Why Orlando?
Beyond the warm sunshine and the thrill of amusement parks, there are plenty of reasons entrepreneurs outside of just Mickey Mouse choose to set up shop in the friendly confines of Orlando, Florida. A recent study by the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics showed that over the course of the past decade the state of Florida gained 38,300 private sector jobs. This figure is even more impressive considering the widespread unemployment and job loss that has plagued much of the nation as a result of the economic downturn experienced over the past few years. From May 2000 to may 2010, the state underwent a .63% gain in private sector jobs. By comparison, 33 of the 50 states now have fewer private sector jobs than they did just 10 years ago. Such sustainable long term development shows that the state of Florida, and the city of Orlando, is still the happy home of many business owners despite economic struggles, and should continue to be an attractive destination for aspiring entrepreneurs for years to come.
Orlando sets itself apart from other cities in the Sunshine State through the Mayor’s Business Assistance Team. This organization was specifically established in order to make the city an appealing and easily accessible location for new business development. The BAT provides entrepreneurs new to the area with policies and procedures specific to Orlando, minimizing potential delays and easing the process, allowing start -up companies to open their doors with as little difficulty as possible. The group also helps to keep developing businesses on track and meeting deadlines, both personal and contractual, by serving as an informational liaison. From fire codes to zoning regulations, there is a lot of city-specific information any entrepreneur must take note of, no matter where he or she decides to open for business. The Mayor’s Business Assistance Team is just another reason why a lot of new business developers continue to call Orlando home.