Official grand-opening events set for Lake County’s two newest Business Opportunity Centers

TAVARES – The Lake County Board of County Commissioners’ Office of Economic Development & Tourism is inviting the public to attend the official grand-opening celebrations for Lake County’s two newest Business Opportunity Centers (BOCs).

The first grand-opening celebration will be held Wednesday, Sept. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the South Lake County BOC, located at 20763 U.S. Highway 27 in Groveland. The second is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Northeast Lake County BOC, located at 1520 S. Bay St. in Eustis.

Guest speakers include Commission Chairman Leslie Campione, who will speak at the Northeast Lake County BOC grand-opening, and Commissioner Sean Parks, who will address attendees at the South Lake County BOC event. Dr. Charles Mojock, President of Lake-Sumter Community College, will speak at both events. 

“The Business Opportunity Centers are pivotal pieces to our economic development strategy,” said Scott Blankenship, Director of Lake County’s Office of Economic Development & Tourism. “Through the BOCs, we are able to bring valuable business support resources to each micro-region, and directly to the business community. We look forward to showcasing what the BOCs have to offer.”

The grand-openings will officially unveil both facilities, and give attendees the opportunity to learn about the critical roles the BOCs will play in the advancement of Lake County’s economic development efforts. County staff will also be present to answer questions and give tours.

Strategically located in two of the County’s three micro-regions, the South Lake and Northeast Lake BOCs offer full-time support services to Lake County businesses, which include business tools, training and infrastructure. Each BOC also features a Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which provides no-cost professional business consulting, and a business incubator, designed to assist growth-oriented entrepreneurs and start-up companies.

Sponsors for the South Lake County BOC include the cities of Clermont and Groveland, the Town of Montverde, South Lake Chamber of Commerce and FAIRWINDS Credit Union. The Northeast Lake County BOC’s sponsors include the cities of Umatilla, Eustis, Tavares, and Mount Dora, SECO Energy and Prestige Ford.

In addition, the Northwest Lake County BOC, located at 600 Market St. in Leesburg, has been operating and providing support to local businesses in the Northwest Lake County Micro-Region for over three years.

For more information about the grand-openings, or to find out which Business Opportunity Center can assist your business, call the Lake County Office of Economic Development & Tourism at 352-742-3918 or visit www.businessinlakefl.com.