Last month our Leadership Osceola Class of 2025 concluded their program days with a full-day session dedicated to Visioning & Civics, gaining valuable insights into the people and processes that help keep Osceola County running. This session marked their final biweekly program day of the twelve they have participated in since February. The next step for them will be their graduation luncheon at Disney on August.
Visining & Civics Day began at Kissimmee Utility Authority, where participants learned how the utility powers a growing community through reliable electric service, long-term planning, and community partnerships. They heard firsthand how public power plays a critical role in supporting development, public safety, and quality of life in the region.
In the afternoon, the group visited the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections Office, where they explored how local elections are organized, ballots are secured, and voter integrity is maintained. The visit provided a deeper understanding of the importance of civic participation and the logistics behind ensuring every vote counts.
At the Osceola County Property Appraiser’s Office, participants learned how property values are assessed and how that information contributes to fair and equitable taxation across the county. Discussions focused on transparency, data accuracy, and the impact of growth on property assessments.
They concluded their visits at the Osceola County Tax Collector’s Office to understand the scope of services provided, from driver’s licenses and tag renewals to tax collection and community outreach. Staff shared how customer service and operational efficiency are prioritized to serve thousands of residents each year.
The day concluded with a wrap-up session and final program debrief. As they reflected on their experiences, participants gained a broader understanding of local government, public service, and their roles as community leaders. A meaningful conclusion to an impactful journey.
Each of the Leadership Osceola program days consist of hands-on exploration of the organizations, services, programs, government entities, and leaders that keep the Osceola community running. Other program days include Criminal Justice Day, Environment Day, and Agribusiness Day.
On Social Services Day, the class explored human services and the Osceola County organizations working together to support some of our county's most vulnerable populations.
The day began at the Osceola Council On Aging where the class members rolled up their sleeves to serve Osceola County's elderly and at-need residents by participating in its Meals on Wheels program, distributing food in the food pantry, and spending quality time with seniors in their memory care unit.
Next the class visited The Opportunity Center, Inc., an organization that provides compassionate, full-time care for adults with disabilities. The experience offered a first-hand look at how to serve with dignity, empathy, and commitment.
The day concluded a Osceola County Housing and Community Services with a poverty simulation, designed to challenge perspectives and build empathy. Class members were assigned real-world roles such as a single parent, senior citizen, or unemployed adult, tasked with navigating a month's worth of challenges using limited resources. The simulation was made possible by local nonprofits, community partners, and LOC program alumni who stepped in to represent the services they provide in real life: banks, food pantries, healthcare providers, schools, law enforcement, housing services, and more. These role plays created an authentic and interactive experience that highlighted the complexity of poverty and the vital importance of a community support system.
The day was a powerful reminder that leadership requires both compassion and action, and that strategic partnerships are essential to creating lasting solutions.
If you would like to be a part of the Leadership Osceola Class of 2026, look out for the application this coming November at the following link: www.theosceolachamber.com/leadership-osceola
Check out the gallery below to see the Leadership Osceola Class of 2025 in action!
A solid business plan outline acts as your roadmap, helping you stay focused, make informed decisions, and communicate your vision clearly to others. Yet many small businesses start without a formally written plan. According to the Journal of Management Studies, businesses with a written plan experience 33.4% higher growth.
New business or not, reviewing and refining your business plan keeps your business goals on track and your vision moving forward.
The business plan executive summary provides a brief but powerful overview of your business. It should clearly explain who you are, the problem you are solving, the solution you offer, and your goals for the future. Although it appears at the beginning of your plan, it's often easier to write the executive summary after completing the whole plan, once all the details are clearly outlined.
When writing about your business, highlight how it connects to the Osceola community. Show how your business addresses a local need or enhances the community meaningfully. Demonstrating this connection can make your message more relatable to audiences and potential investors.
Use this section to tell the deeper story of your business. Share what inspired you to start, the core values that drive you, and the specific needs your business addresses.
Clearly explain what makes you different: Are you meeting a unique need in the community? Is your team made up of industry experts? What recognitions have you earned that help validate your expertise? Set yourself up for success by highlighting the strengths that make your business stand out from the competition.
Use your Chamber membership to build credibility! Mention your involvement with The Osceola Chamber in your company description to highlight your commitment to the local community. Being part of a respected organization can build trust with potential customers and strengthen your reputation.
One of the most important steps in building a business plan is knowing your market and audience. Research who your customers are, what they need, and how your business can address their problems. A clear understanding of your target market helps you shape your products, services, and marketing efforts.
It is just as important to study your competitors. Look at what similar local businesses are offering and find ways to set yourself apart. Knowing your local market gives you a strong foundation as you build your plan.
If you want to deepen your understanding of Osceola County, consider participating in Leadership Osceola. This program offers hands-on experiences, leadership development, and an inside look at key community issues. Graduates are encouraged to stay involved through community impact opportunities, which help them grow both personally and professionally while staying connected to the community they serve.
