The new year offers a fresh start and an opportunity to commit to a worthy goal. Creating a business goal requires careful consideration. An attainable business goal can be broken up into small, actionable steps you can take toward the finish line. Whether your business aims to improve customer service, increase sales, expand into more markets, or hire new employees, you can begin with a single step. Your website!

Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO) is hosting its 55th Annual Ocala Arts Festival on Saturday, October 22, and Sunday, October 23 from 10 am- 5 pm. Every year we look forward to this opportunity to support over 150 local artists and performers.

Having your own e-commerce site can expand your business exponentially. Small business owners that rely on a third-party marketplace often struggle with limiting rules, regulations, and competition with other businesses listing products on the site. With your own e-commerce site, you make the rules, you showcase your brand, and you reap the rewards.

Ocala’s First Friday Art Walk returns this evening from 6-9 p.m. in Ocala’s Downtown Square. First Friday Art Walks take place on the first Friday of each month from September to May and showcase the talents of some amazing local artists. Tonight there will be art demonstrations and hands-on art activities for all ages. Ocala’s Art Army will have a free make-and-take art activity, and Ecliff will be performing live music. Many of the downtown shops and businesses will have extended business hours on the square, with plenty of opportunities for you to purchase art from local artists. Come out and support Ocala’s local art scene! We hope to see you there!

As a small business owner, your website’s goal is to reach potential clients and customers. Your website builds brand recognition and customer loyalty by providing authentic, valuable information to its viewers. Did you know that you could be losing potential clients and customers if your website is not created to be responsive to the user? Responsive Web Design (RWD) ensures that your site can adapt and respond to its users.

As a busy small business owner, it can be difficult to invest time and energy into creating and executing an extensive marketing strategy. While it may seem overwhelming, we have a few tips that will help you to begin developing a marketing strategy that works for you and will benefit your business for years to come.

Supporting local artists is a wonderful way to connect and contribute to your community. Ocala has so many skilled artists, and the latest exhibition presented by the City of Ocala and the Magnolia Art Exchange sets out to celebrate the student and emerging artists in our community.

Logos are typically the first way that potential clients and customers interact with your brand, so it is important that your logo is memorable and reflective of your business.

Shopping local and supporting local businesses is a powerful way to encourage local economic growth.

On Friday, March 25 from 7-10 p.m. Tuscawilla Art Park will host an outdoor theater under the stars as part of their After Dark in the Park program.

Many larger cities have apps to help connect consumers to small businesses, and we are excited that Ocala finally has its very own!

Ocala Main Street offers historic walking tours each month, and this month they are offering a Valentine’s Special.

Small business owners work tirelessly to build and grow their businesses. Despite their best efforts, many have fallen prey to some sort of scam. Numerous scammers target small businesses specifically but there are things you can do to prevent these criminals from taking advantage of you.

Ocala’s First Friday Art Walk is a beloved monthly event that supports local artists, musicians, performers, and businesses.

Do you have plans this evening? Kick-off 2022 by supporting local Ocala artists, performers, and businesses at the First Friday Art Walk from 6-9 p.m.