Fort Lauderdale Jobs Hard for Small Businesses

Small businesses moving to or operating in the area have a hard time supporting Fort Lauderdale jobs.

A recent study from the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce found that it can takes months to obtain a business permit as applications are passed back and forth among departments.

The $60,00, seven-month study - which was compiled through a telephone survey of more than 870 businesses in the area and an in-depth survey of nearly 40 businesses - was aimed at keeping and growing local businesses.

The study found that Ft. Lauderdale needs to improve: permitting rules and processes; city signage, noise and parking ordinances; the overall cost of doing business; east to west commutes; and the availability of technical and engineering talent. In addition, the survey uncovered that there is a weak perception of public education.

"The city in general needs to have a more 'can-do' attitude, versus 'no,'" Tim Petrillo, president of The Restaurant People Inc., told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Pertillo, who took part in the in-depth survey, hopes the survey will entice city officials to offer clearer rules and quicker aid to businesses and curtail the amount of time applications spend going among offices.

Mayor Jack Seiler said Ft. Lauderdale is working to address concerns brought up in the survey. For instance, the city is growing its economic development office; streamlining the process for permits; and centralizing business information online. The city also is considering a "concierge-style" service for applicants.

The survey further found that most companies in Ft. Lauderdale employ fewer than 10 workers, came to the city because of its location, and rank the city as "excellent or good" for business.

In addition, the recent economic downturn has taken its toll on local companies. The recession has caused 56 percent of companies to see a decline in business, 26 percent to see no change in business and 8 percent to be concerned their company could close.