Resources

• Central Florida SCORE — Polk County entrepreneurs can get mentorship, classes, and workshops through this local nonprofit. Attend its next free virtual event, Product Development Process: Shark Tank Entrepreneurs Share Their Journey, on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 1 p.m.
• Catapult Lakeland — This Lake Mirror-adjacent workspace offers coworking space, offices for rent, dedicated desk space, a maker space, and a commercial kitchen. Catapult caters to new businesses + startups.
• The Well — Lakeland’s $1.3 million, 4,700-sqft Midtown workspace supports underrepresented business owners to launch, grow, and sustain their businesses.
• COhatch — Across from Munn Park, you’ll find Lakeland’s newest coworking and social space. It features member perks like podcasting rooms, private offices, health and wellness programs, and more.
• The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce — This nonprofit equips local businesses with vital support through events, workshops, and more.

Funding

• City of Lakeland — Lakeland offers economic development incentives for new businesses.
• Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency — Check out incentives for businesses in the downtown, Dixieland, and Midtown areas.
• State of Florida — Statewide incentives include tax exemptions, tax credits, grants, and more.

Tips

• “Tell someone your idea! Then believe in it every day...” — @crash_bookshop
• “Start with basics: legal creation online with the state. For FL, sunbiz.org. Always create an LLC and then acquire a [federal Employer Identification Number] from the IRS…” — @puravie
• “... Relationships and reputation are so important.” — @venuelakeland

• “The Nutcracker” | Friday, Dec. 15 | Times vary | Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $0-$25 | Florida Dance Theatre will present this ballet featuring students from Crystal Lake Elementary and Rochelle School for the Arts
• Drew Yardis & Brazilian Fun Foods | Friday, Dec. 15 | 5-10 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Grab a bite and a drink, then enjoy live music outdoors in the Yard.
• Terrace Grille’s Holiday Dinner with the Dickens Carolers | Friday, Dec. 15-Saturday, Dec. 16 | 6-9 p.m. | Terrace Grille Lakeland, 329 E. Main St., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Make a reservation to enjoy dinner surrounded by live carolers.

• Documentary Screening — “Samuel Bak: Painter of Questions” | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 1-2 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | Free | Learn more about the artist behind the museum’s exhibit “Remembering Vilna: The Holocaust and the Art of Samuel Bak.”
• Beers with Santa! | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Santa’s sleigh will stop at the brewery for a festive night of cheer.

• Key West Christmas | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | John Frinzi, Roger Bartlett, and surprise guests will perform tropical holiday music — bring a lawn chair since seats fill up quickly.
• Harlem Globetrotters Tipoff Series World Tour 2024 | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 3-5 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $45-$140 | Watch these expert entertainers take to the court and receive a free basketball souvenir.
• Swan City Jazz Jamz | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 5 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Price of donation | Enjoy live jazz at this donation-based musical event — a recommended donation is $10.

• 3%. That’s how far away PCPS was from a district grade of B in the FDOE’s baseline assessment. PCPS’ school grades have also improved — the district had eight F schools and three A schools in the 2020-2021 school year, compared to zero F schools and nine A schools this year. (The Ledger)

• Looking to squeeze in a quick downtown lunch break? The Squeeze is now operating for lunch service Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Board the free shuttle at one of 12 spots, including Lake Morton, Lake Mirror, South Ingraham Avenue, and Orange Street. (WTSP)

• 24 million. That’s how many pounds of produce Publix Super Markets donated to 32 food banks, seven of which are right here in Florida, in 2023. In addition to food donations, the Lakeland-based supermarket chain also donates $10 million annually to Feeding America partner food banks. (Business Observer FL)

• Crews are doing routine maintenance on the road shoulders of US 92 spanning from Combee Road to Recker Highway. Drivers should expect lane closures from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Jan. 13. (The Ledger)

• Tickets are on sale now for Nineteen61’s New Year’s Eve Extravaganza. Tickets to the “Great Gatsby"-themed event range from $75-$250; choose your perfect package for hors d’oeuvres, the full feast with a champagne toast + craft cocktail, and entrance to the midnight countdown.

• Southeastern University is launching a new trades program next year. The program is open to students first learning trades as well as experienced professionals in fields like HVAC, plumbing, and construction interested in furthering their education. Applications are open for fall 2024.

• No. 9. That’s what Lakeland ranked on Retirement Living’s list of The Best Cities to Retire in 2024. Factors considered in the rankings included crime, sales tax rates, population of residents aged 65+, median monthly mortgage, and more. Pro tip: Check out our older adults’ guide to Swan City. (Retirement Living)

• Successful organizational leadership experience, fundraising abilities, and a doctorate or advanced degree — these are just a few of the qualifications that Florida Poly’s search committee is hoping to find in the university’s next president. Contact the committee for more information. (The Ledger)

• Would you like a drive-thru for salads + wraps to open in Swan City? Greenlane, a new Tampa-based drive-thru eatery offering those items for $10 or less, is looking to expand throughout Tampa Bay. Cities like Lakeland, Sarasota, and Orlando are on COO Chris Kern’s shortlist. (Tampa Bay Times)

• Lakeland 12-year-old Bella Sanchez recently reunited with the surgeon who saved her life following a Holmes heart diagnosis. Dr. James Quintessenza, a Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital heart surgeon, performed three open-heart surgeries on Sanchez in the first three years of her life. (WFLA)

• ELEVATE is an aerospace + logistics incubator that helps budding transportation businesses get off the ground or established companies reach greater heights. From virtual mentorships to dedicated collaborations, ELEVATE experts can provide guidance + hands-on feedback at any stage of the development process. See what a membership looks like.*

• This no-annual-fee balance transfer offer now lasts until 2025. Transferring your existing balance to a no-interest card could be the simple solution you’re looking for to finally get ahead of your payments. (Oh, and it offers cash back rewards on everyday purchases.)*

• Planning for personal growth and emotional well-being in 2024? Connect with a licensed therapist on BetterHelp in just 48 hours + get 25% off your first month.*