Kissimmee approves funding agreements with Prospera and UCF/NEC to support small-business services

The Kissimmee City Commission on Oct. 7 voted to approve two agreements to support local entrepreneurs and export-ready businesses.

First, the commission approved a FY2025–26 funding agreement with Prospera, a nonprofit that provides bilingual business assistance and training. Prospera’s representative, Katya Medina, said the organization has served the Osceola County area for years through an office at the Osceola Chamber and provided recent local outcomes: 116 clients served in the current fiscal year, about 200 entrepreneurs trained, roughly $620,000 in facilitated loans and nearly $20,000 in business-advancement services. A local business owner, Jonathan Mendez, described Prospera’s assistance in preparing a business plan and accessing a credit line.

Commissioners discussed ensuring Prospera’s services are available to all community members and directed staff to explore coordination with other providers where necessary; the commission approved the funding agreement.

Second, the commission approved a fiscal-year 2025–26 agreement with the University of Central Florida Research Foundation and the National Entrepreneur Center, which provides workshops, export assistance and training through the Central Florida International Trade Office. Roger Colon, program director for the trade office, described regional export figures for Osceola County and ongoing workshops to help businesses mitigate tariff impacts. Commissioners approved that agreement as well.

Staff said both agreements would continue the city’s support of small-business technical assistance and workforce development opportunities and that program details would be coordinated with the Chamber and other local partners.