Dorothy Hardee, Chamber Administrator
“A small business is an amazing way to serve and leave an impact on the world you live in”…. Nicole Snow
Along with COVID came stress, burnout and isolation, which led to people rethinking what they are willing to tolerate at work. For organizations unwilling to step up to the plate, employees began looking for new opportunities elsewhere. The Great Resignation, Big Quit or Great Reshuffle, is an ongoing economic trend in which employees have voluntarily resigned from their jobs en masse, beginning in early 2021, primarily in the United States. Stagnation in wages, rising cost of living and safety concerns added to the mass exodus.
While it has dominated the headlines and impacted every industry in the American workforce negatively impacting companies in specific industries, it has fueled the startups and small business throughout the country.
StartUpNation examined how startups and small businesses began benefiting from turning the “Great Resignation into a Golden Opportunity to succeed.” Freelancing and independent contracting is on the rise. A survey among eight hundred business executives found that 70 percent planned to increase freelancers within the market. With more resignations from corporate roles, the “Gig Economy” expands working well for startups, especially those leveraging the latest digital technology to improve operations.
The increase in remote work opens hiring opportunities. Startups can capitalize on this trend by attracting new talent among those resigning. Attractive benefit packages help the recruiting efforts as well. Over time the opportunities will continue to grow allowing small business to thrive.
Are you among the 31.7 million small business owners in the United States and more than 2.4 million in Florida? According to Fincyte, 8 out of every 10 small businesses fail or shut down. A shortage of funds and lack of competitive advantage contribute, as well as ignoring the latest trends. Examining the issues experienced by others developing solutions is a starting point.
The Small Business Administration provides a 10-step guide to start a business identifying market research, business plan, funding, and location as the top four. Working in the Chamber we often get calls from solopreneurs ready to dip their toe in the small business pool. Procedures to comply are overwhelming, challenging their dream let alone the requirements based on where they live.
The East Orlando Chamber seeks to be the leading resource in business advocacy, community engagement and regional connectivity. We are an advocate for small business, so therefore launched the East Orlando Chamber Foundation (EOC Foundation), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting entrepreneurial trailblazers. The aim is to support small and medium enterprises to launch and expand their footprint with East Orange County. The Foundation will provide financial support, mentorship and guidance while paving the way for a suitable environment for the establishment and development of projects.
The Foundation has developed a series of workshops to help small business achieve their MWBD and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business certification, as well as workshops to address funding and accounting, as well as marketing. On May 13, the EOC Foundation is partnering with Valencia College Lake Nona and many of our East Orlando Chamber members to conduct a workshop during the Day of Learning. We will offer six sessions for attendees covering key content to help offer the foundation for those launching into business or branching out. Topics will include:
- Business Plan, Elevator speech, MWBE Certification overview & Finances
- Marketing, Branding & websites, establishing social media presence, Press releases & Printing and promotion
- Sales, HR & Payroll, Staffing
- Tech IT, platforms, automation & e-commerce
- Legal
- Accounting, budgeting & balance sheets
- Medical & liability insurance
During the summer, the EOC Foundation will launch their microgrant application. Those completing the application and meeting all the qualifications will be invited to participate in the annual Pitch Competition with a chance to secure a microgrant for business.
For more information or to register call (407) 277-5951 or visit our website at eocc.org. The East Orlando Chamber of Commerce everywhere East of I-4.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Coffee Club East: Often imitated, never duplicated…the ORIGINAL Coffee Club
Testimonial Tuesday on Location
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
LIVE of Facebook & On Location
Featuring: Guacamole Mexican Grill; Two Men and a Truck; The Ewing Family Security & Staffing; Mutual of Omaha
Misters & Sisters Great Lunch Adventures
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Guacamole Mexican Grill
2822 S Alafaya Trail, #195
Orlando, FL 32828
The Hybrid Member Academy: Roadmap to Member Success
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Hybrid Event - East Orlando Chamber office
12301 Lake Underhill Road, Ste. 245, Orlando, FL 32828
EOCC Real Estate Advisory Council Planning Meeting
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
9:00 – 10:00 AM
The 5th Floor Orlando
3801 Avalon Park East, Ste. 200, Orlando, FL 32828
Candid Conversation with Kathleen Plinski President Valencia College
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
$40 EOCC Members | $50 Non-members
Coffee Club Nona: Often imitated, never duplicated…the ORIGINAL Coffee Club
(3rd Thursday of the month)
Where Do I Fit In? Redistricting with Orange County Supervisor of Elections Bill Cowles
Thursday, April 21, 2022
8:30 – 9:30 AM
Sam’s Club Lake Nona
11920 Narcoossee Road, Orlando, FL 32832
FREE to EOCC Members | $10 for Non-Members
EOCC New Member Orientation Breakfast hosted by Hampton Inn & Suites
Friday, April 22, 2022
8:30 – 10:30 AM
Hampton Inn & Suites UCF
3450 Quadrangle Blvd., Orlando, FL 32817
EOCC Legislative Update Florida Politics Breakfast
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
7:30 – 9:30 AM
Holiday Inn East UCF Area
1724 Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32826
“Recruiting, Training & Retaining Volunteers” Workshop
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
9:00 – 10:00 AM
East Orlando Chamber
12301 Lake Underhill Rd., Ste 245, Orlando, FL 32828
Thursday, April 28, 2022
8:00 – 9:30 AM
East Orlando Chamber office
12301 Lake Underhill Road, Ste. 245, Orlando, FL 32828
Ace Relocation Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
5:00 – 8:00 PM
Ace Relocation
8695 Transport Drive, Orlando, FL 32832
W.I.S.E. presents “Getting Your House in Order: Financial Well-Being
Evelyn Cardenas (Central Florida Auto Dealers Association) & Teresa Colling, SunTrust Bank
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Hilton Garden Inn Orlando
1959 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32826
$40 EOCC Members | $50 Non-members
