Make Your Business Idea a Reality
Apply Now for FastTrac Start-Up Program

The City of Hollywood is accepting applications online now through Sunday, January 30 at 11:00 p.m. for its 3rd cohort of the Kauffman Foundation FastTrac® Start-Up Program. This FREE entrepreneurship program is provided at no cost to participants.

The program will run from February through May, and classes will be held on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at ArtsPark at Young Circle in downtown Hollywood. Click here to apply now!

As a Kauffman FastTrac® affiliate, the City hosts the FastTrac® Start-Up Program to help entrepreneurs refine their business concept, identify the components of a strong business plan, and access the appropriate resources for launch. All participants will receive a certificate of completion.

Participants will develop a clear business concept and learn how to:
• Identify market needs
• Explore risk and success factors
• Build a solid business plan
• Create an elevator pitch
• Understand business fundamentals
• Network with entrepreneur professionals
• Access business, financial and human resources

***TOP 3 PITCH COMPETITION FINALISTS WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR SEED MONEY TO LAUNCH THEIR BUSINESS!***

Interested participants must submit a complete application online by January 30 at 11 p.m. for this competitive process. Learn more about the FastTrac® Start-Up Program and apply HERE.

FREE virtual business workshops covering multiple business topics, including pandemic recovery, are led by local business professionals with specific knowledge on starting and running businesses in Broward County and the City of Hollywood.

Click here to learn more and register!

County to Provide Loans to Small Businesses and Non Profits

The County Commission has approved funding for the Southern Opportunity and Resilience (SOAR) Loan Fund. This funding will provide flexible, affordable capital up to $100,000 and free business support services to small businesses and nonprofits in Broward County to help them navigate and rebuild from the Covid-19 economic crisis. The loans are designed to reach the smallest of small businesses and those that have been historically underbanked, including those in rural areas and those owned by women, people of color, and immigrants. The fund will be administered by NDC on behalf of the County.

NOTE: To be eligible for a SOAR Fund loan, a small business must meet the requirements. The pre-application should be completed and submitted by the owner of the business with the largest ownership interest, and all owners with more than 20% ownership will be required to attest to the information provided. Learn more here: SOAR Fund | Connect2Capital.

Florida Panthers Magical Hockey Stick Challenge Flyer

Are You a Local Startup? Join NSU's Corporate Challenge!

The Alan B. Levan and NSU Broward Center of Innovation has partnered with the Florida Panthers to launch a corporate challenge to identify local startups with research and projects of note in the sports technology industry. Apply by January 19. Learn more and apply HERE.

The HollywoodLGBTQ+ Council is presenting the Inaugural MyHollywoodPride event on January 22, 2022. A collection of exhibitors will be featured. Be a part of the celebration. Promote your business. Register to be an exhibitor!

CareerSource Broward Recruiting Employers for Summer Youth Employment Program

CareerSource Broward (CSBD) is actively recruiting Broward County employers to participate in its 2022 Summer Youth Employment Program. Participating employers will have the opportunity to boost workplace productivity with an extra set of hands and invest in the community through a positive influence on Broward County’s future workforce. (SYEP). Learn about the program and apply HERE.

Broward And Beyond Business Conference Save-The-Date Flyer

Learn from Industry Experts and Successful Peers

The conference is designed to help entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals:

Maximize existing assets
Discover resources to amplify growth potential
Explore opportunities throughout Broward County and beyond
Connect with industry colleagues and peers across multiple disciplines
And more!

Who Should Attend?

Entrepreneurs
Existing business owners
Professionals
Subject matter experts across multiple industries in various stages of the business life cycle.

Available Grants and/or Loans and Credit Program

Paycheck Protection Program borrowers: If your loan is $150,000 or less, you may be eligible to apply for direct forgiveness through the SBA, using their online portal. Follow the steps below. 1. Find out if your lender is participating. 2. Watch a video about how to use the portal. 3. Apply for forgiveness.

Need to Renew Your Local Certification Flyer Graphic

How to Increase Sales During a Pandemic

Hear how to get existing customers to buy. Replace customers that disappeared. Start up a pipeline of prospects.
Learn about:

The B2B Process Sale
How to approach business prospects and develop trust
How a pipeline supports consistent new accounts
Growing your business by tapping your market's potential
Why you must "Ask for the order"

Register Here

Tuesday, January 11 • 6PM • Webinar Event • Free

SBA Workshop: Legislative Changes Update

Every year SBA regulations are modified by a myriad of legislative changes; this presentation will address the most significant proposals for NDAA 2022 to include:

Set-aside goaling increases
NDAA legislative proposal to raise sole-source threshold levels for 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB/EDWOSB contracts
WOSB/EDWOSB amendments to the FA

Register Here

Wednesday, January 12 • 1PM • Webinar Event • Free

Restaurant Recovery Webinar

The demands on small business owners, especially for restaurants has changed dramatically in the wake of the pandemic. Learn how to navigate through some of these changes and hear from industry experts on how to cope with the everchanging hospitality environment. Panelists include: Drew McLeod, senior consultant in the hospitality industry, and owner of Savour Restaurant in Tallahassee; Attorney Kelly Swartz, Widerman Malek, PL and Kathy Knowles, HR Advisor, Intuitive Strategies.

Register Here
Thursday, January 13 • 1PM •Webinar Event • Free

Introduction to Google Ads

Learn how to set up and use Google Ads to reach more customers and grow your business.

Register Here
Thursday, January 13 • 6PM •Webinar Event • Free

Reminder:
New Noise Regulations
Now in Effect

Effective June 1^st, select Hollywood businesses must have a Noise Level Detection Device installed. Learn more about the new rules in effect for residents, business owners, and vacation rental property owners here.

Additional COVID-19 Resources for Hollywood Businesses Are Available Here

Make Your Business Idea a RealityApply Now for FastTrac Start-Up Program