Back to Basics: Financial Planning for Your ABA Business

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April sit down with Shep from Live Oak Bank to simplify the world of ABA Finance, ABA funding, and smart financial planning for your ABA practice. Whether you are launching a new clinic or expanding your services, this conversation helps you understand how banks evaluate your business and what you need to secure the right bank loans.

Shep explains how Live Oak partners with ABA providers, why accurate financial planning matters from day one, and what lenders look for when assessing SBA loans. He also highlights the difference between a loan and a line of credit, and the early financial challenges most ABA practices underestimate.

The episode covers what makes an ABA startup loan-ready, how business plans influence approval, and when it may be possible to borrow without personal guarantees. Shep also touches on choosing the right real estate options and avoiding unnecessary financial strain as you grow.

Whether you are preparing to open your first location or planning long-term expansion, this episode provides clear guidance on strengthening your financial foundation.

Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

Resources & Links

• Business Essentials List

• Schedule a consultation with Stephen

• Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment

• ABA Billing Tips Guide

• ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs

ABA Business Leaders Podcast — Hosted by Stephen Smith & Johanna Eddy

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and Johanna Eddy break down one of the most challenging (but most important) parts of running an ABA practice: finance. Whether you’re a new ABA provider or operating an established ABA organization, this conversation walks you through the key financial systems that keep an ABA business stable, compliant, and ready for growth.

Key Takeaways

✔ Accurate Bookkeeping Is Non-Negotiable

Before you can plan, grow, or even file taxes properly, you need clean, consistent books. Stephen and Johanna discuss why accurate bookkeeping is the backbone of every financial decision an ABA owner makes.

✔ Know Your Tax Structure

Your entity type determines how you’re taxed — and potentially how much you owe. The hosts break down common structures, what deductions business owners typically overlook, and how health insurance affects tax planning.

✔ Quarterly Taxes Don’t Have to Be Confusing

Johanna explains how quarterly payments work, common misconceptions, and strategies for staying ahead of unexpected tax bills.

Have a question for Stephen and April?

Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

Resources

🎧 Podcast CEU’s: ABA Business Leaders Podcast — Hosted by Stephen Smith & Johanna Eddy

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and Johanna Eddy break down one of the most challenging (but most important) parts of running an ABA practice: finance. Whether you’re a new ABA provider or operating an established ABA organization, this conversation walks you through the key financial systems that keep an ABA business stable, compliant, and ready for growth.

Key Takeaways

✔ Accurate Bookkeeping Is Non-Negotiable

Before you can plan, grow, or even file taxes properly, you need clean, consistent books. Stephen and Johanna discuss why accurate bookkeeping is the backbone of every financial decision an ABA owner makes.

✔ Know Your Tax Structure

Your entity type determines how you’re taxed — and potentially how much you owe. The hosts break down common structures, what deductions business owners typically overlook, and how health insurance affects tax planning.

✔ Quarterly Taxes Don’t Have to Be Confusing

Johanna explains how quarterly payments work, common misconceptions, and strategies for staying ahead of unexpected tax bills.

Have a question for Stephen and April?

Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

Resources

🎧 Podcast CEU’s:

👉 ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEU’s

🧾 Check your business readiness:

👉 ABA Business Readiness Assessment

Learn more about MarginKeepers: Visit MarginKeepers

Back to Basics: Building Relationships That Last

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts April and Stephen Smith explore one of the most important parts of growing a healthy ABA business: the people you bring into it. They dig into hiring, leadership, mentorship, and the communication habits that help an ABA therapy organization run smoothly over the long term.

Whether you're in the early stages of building your ABA team or preparing to step back from daily operations, this episode gives you a clearer picture of how strong relationships and intentional hiring can shape the future of your business.

Key Takeaways

Hiring Should Push You Outside Your Comfort Zone

April opens up about how ego sometimes gets in the way of the hiring process. ABA business owners often avoid hiring someone who might outperform them, but growth happens when you surround yourself with people who strengthen your weaknesses. She uses a “mom friend” analogy to show the value of having support from people at different stages of the journey.

Different Thinkers Make Better ABA Teams

Stephen and April talk about the importance of hiring people who think differently. When you intentionally build a diverse team, you bring in new ideas, new angles, and more well-rounded decision-making. For ABA organizations trying to grow sustainably, these differences lead to stronger outcomes for both staff and clients.

Your Values Should Guide Every Hiring Decision

Stephen emphasizes that hiring becomes much harder when you don’t have a clear vision for your ABA business. Your long-term goals should show up in your job postings, interview questions, and onboarding. When your values are clear, you attract the right people from the start.

Onboarding Is a Two-Way Learning Experience

Onboarding isn’t just training. It’s a chance for both sides to learn whether the role, the expectations, and the culture are a good match. April and Stephen highlight how the early stages of onboarding help set the tone for communication, mentorship, and long-term success in your ABA therapy practice.

A Strong Culture Comes From Honest Conversation

You can only spend so much time shaping culture, but fostering open communication is one of the most powerful tools you have. When your team feels comfortable discussing challenges, asking questions, and offering feedback, you start building relationships that last and support stronger outcomes across your ABA therapy organization.

📞 Have a question for Stephen and April?

Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

📚 Resources & Links

🧾 Business Essentials List: https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24

💼 Book a consultation with Stephen: https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page

🧠 ABA Business Readiness Assessment: https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment

💳 ABA Billing Tips Guide: https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

🎧 ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs:

https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs