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Orlando, FL - The August issue of Entrepreneur Magazine has listed "Orlando" as one of the "10 Best Cities to Start a Business" today. Entrepreneur Magazine touts Orlando as being "one of the most highly coordinated entrepreneurial engines in the country" and credits this success to our region's "intergovernmental and private sector's ability to cooperate and sidestep development turf wars that often hobble other metro areas." The Disney Entrepreneur Center is cited as an example of Central Florida's cooperative efforts to support small business development. Funded by a variety of local sponsors and housing 12 business support organizations who assist the region's entrepreneurs, the Center is located at 315 E. Robinson Street, in downtown Orlando.
"Our first Ace is that we have civic leadership that is entrepreneurially supportive" says Jerry Ross, Executive Director of the Disney Entrepreneur Center. "We have a digital media cluster starting downtown, a medical city that is taking shape, and we're part of a high-tech corridor. Our region has fully engaged economic gardening: We want to carefully grow what we already have especially during these challenging economic times." Ross is quoted as saying.
A local women -owned business is also featured in the Entrepreneur Magazine article as an example of this home grown initiative: Catherine Ojeda, owner of Redi Pedi Cab Co. "While my company offers pedicab rides, I really consider Redi Pedi more of a marketing company" states Ojeda. Catherine came to the Disney Entrepreneur Center three years ago seeking assistance in marketing her business. Today, Ojeda has tripled her income and doubled the amount of cabs she owns. "The support and guidance that I have received through the Disney Entrepreneur Center has had a huge impact on my business" states Ojeda. "From marketing tactics to contract negotiations, the Disney Entrepreneur Center has been there to provide helpful guidance in all aspects of my business" says Ojeda.
The August issue of Entrepreneur magazine hit some bookstore shelves today. "This is great recognition for our community, the great organizations that make up our economic development efforts, and for the thousands of small businesses throughout Central Florida." Said Ross, "The country is learning what we have known all along, Orlando is a great place to be an entrepreneur!"
CONTACT
Jerry Ross, Director
Disney Entrepreneur Center
Phone: 407-420-4848
Email: jerry@disneyec.com
Catherine Ojeda
Redi Pedi Cab Co.
Phone: 321-251-4608
Email: info@redipedicabservices.com
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