Florida, with $1.6B, leads nation on livestream sales platform Whatnot
Whatnot, which bills itself as the largest livestream shopping platform in North America, reports Florida is the highest-grossing state for live commerce in the nation. Florida live sellers have generated over $1.6 billion in lifetime sales on Whatnot, beating out No. 2 California and No. 3 New York. Since it was founded in 2019, Whatnot has enabled sellers to engage potential buyers through livestreaming and allowed consumers to purchase items through live auctions. More from the Business Observer.
Bucs owners gear hurricane relief efforts toward small businesses
The owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will direct $1 million of hurricane relief funding toward small businesses throughout Tampa Bay and West Central Florida. The Bucs on Friday announced the Glazer Family Small Business Fund, which will provide grants of up to $5,000 for small businesses. The grants will be administered by the following chambers of commerce: The Tampa Bay Chamber, North Tampa Bay Chamber, South Tampa Chamber, St. Petersburg Chamber, Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber, Manatee Chamber, Greater Plant City Chamber and Amplify Clearwater. More from the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
Want to start or elevate a business? Miami-Dade launches site to help small biz owners
Miami-Dade County’s small business community now has a one-stop shop for exploring training, finding a mentor, learning about loans and more. An online portal called Strive305 recently launched in collaboration with banking company Wells Fargo. “The Strive305 HUB is more than just a portal; it’s a comprehensive support system,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said at an event at Miami Dade College’s downtown Miami campus. “By connecting entrepreneurs to invaluable resources, technical assistance and mentorship, we’re investing in Miami-Dade’s future as a thriving, resilient economy.” More from the Miami Herald.
FAU's Tech Runway entrepreneur wins 'Shark Tank' funding at CrocTank event
An entrepreneur from Florida Atlantic University’s Tech Runway was offered $250,000 during CrocTank, a first-of-its-kind live business pitch event recently hosted with the judges from ABC’s show “Shark Tank” at the Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium, Boca Raton campus. Four contestants were chosen from the FAU ecosystem to live pitch venture capitalist Kevin O’Leary, FUBU apparel founder Daymond John, and cyber-tech giant Robert Herjavec for the chance to win investment money from one of the “sharks.”
More from FAU.
Women’s conference of Florida 2024: Inspiring leadership, empowering change
The Women’s Conference of Florida returns for its eighth annual event on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the Tampa Convention Center. Since 2015, the conference has provided a platform to empower women across Florida through impactful speakers, workshops and networking opportunities. This year’s event promises to inspire even more with trailblazing keynotes and festive holiday cheer. More from Tampa Bay Business & Wealth.
The Business of Art
‘My price is my price’: Miami Art Week is a business opportunity for visual artists
Eddie Graham worked as an airplane fueler at the Philadelphia International Airport before he was laid off in 2018, something he saw as a sign that he needed to pursue his artwork full time. That year was the first time he was selected to participate in a Miami Art Week show. Graham, 36, has traveled back and forth between his home in Chester, Pennsylvania, and Miami since then. In his years of visiting for Art Week, Graham has noticed how much his business can fluctuate. During some years, Graham has made nearly $10,000 in one week. In others, he’s made $1,500 or less.
» More from the Miami Herald.
NextGen
Turning the tide
In high school, Caiti Waks staged a 'mini eco coup' against plastic pollution. She's continuing her crusade at a broader scale.“I’m a lawyer and a surfer who’s obsessed with garbage,” says Caiti Waks, who today runs the Miami nonprofit Debris Free Oceans. As a child, she learned to love the ocean, accompanying her mom during deep sea fishing expeditions.
» Read more from Florida Trend.