Monday, July 22, 2024 | 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce | 512 NE 3rd Ave. | Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Resource Partner Set-up
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM Registration and Breakfast
8:55 AM – 9:10 AM Welcome & Opening Remarks
AGENDA
Susan Grant, Acting City Manager City of Fort Lauderdale
Allen Thomas, Regional Administrator Region IV, SBA
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM Fireside Chat
Moderator:
- Daphnee Sainvil, Public Affairs Manager, City of Fort Lauderdale
Panelists:
- Allen Thomas, Regional Administrator, Region IV, SBA
- Eleni Ward-Jankovic, Housing & Economic Development Manager, CRA, City of Fort Lauderdale
- Al Battle, Deputy Director, Development Services, City of Fort Lauderdale
10:05 AM – 10:30 AM Presentation
10:35 AM – 11:30 AM Resource Partner Panel | Q&A Session
Permit Solutions Team and Their Role in Helping You! City of Fort Lauderdale, Development Services Department
Permit Solutions Team Members
- Andre Cross, Business Assistance Coordinator
- Mike Maloney, Business Assistance Coordinator
- Chris Sparacino, Business Assistance Coordinator
- Sharese Bora, Administrative Assistant - Development Services
- Nicole Wong, Sr. Permit Services Technician
Failure is a Part of the Process on Your Journey to Success!
Moderator:
- Althea A. Harris, Deputy District Director, SBA
Panelists:
- Arthur “Chip” Morris, VP, SBA Development Officer, TD Bank
- Myrlande Simeon, Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF)
- JR McFarling, Small Business Development Officer, Urban League of Broward County
- Victoria Hughes, Director, the Florida Women Business Center
- George Gremse, Chairman, Broward SCORE
11:35 AM – 12:30 PM Closing Remarks & Networking
Daphnee Sainvil, Public Affairs Manager
- Stop by one of our partner tables, Meet with Lenders, Take a picture!
Monday, July 22, 2024 | 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce | 512 NE 3rd Ave. | Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
FIRESIDE CHAT QUESTIONS
These are potential questions that may be asked.
For the Regional Administrator
1. What are some of the key programs and services offered by the SBA to assist small businesses?
2. How can small business owners best take advantage of SBA resources and programs?
3. What does the SBA do to promote entrepreneurship and innovation within small businesses?
4. What are some recent policy changes or initiatives that have benefited small businesses?
5. What efforts are being made to support minority-owned, women-owned, and veteranowned businesses?
6. What advice would you give to small business owners who are just starting out?
7. What do you see as the future trends for small businesses in the coming years?
For CRA Executive Director
1. Can you explain the primary mission of the CRA and its role in promoting community development and fair access to financial services?
2. How has the CRA evolved over time to address changing community needs?
3. Are there any recent innovative approaches or pilot programs that have been successful?
4. Are there any recent regulatory changes or proposals that may impact the CRA's work?
5. What do you envision as the future of community development under the CRA?
6. What advice would you give to community organizations seeking to partner with the CRA?
7. Are there specific resources or tools available to help organizations navigate the CRA process effectively?
For the Development Services Deputy Director
1. Could you describe the primary responsibilities of the Development Services Department within our city?
2. How does the Development Services Department engage with the community and stakeholders during the planning and development process?
3. How does your department contribute to the overall development and growth of our city?
4. Are there any specific zoning laws or permits that entrepreneurs should understand?
5. Are there any plans for developing infrastructure that could benefit new businesses?
6. Are there any recent technological advancements/tools transforming operations?
7. What are some of the main challenges or obstacles the city faces in terms of development and growth?
8. What is the long-term vision for development, and how are you preparing for future growth?
Monday, July 22, 2024 | 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce | 512 NE 3rd Ave. | Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
RESOURCE PARTNER PANEL QUESTIONS
These are softball questions to get the audience going.
1. Could you describe the primary responsibilities of your agency?
2. How can entrepreneurs prepare themselves for future challenges or changes in our local economy?
3. Are there any local networking events or communities that entrepreneurs should be aware of?
4. What are you looking for in an applicant asking for money?
5. What is the most common mistakes borrowers make when asking for money?
6. What do you suggest to help them scale funding obstacles?
7. Can you share a success story of a startup that launched and thrived in our city?
8. Are there programs or initiatives specifically aimed at supporting minority-owned businesses?
9. What is some advice you would give to a small business owner in this city?
ALTHEA A. HARRIS
Deputy District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration, South Florida District Office
Contact Information
althea.harris@sba.gov | https://www.sba.gov/
Althea A. Harris has been helping businesses for nearly 29 years since she started her federal career in 1993 at the U.S. Department of Commerce under the late Secretary Ronald H. Brown; there, she traveled worldwide in support of small and medium-sized exporters. Then she helped small business owners compete for federal contracts while at the U.S. General Services Administration. Having held several positions with the SBA office in Miami since 1999, Althea now leads as the Deputy District Director overseeing a staff that implements SBA's mission of serving the district’s 24- county territory and advocating on behalf of the estimated 1.5 million + small business owners. She is also the Faith & Community Based Initiative Coordinator for the office.
