City Manager's Bi-Weekly Report ISSUE 19 | NOVEMBER 2017 | Page 5

STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE GOAL THREE DIVERSE ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The City Council has prioritized a diverse economy and employment opportunities as a key strategic goal . As we track the progress of this goal and identify ways to support a diverse economy and

The City received

254 more businesses during 16 / 17 than it did during FY15 / 16

employment opportunities , the growth of small businesses is an important measurement . According to the U . S . Census Bureau , 99 percent of Florida companies are small businesses . Since the end of the recession , small businesses are responsible for the majority of job growth and are the state ’ s largest participants in international trade , producing 65 percent of Florida-origin exports .
There are approximately 7,304 businesses operating in Port St . Lucie , many of which are home operated . Most home-based businesses are allowed as defined by City Code Section 158.217 ( f ). The Business Tax is levied on all businesses located in Port St . Lucie and St . Lucie County . Business operations within the City of Port St . Lucie are regulated under Chapter 111 of the City Code of Ordinances .
TOP 10 SMALL BUSINESS CLASSIFICATIONS BY TOTAL NUMBER OF BUSINESSES ( 10 / 1 / 15-PRESENT )
1 .
Rental Property Lessor :
310
2 .
Merchant ( retailers ):
186
3 .
Non-Structural ( pressure washing , cabinet installers , etc .): 164
4 .
Cleaning service :
135
5 .
Professional ( physicians , attorneys , etc .):
119
6 .
Personal Services ( home companion , animal care , etc .):
107
7 .
Lawn service / landscaping :
90
8 .
Mail order ( internet sales , consulting , etc .):
69
9 .
Insurance :
64
10 .
Repair Business ( automotive , home repair ):
53
One of the ways the City supports small businesses is through education . The Business Tax Department offers free business training workshops as a convenient way for companies and entrepreneurs to ask questions about commonly encountered issues and is offering a number of workshops over the coming months .