Starting a small business can be a daunting experience.
When I started my own business, I left a successful job at the world’s largest accounting firm. But as long as I can remember, I’d always wanted to own my own business. So when a colleague pitched the idea to me late one night, I pursued it.
It’s like John D. Rockefeller said, “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.”
While we were eventually successful, there were a lot of long hours, long weeks, stressful times and uncertain years.
Small businesses have a large impact on our economy. Studies estimate that there are between 25 million and 27 million small businesses in the U.S., accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all jobs.
As my administration and I work to improve economic conditions throughout Jacksonville, we are always examining and exploring opportunities to support these engines of our economy. We must create an environment where small businesses can thrive.
One way we can do that is to help entrepreneurs navigate the complex process of permitting, zoning, and building codes. That’s why we’re hosting twice a month Small Business Help Sessions where business owners meet one-on-one with experts from the City's Building Inspection, Community Planning and Fire Prevention divisions to receive guidance and information to help them operate their businesses safely and efficiently.
These businesses may be small, but their impacts are significant. As mayor, I am committed to making Jacksonville a place where small businesses can start, grow, and thrive.
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