On August 12, local entrepreneurs and small business owners will have the opportunity to sit down for free consultations at Port Charlotte, Florida. The event, which runs from 9:00 to 10:30 am, is a joint effort by the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Florida Gulf Coast University and the Charlotte County Economic Development Office. It will be held at 18501 Murdock Circle, Room #203, as reported by Charlotte County.
The consultation is designed to support entrepreneurs interested in starting or expanding their businesses, obtaining loans, or exploring government contracting and digital marketing opportunities. To provide targeted guidance, sessions will be conducted one-on-one, allowing for individualized advice. Specialists in areas such as capital access, marketing strategy, and government contracting will be available to meet with participants. While walk-ins are welcome, the Charlotte County Economic Development Office recommends scheduling an appointment to guarantee availability.
Among the featured consultants are Sue Craig, who brings her expertise in banking and capital access; Elizabeth Goldbach, a bilingual startup consultant and SBA loan advisor; Patti Guerzo, knowledgeable in marketing strategies with a focus on AI; and Frederick Ross, a seasoned expert in government contracting. According to the county's announcement, these professionals bring extensive knowledge of the local business landscape, providing valuable insights for attendees.
Kay Tracy, director of the Charlotte County Economic Development Office, has emphasized the importance of individual guidance in nurturing business growth, stating, "There’s no substitute for one-on-one guidance—especially when it comes from professionals who know the local business landscape," in a statement obtained by Charlotte County. Participation is free of charge, allowing attendees to engage with the experts at no cost. Tracy encourages local business owners to utilize the event as a resource to support their entrepreneurial activities.
