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Expert training and up to $5,000 available for small businesses
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STUART — When business is tough, tough small business owners get better.
Now, a trusted initiative — the result of a partnership among the Business Development Board of Martin County (BDBMC), Indian River State College (IRSC) and the Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) — is returning in time to help them do just that.
“Entrepreneurs and small-businessowners naturally have great ideas, optimistic outlooks and strong work ethics,” says Joan K. Goodrich, BDBMC executive director. “The Business Accelerator Program really augments those attributes through expert insights, training and techniques proven to benefit their business—and it all culminates with the chance to contend for up to $5,000 in grant funding.”
Dedicated to providing counseling, technical assistance and training for small-business owners, the Martin County Business Accelerator Program (BAP) is now accepting applications from eligible local businesses (criteria and schedule below). Starting September 21, this two-phase, 10-week classroom curriculum led by the IRSC and FSBDC teams — after which participants could earn a grant up to $5,000 to invest in equipment, inventory, or any needed hard asset — helps business owners enhance their skills in:
• Business finance
• Marketing
• Sales and customer service
• Management and supervision
• Talent recruitment and retention
"We created the BAP program in 2015 because we wanted to help educate entrepreneurs on basic skills needed to run their business” said Beth Gaskin, provost for the IRSC Chastain Campus. “This program, and our partnership with the BDBMC, further articulates IRSC’s commitment to economic development in Martin County.”
How to apply
BAP is open only to Martin County businesses holding a current Martin County business tax receipt. (Nonprofit organizations are not eligible.) Applicants must complete the online Accelerator application at https://bdbmc.org/about/programs/. They will be notified of acceptance via email.
Phases of program
Phase I of BAP is the classroom curriculum administered by IRSC and FSBDC. Phase II consists of a small-business grant opportunity. Upon completion of the coursework, BAP participants get to pitch the BAP committee as to how they would use the grant. Once the BAP committee selects an awardee, the grant is administered by the BDBMC. All program graduates are also enrolled for 1:1 business counseling with the FSBDC.
Cost
The program costs only $25 for a one-time processing fee. All other costs are provided free-of-charge through the program.
Fall 2020 BAP schedule
• Sept. 21: Introduction to Internet Marketing and Customer Engagement through Social Media
• Sept. 28: Exceptional Customer Service
• Oct. 5: Sales & Marketing for Your Business
• Oct. 12: Legal Issues in the Workplace
• Oct. 19: Small Business Finance
• Oct. 26: Time Management
• Nov. 2: Business Canvas, Plan and Pitch
• Nov. 9: Dealing with Difficult People
• Nov. 16: Social Media in Today’s Changing Environment
• Nov. 23: Public Speaking and Pitch Rehearsal
• Nov. 30: Pitch/Presentations
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— SPONSORED CONTENT —
St. Lucie Jewelry & Coins a Treasure Coast fixture
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St. Lucie Jewelry & Coins recently opened up its third location. The new store is at 1335 St. Lucie West Blvd. next to Publix.
The company opened in 1994, first concentrating on estate jewelry. At that time there was no store that existed in St Lucie or Martin counties buying and selling estate jewelry.
"We rapidly grew and quadrupled outside within two years,’’ says owner Hawk Levy, an estate specialist since 1980. "We expanded to include coins and collectibles. As we expanded we embraced a full coin and bullion trading business, including rare coins, paper money, stamps, and gold and silver bullion trading. In 2017 we expanded to include our international online auction platform, Confiscated Assets Auctioneers, facilitating about 10 online-only auctions per year specializing in fine jewelry rare coins bullion and select high grade watches.’’
In 2015, St. Lucie Jewelry & Coins opened up a pawn location in Jensen beach, and this May opened the new location in St Lucie West. St. Lucie Jewelry & Coins has served more than 15,000 customers since opening in 1994.
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St. Lucie Jewelry & Coins locations:
• 9168 S. U.S. 1, in the East Port Plaza, Port St. Lucie. 772.337.4700.
