TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — In Florida, 99.8% of all businesses are considered small businesses. Small businesses also employ 41.1% of Florida workers. That’s why several Big Bend organizations are joining together to ensure that local businesses in our community can grow in a changing job market. As a result, local businesses will now be able to connect with larger government agencies and private suppliers to help grow the local economy for years to come.
“There’s a lot of business and a lot of dollars coming into our area and how do we secure that,” said Katrina Tuggerson, president of the Capital City Chamber of Commerce. She talks about the endless opportunities that local small and minority businesses in the community can take advantage of right now.
“All government entities have meetings have cleaning services that they need may be exterior maintenance, I mean we’re building here in Tallahassee, may need a contract to do windows,” added Tuggerson.
Construction, catering, cleaning and landscaping. These are just some of the things that large state and private companies constantly need. In order for our local companies to secure these larger jobs, they must obtain a certificate.
That’s why the Capital City Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with several other local organizations and vendors to deliver hands-on tools so they can learn how to become certified to take on bigger jobs and expand.
Sue Dick is president and CEO of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. She says 70% of their 1,200 member companies have 25 employees or less. That’s why she’s excited to come together to deliver stronger economic impact as the market changes.
“We’ve seen more local businesses start up after COVID yes, we’ve lost some businesses, but our community has really understood and recognized how important it is to drive our local economy and our local businesses, our small businesses are really the backbone of our community,” said Dick.
In order to meet the needs of the small and minority business community, they are joining together and organizing a training camp on January 31. Sponsorships are also available, so some local businesses can attend for free.
Tuggerson says it’s more than a one-time deal.
“The resources are always there, and we’re just providing a face that you can go and meet those entities and also build a relationship where your work is needed.”
The boot camp takes place on Tuesday, January 31st from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, at the Florida State Conference Center at 555 West Pensacola Street. The price of participation is $25, breakfast and lunch are included! Click here to register.