2019 National Small Business Week

JENNA BUZZACCO-FOERSTER, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

We are celebrating National Small Business Week to thank the 30 million small businesses that are the backbone of our economy and our communities! 

National Small Business Week is an annual event dedicated to recognizing the nation’s top small businesses, entrepreneurs, small business advocates and champions from across the country. Every day, small businesses create 21st century jobs, drive innovation, support our neighborhoods and cities, and increase America’s global competitiveness. We want to honor our local entrepreneurs whose achievements and innovation over the past year stand out.

Florida’s small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy,” said Governor DeSantis. “I am proud to recognize the importance they play in our communities and I am committed to enhancing an environment that supports entrepreneurs’ creative energy. Florida will continue to support small businesses by reducing government costs and interference whenever possible."

Tuesday and Wednesday, the U.S. Small Business Administration and its partner, the SCORE Association, will host a free virtual conference on online marketing, mastering cash flow, SBA lending programs, doing business with the federal government and more. The event runs from 11:00 a.m to 5:30 p.m. EST, both days. Register by clicking here.

This year we decided to ask our local businesses, "What does it mean to be a small business in Collier County?"

"A" Locksmith

We are so fortunate to have grown up in southwest Florida and to own a small business celebrating its 46th anniversary of doing business in Naples. The residents, professional community, and quality of life in Collier County are nothing short of extraordinary. The people who have chosen to make Naples their home truly value their health, wellbeing, and safety as well as creating a peaceful and relaxing life for their families. The values Neapolitans care about the most align effortlessly with our mission to help our clients feel safe and secure in their homes with high quality, convenient, and professional locksmith services.

As young business owners, the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce made it easy for us to grow professionally and make connections in meaningful ways with the community and with other local professionals. They also helped connect us to powerful networking groups and non-profit board positions in addition to enriching experiences and leadership programs.

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As a family with small children, we could not ask for a better place for our little ones to grow up, play, and attend school. The small adventures they enjoy around Collier County inspire us every day to keep working hard to make Naples safe, happy, and healthy. The 11 families our business supports love living and working in Collier County too. We are so proud to call Naples home and we greatly appreciate the community’s support of our small, family-owned business over the last 46 years!
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Learn more about "A" Locksmith at www.alocksmithnaples.com

-Andrew and Angelique Blitch, owners "A" Locksmith

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Ridgway Bar & Grill

​I feel very lucky to be a small-businessman in Naples. The opportunities are endless. For me, as a business owner in Collier County, it has always been about the community. I have enjoyed welcoming three and four generations of the same family into our restaurants over time. I wouldn't be where I am, almost 50 years into business in Naples, without that support. At this stage of my career, I accept there will always be something newer and hipper on the scene, but we've been very fortunate and don't take that lightly. Each day I am grateful for the opportunities that this community has afforded me.

Learn more about Ridgeway Bar and Grill at www.ridgwaybarandgrill.com

-Tony Ridgeway, chef/owner Ridgway Bar and Grill, Tony’s Off Third, Bayside

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Prestige Insurance Consultants Inc.

​What we like best about being a local small business in Collier County is that we know our clients and our clients know us. If they have a question or problem they know who to call or where to stop by to see their agent.  No calling an 800 number to get  a service rep who knows you only by your policy number.  Plus we enjoy giving back to our community with either our time, money or both.  Our current Charity of the Quarter is St Matthew’s House.  A couple of weeks ago our staff toured the St Matt’s, learned so much about what they offer to our community and enjoyed a lunch made by their kitchen staff.  

To learn more about Prestige Insurance Consultants Inc. visit www.PrestigeIns.com

-Shannon Morgan, CIC, CPRM, CPIA Agent/Owner

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Nothing Bundt Cakes

Karen Vazquez and her family moved to Collier County in 2014 after falling in love with the Naples community.  A lifelong baker, Karen’s passion for baking comes from her mom and grandmother, and now she is excited to share Nothing Bundt Cakes with her beloved community. “These cakes say a thousand words in every bite, from love and caring to family and a sense of belonging,” shares Vazquez.  Every Nothing Bundt Cake is hand crafted and made with the finest ingredients, including real eggs, butter and cream cheese.


Learn more about Nothing Bundt Cakes at www.nothingbundtcakes.com

Karen Vazquez, owner Nothing Bundt Cakes

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