DELRAY BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com)(Source: City of Delray Beach) — Delray Beach has launched a new virtual hotline for local small businesses. Entrepreneurs and business owners can email requests for assistance and questions directly to smallbizhelp@delraybeach.com to get help with common challenges that many small businesses face, such as finding resources, growing local customers, navigating government processes, and connecting with the community.
The virtual hotline, hosted by the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, is one of the latest initiatives arising from city’s G.E.A.R. (Grow Expand And Retain) program, which promotes the retention and expansion of existing businesses throughout Delray Beach. In addition to Chamber staff, the hotline is served by representatives from local economic development organizations, including the Office of Economic Development (OED), Community Redevelopment Agency, Delray Beach Marketing Cooperative, Downtown Development Authority and West Atlantic Redevelopment Coalition.
After being briefly evaluated, hotline inquiries will be assigned to a G.E.A.R. team member that can help address the business owner’s concern. Responses could include referrals to regional partners, recommendations for local service providers, or introductions to local, county and state professionals and officials.
Launched in May, 2015 during “We ♥ Small Biz Month”, the G.E.A.R. program also features annual business walks, one-on-one visits with businesses, workshops, seminars, and small business awareness campaigns. While the program is led by the Office of Economic Development, it is a highly collaborative effort by all local economic development partners.
For mor information about Delray Beach’s small business resources, visit www.WeHeartSmallBiz.org or call the Office of Economic Development at (561) 243-7054.
