Palm Coast, FL (March 26, 2022) It was near Chamber of Commerce weather as businesses from across Flagler County welcomed visitors to the inaugural Flagler County Small Biz Expo.

Advertising more than 200 businesses on display, a steady stream of people headed to Town Center in Palm Coast to check out the home show styled event where business owners and staff could talk one-on-one about their goods and services.

Easily the busiest tent, Flagler Humane Society’s executive director Amy Carotenuto was out alongside her team, offering up more than just animals.

“We’re here to showcase our business and actually were here because we have some employment opportunities too, so I’m hoping to kind of get the word out on that,” said Carotenuto. “If people aren’t looking for a job, maybe they’re looking to volunteer.

With a few of the shelter’s superstars on site, Carotenuto kept busy talking with visitors.

Flagler Humane Society’s tent was buzzing with activity. Photo: Flagler News Weekly

“We’ve got two baby bunnies and two super nice dogs and they’re working the crowd,” she said.

Melinda Rivera’s Sweet & Sassy Treats reported selling out of her product at the pop up, and Redefined Food Company’s Jodee Soltes talked with visitors about their healthy meals throughout the day.

Redefined Food Company’s Jodee Soltes chats with a visitor about their health offerings at the Flagler County Small Biz Expo on March 26, 2022. Photo: Flagler News Weekly

Inside city hall a variety of 30-minute workshops offered business tips and information from organizations such as CareerSource, Cornerstone Center, and the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin toured the lakeside business displays, chatting with residents and business owners to gage the event’s success.

“We have an incredible turnout of the small businesses that represent and are the foundation for the economic development of the City of Palm Coast,” said Alfin. “Without these small businesses we don’t exist. Without these small businesses and our support for them, we won’t be able to grow.”

Serving as a launch pad, Alfin is already looking forward to future events to showcase the community’s expanding small business ecosystem.

“There are over 200 businesses here. This will be the inaugural year. I promise you this will be done every year, and the city will try to guarantee we have beautiful weather every year, as well.”

Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin stops for a selfie with Marketing 2 Go’s Cindy Dalecki and CurleyTail Design’s Kim Fitzgerald. Photo: Cindy Dalecki