Centerplace For Business Website Wins State Award

Last month, the Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) awarded its Innovation in Marketing Award to the City of St. Cloud's for its Centerplace for Business website.

The Innovation in Marketing Award represents the hallmark of successful economic development. In recognition of original, creative ideas and campaigns, FEDC members of all types, sizes, and budgets exhibited innovative ways to communicate with, and attract, key audiences like stakeholders, talent, and new or existing businesses. 

Business First Initiative Report Now Available 

The Office of Economic Development's 4th annual business report, St. Cloud's 2024 Business First Initiative Report, is here. Learn about what other business owners are saying about sales, marketing and staff projections.

The report provides key economic indicators of St. Cloud businesses. Click on the picture above or button below to learn more about our business community.

City's First Business Expo A Success

Last month, more than 20 agencies, including the city's internal departments, were all hands on deck to provide information to residents on how to start a business or expand their business.

“St. Cloud is committed to assisting our current business to grow and thrive and for future businesses to get started on their journeys,” said Antranette Forbes, Economic Development Director for the City of St. Cloud.

In addition to government agencies and area Chambers Of Commerce, regional agencies were also on hand to provide resources to new and existing businesses, including Veterans Entrepreneur Initiative, Central Florida Oversight Tourism District(formerly Reedy Creek), Prospera and the Small Business Development Center. Private companies also attended included Regions Bank, Truist and Osceola Magic. The National Entrepreneur Center (NEC), based in Orlando but prominent in Osceola County, was on hand to showcase its business support and education programs and resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Pedicabs Now Allowed In Downtown

The city is improving its entertainment district by allowing the use of pedicabs in downtown. Several citizens had expressed interest in allowing pedicabs to be operated. So what now? Here are some Things to Know:

• Privately operated; permit required (non-transferrable); 
• Registration with the City is required;
• Non-motorized vehicles only;
• Proposed Boundary: (North) Lakefront; East) Brown Chapel; (West) Mississippi; (South) 13th Street;
• Hours of operation will mirror entertainment district: Wednesday thru Sunday, 11a.m. to 2a.m. 
• No designated pick up/drop off areas.
• One approved vendor in use at a time; event coordination must be performed in advance.
• Decal and rates must be openly displayed
• Music or loud noises not allowed past 10 decibels and reasonably to be heard by the driver and passengers only.

For the 3rd year in a row, we are ranked in WalletHub's list of the Top 100 Best Small Cities to Start a Business. At #44, it's our best ranking ever, and 10 spots higher than last year's. 

St. Cloud Welcomes Hispanic Chamber

The City hosted the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando this morning for their Cafe With Members. City Manager Veronica Miller, the city's first Hispanic city manager, welcomed the group, and spoke about the business opportunities in the city. Attendees also viewed a video highlighting the city's accomplishments and future plans. "The Hispanic Chamber was honored to host our Cafe with Members in the City of St. Cloud. These opportunities allow us to serve as the catalyst in fortifying community efforts and connecting with our growing community," said Pedro Turushina, President & CEO of the Hispanic Chamber.

Vanessa Ortiz Orozco of Vanessa's Coffee Shop, a local faith-based Hispanic-owned coffee shop in St. Cloud, provided refreshments and wowed the audience with her origin story into becoming an entrepreneur and choosing St. Cloud has her business home.