Small Business Week powered by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union is drawing to a close, but not before we pass the mic to a few more Lakeland business owners. From what makes doing business here unique to which other businesses deserve your support, here's what they had to say.

All five businesses received $35,000 total at this Launch Pitch Night. | Photo by @catapultlkld

Q: What’s unique about the small business scene in Lakeland?

Melissa Vosik Music Studio: "Lakeland is unique in that it promotes small business and provides many contexts for entrepreneurs to encourage one another."

The Jewelry Box of Lakeland: "Lakeland shoppers are very loyal to their community. Keeping our shopping local is something we all try to do whenever we can. Our small businesses support each other and we do our best to continue earning the trust and support of our shopping community."

Kennedy Neghan Healthcare Resources, LLC: "Lakeland, FL, has a vibrant and diverse small business scene that offers a unique blend of local charm and modern innovation."

Change Your Narrative: "I recently discovered that Lakeland is the number 1 spot in the country for female entrepreneurship. I can say, I have become successful once I leaned into the resources here, locally."

Assistance by Devon: "I think there is more diversity in small business owners than in other cities."

Cantrell Solutions, LLC: "Lakeland’s small business scene is unique because it blends a tight-knit, community-driven spirit with a surprising entrepreneurial energy, fueled by a mix of local resources and a growing population."

Tilaw is bringing some new dishes, along with your Pinoy Cravings favorites like pancit + lumpia. | Photo by @tilaw_fl

Q: Pass the mic. What other small business in town should everyone know about, and why?

Our Noire Kitchen: "Sabrina’s Delicacies is a vibrant shop with yummy bites, Pinoy Cravings with authentic Filipino food is growing into a new food hall, Sweet Cup is a treat with authentic tacos!"

iNugGits STEM Academy: "iBoss Films because it is a great platform to showcase independent filmmakers."

Starter Plant: "The Peach House." Kentucky fried gator and a Cantaloupe Crusher? Don't mind if we do.

JJ’s Fusion Khaana: "Mom’s Momo, they represent the growing diversity in town, serving up the most authentic Chinese dumplings with a taste of tradition in every bite. The business owners are hardworking and friendly."

Find a new plant at Austin's Backyard Garden. | Photo by @deswarren

Q: When someone visits your small business for the first time, the one thing they have to do, see, or try is _____.

Dixieland Relics: "They should experience creating their own terrarium, visit the unique vendors we have in our back building, and check out our new clothing section."

Lloyd’s of Lakeland: "Go see Wilda our scarlet macaw." Find the bird hanging out on the second floor.

Martell CyberTech: "When someone steps into our small business for the first time, they absolutely have to experience our complimentary device assessment. We’ll take a quick look at your computer and show you how safe it is—like a health check for your tech. We do it for free because we think everyone deserves to feel secure without all the confusing tech talk."

Kim's Hallmark: "Take a look at all the products we offer. We are the largest and only Hallmark store in the area. We have a lot of licensed products like 'Star Wars,' Disney, including Stitch, 'Golden Girls,' 'Peanuts,' Jim Shore, 'Bridgerton,' 'Harry Potter,' and more."

Note: Responses have been edited for clarity + brevity.