Hillsborough County is working in conjunction with American Express to showcase small local businesses ahead of Small Business Saturday, which takes place on Saturday, Nov. 28.
Established by the county’s Economic Development Department in 2014, the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center (ECC) is hosting three virtual panel discussions on how to help local businesses survive and thrive.
The first discussion was held Nov. 6; the remaining two video panels will take place at 9 a.m. on Nov. 13 and 20. All virtual panels will be available live on Hillsborough County’s Facebook page.
“It’s extremely important in Hillsborough County that we support our small businesses,” said Lynn Kroesen, manager of the ECC. “The county serves as a neighborhood champion and has done so for six years. The movement is to support local businesses.”
While there is also Black Friday for shoppers, the county puts an emphasis on its own unique businesses to help them stay afloat, she said.
The 30-minute discussions each feature three local business leaders, followed by a brief question-and-answer period. Registration is free using Eventbrite.
The first seminar included Jim Webb’s The Webb Works Video Production, Tracy Schlabach and her Accusoft business, and Phillip Scott’s Delvmore Studios.
The second panel discussion will be on the topic of the food industry, with the third will focus on the retail industry.
The panels will also include information on why shopping and supporting local makes all the difference in Hillsborough County.
