Palm Beach North Chamber launches local business resource center, partners with FAU SBDC

Noel Martinez, president and CEO of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, and Caitlin Bergman, the chamber's director of strategic initiatives, presented two new programs the chamber said are designed to support entrepreneurs and small businesses across the region.

Martinez described the chamber's history and said the new local business resource center will act as a one‑stop hub for entrepreneurs, offering licensing and zoning guidance, mentorship, networking, and step‑by‑step start‑up resources that will link all 11 municipalities in the Palm Beach North region. Caitlin Bergman said the hub will include countywide information and municipal‑specific resources for Palm Beach Gardens businesses.

The chamber also announced a formal partnership with Florida Atlantic University's Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which chamber staff said will provide free consulting and co‑host events and training. Jackie Ramirez of the SBDC said the SBDC network provides consulting, capital access guidance and federal procurement support, and that the center has historically served as a quiet but practical resource for local entrepreneurs.

Council members praised the initiative and thanked staff and volunteers; no formal council action was required. Martinez invited council members to refer residents and entrepreneurs to the new resources.

The presenters said the program will allow satellite consultations and events to be hosted locally to make services more accessible. The chamber said the effort built on three years of regional hub planning and collaboration with FAU, SBA partners and municipal stakeholders.