The Heart of Lakeland: Small Businesses

Guest Blog Post by Hailey Dzurko, Summer Intern from Florida Southern College

​The Heart of Lakeland
Small businesses are the heart of Lakeland. Whether it’s the family-owned coffee shop on the corner, the local boutique that remembers your name, or the entrepreneur who turned a dream into a storefront success, these are the stories that shape the community that we know and love!

The Economic Power of Small Businesses
Small businesses aren’t just important, they’re essential. Here in Lakeland, they play a key role in our every day life. Nationally, small businesses account for “99.9% of all businesses and create nearly two out of every three new jobs”, which is reflected right here in Polk County.
From local shops and restaurants to services and startups, thousands of small businesses in our area are rapidly growing, creating jobs, and giving back to the communities they call home. These businesses are often the first to support a fundraiser, sponsor a school event, or lend a helping hand. Their success is our community’s success.

Culture and Connection
Beyond just economics, small businesses foster a sense of community. When you walk into a local business, you are not just just a customer, you are a neighbor. You’re greeted by name, asked how your family is doing, and given a personal in-store experience that national companies can’t compete with.

Celebrating Small Business Month
This May, we are celebrating the entrepreneurs, dreamers, achievers, go-getters, and supporters who help Lakeland thrive. Throughout Small Business Month, we will provide helpful tips for navigating small business life and share ways that you can support small businesses right here in Lakeland!

Looking Ahead
As we celebrate Small Business Month, it is important to reflect on the many contributions these businesses make to Lakeland’s economy; however, it is also a time to look ahead. What does the future hold for Lakeland’s small businesses? How can we, as a community, continue to create an environment where our local entrepreneurs can thrive?

Ready to Get Involved?
Stay tuned each week for more stories, resources, and opportunities to connect with Lakeland’s incredible small business community. Let’s celebrate them together, not just this month, but all year long!

Source: U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy. “Frequently Asked Questions About Small Business,” 2022. https://advocacy.sba.gov