Business Briefs

The Englewood Chamber of Commerce held their monthly Fun After Five on Wednesday, April 10th at Abels Marine, 7341 Sawyer Circle. Besides providing chamber members a chance to socialize and network, this event featured a bourbon basket that was auctioned off to benefit Leadership Englewood Class 2024’s legacy project. Shane Whitmore, from Reliable Cabinets, acted as auctioneer, skillfully pushing the winning price up to $1,000. The winning bid was by Sergey Seleznev, owner of Uber ISP. Pictured here at the event are (l-r): David Wadhams; Sergey Seleznev; Barb Wastart; LE class 2024 president; Lee Anna Sciutto; Jayden Morales; Kellie Allen and Melissa Bergey. Learn more about the Englewood Chamber at englewoodchamber.com.

New Home for TLC for Dyslexia
The Literacy Center for Dyslexia invites you to come see their new home at 2916 Placida Road on Monday, April 22, 5:45 to 7pm. Learn about their mission to help students with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities, and the success the students have experienced. There will be ribbon-cutting at 6pm by the Englewood Chamber of Commerce. Giveaways and refreshments available. Learn more about TLC for Dyslexia at tlc4dyslexia.com or call 941•473•2266.

From Idea to Business Plan
You have an idea for a business, and you may have even tried to get started, but you can’t seem to get to a workable business plan. Join SCORE of Southwest Florida for a free webinar to help you understand what it takes to get from an idea to a plan to a working business. “From Idea to Business Plan” is offered as an webinar on Wednesday, April 24, 11:30am to 12:30pm. For more information and to register, go to score.org/southwestflorida and search for “From Idea to Business Plan”.

Small Business Owner’s Guide to Insurance
The Manasota office of SCORE is offering a free webinar, “Demystifying the Insurance Maze: A Small Business Owner’s Guide” on Wednesday, April 24, noon to 1pm. In this seminar, business owners will gain essential insights into insurance coverages that can safeguard their enterprises. Explore practical steps to protect your business. Whether you’re a startup or an established company, understanding the insurance partnership is crucial for long-term success. Join SCORE to learn how to fortify your business against unforeseen challenges. To learn more and register, go to score.org/manasota and click on Local Workshops.
Round Up for Children’s Hospitals
Winn-Dixie grocery stores is partnering with eight children’s hospitals across the Southeast to raise essential funds for pediatric health care provided to local children every day. Now through Tuesday, April 30th, Winn-Dixie customers are encouraged to donate $1, $5 or round up their total grocery bill while shopping at their neighborhood stores. Two area children’s hospitals are included as recipients: Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg and Golisano Children’s Hospital of SW Florida in Ft. Myers. For more information, speak with your neighborhood Winn-Dixie store. Stores in Englewood are located at 1951 S. McCall Road and 4100 McCall Road.

Borrowing for Small Businesses
SCORE has partnered with Truist Bank to bring you information on why businesses borrow, where to turn for funding and how the lending process works to help get you to a smoother, smarter and often more successful outcome. This free webinar will be Thursday, May 9, noon to 1pm, and will include a Q&A session. The webinar will be led by Truist officers, Ann Luke, Senior VP and Zack Sink, Small Business Lending Product Manager. For more information and to register, go to score.org, enter Port Charlotte for location and select event. For questions, contact Sheila Davis at [email protected].

Suncoast One Title Englewood held a grand opening event at their new location, 4044 N. Access Road, on Thursday, April 11th. Owners Kevin and Kimberly Graham purchased the building in November, 2023. They now have seven branch locations from Bradenton to Punta Gorda. Suncoast One Title offers both buyers and sellers real estate closing title services and can also work with your lender to guide you through refinancing. Englewood branch manager Amana Crane said, “We have found great success with support from our local community.” The office is open Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, and can be reached at 941•270•4818. Learn more at suncoastone.com. At the ribbon cutting ceremony by the Englewood Chamber of Commerce, Amanda Crane holds the black-handled scissors and holding the orange-handled scissors is Kevin Graham with his wife, Kimberly Graham, standing on his right.