Opportunities For All

from The Bridge Magazine - October 2022

by Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

Young Professionals Group

What has OFA been up to?

Only in its second year since being established as a program of the Sarasota Chamber, Opportunities For All (OFA) has been very busy! Just recently, OFA graduated 21 interns from 18 local Chamber member employers. These 18 local employers gave a lifetime opportunity to our community’s rising future leaders through OFA’s ten-week program. This program provided a win-win opportunity for local employers to have a diverse intern for the summer. Also providing our bright, talented, leaders with an opportunity to broaden their exposure to the professional work world. This experience not only benefited employers, but it also contributed to the overall growth of our community and economy.

Moreover, 85% of the interns were minorities. So far, four local employers have offered positions to their interns for continued employment.

In September, OFA also opened applications for the second round of 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. OFA received over 150 applications from organizations that benefit local residents. Just last year, 38 minority businesses were awarded $100,000 in grant funding. Stay tuned for the companies who will be awarded grant funding.