• 1335 St. Lucie West Blvd. next to Publix, Port St. Lucie. 772.336.2050.
St Lucie Jewelry & Pawn location: 1100 NE Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach. 772.232.6377.
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— SPONSORED CONTENT —
All Florida Security Services acquires Ameriwatch Security
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All Florida Security Services in Port St. Lucie has announced that it has officially acquired Ameriwatch Security LLC this past August 2020. As a result, they are the new security company that is providing 24-hour security for the beautiful Meadowood Golf and Tennis Club in Fort Pierce, amongst others. They have already stepped in and made several contacts and upgrades to the sites, which they know the residents, visitors and contractors will be sure to notice in the upcoming weeks ahead.
First and foremost, they would like you to celebrate with them the promotions to Capt. Greg Gifford, the Meadowood site supervisor, Sgt. Lawanda Broom-King, the day shift supervisor, and Sgt. Tim Brown the evening supervisor. They have definitely earned it with the many years of service they each have taking care of the Meadowood residents and their passion and commitment to this community, which they consider family.
All Florida is serious about your safety and security, but even more so they are serious about all of their officers being recognized for the great job they are doing keeping their properties and patrons safe. Please assist them in communicating with the officers and to management the good job they are doing. These words of recognition will be conveyed to the officers at their monthly staff meetings and they will be selecting one officer per month to be the Employee of the Month. You may call or text 772-595-5335 or email us at TinaStein@SecurityInFlorida.com to send recommendations or accommodations.
All Florida Security Services is a family-owned local company that has been serving Florida’s east coast communities for over 22 years; providing armed and unarmed security officers for hire for businesses, events, sites and HOA’s. They also provide a security officer training center and Duty Gear Store, FFL Dealer selling firearms, ammo and accessories. Firearms training, concealed and beginner classes, American Red Cross classes, private investigations, comprehensive background searches, bail bonds and more. They look forward to earning your business and trust. For more information please visit www.SecurityInFlorida.com, call 772.595.5335 or email TinaStein@SecurityInFlorida.com.
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2020 Florida Companies to Watch finalist Pharus Group competing to earn prestigious honor
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 Port St. Lucie – Pharus Group was among the first round of the 2020 Florida Companies to Watch finalists recently announced by GrowFL. The awards event — now in its tenth year — honors impressive second-stage companies from throughout the state for developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities and broadening new industries throughout Florida. The 2020 GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch awards celebration is brought to you by Nperspective CFO & Strategic Services in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation. Together the 2020 GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Finalists represent nearly 3,000 jobs and generate $670 million in revenue. These companies, all of which are “worth watching,” anticipate a growth of 13 percent in revenue and 23 percent in employment by the end of 2020.
“We are proud to be included on this prestigious list of Florida Companies to Watch and enthused to keep offering customers services that they find valuable,” states Chris Morhardt, President of Pharus Group. The finalists were selected from more than 400 nominations and are now in the running to be named a 2020 GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Honoree. If selected as an honoree, these exemplary second-stage companies will join the 450 honorees that have been recognized since 2011.
“We applaud these first-round finalists who have proved themselves to be stand out companies in the state. They have and continue to demonstrate the resiliency and tenacity that comes along with being an entrepreneur. We know this year hasn’t been easy, so we’re excited to recognize our states admirable business owners and their teams. I have a feeling they’re just getting started,” says Dr. Tom O’Neal, GrowFL Founder.
The Finalists represent a unique group of scalable, high-growth enterprises that are already located within Florida. These high growth enterprises are an important segment of our economy and their numbers have been steadily increasing. According to the Kauffman Foundation, “entrepreneurship is not a monolithic phenomenon, and it includes many moving parts. Creating new businesses is a different economic activity from running small businesses, which in turn is different from growing businesses.” GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch recognizes the different approach needed to successfully grow and scale a business and celebrates those that are working to achieve this goal.
