Building a startup is daunting but, if Floridians are anything, it’s innovative and passionate about their work!
But it goes without saying that startups don’t happen in a vacuum. The ideas you’ve had gestating for months, or years, are yours and yours alone – but the business and cultural ecosystem you’re launching your startup into will be the deciding factor in your startup’s health and prosperity.
LNPlus2 is fortunate enough to be based in Broward County, and as part of our ongoing content outreach, we’ll be shining a spotlight on topics, themes, and areas of interest that uniquely affect our startup ecosystem.
Today, we wanted to look at our home – Broward!
State of the County
- The Broward Workshop did a State of the County round-up back in April last year, which goes a long way in describing the biggest upset to startup funding and creation in a generation – COVID-19, and how the state and county dealt with everything from testing rollouts to introducing public health measures and more.
- Talking about entrepreneurial vision in 2021 will have to do so with one eye on the effect of COVID-19 and its defining changes to workplaces, working culture, remote work and, crucially for startups, funding, staffing, and scaling. This video set the scene for 2020, and the next, invite-only State of the County Webinar will be in the spring of this year.
The Future is Tech
- Rapid digitization across vast sections of work has been a defining characteristic of the last 12 months, exacerbated by the pandemic. Startups are inherently digital in delivery and when so much of your company’s brand, marketing and undoubtedly sales will rely on the digital world to make a mark, utilizing your local tech network is vital.
- TechLauderdale and the South Florida Technology Alliance provide an incredible events calendar and resource support for any burgeoning tech startup supremo: they advocate for local businesses and networks and promote connectivity and collaboration. Their events list is growing too. Digitally heavy and remote as it may be, they’re a fantastic resource and one any startup owner should dig into.
Startup Events and Networking
- The startup scene is smaller than you think – and understanding your industry, your local business leaders and the pitfalls alongside the positives will make sure you’re prepared for every eventuality.
- StartupGrind is your one-stop-shop for everything and anything to do with startups – they provide programming and support, as well as a growing state- and a country-wide network of thought leaders and business owners, all via their network, events, and membership.
Know your market
- Understanding your market and competition should be part of your business prep and SMART assessment, and no startup can work without truly understanding market differentiation: that’s where StartupBlink is your best friend, providing a constantly updated source of startup company information in your area – it’s worth noting that with even a cursory look there are 106 startups in Fort Lauderdale alone, ranging from flowers and drinks event companies to pet adoption to cloud services!
- In Broward specifically, at the end of last year, NSU launched the Alan B Levan Centre for Innovation, which will be taking a leading role in the economic and entrepreneurial development of Broward County – you can read about them here!
Build your ecosystem
- You may have the idea, but launching a business in today’s volatile tech and working market takes discipline, planning, and strategy – and where the links above help you cultivate a network and understand the startup market in Broward and FL, you still need to build a business plan fit for purpose. The Founder Institute Startup Canvas is a great place to start – they provide all the tools you need to build a startup, detailing how to build a team, advocate for your company, attract government support, and scale.
State expansion
- Enterprise Florida is a wonderful resource for talent and startup creators seeking work and advice on building a business – its place as a public/private initiative means it’s the states’ principal economic development organization, so it is the front line in the Governors and stakeholders’ efforts to draw business to the state, encourage growth and put funding where it matters.
Find a startup job!
- A startup is nothing without its team. Whether you’re looking for your first-ever startup job or looking to join a full team of savvy professionals, you’ll need to lean on networks of recruiters and connectors to source you that perfect role. Career Source Broward and Employ Florida, and us here at LNplus2offer easy to use recruitment channels for the startup job seeker.
LNPlus2 are startup talent specialists, providing recruitment services, advice, resources, and guidance to companies, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. If you own a startup, or if you’re considering launching a startup, please contact us for information on how we can support your development and business needs.