This week (April 28 - May 4, 2024) is National Small Business Week in Florida! Small Business Week in Florida recognizes the vital contributions of entrepreneurs and small business owners in our state. In 2024 alone, 163,992 new businesses have formed in Florida, more than any other state in the nation. Of Florida’s 529,072 private sector businesses, 99.7 percent employ less than 500 employees, which represents 56.9 percent of the state’s total private sector employment.
Our friends at The Florida Chamber have sent over some current and past funds available for Florida’s small businesses, which include:
Our mission statement is to be “champions for business and the Osceola community.” One way we accomplish that is through advocacy, ensuring that the business community's collective voice is not just heard but acted upon at the local, state, and federal levels.
At the heart of our mission lies our commitment to elevating your voice and ensuring it reaches the corridors of power through strategic events and initiatives. We host the Osceola Legislative Luncheon where we bring our Trustee members together with our state representatives for a luncheon following their update on their legislative priorities and follow up on those conversations at the popular Tallahassee Drive-Up during Florida’s Legislative Session. Our proactive engagement in policy-making, underscored by our readiness to support or challenge community issues through formal communication, reflects our unwavering stance in sculpting a conducive business and community environment.
Proudly “Accredited with Five Stars by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Osceola Chamber’s Boards of Directors and Trustees are comprised of community figures who embody dedication and insight. The Chamber is fortified by entities like our own Government Advisory Committee, Growth Management Task Force, and the Osceola Political Action Committee (OPAC), all working in concert to champion our advocacy efforts effectively. These committees have the trust and confidence of our local governments, building relationships when issues in the community arise that require public and private partnerships.
Joining The Osceola Chamber means aligning with a powerful ally dedicated to your business's growth and prosperity. We provide tools, opportunities, and a collaborative platform for business leaders to excel and contribute meaningfully to our community's well-being. Together, we stand for the prosperity of Osceola County, fostering an environment where businesses thrive and community life flourishes.
At The Osceola Chamber, we are dedicated to supporting local small businesses and helping our area’s economy grow. We use our experience and good reputation to build a place where new business owners, big companies, and government groups can work together. Coming together, we aim to foster growth opportunities and be a reliable resource for all our members. We want to discuss the power of networking and how it can make a difference for businesses in Osceola County.
Networking is more than just a way to meet people in the business world; it’s a fundamental part of a thriving business community. It fosters collaborations, ignites new ideas, and drives growth.
Networking events for small business owners open up a world of opportunities. These include finding partners for joint projects, discovering new clients, and meeting potential mentors. Additionally, these events could offer investment opportunities or attract investors to your business.
The value of these networking events lies in the relationships they help build. They are about creating contacts and exchanging ideas, gaining new insights, and keeping up with industry trends. This exchange can inspire innovative ways to grow your business or overcome challenges.
Beyond these practical benefits, networking adds a personal touch to business interactions. It’s about connecting with real people, not just logos or corporate identities. These personal connections can evolve into lasting customer relationships or partnerships with local businesses. The Osceola Chamber provides access to various events designed for this purpose. As a member, you’ll find numerous opportunities to meet business owners and expand your network, creating valuable personal connections essential to the business world.
Networking is a powerful tool for business owners. It’s a chance not only to meet new people but also to show off your products and services to a variety of people, share information about your business, and get insights into the latest market trends and what your competitors are doing. Attending events like Business After Hours sand First Fridays can boost your visibility and connect you with resources that help your business grow and reach new levels.
Thinking about why you should join the Chamber of Commerce? We’re committed to providing resources for small businesses, helping your business flourish, and offering a wide range of networking events for both new and established entrepreneurs. Our Chamber of Commerce members will tell you that our networking events, entrepreneur events and meet-ups, and Business After Hours are great for building valuable business relationships that can help your business grow.
Being a member of the Osceola Chamber gives you special access to resources and chances to network professionally. With your participation, the Chamber is more than just an organization; it’s a supportive community where business owners can find help, exchange ideas, and learn from fellow professionals, all while strengthening our overall business community.
The Osceola Chamber offers various networking events that are ideal for local business owners looking to connect and grow their professional network. Our community events, Business After Hours, or monthly Coalition meetings are just a sample of networking events offered by The Osceola Chamber. Check out our events calendar for a complete list of networking opportunities.
Networking generates various tangible and intangible benefits. It brings immediate benefits and supports the long-term success and growth of businesses in the area. Some important impacts of networking are:
Networking is key to the development and success of a business. At The Osceola Chamber, our strong belief in the power of our local businesses fuels our vision to provide networking opportunities that encourage collaboration and growth for all of our members.
