Orlando Works

In these turbulent economic times, the City of Orlando has developed a community-wide strategy to help create and maintain jobs and keep businesses afloat.

• Host a series of Mayor’s Economic Action Forums in partnership with the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) and various industries and sectors of the community to discuss issues affecting local businesses and possible opportunities. The EDC works with more than 300 businesses such as banks, real estate, tourism and bio-medical companies both small and large throughout the community.
   
• Host a Mayor’s Small Business and Retail Summit in partnership with the Disney Entrepreneur Center (DEC) to educate local businesses on innovative techniques, tips and tools to increase business and manage operations efficiently. DEC houses several organizations that offer training, business counseling, small business loan information, mentoring and other important tools such as one-on-one technical aid, support on building business plans and marketing assistance.
   
• Conduct a comprehensive Downtown Retail and Entertainment Study, at the request of the business community, to enhance conditions for existing retail, dining and entertainment establishments while attracting new ones.
   
• Work with Downtown developers, property owners and businesses to develop a comprehensive Downtown Orlando marketing campaign that seeks to generate additional retailers, restaurants, corporate and local businesses to our Downtown, the economic engine that can lift us out of this crisis.
   
• Expand the Mayor’s Business Assistance Team (MBAT) to ensure that local businesses have every opportunity to succeed. MBAT connects businesses and entrepreneurs with City resources and our partner economic development organizations to address challenges businesses are facing and implement solutions.
   
• Launch a pilot program within the Orlando Business Development Center and Virtual Incubator - District 2 that takes services out of the center directly to targeted businesses along the Semoran Boulevard corridor between Curry Ford Road and the 408 Expressway. The program will provide business coaching/mentoring, education and networking events, finance and accounting, technology and legal assistance, office operations, public relations and marketing, sales assistance and University of Central Florida resources.
   
• Encourage and assist the private sector to embrace the concept of the BLUEPRINT goals and implement aspects of the plan to extend job opportunity to Minority and Women Enterprises (M/WBE). The City will continue to require M/WBE participation for projects we incentivize.
   
• Promote the Downtown Parking Discount Validation Program that allows Downtown businesses to offer their patrons free validated parking. Businesses receive a 20 percent discount on validation stickers when they purchase stickers in advance through this program.
   
• Expand the Green Works Orlando Business Program to provide organizations with the tools and resources needed to shift policies, operations and materials in ways that save money, generate jobs and protect the environment. Last year, 60 businesses were involved in the City’s pilot program and this year the City aims to involve 90 new businesses.
   
• Recruit businesses to participate in the Main Street Program that provides training, technical assistance and staff support to businesses in these districts. Achieving successful urban commercial districts, strengthens existing businesses, preserves and creates jobs and stimulates economic activity.
   
• Launch a Youth Job Awareness Campaign to inform students about expanded job opportunities with the City’s Families, Parks and Recreation Department during the summer months.