Companies to Watch was developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation as a unique way to recognize and honor second-stage companies that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace with innovative strategies and processes. In addition to evaluating past growth and projected success, applicant companies are judged according to their special strengths and impact in their markets, communities and within the state – thus deeming them “worth watching.”
The 2020 honorees will be recognized on Nov. 12, 2020 at 6 p.m. during a live broadcast from Orlando, Florida. For more information visit https://www.growfl.com/flctw20/about-flctw/.
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Youth Guidance builds garden with community partners
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VERO BEACH — Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy and Keep Indian River Beautiful (KIRB) recently built a community garden at the Youth Guidance facility. This project was made possible through a collaboration of community partners. KIRB, Lowe’s and Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach donated supplies. Volunteers from KIRB, Sunrise Rotary and the Junior League of Indian River assembled garden beds, laid down soil and put down pavers, in preparation for planting in the fall. Youth Guidance students spent the day helping and learning.
“This project helped Youth Guidance start a gardening and agriculture program, where kids learn to grow healthy fruits and vegetables,” said Daisy Packer Morris, Executive Director of KIRB. “We are thrilled to partner with Youth Guidance and help prepare children for a future of sustainability thanks to the Keep America Beautiful/Lowe’s Community Improvement Grant.”
The community garden will give students the opportunity to experience nature firsthand and learn the importance of incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into their diets. Youth Guidance plans to use produce from the garden in its cooking lessons, and older students will have the chance to sell their crops at local farmer’s markets.
“The kids couldn’t wait to get their hands dirty!” said Youth Guidance Executive Director Phil Barnes. “Gardening has so many benefits for kids and adults alike, and this presents a fantastic opportunity to teach our students new skills.”
In addition to gardening and agriculture, Youth Guidance is implementing several programs this year to teach students life skills and career skills, including cooking, bike mechanics, money management, cosmetology, home economics and boat repair.
To learn more about Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy, become a mentor, or make a donation, please call 772-492-3933 or visit www.youthguidanceprogram.org.
About Keep Indian River Beautiful
Keep Indian River Beautiful is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and local affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. Formally organized in 1998, Keep Indian River Beautiful is dedicated to improving our community and environment through education and hands-on volunteer opportunities. Our mission is to unite our community through environmental responsibility. Visit us at www.KeepIndianRIverBeautiful.org. Ask us about volunteering or for more information on opportunities such as Adopt-A-Highway, the upcoming International Coastal Cleanup or upcoming beautification and tree planting projects.
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Remember Treasure Coast nonprofits
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If you are in a position, consider a gift to a Treasure Coast nonprofit affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Find the needs of many area nonprofits and how to give at treasurecoastnonprofits.com
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As a service to readers and restaurants on the Treasure Coast, Indian River Magazine Inc. has created a website directory of restaurants, bars, breweries and wineries in St. Lucie, Indian River and Martin counties. The site includes hours of operation, if carryout/delivery is available, as well as popular dishes. See the site at treasurecoastrestaurants.com
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Does your business have news of a reopening or change in operations due to COVID-19 that you would like us to share with readers of this newsletter?
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Promote your business where it matters
NEXT ISSUE PUBLISHES IN OCTOBER
 If you would like a copy of Treasure Coast Business, click here. To advertise click here or contact your advertising representative. To report news about your business click here. |
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Let us help you promote your business in Indian River, the largest and most widely distributed magazine on the Treasure Coast, and on our Web sites, indianrivermagazine.com and tcbusiness.com, and through this weekly e-newsletter and our widely followed social media pages. Become an Indian River partner today.
• In Vero Beach and Port St. Lucie contact Lisa Crawford at lisa@indianrivermag.com or 516.721.0848.
• In Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach and Hobe Sound contact Marsha Lange at marsha@indianrivermag.com
or 772.237.1717.
• In Fort Pierce contact Sunny Gates at sunny@indianrivermag.com or 772.204.5043.
• Outside the Treasure Coast, contact Publisher Gregory Enns at enns@indianrivermag.com or 772.940.9005.
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