The Opportunities For All (OFA) program is a two part program. Designed to serve as a help desk/navigator for small and minority-owned businesses to help business grow as well as assist with pairing interns with local companies in the Sarasota/Manatee region.
Small grants and funding will be available to help these small businesses grow and thrive in the community. This initiative is funded by a grant from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. |
The Business Assistance Funds Program
The Business Assistance Funds Program is designed to assist minority small business owners and non-profit organizations with resources that will help our local businesses grow and thrive. Last year, 45 minority businesses were awarded $100,000 in grant funding.
The enrollment window for this year's OFA Business Assistance has now ended. Please keep an eye out in the coming months for the unveiling of this year's recipients. Need help with your business plan? Contact Melanie Lavender, Opportunities For All Manager, for assistance and resources at mlavender@sarasotachamber.com or 941-556-4058
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Summer internship Program
The Opportunities For All (OFA) Summer Internship program provides a win-win opportunity for local employers to have a diverse intern for the summer. Providing bright, talented, future leaders with the opportunity to broaden their exposure to the professional work world not only benefits employers, it contributes to the overall growth of the community and economy. Employers of interns through the OFA program are fully funded for their participation. This past summer, the OFA Summer Internship program successfully matched 26 skilled interns with 16 local employers, resulting in five interns being offered and accepting permanent positions within their respective organizations.
For more information, please reach out to Melanie Lavender, Opportunities For All Manager
2022 Highlights!
For information or questions, please contact Melanie Lavender, Opportunities For All Manager
2022 Opportunities For All Business Assistance Grants Reception!