2008 Central Florida Small Business Summit
a Huge Successs!

From the moment it began till the doors closed nearly ten hours later, small business and entrepreneurship was alive and well in Central Florida. The attentiveness during the general sessions was complemented by the lively conversations during scheduled breaks. All of the participants came away with helpful tips and innovative ideas for growing their businesses and improving their sales and marketing techniques. For those with particular challenges, the one-on-one counseling sessions with SCORE – Counselors to America’s Small Businesses – provided the answers.

Understanding that entrepreneurs and small business owners can never be too far from their offices, the WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA Cyber Café provided complimentary wireless Internet access at multiple laptop stations so that attendees could “take care of business” remotely while still benefiting from participation in the Summit.

Nearly a dozen businesswomen were able to attend the Small Business Summit as a result of the generosity of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), a Summit Community Partner, which provided scholarships. Instrumental in making these scholarships possible were: Diane Sears, President, DiVerse Media LLC and President 2004-05 National Association of Women Business Owners, Orlando Chapter, and Therese Smyntek, Owner Co-Chair, The Beacon Awards: Celebrating Diversity in Greater Orlando's Workforce and Past President Orlando Chapter: National Association of Women Business.

Some participants also left the closing Reception with some outstanding door prizes provided by Summit Sponsors. Thanks to our Donors and Congratulations to our winners!

• One year of Intelligent Assistant Package, provided by The Intelligent Office - value of $3,491
• 42" Samsung Flat Screen Plasma TV with stand, provided by Banco Popular - value of $2,399
• Baker Hostetler Washington D.C. Fly In Scholarship - value of $2,000 - provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
• Six-Month Virtual Office Lease donated by Law Offices of America, $1,350 value
• $500 Classroom and/or Online Course provided by Valencia Enterprises
• Five annual memberships to The Alliance, $275 value for each
• Framed Fist Edition Commemorative Stamps, U. S. Postal Service, a $50 value
• One-year Subscription for Voice-over IP Digital Phone Service, value $450, donated by Mconnect

The Central Florida Small Business Summit would not have been possible without the commitment and support of our sponsors listed below. Thank You!