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Foundation

Mission Statement: 

The Ocala Metro CEP Foundation’s mission is to support programs and initiatives that grow talent development, promote entrepreneurship, support economic development, and cultivate leaders in the Ocala Metro. 

Vision: 

We envision a prosperous community with a: 

Values: 

We value prosperity that improves the quality of life for all those who call the Ocala Metro home.

History: 

Established in 2019 as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the foundation was established as a vehicle for receiving donations to support the growing programs and initiatives of the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership (Ocala CEP). In 2020, the foundation was instrumental in receiving and facilitating the distribution of microenterprise loans to assist small, locally owned businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the Ocala CEP sought to address the economic disparities present in Marion County’s most diverse communities through the creation of an entrepreneurship program that supports small business creation. The foundation has been able to partner with corporate foundations and community partners to establish this program and its future growth to three targeted communities. Today, the Foundation supports several initiatives at the Ocala CEP that are helping to advance the prosperity of the whole community.  

Make a Gift:

To support any of the programs and initiatives listed below, we encourage you to consider making a tax-deductible contribution today. You can make a one-time, monthly or yearly reoccuring gift. To discuss your giving options, please contact us at Natalie@ocalacep.org or call 352-629-8051.

Programs & Initiatives:
 

IMPACT is an entrepreneurship initiative of the Ocala CEP. We believe that entrepreneurship is the best way to address inequality of opportunity.  Launched in 2021, the initiative currently provides direct and group-based entrepreneurship assistance.  IMPACT will also open business centers in the communities of Silver Springs Shores, West Ocala and Marion Oaks that will offer onsite business technical assistance, a Certified Diverse Small Business Enterprise program, multi-language training events and a supplier matching program.

IMPACT is presented by Ausley Construction and supported by grants and donations made to the Foundation.

 
 
   

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEXTworks is a talent development initiative of the Ocala CEP. We recognize that while not every student needs to go to a university, they do need skills and career pathways that will provide them employment opportunities in the future. This initiative brings together local education providers and the business community to develop and align training programs around skills needed by businesses in the Ocala Metro now and in the future.  

NEXTworks is presented by Optimum RV and supported by grants and donations made to the foundation. Learn more about NEXTworks and all the initiatives that focus on K-12 and higher education student and educator support.  
 

Leadership Ocala/Marion (LOM) and Leadership Ocala/Marion Youth (LOMY) are both leadership programs of the Ocala CEP. By taking an intensive look into the issues and opportunities affecting the Ocala Metro, participants can develop their leadership skills by engaging in meaningful, diverse discussions on critical questions facing our community. The experience spans 9-months with two programs uniquely tailored to either working professionals or high school youth.  

LOM is presented by Campus USA, with additional support provided by COX Communications. LOMY is presented by Neighborhood Storage with additional support provided by Citizens First Bank. Both programs can be supported through scholarship donations made to the foundation. Learn more about these leadership programs. 

 

Equine initiatives at the Ocala CEP are also supported by the foundation. As The Horse Capital of the World®, Ocala's equine industry is an essential part of our economy and business community. In 2022, that community rallied around horse owners in SW Florida impacted by Hurricane Ian, setting up an Equine Disaster Fund at the foundation to provide assistance. Today, this fund remains ready to assist in future recovery efforts.  

Walk of Champions – in partnership with the Ocala CEP and the City of Ocala, the foundation is collecting donations to purchase commemorative horseshoe bricks and bronze plaques to install a Gallop of Fame fit for the Horse Capital of the World®. Bricks and sponsorships are still available.  

Equine Education – in partnership with Marion County Public Schools and Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses the Equine Initiative will help expose students (K-12) to horses through personal interactions, field trips, and other learning opportunities designed to educate students about career opportunities that exist in the equine industry. 

The Ocala CEP’s Equine Initiative is presented by Pyranha and supported by grants and donations made to the foundation. Learn more about the Equine Initiative and how you can be a part of the Walk of Champions.  

SPHERE is the Ocala CEP's healthcare initiative. SPHERE's mission is to be catalyst for innovation, inspiring our healthcare and life science community to develop a broad spectrum of services and products. The initiative focuses on leadership, alignment, advancing technology, entrepreneurship, and attracting companies to the Ocala Metro.

The SPHERE initiative is presented by Intelligence Health Group and supported by grants and donations made to the foundation. To learn more, contact erin@ocalacep.com.  

Special thanks to those organizations who recently contributed to the Foundation to start the Healthcare & Life Science Ecosystem Evaluation Study:


 

Economic Development includes supporting all areas of economic prosperity including Business Attraction, Business Retention, and Business Creation. The Ocala Metro CEP supports businesses wishing to relocate or expand into the Ocala area by maintaining an active list of available buildings and sites, area demographics, tax and utilities information, as well as workforce and education resources. The Foundation partners with corporate entities and nonprofits to assist in leveraging local resources to make the Ocala Metro an attractive place for businesses and economic growth.

   

 


 

The foundation supports additional programs and initiatives aligned with its mission. We encourage you to contact us to learn more or discuss how you can make an impact through your gift. 

Contact Us 

Jessica Gilbert
Vice President, Foundation
352-629-8051 
Foundation@OcalaCEP.com  

 

 

 

The Foundation for Chamber and Economic Partnership DBA Ocala Metro Chambr and Economic Partnership Foundation is a 501(c)(3). A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state 1-800 HELP-FLA (800-435-7352) or www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com.  Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.  Ref. # CH71070