Small Business Support

Tampa – November 07, 2026 -- Prospera, a bilingual economic development nonprofit, facilitated $56.8 million in loans for small business clients over the last five years, the organization said at its annual entrepreneurship celebration at The Florida Aquarium.

The event, presented by Duke Energy, carried the theme "35 Years Rooted in Impact." Prospera has operated since 1991.

Prospera trained more than 17,700 entrepreneurs in five years

Over the same period, Prospera's consulting clients created or retained more than 17,600 jobs. The organization currently serves Florida, North Carolina and Georgia.

Three Tampa Bay-area businesses recognized for growth

Prospera honored three small businesses it has supported with guidance and services:

Independence, Ohio – September 19, 2026 -- SellYourWay.org has launched an interactive online feature that defines the Certified Business Intermediary® (CBI) designation, aiming to help small business owners identify qualified brokers before selling their companies.

New tool breaks CBI credential into six qualifications

The feature, hosted on SellYourWay.org, outlines six specific qualifications business owners should verify when selecting a Business Broker, covering educational and performance requirements set by the International Business Brokers Association® (IBBA). SellYourWay.org is powered by IBBA, which describes itself as the largest international not-for-profit association for business brokers.

Elmhurst – September 16, 2026 -- Saltbox will open its first Chicago-area co-warehousing facility this fall in Elmhurst, Illinois, adding a 114-suite operations hub to its 13-location U.S. network and launching a $5,000 grant for a local product-based business.

Elmhurst facility gives Chicago-area businesses 114 flexible warehouse and office suites

The facility at 934 N. Church Rd. offers suites ranging from 88 to 1,809 square feet, with smaller units holding roughly four pallets for one or two people and larger suites accommodating up to 125 pallets for full fulfillment teams. Members get month-to-month access to loading docks, daily carrier pickups, conference rooms, a content studio, 24/7 security and an on-site operations team that receives inventory and supports carrier handoffs.