Economic Development Programs

Florida provides a cost-effective and business-friendly environment for businesses looking to thrive. Sarasota County offers a multitude of additional benefits for businesses seeking a prime location. We are excited to explore the opportunities to expand your business in this picturesque paradise.

Target Industries

What We Do

We are focused on growing and diversifying Sarasota County’s economy. We support companies in establishing, expanding, thriving, creating jobs, strengthening the economy, and reducing vulnerability to external shocks. By targeting businesses that align with the local community and fostering strategic partnerships, we maximizes public return on investment.

Services are not limited to but include the following:

Recruit new diverse businesses
One-stop-shop, confidential project growth support
Serve as a government liaison to growing businesses by connecting to and navigating county and city governments' on-site assessments, permitting, and government processes and services
Providing economic and community data/inside information to support business decisions, including economic activity, industry information, policy trends, demographics, and quality of life indicators
Workforce attraction marketing

Joshua Ewen, CEcD

Vice President, Economic Development

We stand ready to help with your business relocation or expansion. Mr. Ewen is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), with 18 years of experience in economic development, real estate, government relations, project and construction management and has worked closely with Fortune 100 companies to small business entrepreneurs on their needs for growth and expansion. Our team of business development professionals stand by to be your boots on the ground and extension of your team right here in Sarasota County.

Hear from the Industry

Hear How We Help These Businesses Succeed

Investing in the EDC empowers us to help businesses flourish. Watch the video to learn more.

Discover How Harmar and PGT Thrive

Partnerships are key to driving our economic success. Watch the video to learn more.

State Incentives

Florida offers advantages for long-term profitability to all types of businesses. As a whole, our state believes in making it worth your while to relocate or start your business here. And for industry sectors targeted for investment, the state offers even more tax advantages and workforce programs to make it happen.

Local Incentives

Our local incentive programs are designed to provide even more support for businesses looking to locate and grow in Florida. They solve three key problems your business faces: time, cost, and uncertainty.

Business Resources

This searchable tool is intended to guide businesses through the landscape of assistance that exist in Sarasota County. There is a myriad of local organizations whose core missions are to help local businesses grow through the provision of workforce assistance, consulting services, regulatory assistance, industry expertise, networking, access to capital and more.