FSHCC Partners with the Pet Chamber of Commerce to Kickstart Florida Pet Business! Florida Entrepreneur Launches Crowd Funding Project on Kickstarter.com

LAKE WORTH, FL, June 24, 2011 (Press-News.org) Most economic analysts and experts agree, Florida's economic future depends on creating and nurturing a healthy environment for business development, job creation and economic growth. Florida entrepreneurs often cite the Access to Capital as one the biggest stumbling blocks to starting a new business. Florida entrepreneurs who may be feeling a bit like they've been chasing their own tail, when it comes to securing the business financing they need. Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has a solution to get them finally barking up the right tree!

Access Florida Capital is a free, business finance guidance program, offered by Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The program is designed to help educate and inform new and existing Florida business owners about the necessary steps they need to take in order to prepare for business funding. The program offers information and guidance such as, how to secure a Florida Bank Loan or what types of alternative lending sources like invoice factoring and innovative new funding strategies such as Crowd Funding for Product Design. "Our mission is simple," says Julio Fuentes, President of Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "We want to put $100 million dollars in the hands of Florida entrepreneurs and business owners, so they can create the jobs to get Florida's economy booming. Whether that's Bank Financing or New and Innovative models like Project Crowd Funding."

South Florida based furniture designer and entrepreneur, Corey Drew enrolled in Access Florida Capital in search of business financing for his line of eco-friendly modern luxury pet furniture marketed under his Pet Lounge Studios brand. "It's been an invaluable experience going through the Access Florida Capital preparation and evaluation process. It's really opened my eyes to the many different avenues I have available for funding. The best part is that now that I've gone through the process, I'm fully prepared to explore them all!" says Drew.

When Pet Lounge Studios became a member of Access Florida Capital, FSHCC immediately enlisted the help of one of its affiliate chambers based in Miami, Florida and who also happens to be the only National Chamber of Commerce, focused exclusively on the Pet Industry., "We are enthusiastic about this partnership; this will help grow pet businesses as well as help create more jobs because of this growth."

With the help and support of two of the State's most respected business advocacy groups, Pet Lounge Studios launched a public project on Kickstarter, one of the leading Crowd Funding project sites on June 13, 2011. Crowd Funding. Via the Internet, crowd funding is a resource for businesses to pitch their creative idea (projects that could be products, art, film, album, etc) request how much they need to get started. Many websites dedicated to crowd funding create a place on the web for people who network and pool their money together to support efforts initiated by other people or organizations.

Fans of the designer and brand will be able to watch the business drama unfold in real time through a series of Video Webisodes and project updates featured on the Pet Chamber and Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Kickstarter.com websites. Elite supporters of the project even get a chance to fly to Hong Kong to meet with the designer once during the launch of the manufacturing phase and then again for the final inspection of the product.

"FSHCC wants to offer Florida entrepreneurs any and all available sources for the Access to Capital they need to get their business started or growing. We are committed to empowering our community through accessible educational programs solid business matchmaking services and advocacy and support at a State Legislative level," said Fuentes. "We are pleased to have an incredible partner like the Pet Chamber of Commerce help support our efforts to get make Florida one of the best States to do business in the US," expanded Fuentes.

About The Pet Chamber of Commerce: The Pet Chamber of Commerce is the only National Chamber of Commerce dedicated to the advancement of pet business and pet owners. Located online at http:/www.petchamberofcommerce.org, they are an invaluable partner to pet businesses looking to growth their awareness and reach via marketing and promotion.

About Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: Founded in 2010, is a highly regarded advocate of the issues that impact the Florida Hispanic business most. FSHCC mission is to promote the economic advancement of the Florida Hispanic community, with a focus on economic and political empowerment, and public advocacy to improve the quality of life in the state of Florida. For more Information on the Pet Lounge Studios Project at http://www.kickstarter.com and follow the project progress at http://www.fshcc.com.