407UNITED

Stronger together.
For the 407.

407United is a youth-led community initiative connecting young people with the local businesses, communities, and civic issues that shape Central Florida. We listen locally, connect people, and turn ideas into action.

Our Mission
Young people talking together in a Central Florida park
407 Goods

407Goods

Discover local. Support small. Share the 407. Curated gift boxes and stories from independent makers across Central Florida.

Shop Local

CivicSpark

Inspire, engage, and empower young people to lead and make change.

Explore

407Research

Ask. Listen. Research. Propose. Youth-led research that turns local perspective into practical ideas.

Learn More

407Volunteer

Show up locally. Cleanups, events, and opportunities to make a difference nearby.

Get Involved

407Youth Advocacy

Carry young people’s priorities to the people who decide, and build the skills to make the case.

Take Action

407Research

The State of Small Business
in the 407

  1. Survey
  2. Data
  3. Findings
  4. Policy Ideas

We're listening to Central Florida's small business owners so we can turn data into ideas and ideas into action.

Take the Survey View Full Project

Project Dashboard

(Updated )

147

Businesses
Surveyed

Across 18 cities in Central Florida

62%

Cite rising
operating costs

as a top concern

38%

Identify access
to capital

as a significant challenge

74%

Are independently
owned

and locally operated

Top Challenges Facing Small Businesses
  • Rising operating costs62%
  • Access to capital / financing38%
  • Rent / Real estate costs34%
  • Attracting & retaining employees31%
  • Insurance costs26%

% of businesses selecting as a top 3 challenge

Business Size
  • 1–5 employees61%
  • 6–15 employees24%
  • 16–25 employees9%
  • 25+ employees6%
What Would Help Most?
  • Lower operating costs / expenses45%
  • Access to capital / grants / loans28%
  • Streamlined regulations / permits15%
  • More customers / marketing support12%

% of businesses

Figures shown are illustrative placeholders while the survey is in the field. They will be replaced with real results once collection closes.

We turn community insights into youth-driven policy ideas.

Explore our policy recommendations and join the conversation.

View Policy Ideas
407GoodsShop local. Give back. Spread joy. CivicSparkYouth civic engagement and leadership 407ResearchLocal questions, asked and answered 407VolunteerCleanups, events & volunteer opportunities Youth AdvocacyYoung voices where decisions get made