This autumn, six Nicaraguan visitors spent time in Pensacola as part of a U.S. State Department International Visitor Leadership Program titled Building Small Business Development Centers. The goals of the project included “to introduce participants to the U.S. Small Business Development Center model…to examine the economic, political and social factors that influence and encourage the development of diverse small businesses…and to develop potential partnerships with U.S. service providers serving small businesses.”
Their first order of business was to meet Pensacola City Council Executive Don Kraher for an overview of the city’s history and the functions of its government. To further their welcome to Pensacola, the visitors had a site visit / cultural outing combo at Joe Patti’s Seafood Market where they observed a thriving small business in action and enjoyed beignets on its deck afterward.
The group then visited Co:Lab Pensacola and attended a community roundtable where they met Director of Marketing & Communications Sena Maddison. Co:Lab is a business incubator and growth accelerator working with entrepreneurs to reach the next level in their businesses. The facility provides services, including affordable office space in a downtown location, and a collaborative environment where entrepreneurs can interact and exchange ideas with each other.
Further discussion occurred at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of West Florida (UWF) with Marketing Coordinator Kevin Peterson. The Florida SBDC at UWF provides tools, training, and resources to help entrepreneurs in every stage of business and all industry sectors grow and succeed. Discussion focused on disaster-related recovery and preparedness programs and resources available for local businesses.
To examine community support for minority-owned small businesses, the visitors met with Brian Wyer executive director of the Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce, who shared the history and the mission of the organization. Afterward, the group discussed incentives provided to new and existing ventures by local government with Assistant County Administrator Matthew Coughlin.
At an appointment at the Gulf Breeze Chamber of Commerce, the conversation focused on small business support where Immediate Past President of the Board Karen Jurkowich and President/CEO Kristen Loera engaged the visitors in a fruitful conversation. The Nicaraguans shared the successes and challenges they face while Jurkowich and Loera provided insight into businesses strategies within the small Gulf Breeze community.
The examination of project themes continued with a community coffee discussion with Racine Frank, Kyle Gallagher, Bob Moulton, Edward (Ben) Posey, and Paul Stadden who provided their perspectives on the role of small businesses in the Pensacola community. Then, at Community Enterprise Investments (CEII), the visitors met Director of Lending Percy Goodman to hear how the organization facilitates the flow of capital, credit, and financial services to underserved populations in rural and urban communities. To show a successful example of this, the group next visited Oh Snap! Cupcakes, a local business which used CEII assistance during its startup period.
It takes the efforts of many in the community to make our projects successful. Along with those mentioned above, member Jean Norman spent two days with the group, assisting both the visitors and our office as a volunteer facilitator. Katie Ramsey of Serving the Hungry at First United Methodist Church also took time out of her packed day to meet the group and explain how she and her volunteers help alleviate hunger on a community level. The group’s experience volunteering with Ramsey’s team was a special component of their program. We also extend a thank you to Joanne of Chase-n-Fins for her flexibility & understanding with changes in group itineraries and the weather.
Building Small Business Development Centers brought a delightful group to Pensacola. Their six days us were packed with sharing, exploring, and mutual learning. Thank you, everyone, for the part you played!
