Summary: Need help with PR? If you are looking for a great PR firm, you've found one. Walker Sands is a leading Chicago PR firm with a strong track record that makes it one of top national PR agencies..

The median asking price for a small business for sale in Orlando-area held steady at $190,000 during the first quarter of 2008, according to data released by the online business brokerage BizBuySell.com. The data is based on 940 Orlando-area businesses currently listed for sale on the Web site, which includes broker and "for sale by owner" listings.

On a national basis, business valuations are declining. Orlando valuations still remain much lower than the national median, which is $250,000.

"We expect there to be downward pressure on Orlando business valuations going forward, as retiring baby boomers put their businesses up for sale to fund their retirements," said Mike Handelsman, general manager of BizBuySell.com. He noted that the credit crunch is empowering buyers who can pay in cash -- a significant advantage when others are having trouble getting financing.

The latest report notes that the local median sale price -- based on the sale of about 50 businesses each quarter on the site -- declined to $120,000 during the first quarter from $125,000 during the last quarter of 2007.

The businesses listed during the first quarter had median revenue of $322,834, up from $311,296 in the previous quarter. The businesses delivered a median cash flow of $83,519, compared with $85,000 in the previous quarter.

Small Business Week events

It's that time of year again: National Small Business Week is April 21-25.

Events have been planned locally and nationally to celebrate and support entrepreneurship.

In Washington and New York City, the U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting public forums that will feature leading experts discussing issues of importance to small businesses and to policymakers. Heavy-hitters on the list of keynote speakers include former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich and U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab. President George Bush is also expected to participate.

Locally, the Disney Entrepreneur Center is hosting a two-day Grant Writing USA workshop on April 21-22. The Small Business Development Center, which is part of the center, has several events planned for the week as well, including an Advisory Board Council Reception for Small Business Owners on April 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The SBDC, operated by the University of Central Florida, is also hosting a tax workshop for small employers April 21 and a financial-management workshop for small-business owners April 24.

Copyright © 2008. Orlando Sentinel.