The Great Resignation, Chamber assists Start-Up Businesses

As reported in the March 23rd issue of the Harvard Business Review, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states over 47 million employees voluntarily left their jobs in 2021. We have all felt the impact of this unprecedented mass exodus; staff shortages, long lines, increased wait times, reduced hours of operations, decrease in customer service, delays, product shortages, and more. According to this report, it was not all COVID related but has been an upward trend over the last 10 years. COVID accelerated the movement where employees got burned out, no longer tolerated their pay or job functions, moved to new jobs out of their field, or left the market to create their own businesses.

The Chamber recognized there was a need to assist people who left the workforce to start their own businesses. We listened to entrepreneurs, new businesses, and curiosity seekers who haven’t made the entrepreneurial leap which led to the establishment of the East Orlando Chamber Foundation (EOC Foundation). Researching the needs in our community, we found numerous new business owners didn’t know what they didn’t know about business. The EOC Foundation provides educational opportunities for start-ups and first-tier businesses aiding with information to be successful.

On Friday, May 13th from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the Valencia College Lake Nona Campus, we are hosting “The Day of Learning” a full complement of workshops and resources to help these businesses grow and thrive. Come learn from industry leaders about Hiring, Legal, Insurance, Sales, Revenue, and more during this jam-packed day. It’s only $25 to attend which includes continental breakfast and lunch. Please register to attend at https://eocc.chambermaster.com/ event registration/register/13859. In addition to the workshops, seminars, and assistance programs, the EOC Foundation is accepting applications from Startups and First-Tier Businesses for an opportunity to be awarded Micro-Grants.

For over 75 years, the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce has assisted our members by providing opportunities to grow, stay informed, get connected and succeed in Central Florida. Contact the Chamber office today at 407-277-5951 or visit EOCC.org for more information. Join the Movement which is the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce.