Our History
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In response to a well-researched and documented disparity in established businesses and affordable housing, the Greater Ocala Community Development Corporation (GOCDC) was organized by the Marion County NAACP and Labor and Industry Committee in July of 1994 to provide social and economic solutions to West Ocala residents. Since our inception, GOCDC has been helping local  entrepreneurs build better businesses through mentoring, education, obtaining loans, and grants. We have helped entrepreneurs open dry cleaners, technology companies, and retail establishments.

Our Objectives

The Greater Ocala Community Development Corporation will not only develop strategies for growth and increasing economic sustainability, but will support what individuals and families are trying to accomplish as a community. We live in an age of knowledge, a new era in which radically different outlooks and business models are necessary to remain competitive. Success in today’s global, interconnected economy springs from the fast and efficient exchange of information. Sustainable competitive advantage is no longer rooted in physical assets, but in effective channeling of intellectual capital and proper management of the diversity of knowledge within our organizations and communities.

As an active partner with the West Ocala Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Advisory Committee and using the West Ocala Community Plan as an example of the City's goals, it is necessary to address the fundamental or core competencies 
needed for sustainable change. More specifically, GOCDC will address the following questions:
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1. What supplemental educational programs are needed to improve graduation rates?
2. What types of social services programs are needed to build stronger households?
3. How do we help small businesses flourish?
4. How do we transition more renters into homeowners?
5. What strategic partnerships are needed to address homelessness and substandard housing?
6. What programs are needed to address unemployment and under employment?

Volunteer with gocdc

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Elgin Carelock

CHAIRMAN

Jerry Lourenco

VICE CHAIRMAN

Al Van Duyne

SECRETARY

Dr. G. DAWSON

Dr. D. ELYSEE

Dr. P. GEIST

JOHN CERVELLERA

MICHAEL COOPER

Ocala Housing Authority

Marion County School Board

Central Florida Small Business Development Center 

TD Bank

Law Office of Michael J. Cooper

The Griffin Education & Business Development Center

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At GOCDC, our long-term vision is construction of the Jimmi Griffin Education & Business Development Center. The Griffin Center will be a two story, 5,000 s.f. facility that will Ocala residents access to resources and services designed to help improve their quality of life through the aforementioned programs facilitated by GOCDC and our partners.

The Griffin Center will also offer two year residency to small businesses that are less than one year in existence and have shown a significant potential for employment opportunities
and/or positive social impact on the West Ocala community.

Donation Opportunity 

Bringing the Griffin Center to fruition requires diligent  effort from our Board of Directors, community partners, volunteers, City and County stakeholders. We have developed a strategy for raising the capital needed for constructing and equipping the Griffin Center, but need donations for the estimated $160,000 down payment. As a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, your donation is fully tax deductible and we appreciate your consideration. 

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