PALM BAY EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH SBA
By Space Coast Daily // October 4, 2012
Two-Year Agreement
BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – To help spur job growth in Brevard County’s largest city, Palm Bay has renewed a partnership with the United States Small Business Administration to start, maintain and expand small businesses.
Palm Bay spokeswoman Yvonne Martinex said the Strategic Alliance Memorandum which began in 2010, was renewed for a period of two more years in a special signing ceremony that took place last week during the city’s Enterprise Zone Development Agency Board Meeting.
The agreement continues a unique partnership between Palm Bay and the SBA to share information and resources focused on promoting job growth in the small business arena.
“Small businesses are the heartbeat of every community,” said Palm Bay mayor John Mazziotti. “We are focused on not only helping our existing small business owners but in facilitating the creation of new businesses that will enhance our economic condition.”
SBA Deputy District Director Jonel F. Hein agreed.
“I am very excited about continuing this partnership with the city of Palm Bay,” he said. “Our staff looks forward to working closely with community leaders and businesses to strengthen and grow the local economy through the many programs and services SBA has to offer.”
Small businesses create most of the nation’s new jobs, employ about half of the nation’s private sector work force, and provide half of the nation’s nonfarm, domestic product. Innovation and entrepreneurship generated by small businesses are crucial to the nation’s economic revival and competitiveness in a global marketplace.
“We believe the resources of the SBA working in conjunction with the city of Palm Bay can be a very powerful and positive combination.” Palm Bay mayor John Mazziotti
“We believe the resources of the SBA working in conjunction with the city of Palm Bay can be a very powerful and positive combination,” Mazziotti said.
Palm Bay has about 1,100 small businesses with 50 or less employees, according to Martinez. These small businesses play a critical role in Palm Bay’s economic stability and growth.
The partnership with SBA will help Palm Bay support its small businesses with additional resources such as professional advisors, educational programs and financial assistance.
Palm Bay has recently welcomed Cail Veterinary Services on Bayside Lakes Boulevard and Dana’s Cupcakes & More on Palm Bay Road.
Potential new businesses as well as those already in Palm Bay looking to expand, can get connected to the SBA resources by contacting the city’s Business Development Administrator at 321-952-3426 or bys ending an email to grow@palmbayflorida.org.
