The LOAKL ENTREPRENEUR

January 2025

Downtown Business Partners Meeting

Kickstart Your Business Success in 2025: Strategies You Can’t Miss!


Join us for the Downtown Business Partners Meeting on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, featuring an engaging session on creating compelling content and marketing your business effectively.


Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025
  • Time: 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
  • Location: Maggie’s Favorite
  • 830 E. Oakland Park Blvd, Suite 101, Oakland Park, FL 33334

Featured Topic


Content is King! Creating Your Story and Marketing Your Business


Guest Speaker:


Wendy Lieber, co-founder of ContentBacon, will share her expertise on crafting a powerful narrative and leveraging content to elevate your brand.

Special Presentation


The meeting will also feature a representative from Broward County, who will discuss the Carbon Conscious Program, an initiative designed to help businesses become more sustainable while reducing operational costs.



Learn how your business can lower its carbon footprint, access sustainable resources, and join a community of environmentally conscious organizations.


The meeting will be hosted at Maggie’s Favorite, located at 830 E. Oakland Park Blvd, Suite 101, Oakland Park. Learn more about this wonderful business at www.maggiesfavorite.com.


Don’t miss this opportunity to network with fellow business owners, gain valuable marketing insights, and explore ways to make your business more sustainable.

OPAW!

Calling All Artists, Crafters, and Vendors


The Oakland Park Art Walk is back for 2025, bringing creativity, culture, and connection to the heart of Downtown Oakland Park. This quarterly event has become a cornerstone for showcasing local talent, inviting artists, crafters, and businesses to share their unique offerings with the community.


OPAW isn’t just an event; it’s a celebration of the vibrant and diverse arts scene that defines Oakland Park. Whether you’re an established artist or a budding entrepreneur, OPAW offers the perfect platform to connect with a dynamic audience, build relationships, and be part of an ever-growing creative movement.


Mark your calendar for the 2025 dates:


  • February 15
  • May 17
  • August 16
  • November 15


Join us in making OPAW a destination for creativity and inspiration. To learn more or register as a participant, email: opcra@oaklandparkfl.gov.



Let’s continue to grow and strengthen Oakland Park’s artistic legacy—one event at a time.

Citywide Yard Sale

The Citywide Yard Sale Returns This January!


Discover new treasures and connect with the community at the Citywide Yard Sale! This event brings together dozens of sellers in one convenient location, offering a wide variety of items for you to explore.


The City of Oakland Park is partnering with Oakland Park Kiwanis to host this fantastic event:


Event Details:

Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025

Time: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Location: Jaco Pastorius Park, 4000 North Dixie Highway


For more information or to reserve a vendor space, call 954-630-4500 or click here for details.

Grand Openings and Anniversaries

You’re Invited:

Maggie’s Favorite 2nd Anniversary Celebration!

Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating Maggie’s Favorite's 2nd anniversary!


Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025

Time: Starting at 10:00 AM

Location: Maggie’s Favorite, 830 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park, FL 33334


Enjoy live music, special drink offers, and a fun-filled day celebrating a vibrant local business. Let’s come together to show our support and toast to their continued success!


We hope to see you there!




You’re Invited:

Joyeuse's Caribbean Creole Cuisine & Bar

Grand Opening!

Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating the grand opening of Joyeuse's Caribbean Creole Cuisine & Bar!


Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025

Time: Starting at 10:00 AM

Location: Joyeuse's Caribbean Creole Cuisine & Bar, 2901 West Oakland Park Blvd, A20/21, Oakland Park, FL 33311


Experience the vibrant flavors of Haiti at this exciting new restaurant! Enjoy authentic Haitian cuisine, live music, cultural performances, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Be among the first to explore this unique dining experience and celebrate the spirit of community and culture.


We hope to see you there!

Broward County Carbon Conscious Program

Are you looking to make your business more sustainable while reducing operational costs? The Broward County Carbon Conscious Program is here to help. This initiative provides resources, tools, and incentives to assist businesses in lowering their carbon footprint and contributing to a greener future.


By participating, businesses can:

  • Reduce energy usage and operational costs.
  • Access guidance on sustainable practices.
  • Join a growing community of environmentally conscious organizations in Broward County.
  • 

Take the first step toward sustainability and learn more about the program at Broward County Carbon Conscious Program.

City Business Resources

Live Loakl Facebook Page


The Live Loakl - Oakland Park Facebook group connects residents with local businesses, sharing the latest deals, offers, and events. Both residents and businesses are encouraged to share experiences, promote deals, and post upcoming events. Use hashtags #FindItInOP and #LiveLikeALoakl to tag businesses and show your support.

Join the Group!

One-on-One Business Support Sessions


Our Economic Development Team offers personalized sessions to help you start or grow your business in Oakland Park. Get guidance on permits, licensing, funding opportunities, and more.

Book a Session.

Oakland Park CRA Business Incentive Program (BIP)


Unlock your business potential with the Oakland Park CRA's Business Incentive Program. This program offers grants to attract, expand, and retain businesses within the CRA, fostering private investment and revitalizing commercial properties. Eligible businesses can receive funding on a reimbursement basis for qualified capital expenses, promoting sustainable growth and development. Explore incentives.

