Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Finding Freedom as an Entrepreneur

During the month of July, I found myself taking some extra time to appreciate and reflect on freedom. The freedom we share as fellow Americans, and even exploring how entrepreneurship can contribute to the sustainability of this freedom in our own lives.


Every year, Guidant surveys small business owners to learn more about those chasing the American dream, the dream to own their own business.  The report has found that the top three motivations in 2023 for starting a business include “Ready to Be Your Own Boss, Dissatisfaction with Corporate America, and Wanted to Pursue Your Passion”. Furthermore, 75% OF American Business Owners have a positive outlook on their growth and ability to thrive despite economic downturns.


The harsh reality is, that while starting a business can originate as an exercise of freedom, this dream is met with staggered odds of survival. Only ~ 50% of small businesses will survive 5 years, and only ~ 30% will make it 10 years or longer. Perhaps then, the freedom is found in the opportunity to exercise entrepreneurship.


Whatever your reason, it is with much hope and relentless support in chasing dreams that I share some tips for finding freedom as an entrepreneur. Let’s start by remembering you already have freedom, it is not something you buy or acquire, it is something you realize.

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In the News

Lake County to get new UCF Business Incubator-Eustis


UCF Business Incubation Program Now Hiring for Site Manager in Eustis

Kismet Technologies Closes $5 Million Seed Raise


Tech Rage IT’s Matt Rose Spotlights the Power of Robotic Process Automation



Kismet Technologies Awarded National Science Foundation STTR Phase II Grant


Tech Rage IT’s CEO Inspires Students during UCF TRIO PRIME STEM Program


New UCF Eustis incubator reveals lease options, amenities for potential tenants, more


Central Florida Tech Grove Co-Founder talks Innovation and Tech


Amazon is investing $120M in Central Florida project — but it's not tied to e-commerce


RARE SPECIES: An AI company may be Central Florida’s next tech unicorn


FlowIntell welcomed as Rally Summer 23 Fellow


Tech Rage IT Named to 2023 Channel Futures NextGen 101 List


UCFBIP Hiring for Site Manager in Eustis



USEncryption Selected for MassChallenge’s 2023 Early-Stage Cohorts


Enroll in Leadership Orlando Class 105 by August 23, 2023


The Fire Awards: Here are Orlando Inno's 2023 winners


2023 Fire Awards Blazer winner: Capacitech Energy Inc. created a power cord that stores energy


See how Orlando augmented-reality firm Red 6 will use $70M in Series B funding


Orlando Tech Community to leave Orlando Economic Partnership for new nonprofit spinoff Innovate Orlando


Annual Grace Hopper Celebration conference to leave Orlando due to new Florida laws


Critical Frequency Design Achieves AS9100 Certification Milestone


See Orlando Tech Community's plans to make local startup ecosystem easier to navigate


LOOLA Expands the Team with Public Relations and Communications Intern


UCF Business Incubation Program Adds Leadership Training to Services


LOOLA Expands to West Coast with New Sales Arm


Crewlink Launches New Platform to Connect Pilots with Planes


Spot Appoints Donna Rayburn as CFO and Chad Maycumber as VP of Engineering


LOOLA Brings on New Project Coordinator


Eustis Enters Partnership with UCF for Business Incubator


UCF Business Incubation Program Congratulates its Fire Award Winners


Disinfectant startup Kismet Technologies debuts new manufacturing facility near Orlando airport


UCF Business Incubation Program Brings on New Executive


Capacitech Energy landed a $1-million grant from the National Science Foundation


Timeplast, working to eliminate traditional plastic products, raised more than $1 million through the crowdfunding platform StartEngine


UCFBIP is seeking mentors for its 2023 Spring/Summer Mentorship Cohort Program


Volusia County Business Incubator Launches WoW Fridays

Upcoming Events

August

03

How to Start Your Business

If you’re thinking of starting a business, it’s important to take the right steps. This three-hour in-person seminar will give you an overview of what to know, actions to take, and how to avoid common missteps to give your company its greatest chance of success.


August

02

Business Ethics 2023

On the first Wednesday of every month, we will explore how Stoicism can help in setting business goals and managing growth. This course is focused on The Intersection of Ethics & Social Responsibility. This series is designed for business CEOs, managers, and entrepreneurs in Central Florida. The goal is to focus on stoic leadership.


August

09

SBA Workshop: Small Business Programs

This presentation provides an understanding of the various certifications impacted by SBA; will discuss eligibility criteria and the application process. To aid your business to make effective connections with the government your business should obtain the proper certifications, if able to do so. SBA small business certifications document a special capability or status that will help your small business compete in the federal marketplace. Certifying your small business concern can help you successfully compete for government contracts.


August

09

One Million Cups

1MC takes place every Wednesday morning.

Sign up to talk about your business and share your accomplishments with the community!


August

10

Marketing Basics

A webinar providing an overview of the marketing process for small business, as well as a close look at all elements of a marketing plan. Marketing is the driver of revenue growth and an imperative for small business success. Topics include the traditional four “P’s” of marketing – Product, Place, Promotion, and Price – as well as three new “P’s” with special application to small businesses – Positioning, People, and Planning. Register at GoToWebinar.


August

11,18,25

3-Day Business Model Canvas Bootcamp

1) Create your business model canvas by understanding your customer profile

2) Design and develop a plan to create your prototype

3) Test your idea, ask for feedback and bring it all together

4) Evolve your business model, create alignment, and improve relentlessly


August

14-16

FLORIDA’S WOMEN IN ENERGY LEADERSHIP FORUM

Register for a three-day event that will include c-suite level keynote speakers and panelists discussing the industry’s commitment to infrastructure investment, employees, and customers. Working with you, we are committed to using Florida’s Women in Energy Leadership Forum to inform, inspire, and motivate.


August

29

Access to Capital

Securing a small business loan can be challenging. During this seminar, we’ll walk you through the steps of preparing a loan application package for a conventional and/or SBA business loan (including important information on what types of documents you will need, such as a business plan and forecasted cash flow). We will also discuss how loan underwriters evaluate and approach making decisions on loan requests, and you'll come away knowledgeable as to whether you're ready to apply for financing right now - and what steps you may need to take to help yourself get approved.


October

17-19

MetaCenter Global Week

Synapse Orlando and Immerse Global Summit are joining forces to showcase the best tech in the world beside the best innovators of Central Florida, all in one electrifying 3-day event: MetaCenter Global Week. This ground-breaking partnership will bring together global and regional leaders as we celebrate, discover, and engage with the bleeding edge of innovation in XR/AR/VR, AI, Gaming, Fintech, Space, Simulation, Metaverse & Blockchain, DefenseTech, HealthTech, Sustainability, Sports & Entertainment, Smart Cities and much more.


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Our award-winning program provides business development and operational support to early-stage technology and innovation-driven businesses throughout Central Florida. We offer three programs that are each designed to help businesses at different stages.


Click here to see if our Traction, Growth, or Soft Landing Program is a good fit for you!

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