CVBBA Insights

Think hiring offshore virtual assistants is safe from regulatory changes? Think again.
In this episode of the CVBBA Thrive in ’25 Podcast, Heather Valeri of Meridian Business Advisors joins Colette Kemp of SureStep Business Advisors to unpack the HIRE Act... draft legislation that could significantly change how business brokers and M&A advisors work with offshore talent in 2026.
 
You’ll hear how the proposed tariffs and new compliance measures could affect your margins, workflows, and staffing decisions, and what practical steps you can take now to stay ahead of the curve.
 
What You’ll Learn
 
What the HIRE Act actually is, and why it matters now, not later
How tariffs on offshore workers could impact your brokerage’s bottom line
Why the goal of re-skilling U.S. workers could backfire
Why this isn’t just about VAs, it's about all offshore services you may be using
 
 
Whether you rely on virtual assistants or you’re just starting to build your team, this conversation gives brokers the clarity they need to prepare for 2026 with confidence.
 
 
 
Featured Guests
Host Heather Valeri  | Meridian Business Advisors
Award-winning business intermediary and advisor specializing in mid-market transactions and strategic growth planning.
 
Colette Kemp | SureStep Business Advisors
Business broker and accredited small business advisor.
 
 
If this episode helped you understand the potential impact of the HIRE Act:
 
Subscribe to the CVBBA Thrive in ’25 Podcast
Share this episode with your team and fellow brokers
 
If you're interested in being a guest or learning more about our CVBBA Insights, please reach out to:
 
Heather Valeri, CBI, CEPA
Chairperson, Podcast Committee 
Board of Directors, CVBBA 
Office: 843-800.2148
Email: hvaleri@meridianballc.com
 
 
If you are interested in learning more about the CVBBA, please checkout our website https://www.cvbba.com/
 
Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and leave a five-star review on your favorite podcast app!
 
 

Welcome to today's episode of CVBBA Insights: Thrive in '25. Today's host is Colette Kemp. Colette is a proud member of CVBBA and the owner of SureStep Business Advisors where she specializes in helping business owners build more sellable companies by reducing owner dependency through AI-powered systems and smart automation.
On this episode, Colette Kemp dives into the sweeping legislation shaking up the business world, The One Big Beautiful Bill Act which was signed into law on July 4th, 2025. Joining her are two industry powerhouses, former CVBBA President Rick Chess and current President Van Daughtry.
Together, they unpack how this new bill will transform the financial and legal landscape for small and midsize business owners. From tax structures to capital access, corporate entity choices to real estate implications. This is a can't miss conversation for business owners, advisors, and anyone who wants to stay ahead of the curve in today’s shifting policy environment.
Find out what this legislation means for you, your business, and your clients. Tune in now!
HOST + GUEST CONTACT INFORMATION
 
Colette Kemp, Accredited Small Business ConsultantSureStep Business Advisors804-920-8897colette@surestepbusiness.comhttps://surestepbusiness.com/
 
Van Daughtry, President CVBBAVan Daughtry Consulting, LLC910-590-6373vandaughtry@gmail.com https://www.vdconsulting.com/
 
Rick Chess, President of CVBBA in 2024Chess Law Firm, PLC804-241-9999rick@chesslawfirm.comhttps://www.chesslawfirm.com/
 
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
 
https://www.cvbba.com/
https://www.vdconsulting.com/blog/
https://www.chesslawfirm.com/blog
https://www.cvbba.com/blog/
CVBBA Annual Conference - Thrive in 25! September 23-25
This year’s CVBBA Annual Conference is all about equipping you with the insights, tools, and connections to help your clients and your practice thrive in today’s evolving market. Whether you’re structuring deals, financing success, or guiding clients through the transition of a lifetime, this is your opportunity to sharpen your skills, expand your network, and thrive together in 2025.
Some of the benefits of joining us at the conference:
-Network with peers and industry leaders-Learn game-changing tips and tricks-Remain ahead of industry trends-Spark new ideas for your business or organization-Experience a range of workshops and main-stage presentations conducted by leading industry professionals.-Hear from several powerhouse keynote speakers.-Evening networking mixers with dinner, desserts, and complimentary drinks.-Exciting raffle prizes and giveaways.-Awards, recognition, bragging rights that last a lifetime, and more!
Don't wait, register today!https://www.cvbba.com/conference-registration/
Make sure you don't miss any CVBBA conferences or eventshttps://www.cvbba.com/conferences-and-events/

Welcome to the inaugural episode of CVBBA Insights: Thrive in ‘25 – I’m your host, Heather Valeri, Board Member of the Carolinas-Virginia Business Brokers Association. It’s an honor to bring you timely insights and expert conversations to help you thrive—no matter where you are on your business journey.
Today, we’re kicking things off with a topic that impacts buyers, sellers, brokers, and lenders alike: the latest updates to the SBA’s Standard Operating Procedures. These changes can open new doors—but only if you know how to navigate them.
I’m joined by two outstanding guests:
Joe Diggs, Vice President & Business Development Officer, SBA Lending Division 
Jim Frey, SVP - Business Development Officer at Gulf Coast Small Business Lending.
Together, we’ll unpack what these SOP changes mean for small business owners, brokers, and lending partners—and how you can stay ahead in this evolving landscape.
Let’s dive in!
 
 
Have more questions? Get into contact with today's guest:
Jim Frey, SVP - Business Development Officer
Gulf Coast Small Business Lending 
(724) 259-3182
JimFrey@GulfBank.com
 
Joe Diggs, Vice President 
Business Development Officer, SBA Lending Division
Fidelity Bank
Charlotte, NC (Remote Office)
Direct: 919-753-1084
joe.diggs@fidelitybanknc.com