Hollywood Business Resource Guide

Monday, March 21, 2022

Broward County Unemployment Graphic

Broward County January 2022 Jobs Increased by 44,100 year over year
Broward County’s job report indicated a 3.6 percent unemployment rate in January 2022. This rate was 3.2 percentage points lower than the region's year ago rate of 6.8 percent. The labor force was 1,048,504, up 37,916 (+3.8 percent) over the year. Nonagricultural employment in the Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Bch-Deerfield Bch Metro Division was 864,600, an increase of 44,100 jobs (5.4 percent) over the year. 
 
“We’re very pleased to see that the unemployment rate is nearly reaching pre-pandemic levels. The interest from companies looking at Greater Fort Lauderdale as a location of choice and local expansions in our target industries remains very strong, supporting the overall year-over-year job growth trends, positively impacting all industries”, said Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance President and CEO Bob Swindell. “We thank our many partners and investors, and leaders at Broward County and our cities, who have been working with us to grow and diversify our economy over these recent challenging years.”
 
Data and Analysis
In the month of January, all industries gained jobs compared to the previous year in Broward County.
 
The leisure and hospitality (+18.1 percent), information (+11.5 percent) and government (+0.5 percent) industries grew faster in the metro area than statewide over the year.
 
Non-Agricultural employment shows a slight month to month decrease in January 2022, with a couple of sectors showing growth: Professional and Business Services (+2,700, 3.1%) and Leisure and Hospitality (+1,600, 1%).

Programs and Events
SPARK Apply Now Graphic

Ready to Put Your Idea to the Test?


Apply today and ignite your idea! The City of Hollywood and the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce have partnered to present the SPARK Hollywood Pitch Competition and are seeking entrepreneurs at any stage of development to pitch their big idea.

The ‘quick-pitch competition’ will feature entrepreneurs and new ventures competing for cash prizes by giving a three-minute presentation of their innovative business proposal to a panel of judges comprised of local investors and business professionals. SPARK aims to bridge the gap between investors, businesses, and entrepreneurs.

The Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the City’s Office of Communications, Marketing and Economic Development SPARK Hollywood events are designed to support and grow entrepreneurship in our City. Finalists will present the day of the SPARK Pitch Competition in person on May 26.
 
If you have the next great idea or business apply today! Applications must be submitted by April 14, 2022. For more information, visit: www.sparkhollywoodfl.com

Apply: https://airtable.com/shrWQ1axdKwUiGguc

One-on-One-Biz-Mentor Flyer Image

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!

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Want to Get Your Exclusive Dining, Shopping, Attractions and Services Offers in Front of Visitors and Residents?


Visit Lauderdale, in partnership with TravelHost of Greater Fort Lauderdale, has announced their 20th annual 2022/2023 Pocket Saver, which will also include LauderDeals. Pocket Saver will feature exclusive dining, shopping, attractions and services offers.

This handy, pocket-sized print guide and map offers valuable incentives. Participants can showcase their establishments in half-page and full-page ads. Please note that Visit Lauderdale’s annual LauderDeals program remains FREE for you to sign up and register your deals.

The pocket guide and map is a paid enhancement offered exclusively by TravelHost to help you increase the reach of your LauderDeals offers or other deals. There is no requirement to put a “deal” in your advertising message.

For more information, contact Ina Lee at (954) 463-4733.

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Apply Now! Jim Moran Institute Small Business & Nonprofit Executive Programs


Apply now for the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurships' 2022 Fall programs in Broward County and gain the clarity and knowledge to turn challenges into opportunities. The training is only two days a month and there is no cost.

Invest in yourself and plan the next chapter of your business! Learn More.

Application deadline: March 31

Apply here

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Walmart Open Call Product Graphic

Walmart’s 9th Annual Open Call Application Period is Open for All Entrepreneurs with Products Made, Grown or Assembled in the U.S.


Small business owners and entrepreneurs with a dream of selling their U.S. made, grown or assembled products to millions of customers now have their chance. In addition to sourcing new products, Open Call also aims to expand work the retailer is already doing with current online sellers.

Applications for the two-day hybrid event will be accepted through April 8.

Applicants who receive a one-on-one product pitch meeting invitation will be given 30 minutes to showcase to Walmart and/or Sam’s Club merchants why their product and business should join the Walmart family. Entrepreneurs can secure deals ranging from supplying products to a handful of local stores to supplying hundreds of Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs as well as Walmart.com.

In addition to the product pitch meetings, Open Call includes breakout sessions featuring Walmart and Sam’s Club leaders and special guests to provide suppliers and sellers with valuable insights and to offer additional resources available.


