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NATIONAL ENTREPRENEUR CENTER LAUNCHES BIZLINK ORANGE In partnership with Orange County Government, the National Entrepreneur Center held an event November 8, 2021, to launch BizLink Orange, a new online platform that connects entrepreneurs and small business owners to business-building resources throughout Central Florida, including Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Brevard and Volusia counties. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings read a proclamation for BizLink Orange Day, helping NEC President Jerry Ross announce the partnership with more than 40 resource groups. The event also featured guest speaker Jonathan Ortmans, the founder of Global Entrepreneurship Week and the Global Entrepreneurship Network.
From left: Jo Newell, Orlando Economic Partnership vice president of corporate engagement; Jane Hertz, Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative program coordinator; Todd Piorkowski, Perk Business Solutions president and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando ambassador chair; Rebecca Hertz, Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative director of operations; Pedro Turushina, Hispanic Chamber director of business development; Joan Cleveland, African American Chamber of Commerce administrative assistant.
Jerry Ross, Andrea Wesser-Brawner and Rob Williams.
Orange County Government leaders Andrea WesserBrawner, chief innovation and emerging technologies officer, and Eric Ushkowitz, economic development administrator.
National Entrepreneur Center President Jerry Ross announces the launch of BizLink Orange.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Jerry Ross hold a press conference after the event.
74 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | i4Biz.com
Mayor Jerry Demings (right) presents BizLink Orange Day proclamation to Jerry Ross.
Rachel Matson, program manager of BizLink Orange.