A graduate of Howard University and the University of Miami School of Law, Althea is also in her community currently serving as Board Chairman for Miami Youth for Christ and as Vice Chairman of the board of trustees at Christ Journey Church in Coral Gables. She has also shared her time and talents with the Girl Scouts Council of Tropical Florida serving as a Board member and a Troup Leader; and, as a member of the Florida Bar's Grievance Committee, ensuring the responsible, ethical and professional conduct of South Florida's attorneys.
A Washington, D.C. native, Althea shares her life and love with her husband Robert N. Harris, successful commercial litigation and labor and employment litigation attorney in Miami, and their four wonderful children.
J.R. MCFARLING
Small Business Development Officer, Urban League of Broward County- Entrepreneurship Center
Contact Information (954) 625-2594 | jmcfarling@ulbcfl.org
As the Small Business Development Officer at the Urban League's Entrepreneurship Center, J.R. forges vital partnerships within the community while championing the needs of underserved small business owners. With over 20 years of experience in business development, J.R. leverages his expertise to design tailored programs and services that address the evolving needs of small businesses in the community. By actively engaging with local small minority businesses, J.R. adeptly identifies their pain points and connects them with resources such as training and capital, empowering their growth and success. Under his guidance, all services provided by the Entrepreneurship Center are meticulously crafted to nurture business growth and innovation. Through community outreach, advanced training programs, and targeted technical assistance, J.R. is dedicated to fostering the establishment, fortification, and expansion of minority-owned businesses, thereby contributing to wealth creation in the community. Passionate about his mission, J.R. is committed to making a meaningful impact and driving positive change in the entrepreneurial landscape.
ELENI WARD-JANKOVIC
CRA Housing and Economic Development
Manager,
City of Fort Lauderdale
Contact Information (954) 828-8228 | ejankovic@fortlauderdale.gov
Eleni Ward-Jankovic obtained a J.D. from the University of Maryland Law School and started working at the City of Fort Lauderdale in the City Attorney’s Office in 2015. In 2017, she joined the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) as the Housing and Economic Development Manager where she gives applicants and developers information about the CRA programs and assists them with the application process. She also brings the projects before the CRA Advisory Board and later drafts the CAMs for the CRA Board. Once a project is approved, she supervises it from inception to conclusion, and assists the developer along the way.
AL BATTLE JR.
Deputy Director, Development Services Department, City of Fort Lauderdale
Contact Information (954) 828-8952 | abattle@fortlauderdale.gov
Al Battle Jr. is a public sector professional with over twenty-five years of experience in local government primarily focused on community development, redevelopment, and real estate development. Career experiences include management positions with the Pulte Home Corporation in Orlando, ten years in various economic development management roles with the City of Jacksonville, and since 2005 with the City of Fort Lauderdale. Professionally he has held leadership roles in community redevelopment agency director positions in Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale. He currently serves as Deputy Director of Development Services with the City of Fort Lauderdale. At Development Services he leads teams responsible for building services, engineering permitting, zoning/landscaping, budget, finance and human resources. Al holds an MPA and is a certified economic development professional and housing development finance professional by the National Development Council. Al is also a graduate of the Executive Leadership Institute of the National Forum of Black Public Administrators and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE PERMIT SOLUTIONS TEAM
DSD is committed to completing all initial permit reviews within 30 days or less.
Contact Information (954) 828-3160 | permitsolutions@fortlauderdale.gov
Andre Cross – Business Assistance Coordinator
Andre Cross is a Business Assistance Coordinator with the Development Services Department of the City of Fort Lauderdale. Andre has over 27 years with the City of Fort Lauderdale and has held several positions including roles with Public Works and Development Services. He was a code enforcement officer before becoming a Business Assistance Coordinator in 2016. Andre is married and a father of 3 who loves spending quality time with family. In his off time, he is a musician and plays bass guitar with his family group.
Mike Maloney – Business Assistance Coordinator
Mike Maloney is a Business Assistance Coordinator with the Development Services Department of the City of Fort Lauderdale. Mike has over 26 years of dedicated service to the City of Fort Lauderdale. Mike’s career with the city includes roles with Public Works, Code Enforcement, Landscaping, Zoning and the Building Services Division.
Chris Sparacino – Business Assistance Coordinator
Chris Sparacino is a Business Assistance Coordinator with the Development Services Department of the City of Fort Lauderdale. Originally from Marco Island, Florida, Chris is a graduate of FIU with a bachelor’s degree in public administration. Chris joined the Development Services Department as a Floodplain Development Review Specialist in 2016. Before joining the Development Services team, Chris was a city planner and the floodplain coordinator for the City of Marco Island. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, boating, and Jiu Jitsu.
Sharese Bora – Administrative Assistant
Sharese Bora is a results-driven Administrative Assistant at the City of Fort Lauderdale with over a decade of experience providing excellent customer service. As a Subject Matter Expert on permitting in the Building Services Division, Sharese is an out-of-the-box thinker and an innovative problem solver. In her role with the Permit Solutions Team, Sharese consistently demonstrates exceptional organizing and communication skills. Sharese is a dedicated mother of 2 boys and enjoys traveling and attending concerts.
Nicole Wong – Senior Permit Services Technician
Nicole Wong is the definition of excellent customer service and has been a vital part of the permitting team for over 3 years. Nicole demonstrates exceptional leadership skills leading to opportunities to train staff and solve issues within the permitting team. Nicole is always willing to assist neighbors and co-workers. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her cats and pet snake.
