How to Get More Customer Referrals: Smart, Strategic Moves for Small Business Owners
Attracting new customers is essential, but when your existing customers become your biggest fans, you unlock one of the most cost-effective growth levers in business: customer referrals. Referrals build trust faster than advertising. They cost less than paid search. And they scale when you build systems—not just hopes—around them. But here’s the problem: most small business owners wait for referrals instead of engineering them. Let’s fix that.Summary in a Snap If you're a small business owner and want
Polk State College will celebrate 133rd commencement on December 3
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 — Polk State College will celebrate its 133rd commencement on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. and include remarks by Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti, President of Polk State College, and Larry G. Williams, Jr., Chief Executive Officer and President of Peace River Center, who will be honored as the December 2025 Distinguished Alumnus. The Fall 2025 Graduating Class is comprised of 1,189 students who are
Registration is open for the Spring 2026 Semester at Polk State College
Monday, November 10, 2025 — Registration is open for the Spring 2026 Semester at Polk State College.The spring semester will start on January 7 with 16-week and eight-week classes. Twelve-week classes will start on February 5, and the second session of eight-week classes will start on March 5.Students can register for classes in the Polk Portal.Prospective students should submit a free online application to the College by clicking here.Help with admission, advising, registration and financial aid is
AdventHealth Lake Wales Recognized for excellence with ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation
The accreditation means patients can trust that the team at AdventHealth Lake Wales is ready to provide fast, accurate, and compassionate care when it matters most (photo courtesy: AdventHealth) AdventHealth Lake Wales Recognized for excellence with ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation LAKE WALES, Fla. (Monday, November 10, 2025) -- If you or a loved one experiences chest pain, every second counts. AdventHealth Lake Wales has been recognized
These Are Smart Ways to Keep Your Costs Low When Starting a Restaurant
Opening a restaurant is exciting, but the financial side can be daunting. Rent, equipment, staff, and permits quickly add up. The good news: with the right strategy, you can keep costs lean without cutting corners. 1. Start Small Before Scaling Instead of investing heavily in a large location, many first-time owners test their concept in lower-cost formats: Food trucks or pop-up kitchens Shared commissary kitchens Weekend farmer’s market booths These options help validate your menu,
Love's Fundraising Campaign - Children's Miracle
YMCA Child Care is Back in Lake Wales – Let’s Support Local Families Together!
Dear Community Partner,We’re excited to announce that the YMCA Early Learning Center at McLaughlin Middle High School is opening child care services in Lake Wales on August 11, and enrollment is NOW OPEN!This isn’t just a new child care center—it’s a place where children learn and grow, families feel supported, and our community thrives.We invite you to help us spread the word or explore ways we can partner to strengthen early childhood education and care in Lake Wales.What We Offer:Voluntary
Warner University - Discounted Online Education
We’re excited to offer a 15% tuition discount on all of our online degree programs to your Lake Wales employees! We know that the Lake Wales community pursues excellence and are committed to serving the people around them—values that align closely with Warner’s mission. This partnership would allow your team members to pursue affordable, flexible higher education while continuing to thrive in their roles. Program Highlights:15% tuition discount on all online programsFlexible scheduling designed for
Beneath the Surface: What Founders Miss About Risk Until It Bites Back
Launching a startup is often described as a leap of faith, but that metaphor misses something important—it implies a single moment of risk. In truth, starting and scaling a company means walking a daily tightrope, balancing opportunity with uncertainty, growth with exposure, ambition with fragility. The mythology around entrepreneurship loves to spotlight risk-takers as if recklessness is a virtue, but smart founders know better. Risk isn't just something to stomach—it's something to study, strategize,
The CTA, BOI and FinCEN: What Does this Mean for Lake Wales, FL Businesses?
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. Read more for details on how this may impact your business in the future. 1. Determine if
Business Acrobatics: Adobe Tools Help Women Entrepreneurs Nail the Landing
As we celebrate Women's Small Business Month this October, it's important to recognize the innovative tools that empower women entrepreneurs to streamline their operations and drive growth. Adobe Acrobat offers a suite of features designed to enhance productivity, making it easier to manage documents, collaborate with teams, and handle essential business tasks efficiently. For women business owners looking to save time and focus on scaling their ventures, these solutions can be a game-changer in
