Wednesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 3/18/2015

Small business loans keep breaking records

Small businesses continue getting loans approved by big banks, and in record numbers. Hitting its highest point since the end of the Great Recession, the loan approval rate for small businesses at big banks reached 21.5 percent in February. More at Small Business Trends.

Gov. Rick Scott eyeing run for U.S. Senate

Florida Gov. Rick Scott reportedly told fundraisers that he is interested in running for Senate. Incumbent Sen. Bill Nelson will be 76 when his third term ends in 2018, and Scott could benefit from an off-year where Democrats typically see lower voter turnout. More at the Tampa Bay Times.

Politics
Buddy Dyer's next move

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has overseen the revitalization of downtown Orlando, with a thicket of new condo towers and sparkling new public venues, including a performing arts center and a basketball arena.

That record has prompted Democratic strategists across Florida to begin talking up Dyer as possible candidates for governor or U.S. senator.

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Classic-car builder plans Mustang factory in Central Florida

Revved up by the buzz he created by unveiling an all-new 19641/2 Ford Mustang, Tom Scarpello is looking for factory space in Central Florida and plans to hire workers to build more of the $119,500 cars. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

SBA's initiative aims to aid and grow LGBT businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is actively seeking South Florida businesses that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender enterprises for a new nationwide initiative aiming to help them grow. More at the South Florida Business Journal.

West Palm Beach Campus will become Keiser University

Keiser University and Northwood University have announced an agreement in which Northwood University's West Palm Beach campus will become a Keiser campus. Dr. Arthur Keiser, Chancellor and CEO, Keiser University stated, "This agreement will allow our regionally-accredited, not-for-profit university to meet our goal to provide students with a residential, traditional, educational experience in West Palm Beach Florida." With this agreement, Keiser University will have 18 locations in Florida. Full announcement is here.

Training
Startup Quest® programs being offered by Career Source Florida

Eight workforce regions in the CareerSource Florida network are offering Startup Quest® to provide unemployed and underemployed professionals the training and skills to become entrepreneurs and create new jobs in their community.