Monday, April 11, 2022

SPARK HOLLYWOOD

Applications are currently being accepted for entrepreneurs at any stage of development to pitch their big idea.

The ‘quick-pitch competition’ features 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 Hollywood FL aims to bridge the gap between investors, businesses, and entrepreneurs.

Wednesday, 4/13 - SPARK Launch Event!

A SPARK Launch event will take place at the NSU Levan Center for Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship on Wednesday, April 13th from 5-7 p.m. with a panel discussion moderated by John Wensveen, Executive Director of the Center, and featuring experts in entrepreneurship including Chad Bernstein, who founded Guitars over Guns, David Lekach, South Florida Learning Chair with the Entrepreneur’s Organization and Chris Brisson, CEO of Sales MSG (Sales Message).

Aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply today at www.sparkhollywoodfl.com and ignite your idea! Applications must be submitted by April 14, 2022.

For more information, please visit: www.sparkhollywoodfl.com

Apply: https://airtable.com/shrWQ1axdKwUiGguc

Finalists will be selected to present during the annual SPARK Pitch Competition in person on May 26 at the Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center, 1770 Monroe Street. The Pitch Competition will start at 5:30 p.m., with registration opening up at 5 p.m.

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!

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.

Broward And Beyond Business Conference Save-The-Date Flyer

Connect With a Resource Near You!

April is Financial Literacy Month and a good reminder to reach out to an SBA resource partner for free financial counseling and training. Connect with a Community Navigator, Small Business Development Center, SCORE, Veterans Business Outreach Center or a Women's Business Center near you. Learn More

Project Opioid Broward "Lunch & Learn" Series Webinar Graphic

Available Grants and/or Loans and Credit Program

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
PPP Loan Forgiveness/EIDL Increases
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

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.

Leveraging Government Funding Opportunities

Does your business need capital to grow? Are you dreaming of the next phase for your business? Learn more about the SBA loan program and meet with local representatives from banks, credit unions, CDFI and other local SBA lenders. Organized by SBA Senior Area Manager, Ft. Pierce AWS/South Florida District Office, Vince LoPresti, in partnership with weVENTURE and the SBDC at Eastern Florida State College and Indian River State College. Don't miss this chance to network with local lenders. Register online. Limited in person seating.

Tuesday, April 12 • 9AM • Webinar • Free • Register Here

Government Contracting & Positioning Webinar

This webinar will offer an overview of the steps required to position oneself for Government Contracting. The Federal Government is the largest buyer in the U.S, spending billions in products and services annually. Topics include: • Laws and Regulations • Three Phases of the Acquisition Process • Methods of Procurement • Types of Contracts • Social Economic Interests

Thursday, April 14 • 1PM • Webinar • Free • Register Here

Ask an Expert - Smart Money Moves for Your Business

Learn money management strategies that improve your business's cash flow.
Join in on the LIVE Q&A session with expert presenter Justin Krane.
In this webinar, we will answer questions about:

Pricing
How to set up your business to fund your personal financial life
Increasing your profits
Proactive cash flow planning

Thursday, April 14 • 1PM • Webinar • Free • Register Here

Miami-Dade Business Navigator Resource Fair

The Miami-Dade Business Navigator (MDBN) program is an exciting new local initiative funded, in part, through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The program brings together local groups working to expand their reach and support small and micro-businesses like yours. This local Resource Fair will bring together MDBN groups and additional small business organizations from around the County to connect directly with Miami businesses. Meet one-on-one with these community groups who can help you access resources and information to start and grow your business. Sign up today!

Thursday, April 15 • 10AM • Webinar • Free • Register Here

Manage Your Business Without Breaking the Bank with Zoho

Zoho is an affordable and robust alternative to Salesforce. CRM Software, eMarketing Software, Accounting Software, Project Management, Helpdesk, Website and Social Engagement, and various other software and tools you need to run your business. Subscriptions for all these can really add up. Zoho One gives you one integrated system to replace your patchwork of cloud applications, legacy tools, and paper-based processes with one operating system for your entire business...

Monday, April 18 • 6PM • Webinar • Free • Register Here

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.

Need to Renew Your Local Certification Flyer Graphic

Additional COVID-19 Resources for Hollywood Businesses Are Available Here