Your business plan outline should explain how you will attract and keep customers. Start by defining your brand. Think about how you want people to see your business and how you will communicate that across your website, social media, and printed materials.
Outline your advertising and outreach efforts, too. Will you focus on digital ads, community events, social media, or a mix of approaches? A strong plan includes ways to connect with customers online and in person.
Remember that your marketing strategy should adapt to every stage of your business journey.
The Osceola Chamber offers monthly networking events like First Friday Luncheons, allowing you to connect with local business owners and community leaders. You can also join a Leads Group to build strong referral partnerships and expand your reach. These connections are a valuable part of strengthening your business strategy to build your brand and grow your customer base.
A strong financial plan will keep you on track and show potential investors or lenders that you are serious about your business. Be sure to include startup costs, operating expenses, pricing strategies, and projections for revenue and profits. A clear financial roadmap not only guides your early decisions but also strengthens your case when seeking funding or support.
If you already have an established business, it is just as important to revisit and update your financial plan regularly. Reviewing your expenses, adjusting your revenue goals, and refining your pricing strategies can keep your business competitive and prepare for future growth.
While The Osceola Chamber does not directly provide grants to small businesses, we highly recommend scheduling a free one-on-one consultation with the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UCF, located inside The Osceola Chamber building. Their expert consultants can assist you in building a detailed fundraising plan, developing financial strategies, and even creating a business plan.
They also offer helpful workshops and free resources like handouts and booklets to guide you through the process. Be sure to check the SBDC website for more details and scheduling information.
Your business plan should grow and evolve as your business does, adapting to new challenges and opportunities. For business owners in Osceola County, staying ahead with a strong, locally informed plan gives you a real edge as the community expands.
Joining The Osceola Chamber helps you build that advantage. Membership connects you with mentorship, workshops, advocacy, exclusive networking events, and a supportive community focused on helping you succeed. Connect with The Osceola Chamber and let’s build up your business together.
Our Chamber Coalitions have launched four new awards for 2025, and are bringing back our popular Tomorrow's Leaders Today Awards, which recognizes up-and-coming talent in the business world, for the 8th year! Nominate worthy candidates or apply today for
Do you know someone under 40 who works OR lives in Osceola County who you consider an up-and-coming leader in our community? The Young Professionals of Osceola County want to give you the opportunity to nominate an individual for their Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Award! This Award recognizes individuals 40 and under that live or work in Osceola County and who go above and beyond in their acts of service, both professionally and for the community.
The Young Professionals launched the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Awards in 2018. That year, eight remarkable under-40s were honored. Nominations* for the 2024 awards are open through July 13, 2025. Nominees will submit a detailed application and winners will be honored at our Awards Luncheon in November. .
*Please note, nominating the same candidate multiple times does not increase their chances of winning. One nomination is sufficient for a candidate to receive an application. Winners are judged on the basis of the application they complete.
The Osceola Chamber Pride Coalition announces the inaugural ROY G BIV Impact Award. Applications for this award are open through September 7, 2025 and a winner will be announced at the Coalitions Awards Luncheon in November.
The ROY G. BIV Impact Award honors individuals making bold, lasting contributions to the LGBTQ+ community in Osceola. Inspired by the colors of the rainbow, each letter of ROY G. BIV represents a core value that drives meaningful change: Representation, Outreach, Youth Empowerment, Growth, Boldness, Inclusion, and Visibility. From uplifting queer youth and creating safe, affirming spaces, to amplifying LGBTQ+ voices and driving community growth, this award celebrates those who embody the full spectrum of impact. Whether through advocacy, art, education, or service, recipients of the ROY G. BIV Impact Award are recognized for their unwavering commitment to building a more vibrant, inclusive world.
Our Hispanic Business Coalition is sponsoring two new awards this year that will honor an individual who has proven their leadership and influence in Osceola's Hispanic business community and a business, organization, or initiative that has made an impact. Nominations* are open now.
The Hispanic Leadership Award honors Hispanic individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership within the Hispanic community through July 13, 2025.
The Hispanic Business Impact Award recognizes Hispanic businesses, organizations, or initiatives that have made a significant positive impact on the Hispanic community in Osceola County, Florida. Nominations are due no later than July 13, 2025.
*Please note, nominating the same candidate multiple times does not increase their chances of winning. One nomination is sufficient for a candidate to receive an application. Winners are judged on the basis of the application they complete.
Presented by the Black Business Coalition of The Osceola Chamber, this award honors a rising Black entrepreneur who exemplifies innovation, resilience, and exceptional potential. It recognizes a business leader who is not only building a successful company, but also paving the way for future generations through bold vision and impactful leadership. Nominations* are due no later than July 13, 2025. Nominees will then complete an application to be considered for the award. Nominees should have been in business under 7 years.
*Please note, nominating the same candidate multiple times does not increase their chances of winning. One nomination is sufficient for a candidate to receive an application. Winners are judged on the basis of the application they complete.
