Economic Gardening

Sarasota County’s Economic Gardening program, coordinated by the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, focuses on offering services to stimulate growth in “second-stage” companies.  To qualify as second stage, a company must have between 10 and 50 employees, generate annual sales of $1 million to $25 million, and have increased sales and employment during three of the last five years.

Studies show that second-stage CEOs face common business challenges regardless of industry, and that fewer resources are available to many established companies than when those businesses were in their start-up stage.  With that in mind, the EDC and its partners, including the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, are providing access to specific services: strategic analysis, peer-to-peer networking, network mapping, market research and mentoring by third-stage CEOs, to name a few.

Sarasota County was chosen to participate in Florida Economic Gardening Institute's Grow Florida  program, and serves as a regional hub for second-stage businesses seeking assistance. Second-stage businesses interested in entering the program may complete an online application or contact Joan McGill, EDC project manager, (941) 309-1200 ext. 107.

Related Resources
- The Edward Lowe Foundation 
- Economic Gardening Loan Program
- Grow Florida