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CareerSource Suncoast Announces Proactive Initiative to Support and Protect Small Businesses Contact Name: Curt Preisser Contact Email: cpreisser@careersourcesc.com Contact Phone Number: 941-650-2883 CareerSource Suncoast CEO Ted Ehrlichman has announced a new program designed to look at the stability of small businesses in the Manatee and Sarasota County region. In addition to commissioning a research study aimed at gathering business intelligence data and hosting focus groups, CareerSource Suncoast will also use a research and analysis platform which provides a window of real-time data and information. “CareerSource Suncoast has been leading the way in our region for several years when it comes to workforce development,” said Ehrlichman. “We have helped thousands of people find their pathway in the workforce while staying true to our regional influence of turning possibilities into opportunities.” Mr. Ehrlichman announced a $132,000 grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) in support of the program at a recent symposium hosted by CareerSource Suncoast, “eRising – By Entrepreneurs, For Entrepreneurs.” Attended by the area’s top workforce, economic development, education, and political leaders at the USF Sarasota/Manatee Selby Auditorium, the event featured some of the world’s foremost experts on entrepreneurship. The symposium was also broadcast live as a streaming event. “Now we are taking it to the next level by using cutting edge technology to drill down into small business economies, trends, and possible threats, to help those businesses be better prepared for change,” said Ehrlichman. The objective of the project is to define a cohesive set of strategic partners, arm them with information, and then create regional strategies to predict, prepare for, and mitigate small business closures and layoff events. According to Ehrlichman, “The eRising event was a huge success not just for CareerSource Suncoast, but also the dozens of public and private sector partners we work with who share a common goal to sustain and expand our regional workforce.” CareerSource Suncoast is a private, non-profit corporation with a Board of Directors consisting of private business, economic development and education representatives, community and state agencies, and elected officials. The primary focus is to help businesses grow by providing workforce solutions for talent recruitment and development and helping job seekers and workers manage their careers. For more information, contact Curt Preisser, CareerSource Communications, at 941-650-2883.