Monday, April 18, 2022

SPARK HOLLYWOOD - Deadline Extended to 4/19

Applications are currently being accepted for entrepreneurs at any stage of development to pitch their big idea. Business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply at www.sparkhollywoodfl.com.

Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, April 19, 2022.

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.

Finalists will be selected to present during the annual SPARK Pitch Competition in person on May 26th at the Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center, 1770 Monroe Street.

Apply: https://airtable.com/shrWQ1axdKwUiGguc

Register to attend the pitch competition: www.sparkhollywoodfl.com

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

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!

Broward County’s March 2022 Unemployment Rate of 2.8%, the Lowest Since January 2020

Broward County’s job report indicated a 2.8 percent unemployment rate in March 2022. This rate was 2.8 percentage points lower than the region's year ago rate of 5.6 percent. The labor force was 1,039,832, up 26,573 (+2.6 percent) over the year. Nonagricultural employment in the Ft. Lauderdale-Pompano Bch-Deerfield Bch Metro Division was 864,000, an increase of 33,900 jobs (4.1 percent) over the year.

“We’re very pleased to see that Broward County’s March unemployment rate has reached the lowest level in the past 26 months, below pre-pandemic [February 2020] levels and are confident that the strong interest from companies looking at Greater Fort Lauderdale as a location of choice and the local expansions in our target industries will continue supporting the overall year-over-year job growth trends,” said Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance President and CEO Bob Swindell. “We thank our many partners, investors and leaders at Broward County and our cities, who have been working with us to grow and diversify our economy.”

Data and Analysis

In the month of March, all industries gained jobs compared to the previous year in Broward County.

The information (+9.7 percent) and government (+0.4 percent) industries grew faster in the metro area than statewide over the year. Broward County had the second highest annual job growth compared to all the metro areas in the state in information (+1,900 jobs).

Majority of industries gained jobs over the year except for the Education and Health Services industry (-400 jobs).

Non-Agricultural employment shows a slight overall month to month decrease of 0.5 percent, while some industries like Construction (+2.1%), Other Services (1.2%), Manufacturing (1.0%) and Information (0.5%) show growth.

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

Broward And Beyond Business Conference Save-The-Date Flyer

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)

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.

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

Succession Planning

Learn how to change the ownership of a business through selling, closing, or handing the business to successors. Discover how to establish an exit strategy for retirement, which includes a succession plan, transferring ownership of the business, and paying taxes.

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

Make Better Decisions with Analytics

Learn best practices and analyze trends about how customers engage with your business online, then
turn these insights into well-informed, actionable decisions.
In this session we’ll cover:

An introduction to Google Analytics
Creating and understanding reports
Making goals
Using Analytics with other Google tools

Tuesday, April 19 • 10AM • Webinar • Free • Register Here

Managing Business Cash Flow

Welcome to Managing Cash Flow. Taking this class is an important step to building a better financial future for you and your family.
About this event
As a small business owner, it is important to know how much cash is moving in and out of your business. You need to think ahead in order to meet financial obligations and run a profitable business on a long-term basis. This class introduces some basic cash flow concepts that can get you started.

Tuesday, April 19 • 1PM • Webinar • Free • Register Here

Start Your Business: Test the Viability

This webinar will focus on the basics behind starting a business and also give you the tools you need to decide whether or not you have a viable business. This workshop is guaranteed to be the first, solid step towards achieving the success you desire.

Tuesday, April 19 • 6PM • Webinar • Free • Register Here

Sales Series - New Digital Sales Tools; Same Old Bad Habits

This webinar will focus on the basics behind starting a business and also give you the tools you need to decide whether or not you have a viable business. Topics covered are: 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. This workshop is guaranteed to be the first, solid step towards achieving the success you desire.

Wednesday, April 20 • 12PM • Webinar • Free • Register Here

Marketing and Networking That Makes a Difference

No product or service can sell without a marketing plan and networking strategy. Learn how to increase your number of contacts a day, the value and plan for joining associations, how to impact your territory, review a sales report and engage your customers.

Thursday, April 21 • 6PM • Webinar • Free • Register Here

Franchising: What You Need to Know

No product or service can sell without a marketing plan and networking strategy. Learn how to increase your number of contacts a day, the value and plan for joining associations, how to impact your territory, review a sales report and engage your customers.

Tuesday, May 10 • 1PM • Webinar • Free • Register Here

Noise Regulations 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