Seattle SBA expert Paul Long breaks down how small businesses can prepare now for the economic wave arriving with FIFA 2026. He shares insights on funding, personal branding, and strategic planning that local entrepreneurs need to stay competitive. This episode matters because businesses that prepare early stand to capture massive foot traffic, tourism dollars, and long-term growth opportunities during the World Cup.

00:00 — Welcome to Host City Hustle + Seattle World Cup framing

02:00 — Paul Long’s background in SBA lending and personal branding

04:45 — How questions become content: building an impactful digital presence

07:10 — Why small businesses must prepare early for the FIFA 2026 surge

09:00 — What “good planning” vs. “poor planning” looks like for entrepreneurs

11:15 — SCORE, SBDC, and key partnerships supporting World Cup readiness

13:20 — Paul’s 28-year journey in banking and community lending

17:00 — Economic challenges: staffing, shutdowns, and scaling responsibly

20:30 — Resetting your business: how to start over the right way

22:55 — What banks look for: requirements for funding and being “coachable”

Host City Hustle: https://hostcityhustle.com

IG: @hostcityhustle

Business planner: Host City Hustle | Where Hustle Meets the World Stage

Who referred you?

HOSTS:

Aharon Goins — https://www.linkedin.com/in/aharon-goins/

DaniMarie Perkins — https://www.linkedin.com/in/itisidanimarie/

SPONSORS

Prosperity Abundance — prosperity-abundance.com

Black Box —intro.blackboxfranchising.com/danielleperkins

Guest Website: paultlong.com

Seattle SBA funding | FIFA 2026 business prep | Seattle small business strategy