Businesses wishing to apply for this year’s Open Call event can apply here. Anyone wishing to learn more about becoming a Walmart Marketplace seller can click here.

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Grants Graphic

Available Grants and/or Loans and Credit Program

  • New! Capital One - Association for Enterprise Opportunity 
  • SOAR Fund | Connect2Capital (County loans for small businesses and non profits) - The fund will be administered by NDC on behalf of the county
  • U.S. SBA Funding Programs

  • COVID-19 Relief Options

  • Broward Municipal Services District Revolving Loan Fund (BMSD RLF)

  • South Florida Regional Planning Council (SFRPC CARES ACT Business Revolving Loan Fund)
  • Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Scholarship
PPP


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.

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Start Your Business: Test the Viability   

  

Think you have a great business idea, but don't know how to start? This FREE webinar will help you understand what is involved to start a business and your personal stage of readiness. Topics of discussion include the basics behind starting a business, in addition to recommendations on the tools you need to decide whether or not you have a viable business. Additional topics covered include: -Myths and realities of Entrepreneurship. -Do you have what it takes to start and run a small business? - Assess your skills & Experience. -What is the difference between a Strategic Plan and a Business Plan? - And why do you need them. -Is Your Business Idea Viable? -Hands on exercise to help you test the viability of your Business Start-up.


Tuesday, March 22 • 6PM • Webinar • Free • Register Here


Plan Your Website for Online Success 
   

You know you need a website for your business. But, how do you set it up for online success? First, you need to have a solid plan in place. Fortunately, this webinar will help with exactly that! After this webinar you’ll have a better understanding of: Your website’s audience Feature and functionality needs Content planning How to choose the right platform Best practices for online success After this webinar, you'll have a comprehensive plan in place for your business's website. Attendees may also request the free workbook upon completion of the webinar.


Tuesday, March 22 • 6PM • Webinar • Free • Register Here


The Lean Way to Getting Everyone on the Same Page  

   
Learn how to develop standard work in a way that clearly communicates the “current best way” of doing things as you partner with employees to devise even better ways. These techniques are part of a Lean management system for running a small or midsize business, a system which was inspired by the innovative management ideas and practices pioneered by Toyota. Understand that unstable processes often result in unexpected problems. Recognize the value of standard work as a way of stabilizing processes, training employees, and supporting collaboration. Learn how to break down processes into steps which define standard work and which identify the factors that make the work easier, safer, and more productive. Organize stand-up meetings to reinforce the current standard work and to explore ways of improving on the standard.


Wednesday, March 23 • 6PM • Webinar • Free • Register Here


Federal Government Contracting 101 

 

Ready…set…sell to the federal government! This workshop provides information on registering with the federal government, how to locate federal opportunities, who to market to within the federal government, and so much more!

Wednesday, March 23 • 6PM • Webinar • Free • Register Here


A Conversation on Access to Capital and Resources
 

Join in on a conversation on "Access to Capital and Resources" led by Monica Cepero, Broward County Administrator, and featuring Jeni K. Chokron, Horizon Bank, Monique "Coach Mo" Corker, Comerica Bank, Courtnee Biscardi, Urban League of Broward County, and Maribel Feliciano, Office of Economic and Small Business Development. 

Speakers will take an in-depth look into the diverse ways your company can access capital and resources.  They will also discuss looking at the bigger picture, help you understand what makes you and your company a good investment, and share nuggets surrounding what lenders look for and how to think strategically about lending options.


Friday, March 25 • 10:30AM • Webinar • Free • Register Here


Women's Business Summit   

In celebration of Women’s History Month, join the SBA's Office of Women’s Business Ownership and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center for the virtual Women’s Business Summit on March 29-30, 2022. The free event will include power-packed panels, inspirational fireside chats, and 'Ask an Expert' workshops to help you build, scale, and grow your business. Panels and discussion topics include:

  • Innovation and Investment
  • Building an Equitable Recovery Framework for Women Entrepreneurs
  • From Essential Worker to Essential Entrepreneur: CARE Economy Entrepreneurship Opportunities
  • The $100B Marketplace: Contracting Opportunities for Women-led Firms
  • Exporting & E-Commerce
  • The Changing Landscape for Entertainment and Hospitality Industries
Tuesday, March 29 - March 30 • 11:30AM - 5:00PM • Webinar • Free
Register Here 
Reminders Graphic
Noise Requirements

Noise Regulations
Now in Effect

Effective June 1st, 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.

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Be Safe. Be Smart.

Additional COVID-19 Resources for Hollywood Businesses Are Available Here

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