With sessions that covered construction and engineering to corporate development, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority’s (GOAA) Small Business Development Department hosted its annual signature event Friday for the business community – “MCO Means Business,” drawing more than 1,000 participants to the Hilton Orlando on Destination Parkway.
Formerly called “How to do Business With GOAA,” the daylong event featured Community Partners, Speed Dating, Breakout Sessions and guest speakers – including Cassius F. Butts, former Presidential Appointee and author of “Exceptional: Being the Exception to the Rule;” and Bridgette Beato, CEO, Lumenor Consulting Group.
“‘MCO Means Business’ is designed for both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals who are genuinely interested in developing a relationship with the Aviation Authority as we plan for future projects,” said Kevin J. Thibault, CEO of GOAA. “We want all businesses to know what we’re doing at the airport and how they can be part of the excitement.”
A panel, moderated by Belinda Kirkegard, President of the National Entrepreneur Center, gave participants a chance to hear from four business owners representing engineering, mobility services and construction. The panelists told the audience to invest in their dreams and learn how to fail but bounce back from the challenges all small businesses face.
Following the panel and additional breakout sessions, GOAA presented an Industry Forum for its Consolidated Rental Car (ConRAC) facility project. The ConRAC will be an onsite facility, located near Terminal C, that will streamline services to make renting cars more efficient. All rental cars would be located at the ConRAC, which will help to decrease curb congestion and increase safety.
The Small Business Office connects local, small, and historically underutilized businesses to resources and contract opportunities at GOAA by providing personalized, equitable, and diversified solutions to current and future airport businesses, contractors, and consultants.
