St. Johns County entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners can meet face-to-face with more than a dozen support organizations at a free Small Business Resource Event on Sept. 23 at The Waterworks, 184 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine.
Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for registration and networking. The program runs from 10 a.m. to noon.
St. Johns County Economic Development is hosting the event, which brings together local, regional and state agencies offering programs and services for people starting, growing or strengthening a business.
"Small businesses are the heart of St. Johns County," Monica Dominguez, senior project manager for St. Johns County Economic Development, said in a county announcement published Monday, Aug. 24. She added that when entrepreneurs take risks, create jobs and serve the community, they strengthen the local economy and build a more vibrant county for everyone.
Participating organizations include the SBDC at UNF, St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Small Business Administration, JAXPORT, SCORE, CareerSource North Florida, First Coast Technical College, Jacksonville Women's Business Center, SelectFlorida and the St. Johns County Public Library.
The format includes agency spotlights followed by additional networking time, giving attendees a chance to ask questions and identify resources that fit their needs.
Why it matters locally
The county's rapid growth is fueling demand for small-business support. St. Johns County added 71,585 residents between 2020 and 2025, reaching a population of 348,690, according to county economic data. Jobs grew 26.1% over that same period, climbing from 91,019 to 114,739 and outpacing the national job growth rate of 10.7% by more than 15 percentage points. The county's labor force stands at 158,270 with an average unemployment rate of 4.2% in 2025.
The event supports the St. Johns County Strategic Plan's Economic Prosperity priority, which focuses on expanding business opportunities and developing local talent, according to the county.
How to attend
The event is free. Residents can contact St. Johns County Economic Development at 904-209-2405 or [email protected] for more information, or visit InvestJC.com for additional business resources.
