Competition among local dining and entertainment venues is fierce, but the challenges of developing a business are common. The Orlando Hospitality Alliance is working to harness the strength of the number of small businesses that serve their communities. And despite the name, its focus will include all Central Florida cities.
“This alliance has been in development for about six months now,” said founder and former city of Orlando Nighttime Economy Manager Dominique Greco. “Now that we’re fully live, we’re going to start targeting different entertainment districts throughout the Central Florida area and, of course, Park Avenue will be one of them.”
The nonprofit went live January 14 with the mission of ensuring the success of hospitality entrepreneurs – from food trucks to night clubs – by fostering a sense of unity. Members will receive access to training and education, professional services, and information on government regulations and operational guidelines. According to its website, the alliance will also work to reduce regulatory burdens, streamline permitting and licensing, and provide advocacy and representation for industry interests.
The board of advisors features representatives from local entertainment and management groups, restauranteurs, and also includes a member of the New York City Hospitality Alliance. “They’ve been a huge help because they’re very established,” said Greco of the New York alliance. “They’re 10-plus years into their nonprofit and their advocacy work, and because they’ve done such an excellent job over the last 10 years they’re not only influential in New York City but [also] on federal levels.”
Greco is currently spearheading the outreach and hoping to spread the message, not only to industry newcomers, but to veteran business owners and cultural venues.
“Entertainment is about arts and culture and playhouses and theaters and music,” she said. “I want there to be more and I want there to be pathways and incentives for there to be more independent entertainment establishments.”
Greco believes that uniting the industry across city and county lines will not only strengthen its success but inspire new entrepreneurs to broaden the choices and diversity of the hospitality landscape.
Competition among local dining and entertainment venues is fierce, but the challenges of developing a business are common. The Orlando Hospitality Alliance is working to harness the strength of the number of small businesses that serve their communities. And despite the name, its focus will include all Central Florida cities.
“This alliance has been in development for about six months now,” said founder and former city of Orlando Nighttime Economy Manager Dominique Greco. “Now that we’re fully live, we’re going to start targeting different entertainment districts throughout the Central Florida area and, of course, Park Avenue will be one of them.”
The nonprofit went live January 14 with the mission of ensuring the success of hospitality entrepreneurs – from food trucks to night clubs – by fostering a sense of unity. Members will receive access to training and education, professional services, and information on government regulations and operational guidelines. According to its website, the alliance will also work to reduce regulatory burdens, streamline permitting and licensing, and provide advocacy and representation for industry interests.
The board of advisors features representatives from local entertainment and management groups, restauranteurs, and also includes a member of the New York City Hospitality Alliance. “They’ve been a huge help because they’re very established,” said Greco of the New York alliance. “They’re 10-plus years into their nonprofit and their advocacy work, and because they’ve done such an excellent job over the last 10 years they’re not only influential in New York City but [also] on federal levels.”
Greco is currently spearheading the outreach and hoping to spread the message, not only to industry newcomers, but to veteran business owners and cultural venues.
“Entertainment is about arts and culture and playhouses and theaters and music,” she said. “I want there to be more and I want there to be pathways and incentives for there to be more independent entertainment establishments.”
Greco believes that uniting the industry across city and county lines will not only strengthen its success but inspire new entrepreneurs to broaden the choices and diversity of the hospitality landscape.
“It’s part of our cultural fabric,” she said. “Not only does it deserve to be attended to because it’s an impactful industry, but it’s very close to home and there’s a lot of love and affection that goes into it.”
