In her final speech as chair, Kate Cotner described 2021 as “a year of strong results.”
BDB played key roles in the expansion of Bagel Bistro in Hobe Sound, arrival of new businesses such as Ebersold Boatworks and Project Kitchen, and the relocations of Aqua Logix, Tribute Performance Boats, Division Five Labs and two facilities for Grind Hard Ammo.
These eight projects resulted in:
- Generating or retaining 292 jobs
- Encompassing 133,000 square feet
- Producing $35 million in capital investment in Martin County
BDB also performed more than 50 one-on-one visits with local business owners, made 80 partner referrals and assisting nearly 600 local businesses through the Biz Hotline, Biz Hub and general assistance requests.
Additionally, nearly 20 business owners were trained through the Business Accelerator Program and new Side Hustle to Main Gig cohort, developed in partnership with the Florida Small Business Development Center and Indian River State College, with $6,500 in small business grants awarded.