Nelcy Baltz’s Journey with Believe Cancer Foundation

Host Nicole Alicea sits down with Nelcy Baltz, a community leader, entrepreneur, and breast cancer survivor turned nonprofit founder. Nelcy shares her powerful journey—from a shocking breast cancer diagnosis to founding Believe Cancer Foundation (believecf.org), a nonprofit that provides emotional and physical support to cancer patients and caregivers. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Nelcy’s personal story of resilience, motherhood, and silent strength during treatment. How comfort items like mastectomy pillows, chemo gloves, seatbelt cushions, and lift chairs make a world of difference. The power of support groups, arts and crafts therapy, and clean-energy workshops in the healing process. Her vision to build a welcoming, cozy healing space—not a sterile clinic—for patients to feel loved and supported. How Nelcy mobilized her network, activated servant leadership, and brought her vision to life as a fully registered 501(c)(3). This episode is a must-listen for anyone affected by cancer, caregivers seeking resources, and those interested in

Read More »

#5 Why Banks Say No: How to Get Approved for a Business Loan

In this episode, Nicole Alicea sits down with Cynthia Weiss, a commercial banking and lending expert with over 40 years of experience evaluating businesses for loan approval. Cynthia has worked on both sides of the table—helping lenders assess risk and helping business owners secure the funding they need to grow. She breaks down what banks and nonprofits actually look for when deciding whether to approve or deny a loan—and the mistakes that instantly raise red flags. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How lenders evaluate your business behind the scenes • The biggest financial mistakes that lead to loan rejection • What your credit report really says about you as a borrower • How to properly structure your financials to improve approval odds • The difference between loans, grants, and high-risk financing traps • How nonprofit lending programs support small businesses in underserved communities If you’ve ever applied for financing—or plan to—this episode

Read More »