Startups vs. small businesses

• Funding — Startups require initial investments; small businesses are self-sustaining and generate their own revenue.
• Growth — Startups aim to be market disruptors who take over their market; small businesses aim to be profitable alongside other businesses in their market.
• End goal — Startups often hope to transition into a larger company or be bought out by a larger company; small businesses hope to stay in business.

Who we’re watching

• CRE Academy — This commercial real estate coaching and training startup has supported $56,651,228 in total sales volume in the last 12 months.
• Hook Security — This cybersecurity business known for taking a psychological approach to security training recently secured $5.5 million in funding.

• Nautical Bros Customs — This dealer and installer of Marine Foam Decking has partnered up with Youtuber Jiggin’ with Jordan, a marine scavenger with 3.2+ million subscribers.
• East of These — Shop from best-selling collections or order your own custom designs on hand-made turbans, scrunchies, and more.
• Plates on Deck — Known for eclectic soul food, this eatery hosts private events and pop-ups and offers private chef and catering services.
• Robert Berganza Furniture — Peruse modern sculptural furniture made in the heart of downtown Lakeland — commission a custom piece online.

• Knit One, Crochet Too! | Wednesday, July 26 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library, Larry R. Jackson Branch, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Bring your current knitting or crocheting project to share tips and tricks with other crafters.
• Harry Potter: Trivia Wednesday! | Wednesday, July 26 | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | See if you know the most about the Harry Potter film and book series.

• Jukebox Bingo & Mongkon Kitchen | Thursday, July 27 | 7-8 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Play this music bingo game for a chance to win $10 off your tab — a portion of the night’s sales will be donated to the Polk County Bully Project.

• Summer Nights w/ DJ Barca | Friday, July 28 | 8-11 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Celebrate summer by dancing to a live DJ on The Joinery’s front patio.

• Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, July 29 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, 210 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Visit this farmers market one last time before it takes a month-long break in August.
• Cars + Coffee | Saturday, July 29 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Grab a cup of joe and show off your ride or browse other cars.

• $39.2 million. That’s how much was proposed for two five-year trash pickup contracts with FCC Environmental Services and GFL Solid Waste Southeast. If approved by Polk County commissioners, the annual contracts — worth $16.9 million and $22.3 million respectively — would go into effect in October 2024. (WFLA)

• Calling all readers. United Way of Central Florida’s ReadingPals program is urgently seeking 256 volunteers. ReadingPals get training and read with local kindergartners for one hour per week to help them develop vocabulary, comprehension, and listening skills. Apply online. (WFTS)

• K9s For Cops has now purchased 25 dogs for the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, saving taxpayers a pretty penny. The nonprofit is headed by Michelle Robare, who organizes annual fundraisers like An Evening With the Stars to support the Sheriff’s Office K9 teams. (Bay News 9)

• Buena Market’s Disco Fest II event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 9 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Get your tickets now — a pop-up roller rink, disco dance party, arcade games, and local food pop-ups are on the schedule. This event is for Lakelanders ages 18 and up.

• WoofGang Bakery is now open at 1544 Town Center Dr. in Lakeside Village. Stop by today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to shop raw and frozen food, designer cookies, dog toys + apparel, and more at the full-service grooming spa. Pro tip: Make your pup’s appointment online.

• The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce has named its July small business of the month: Ax-Caliber. Celebrate with them by booking yourself some time in their virtual gun range or ax-throwing bays.

• Kids can now eat for free on Mondays at The Back Nine (124 S. Tennessee Ave.). On top of a delicious deal, the biz also has board games and card games for the whole family to enjoy before, during, or after your meal. Consider these your next family night plans.

• Someone must have wished upon a star. Orlando International Airport (MCO) had the pleasure of welcoming 40 lucky kids, who magically appeared at MCO courtesy of Make-A-Wish America and Disney. The dream destination: Walt Disney World, of course. Gotta love their smiles.*

• Considering a career change or looking to take your tech job to the next level? Southeastern University’s SEU Tech certificates offer online, budget-friendly courses in software development, cybersecurity, and data science. Bonus: Courses are only eight weeks. Explore the program + register.*

• Bucear. Start using it in conversation in three weeks.*

• “Mine is spot on. As a Sagittarius I absolutely love going to Tampa and Orlando.” — Chip B.
• “As an Aquarius? Yes.” — @radxcity
• “Ha! My neighborhood and my sign are the same!” — Joyce P.
• “As a Pisces, yes.” — @emmalaurenpoole

• Start a new self-care routine, just in time for the new school year. From vitamin skin serums to shaving sets, we’ve got you covered.

• Support skin elasticity, joint health, bone strength, and muscle growth with NativePath’s Certified Grass-Fed Collagen Powder. Bonus: It contains 18 grams of protein per serving.

• Get 12% off when you upgrade your Going membership to Elite or Premium with code 12DAYS. Think: Even more cheap flight alerts, including first-class tickets.

• Parking your car on sunny streets while running errands around town? This No. 1 bestselling sunshade keeps your car’s interior cool and minimizes rays.