Mayor Donna Deegan was the featured speaker at the JAXUSA Partnership Luncheon and shared her vision for Jacksonville's economic development.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — With the goal of becoming a powerhouse for economic growth in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan will be the featured speaker at the JAXUSA Partnership Luncheon, discussing the city's economic development. shared the vision.
Millions of dollars have been invested in the region, creating jobs with companies focused on distribution and advanced manufacturing.
“Jacksonville is fortunate to have a very diverse economy, which allows us to see strong growth in most areas,” said Daniel Davis, CEO of Jack's Chamber. “We are excited about all industries and the pipeline for Jacksonville’s future is very strong.”
The mayor's conversation with the city's business leaders also focused on the “little guy.”
“We have a great entrepreneurial spirit, with small businesses making up 80 per cent of our economy,” Mr Deegan said.
Far away from the presentation, a small business owner was hard at work.
“If you don't have that effort, if you don't have that passion, if you don't have that consistency and dedication to what you're doing, you're never going to blossom,” said Noel Roslik, owner of Luxury Fade on Atlantic Boulevard. he said.
Roserick said the biggest hurdle small businesses face is initial capital.
“It's the startup. The startup is the most important thing and the most difficult thing,” Roslick said.
Roserick bought Deegan's business before Deegan pushed to make Jacksonville the small business hub of the Southeast, but he did it in an unconventional way.
“I didn't take out any business loans. I actually bought this barbershop with Bitcoin. I was investing in Bitcoin,” Roslik said.
While there are many programs available for small businesses, Roslick said a business's success after the initial launch is all about marketing.
“Word of mouth is very important and promotion is the most important thing when you are starting out as a business owner,” Roslick said.
Many of the City's resources for entrepreneurs to start, expand, or enter business with the City can be found at the following website: https://www.jacksonville.gov/categories/business.aspx #starting_a_business
But for Roseleak and his barbers, staying in business is all about providing luxurious fades.
Click here to learn more about JAXUSA.
