Location

MISSION To provide businesses the expertise and resources to succeed. DESCRIPTION The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at University of South Florida assists existing and emerging businesses in Sarasota County, through no-cost confidential business consulting, information, and low-cost training. Our professionally credentialed consultants have the real-world experience and expertise to help you make the right business decisions. Our consultants’ Read more...

MISSION To provide a forum and build community amongst the stakeholders of Sarasota’s Downtown Districts. DESCRIPTION The Downtown Sarasota Alliance is an alliance of downtown residents, merchants, businesses and owners of business properties all working together for a vibrant and thriving Downtown Sarasota community. DSAsarasota.com is the site to visit frequently for downtown updates on parking, download the map, weekly Read more...

MISSION As a federally regulated Certified Development Company (CDC), its primary mission is economic development and job creation throughout Florida and currently parts of South Alabama and Georgia. DESCRIPTION Founded by the State of Florida in 1983 and licensed since 1984 by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as Florida’s Original Statewide Certified Development Company. Florida First Capital Finance Corporation (FFCFC) Read more...

MISSION We apply business leadership to important community issues. DESCRIPTION The Argus Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization based in Sarasota County. Established in 1983, we are a think tank and government watchdog. Our founders were concerned about an anti-business climate in government and wanted to make sure they had a pure, unified business voice, unfiltered by government but Read more...

MISSION Fund and mentor early-stage startups in the Sarasota-Manatee region and beyond. DESCRIPTION BRIDGE Angel Investors is a group of experienced private, accredited investors in Sarasota, FL, committed to supporting local, state, and national entrepreneurship by providing capital and mentoring to assist early-stage businesses towards growth. BRIDGE investments may be augmented with individual member investments and through a network of Read more...

MISSION Community Impact Powered by Philanthropy. “Be the One” reflects our deeply-held belief that anyone can be a philanthropist and give back to our community, regardless of means. DESCRIPTION We proactively create responsive and long-term charitable funds that have an enduring impact on our community, so everyone thrives. INITIATIVES Three areas of impact: • Community Care. • Empowerment and Success. Read more...

MISSION To enhance the potential of students, promote excellence in teaching, and inspire innovation in education, guided by strategic philanthropy. DESCRIPTION The Education Foundation of Sarasota County was established in 1988 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that champions public education in Sarasota County. For over 30 years, we have partnered with the Sarasota County Schools and community organizations to support Read more...

MISSION Dedicated to Leading Economic Growth with a Balanced Voice between Local Businesses, Residents and Tourism that Creates Opportunities for our Community. DESCRIPTION The Englewood Florida Chamber of Commerce is the community’s go-to resource for visitors, residents, and businesses! Englewood is unique in that its only local governance is split between Charlotte and Sarasota counties. The Chamber works to bridge Read more...

MISSION To expand and diversify the state’s economy through job creation. DESCRIPTION Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a public-private partnership between Florida’s business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. In pursuit of its mission, EFI works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida Read more...

MISSION Changing Lives Through the Power of Work DESCRIPTION Goodwill Manasota is part of a social enterprise that began in 1902 and is committed to providing employment, training, and upskilling opportunities for individuals facing significant barriers to self-sufficiency, such as disadvantaging or disabling conditions. Our mission stands on the conviction of Goodwill’s founder, Reverend Edgar J. Helms, who believed that Read more...