Qualified Census Tract (QCT) Business Incentive Program


Empower your business growth with the City of Oakland Park's Qualified Census Tract (QCT) Business Incentive Program, commonly known as the West-Side Business Incentive. This expanded program offers grants to encourage business attraction, expansion, and retention within Oakland Park's designated QCT area and nearby regions outside CRA boundaries.


Explore incentives and elevate your business potential.

Step-by-Step Business Assistance


Starting or expanding a business can be complex, but our CRA and Economic Development team is here to help. In collaboration with the Building Department and Planning and Zoning Department, we've created a comprehensive brochure outlining the essential steps to open a business in Oakland Park. Learn More.

Building & Permitting FAQs


Visit our FAQ page to access essential information and resources to help streamline your project.

View FAQs.

Empower your Business

Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub

Unlock the potential of your startup with Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub. This program offers free access to tools like Microsoft 365, GitHub Enterprise, and up to $150,000 in Azure credits. With expert guidance and AI-powered resources, it’s designed to help startups scale and innovate.

Learn more about this opportunity at Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub.

Small Business Funding Marketplace

Empower your business with Verizon's Small Business Funding Marketplace, powered by Next Street. This tool connects small businesses to responsible loan options and grant opportunities in one streamlined platform. Compare terms across funding options, filter by eligibility, and find the financing that best suits your needs.

Access the marketplace at Small Business Funding Marketplace.

The Venture Mentoring Team

Running a business can be challenging, but the Venture Mentoring Team (VMT) is here to help. VMT connects entrepreneurs with experienced mentors who provide personalized guidance, strategic insights, and a network of support to help their businesses thrive.

Learn more at thevmt.org.

Small Business Success Studio

Running a business comes with its challenges, but the Small Business Success Studio is here to help. This free program from Amazon provides small business owners with practical solutions, expert insights, and tools to grow and manage their businesses effectively.

Learn more at Amazon Business

Grant Opportunities

Amazon App Store Small Business Accelerator

The Small Business Accelerator Program allows developers that earn less than 1 million USD in total annual revenue in the previous calendar year to access additional benefits up to or equivalent to 20% of Appstore revenue. If eligible, you’ll receive a 10% increased royalty payment and AWS credits equivalent to 10% of your app revenue.

Learn More


Canva Pro for Nonprofits

Free access to premium Canva features for registered nonprofits.

Learn More


Emergent Ventures Grant/Fellowship Application

Grants and fellowships for entrepreneurs with scalable ideas for societal improvement.

Learn More


F6S List of Accelerators and Pitch Competitions

A comprehensive directory of global accelerators, contests, and pitch competitions.

Explore List


Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub

Access to AI services, guidance, and up to $150,000 in Azure credits for startups.

Learn More


Pollination Project

Grants for global nonprofits with budgets under $50,000, and funding projects under $40,000.

Learn More


Roddenberry Catalyst Fund

Offers grants of up to $15,000 for high-impact ideas from individuals, teams, or organizations.

Learn More

Savvy Fellowship

A 12-week virtual program for young professionals (40 or younger) seeking to become impact entrepreneurs.

Learn More


Amazon Black Business Accelerator

Support for Black entrepreneurs, including financial assistance and marketing resources.

Learn More


BryteBridge Cares Microgrant

$1,000 grants for nonprofit program development or operational needs.

Learn More


HerRise Micro-Grant

Awards $1,000 monthly to women-owned businesses.

Learn More


Idea Cafe Small Business Grant

$1,000 grants for women entrepreneurs.

Learn More


Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program

Grants $5,000 to women entrepreneurs, along with mentorship opportunities.

Learn More


Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)

Workshops, training, and mentorship for veteran-owned businesses.

Learn More


Sky’s the Limit

Up to $2,500 in startup grants are awarded monthly to entrepreneurs, with additional funding opportunities for members.

Learn More

Business Development Partners

Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development

115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room A680, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

954.357.6400

www.broward.org/EconDev


Florida Women’s Business Center

330 N. Federal Highway, Hollywood, FL 33027

954.923.4000

www.flwbc.org


Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance

110 E. Broward Boulevard, Suite 1990, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

954.524.3113

www.gflalliance.org


Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce

512 NE 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

954.462.6000

www.ftlchamber.com


Prospera South Florida – Advancing Hispanic Business

2315 NW 107th Avenue, Office #1M17, Miami, FL 33172

786.329.5830

www.prosperausa.org/south-florida


Oakland Park Business Association

Contact: Desiree Avila, President

954.993.4246

Contact Us


Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Broward Chapter

Contact: Rozeta Mahboubi, FRLA Broward Chapter Director

111 E. Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

(954) 270-5814

rmahboubi@frla.org


Broward College Entrepreneurship Experience (BCEx)

111 E. Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

954.201.7402

www.broward.edu/bcex


Connect With US

Stay connected with the latest news, events, and updates from the City of Oakland Park's CRA and Economic Development team. Follow us on social media, join our community groups, or reach out directly to get involved and stay informed.





For more information or to schedule a meeting, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

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