TAMPA, Fla. — Helping small businesses, that’s why Tampa’s Small Business Navigator got started.
Over two years, the program has helped nearly 850 local companies with everything from technical assistance to connecting owners to partner organizations.
What You Need To Know
Tampa’s Small Business Navigator has assisted nearly 850 local businesses.
That’s Wat’sub Owner Kathleen Jeanty said the navigaor has been a great resource.
Jeanty reccomends the navigator to any entrepreneur who needs support or resources from the city.
One of the businesses they’ve helped is That Wat’Sub.
Owner Kathleen Jeanty, said this program was there for them during some of their darkest days.
“Milton caused us over $40,000 worth of damage,” she said. “Part of our ceiling had collapsed in the back, our AC unit was impacted, we lost power for seven days.”
Kathleen credits the navigator for helping her get through their challenges.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said the city’s small businesses are the backbone of its economy.
“We need to do what we can as a community to ensure that not only do they survive but they’re successful,” she said.
After Milton, Kathleen said the program helped her get in contact with the right people.
She recommends the navigator to any entrepreneur who needs support or resources from the city.
“They literally navigate you across the landscape in Tampa to figure out who we can go to and whose door we can knock on, as we need this in particular or we’re having this trouble in particular,” she said. “What can we do? Where can we go? And that’s how they were able to help us.”