Small businesses impact communities by creating jobs, increasing the tax base and providing residents with local goods and services. Cities benefit when small businesses thrive.
To help promote and raise their visibility in Orlando, UnitedHealthcare teamed up with the Orlando Magic to create the Spotlight on Small Business Program, which culminated with a special event on April 3.
More than 530 businesses applied for the program, and six were selected to participate based on their culture, innovation and ability to overcome challenges. Participating businesses included Oxford Eyes, Pop-a-lock Orlando, Millers Hardware, All Smiles Big and Small, Storey Law Group and Advantage Plumbing, Inc.
The businesses benefited from opportunities that included an ad in the Orlando Magic’s game program, digital signage in-arena and radio spots on 96.9 The Game during game broadcasts. In addition, each company received two courtside seats, an on-court photo and a customized jersey with the company’s name on the back. UnitedHealthcare also donated 10 youth basketball camp scholarships on behalf of each of the companies.
Oxford Eyes, a downtown Orlando eyewear shop, was selected by an executive panel to win the event’s grand prize, based on their responses about their culture, innovation in their industry and overcoming challenges. The business’ management team will get a chance to work with the Orlando Magic in its Innovation Lab, which offers practical tools and techniques for accelerating and injecting innovation into organizations.