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Understanding your market is a crucial part of a business when connecting with clients, and building up your market can shape a better business and a better community. As a part of the growth in Hillsborough County, Bank of Central Florida’s Tampa Bay team strives towards serving organizations and being present in the community.

 

Tampa Bay Market Executive Lauren Fernandez speaks to the importance of community involvement as she continues encouraging others to connect with local leadership. “As the Tampa Bay area continues to grow, we get more chances each day to help our neighbors,” she explains, “If you want to be a part of the local economy, there are many ways to get involved and contribute to our dynamic marketplace.”

 

Growing up in Tampa Bay as a child of small business owners, Lauren’s heart for business grew to be a part of her identity. “When I got into banking and recognized that I could help many small business owners, it became a passion for me,” she states, “it’s all about people and building relationships, and when you’re out in the community (already), that’s an easy ask.” 

 

After graduating from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in finance, Lauren’s desire to build relationships with businesses naturally led her to a career in banking. The connections she made led to a stronger understanding of what business owners need from a banker: personalized support as they grow. Lauren recognized that providing the assistance business owners need is similar to what the community needs, including the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders.

 

As a result, one of the organizations Lauren chooses to serve is the University of Tampa as a member of the Lowth Entrepreneurial Center Advisory Board. The board focuses on helping students identify untapped opportunities to push them towards their future as small business leaders. An example of the board’s involvement includes judging pitch competitions with professors that allow students to expand their entrepreneurial ventures and leadership skills.

 

This collaboration not only helps students as Tampa Bay’s future business owners, but it reignites Lauren’s enthusiasm for innovation. “Getting to be a part of the advisory board is so rewarding and the creative energy at play is infectious,” she elaborates, “It is vital to our city’s continued growth that we have space for a generation with new ideas from both the students and the surrounding business community.”

 

Local economies and organizations are vital to market growth. Taking the time to form relationships with others, including the next generation, can help intertwine businesses and the community for the better. Small businesses like Bank of Central Florida are a key part of these relationships. Bank of Central Florida’s collaborative spirit nurtures partnerships, and fosters the determination of working towards something greater.