On February 27th the Poinciana Area Council held their first Business 2 Business event of the year at oTech’s Poinciana Campus. Attendees had time to network and get to know other business leaders via a game of “Networking Bingo.” Attendees toured the campus, learned about oTech’s comprehensive programs in everything from hospitality to cosmetology, and enjoyed treats from the school’s culinary program.
oTech even supplied a popcorn popper and cotton candy machine to create a mini-fair in the parking lot! The slightly chilly weather and stronger-than-usual winds didn’t stop those in attendance from having a good time.
The graduating cosmetology class put on a prom fashion show to share their spring formal looks, and they even crowned a prom queen!
The night ended with a raffle for items including a $25 gift card courtesy of CenterState Bank.
Last updated: Thursday, August 21 at 2:01 PM
Business Grant Opportunities in Osceola County
Osceola County's Business Assistance Grant Program will re-open for applications on September 1. Visit WeveOpenedSafely.com to find out what you need to do to apply.
The City of Kissimmee Business Assistance Grant closed on July 21, but will re-open to more applications in the future.
The City of St. Cloud COVID-19 Grants for Businesses and Nonprofits remain open.
Find a comprehensive guide to your local grant options here, including a quick-compare matrix and links to the various applications.
Testing Updates
Monday, July 20: The Osceola County Board of County Commissioners have passed an emergency ordinance declaring that, with a few exceptions, failure to wear a face covering in public will result in penalties on the following scale:
1st offense - warning
2nd offense - $25.00 fine
3rd offense - $25.00 fine
4th offense and each subsequent offense - $50.00 fine
Download a poster to display in your business to promote the wearing of face coverings.
Please check back with this page regularly as we update the information below.
Chamber Livestream Info Series on Facebook
The Chamber has been live every Wednesday since April 1 at 9:30 am on the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber Facebook page with insights on topics important to businesses and our community as we navigate COVID-19. Video of the livestreams remain available on Facebook, our website, and on our YouTube channel for those who missed these resources.
Beginning July 1, we launched our virtual "15 Minutes" series live on Facebook on Wednesday mornings. This series of 15-minutes conversations and presentations will be similar to the previous one, but not exclusively focused on COVID-19-related issues. Find this series archived on our YouTube channel.
Events & Meetings
If you belong to a leads group, please check with the president of your leads group for updates.
On Wednesday, March 4, the Hispanic Business Coalition hosted their popular Business Under the Stars event at The Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek. Nestled amongst historic buildings and large Florida oaks, the Pioneer Village made a perfect setting to embrace both Hispanic and Osceola heritage.
The event boasted 32 vendors this year, and attendees enjoyed music, as well as food and beverage from our restaurant sponsors. Restaurants offering samples this year were Tequabite, Pollo Tropical, Florida Technical College’s culinary program, and Tomato Express. Tomato Express also provided the bar for the evening.
Our live DJ gave HBC Chairman of the Board Carlos Velez the opportunity to allow each vendor to give a live introduction to their business and the services they offer. As the evening gave way to a night sky full of stars, one lucky raffle winner was the recipient of a seven-night stay at a select Wyndham property courtesy of title sponsor Wyndham Destinations. Other raffle prizes included tickets to an Orlando Magic game and gift cards for Tequabite.
This year’s Business Under the Stars was sponsored by Wyndham Destinations, with supporting sponsorship from the Orlando Magic, Kissimmee Utility Authority, ABC Paving and Sealcoating, CenterState Bank, Experience Kissimmee, and New York Life. Promotional consideration was provided by El Osceola Star Newspaper. Proceeds from this event will go toward the HBC’s scholarship fund for Osceola County students.
Follow the HBC on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on their programs and activities, including their scholarship fund and popular Wake Up Entrepreneur! Series.
