Small businesses get a shoutout


  • June 8, 2016
  • /   Shannon Nickinson
  • /   training-development

The iconic beach ball water tower at Pensacola Beach is included in a video celebrating small businesses by the Florida Small Business Development Network.

The Florida Small Business Development Council is marking 40 years of supporting small businesses in the state.

In a video posted to FloridaTrend.com, statewide business leaders note that since 2011, the private sector in the state has created more than 1 million jobs — and most of those are at businesses with fewer than 20 employees.

Mike Myhre of the Small Business Development Network.

Mike Myhre of the Small Business Development Network.

Mike Myhre leads off the video highlight. He is CEO and network state director of the Florida SBDC. He is based at the University of West Florida in Pensacola.

It's worth noting the role that small businesses play in the Pensacola metro area's economy, as well.

Data from the Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development indicates there are 9,050 businesses in the two-county area. Of those 7,858 firms — 87 percent — have fewer than 20 employees.

Clearly when it comes to the big dogs in the Pensacola area's economy, small business is where much of the action is.

The Studer Community Institute aims to help small businesses develop, mature and thrive through a series of training workshops. The next — Harnessing the Power of Exceptional Customer Service — is June 23 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the Pensacola Little Theater in downtown Pensacola.

There is still time to register for that session — which costs $59 — and features guest speaker Donna Kirby, vice president of operational development for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, which has been recognized in minor league baseball for its outstanding customer service. Kirby's resume also includes work for Warner Bros, NBC/Universal and The Walt Disney Company.

Get the details and register here.

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