The Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business Program (JSEB) is proud to announce the launch of free monthly forums tailored specifically for Hispanic small businesses. These forums will be held in Spanish and are designed to provide valuable resources, support, and networking opportunities for the Hispanic business community. The first session will take place on Tuesday, August 20th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Downtown Main Library, located at 303 N Laura St.

The forums are part of JSEB's ongoing mission to maximize procurement opportunities with City of Jacksonville registered certified Jacksonville Small and Emerging Businesses (JSEBs) as suppliers, prime contractors, and subcontractors of superior products and services to the citizenry of Duval County.

Each two-hour forum will feature expert speakers, interactive workshops, and open discussions aimed at addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Hispanic small businesses. Topics will include:

• Navigating the procurement process with the City of Jacksonville
• Building successful business relationships with prime contractors
• Leveraging local government resources for business growth
• Networking strategies for economic development

“The Forums are designed to facilitate communication and collaboration between government, agencies, corporations, and small business owners,” said G. Grant, JSEB Administrator.
Yanira “Yaya” Cardona, Hispanic Outreach Coordinator for City Of Jacksonville, added, “We are excited to offer these forums in Spanish to better serve our Hispanic business community. Our goal is to empower Hispanic small business owners with the knowledge and connections they need to thrive and contribute to the economic growth of Jacksonville.”

Prospera will be partnering to help with the translation. Prospera is the largest statewide nonprofit in Florida specializing in providing bilingual assistance to Hispanic entrepreneurs who are trying to establish or expand their businesses. Their services include business seminars, consulting, grants, and access to capital, all designed to empower Hispanic small business owners through training and support​.
The Downtown Main Library provides a central and accessible location for these important gatherings. Hispanic small business owners are encouraged to attend, share their experiences, and gain insights that will help them grow and succeed in their endeavors.
Additional forums will be held on the following dates:

• September 17th
• October 15th
• November 19th
• December 17th

For more information or to register, please visit JSEB's website or contact Yanira Cardona at ycardona@coj.net.

About JSEB: The Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business Program (JSEB) is dedicated to supporting the development and growth of small and emerging businesses in Jacksonville. By providing resources, education, and opportunities, JSEB aims to create a thriving business community that drives economic prosperity for the city and its residents.