The Power of Partnerships
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Presents: The Central Florida Small Business Engagement
Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Time: 8:30am- 12:00pm
Location: Certus Windermere
7753 Conroy Windermere Rd. Orlando, FL 32835
Event I- Central FL HUD Small Business Training
*Time: 9:00am- 11:30am
Small businesses in Florida are impacted disproportionately and have faced repeated disruptions (including severe weather occurrences) which precipitated a devastatingly sharp contraction of economic activity.
FPM will: Support DBLS and promote compliance via TA training when working with local Housing Authorities and other HUD funded Housing Projects; Provide information on HUD/CPD programs, applicable Federal partners and State/City government education and grant opportunities; and Provide Networking Opportunities for Community organizations.
Federal/State Presenters and Training Topics (to be confirmed)
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United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)- Overview of Housing Programs, Section 3 and more
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United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)- Cooperative and State Programs (Consultation, Voluntary Protection, Federal Agencies/Safety and Health Council, Training/Training Grants, Compliance Assistance, Technical Information Dissemination and more
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Wage and Hour Division- Davis Bacon Labor Standards Training for Grants Managers
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Florida Department of Commerce - Bureau of Business Development Programs
Target Attendees: Contractors, Subcontractors, Business Leaders, and Community -based organizations and Partners
In continued efforts to address gaps in HUD Service Ecosystems, this activity will present Federal/State/City Resources, Grant opportunities, Program information and TA support specific to Workforce Development, Economic Growth and Community Resilience to Florida small businesses.
Event/s to be held simultaneously: 1. Meeting and Roundtable Discussion: Strategizing to Enhance Opportunities for Small Business’s 2. Business Networking Opportunity
Event II- Central FL HUD Small Business: Leadership Meeting and Roundtable Discussion
Strategizing to Enhance Opportunities for Small Business
*Time: 10:00am- 11:30am
Small businesses are an essential part of Florida’s economic landscape. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses comprise 99.8 percent of all Florida businesses and employ 3.6 million employees — approximately 40 percent of the state’s workforce. Notably, according to Florida Commerce, 163,992 new businesses formed in Florida in 2024, the most of any state.
Many Florida’s small business community are experiencing both challenges and successes as our economy grows.
In 2024, Florida's small businesses were able to thrive, despite global economic challenges, technological shifts, and changing consumer demands. From Miami to Jacksonville and Tampa to Orlando, small business owners across the state continue to adapt to new trends, leveraging local resources, and finding innovative ways to grow and compete.
Meeting and Roundtable Discussion: Strategizing to Enhance Opportunities for Small Business
In continued efforts to address gaps in HUD Service Ecosystems, Federal, State and Local Community Leaders will come together during this HUD Meeting/Roundtable to discuss obstacles faced by Small Businesses and entrepreneurs. Leadership Meeting will be held simultaneous to the HUD Presents a ‘Free’ Small Business Outreach and Training: Expanding Businesses Opportunities
Invited Attendees: (not open to the public) City/County Officials (City and surrounding areas TBD); and Others (example: Director Procurement Division/Orange Co.; Director Neighborhoods Department; Area Chamber of Commerce; Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), etc.)
Event III- Central FL Small Business Networking Opportunities for Community organizations
*Time: 8:30am- 12:30pm
State of Business in Florida: In 2024 state rankings, U.S. News & World Report named Florida the No. 1 state in the U.S. for economy, citing factors like its strong business environment and GDP growth. However, the Bureau of Economic Analysis ranks it fourth in terms of total GDP — a still-robust ranking. Additionally, BEA data shows that in the first quarter of 2024, Florida’s economy grew by 3 percent, while the United States grew by 1.4 percent.
Many in Florida's small business community are experiencing both challenges and successes as our economy grows from the 14th largest economy in the world. In 2024, sectors such as healthcare, real estate, technology, and tourism continue to offer fertile ground for small business development.
Attendees will have an opportunity to network amongst their peers, visit vender booths, learn about available banking products, and explore potential funding sources, and learn more about the industries driving Florida’s economic growth and creating opportunities for small businesses to succeed.
Vendor Networking allows Florida business owners 1) the opportunity to share information about their business with other business owners and potential customers, 2) expand reach thus allowing creation of new relationships, and 3) ultimately resulting in ability to conduct business throughout the state of Florida.
This event will
-Support Davis-Bacon Labor Standards: Ensure compliance and promote related activities.
-Promote Section 3: Enhance outreach and implementation to better serve eligible residents and business owners.
This event will be held Simultaneously with the Florida HUD Small and Disadvantaged Business Training and the Florida Leadership Meeting and Roundtable Discussion
Sponsorship Opportunity
Vendor Requirements for the Event:
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Vendors are required to bring their own table.
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Each vendor must also provide a giveaway item or gift card to be included in the event drawing.
Thank you for your participation and support!
Vendors Table
Vendor Requirements for the Event:
-
Vendors are required to bring their own table.
-
Each vendor must also provide a giveaway item or gift card to be included in the event drawing.
Thank you for your participation and support!
158 cities make up Central Florida. The largest cities in Central Florida are Orlando, Palm Bay, Lakeland, Melbourne, Deltona, Daytona Beach, Kissimmee, Altamonte Springs, and Sanford.
Orange County, Polk County, Seminole County, Osceola County, Lake County, Sumter County, Highlands County, Okeechobee County, and Hardee County are the counties generally considered part of Central Florida
