by Natasha Khairullah
Staff Writer
How cool is Jacksonville?That was the main question that resonated for people who attended 15th Annual Small Business Week Celebration Tuesday.
The event was held at the University of North Florida’s University Center as part of Small Business Development Center’s week long celebration of small business success.
Roughly 400 business professionals, city employees, HR professionals and students attended to hear the event’s keynote speaker Rebecca Ryan discuss how Jacksonville can become a “Next Generation City” – one that can maintain appeal and retain talented young professionals (24-35 years old).
“In order to do that, we’ve got to understand what they want, what they need,” said Ryan, adding that one of her consultation firm’s most recent findings indicated that for many young professionals, where they live is just as important – if not more – than what they do.
Ryan is an author and the founder of Next Generation Consulting (NGC), a market-research firm based in Madison, Wisc. that takes a hands on approach to learning about Gen-Xer’s that includes holding focus groups and observing individuals to keep track of the growing, most pressing issues.
In her presentation, Ryan urged attendees to examine the city’s hand print in seven areas, including “Social Capital” – an index of diversity and participation, “After Hours” – a look at entertainment options and “Around Town” – mass transit and event accessibility.
Joe Whitaker, Target Industries Coordinator for the Jacksonville Economic Development Council, attended the event and said, while Jacksonville might not be totally “there” yet, the city is moving in the right direction.
“I found it to be very fascinating. When you look at the seven points, we’re in range,” he said, adding that in terms of earning capacity, Jacksonville has the second-highest average wage in the state.
“We also have a younger population than the state, our transportation networking allows you to get around town and downtown easily using the skyway and JTA. We also have a lot of colleges and opportunities for learning.
Whitaker said the city’s low cost of living compared to the national average, as well as a steadily-growing after hours base contributes to Jacksonville’s “cool factor.”
“I’m excited. I’m of the generation that’s being phased out so I hope they (the next generation) are equipped to do well.”
About the SBCD
Although this is the 15th year the SBDC is celebrating Small Business week, the center has been assisting hundreds of thousands of potential and existing business owners for over 30 years, according to SBDC Regional Director Janice Donaldson, by providing the management advice, training and information they need to start, grow and profit – at little or no cost.
Started as a pilot program of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the SBDC at UNF was established in 1976 along with eight other states. It has since grown to assist businesses in 18 counties around the state – the local center originally covered Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties and had two employees.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, more than 90 percent of all businesses in the U.S. are small and employ more than 60 percent of all workers and creating 80 percent of all new jobs in the country.
SBA North Florida District Office
Small Business Week WINNERS 2007:
Financial Services Champion of the Year:
Pamela V. Korn, senior vice president
American Enterprise bank of Florida
Women in Business Champion of the Year:
Candace Moody, vice president
WorkSource
Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year:
Zelda Fraden-Greenberg, president
Fraden’s Produce, Inc.
SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Alex Juarez, president
ISLA Smoothies, Inc. DBA Tropical Smoothie Café