Winter Park Business Academy is continuing its mission of fostering citywide growth through entrepreneurial success with a schedule of informational events for new and growing businesses.
Presented through a partnership between the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency and the National Entrepreneur Center, the Academy began as a 6-month pilot program that offered seminars and mentoring sessions to all businesses based within the city limits. Free resources and individualized coaching have continued since the program was adopted in May as a permanent support service.
“Half-way through its second term, the Winter Park Business Academy is thriving with nearly 300 participants,” said National Entrepreneur Center President Belinda Ortiz Kirkegard. “Our collaboration between the City of Winter Park and its CRA is truly making a significant impact.”
The current event schedule includes a monthly workshop series hosted by Winter Park Library. The workshops are held in the Edyth Bush Theater and offer expert insight on a range of topics from funding to marketing. The next installment, Sources of Capital, is happening July 23 from 6-8 p.m. and will detail finance options for small businesses.
The remaining workshop schedule is as follows:
- August 20, 6-8 p.m.: Digital Marketing 101 will teach methods of leveraging digital channels to drive business growth.
- September 24, 6-8 p.m.: Brand Positioning Strategies, led by former news anchor James Holmes, will focus on storytelling and brand building.
The Academy also offers free business advice and networking at monthly roundtables held at Winter Park Community Center. A complete schedule of events and services is available on the Winter Park Business Academy web page.
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Orlando’s Fashion Square Mall, the National Entrepreneur Center is nationally recognized for its collaborative approach to small business development through a network of partnerships. Services are offered to all entrepreneurs, but Winter Park Business Academy is its first hyperlocal presence. “We look forward to keeping the momentum going and reaching even greater heights,” Kirkegard added.
To register for the July 23rd workshop and for information on future events and services, log onto bizlinkorange.com/winterpark.