Looking to move to the Orlando Area: Curious about Small Business and Orlando in general (Jacksonville: neighborhoods)

[malasiaj]

Hi,

My family and I are looking to move to Orlando from Chicago as soon as possible. The Chicago winters along with the lack of job/business opportunity are unbearable at this point. My mom and I both have our own business that we feel can thrive much better in a new city such as Orlando.

I am a commercial and portrait photographer and she is a small business consultant. With that said, we've always been interested in Florida and more recently passed through Orlando and loved it. However, we were curious about the small businesses there and how well Orlando supports small business owners. For example, are there a lot of networking events that take place? Do other small business owners find it difficult to gain clients? I would also like to know how is it meeting new people in general? Lastly, is there any funding available for small businesses in Orlando?

One of our main issues with Chicago is that it is difficult to find a decent paying job that will actually support the cost of living and there are hardly any networking events worth attending to help grow our business. As large as Chicago is, meeting genuine people in general (at least in my experience) feels nearly impossible. Regardless of where we go I know that running a business takes hard work and dedication. So, I guess I would just like a little insight into what it's like to run a small business in Orlando and any information that you feel we could benefit from.

On another note, I would like to know if you all could recommend some areas in Orlando to live. Here is a summary of what we're looking for:
-Diverse neighborhood: we want to live in a community that has a variety of ethnicities
-family oriented
-affordable
-decent nightlife
-health conscious is a plus

[brinkofsunshine]

I can't help re: small businesses, but I would suggest living in downtown Orlando (Thornton Park, Lake Eola Heights, Delaney Park, College Park neighborhoods) or Winter Park. Most of the locally owned businesses are downtown, and there are a lot of events like markets that encourage people to shop local.

[boy3365]

Originally Posted by malasiaj

Hi,


One of our main issues with Chicago is that it is difficult to find a decent paying job that will actually support the cost of living and there are hardly any networking events worth attending to help grow our business. As large as Chicago is, meeting genuine people in general (at least in my experience) feels nearly impossible. Regardless of where we go I know that running a business takes hard work and dedication. So, I guess I would just like a little insight into what it's like to run a small business in Orlando and any information that you feel we could benefit from.

The bold text is a constant criticism of this area as well.


While not familiar with the small business community and networking, I am sure people in those fields can succeed here. You're also 1.5-2 hours from the Tampa Bay area, 2.5 hours from Jacksonville, 2.5 hours from West Palm Beach, 3 or so from Ft. Lauderdale, and 4 hours from Miami if client work calls you to go there.

[Ping322]

Originally Posted by brinkofsunshine

I can't help re: small businesses, but I would suggest living in downtown Orlando (Thornton Park, Lake Eola Heights, Delaney Park, College Park neighborhoods) or Winter Park. Most of the locally owned businesses are downtown, and there are a lot of events like markets that encourage people to shop local.

seconding this!