Between October 15 and 17, Facebook’s Small Business Boost will swing through Florida to teach local small business owners in Boca Raton, Tampa and Miami how to optimize their presences on the world’s largest social network.
The events will be co-hosted by the Palm Beach County Business Development Board, the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and The Americas Community Center, respectively.
Additionally, Rep. Ted Deutch will kick off the Boca Raton event; Rep. Kathy Castor will greet attendees in Tampa; and Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen will welcome entrepreneurs in Miami.
“In today’s digital economy, having a social media strategy is quickly becoming essential to any small business looking to build a competitive edge,” said Rep. Deutch. “That’s why I am so excited to welcome Facebook to South Florida for a workshop that will help our local entrepreneurs and small business owners expand their reach online, promote their goods and services, and connect with new customers.”
“I encouraged Facebook to visit Tampa to showcase modern communication tools for our local small businesses and entrepreneurs. Small businesses are the heart and soul of our community and provide a wide variety of job opportunities. I want them to grow and succeed,” said Rep. Castor. “Facebook will provide hands-on training on how to grow business by connecting to new, potential customers. I encourage our small business owners to mark their calendar for this free event.”
“South Florida is a hub of innovation and creativity that translates to results for our small businesses. Facebook’s event will help many small business owners maximize their web presence and create jobs in our community,” said Rep. Ros-Lehtinen. “I’m proud to participate in this event that promotes entrepreneurs and the value they add to South Florida.”
“Southern Florida’s small businesses are a vital part of the local economy. With the rise of social media, businesses have been able to extend their brand and their message with the click of the button, resulting in more growth and opportunities,” said Rep. Diaz-Balart. “By attending this event, business owners will be able to bring their companies to speed with the latest and greatest promotion tools offered by Facebook.”
Attendees will also hear tips, tricks and advice from local small businesspeople that have found success using Facebook. In Boca Raton, those small businesses are Fit Foodz Café, Evolution Fitness, Raymond Lee Jewelers and Kotton Zoo clothing outlet. In Tampa they are St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Buddy Brew coffee shop and 13 Fishing sporting goods. And in Miami they are Pincho Factory restaurant, Jump A Roos party center, Frankie’s Pizza and Kotton Zoo clothing outlet.
Information on Facebook and small businesses:
- There are more than 2 billion connections between local businesses and people who use Facebook.
- There are more than 30 million small businesses in the U.S. using Facebook to connect with customers.
- In an average week, there are over 645 million views of, and 13 million comments on, local business Facebook Pages.
WHEN AND WHERE:
Boca Raton, FL – Wednesday, October 15
Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL)
Florida Atlantic University (Live Oak Pavilion), 777 Glades Rd.
Check In & Networking Expo: 9:30 AM
Program: 10:00 – 11:30 AM
To register and for more information: http://fbBoca.eventbrite.com
Tampa, FL – Thursday, October 16
Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL)
The Cuban Club (2nd Fl. Theater), 2010 Avenida Republica de Cuba
Check In & Networking Expo: 10:00 AM
Program: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
To register and for more information:http://fbTampa.eventbrite.com
Miami, FL – Friday, October 17
Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) & Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)
Intercontinental Hotel at Doral Miami (Grand Doral Ballroom), 2505 NW 87th Ave.
Check In & Networking Expo: 9:30 AM
Program: 10:00 – 11:30 AM
To register and for more information:http://fbMiami.eventbrite.com
WHAT:
FREE Boca Raton, Tampa & Miami Workshops On How To Use Facebook To Grow Your Small Business
WHO:
Representatives from Facebook, Reps. Deutch, Castor, Diaz-Balart, Ros-Lehtinen, local business development organizations, and small business owners.