News and Media
EDC of Sarasota County Launches New Website, A Central Hub for Innovation in Sarasota County
Sarasota, FL — December 15, 2025 — The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC) is proud to announce the launch of a brand-new website: www.innovatesarasotacounty.com. The site is a new online platform designed to spotlight Sarasota County’s flourishing technology ecosystem, connect innovators, and promote the region as a premier destination for tech growth and opportunity.
Building Sarasota’s Innovation Future
The website serves as a dynamic gateway to the region’s technology landscape — offering resources, community insights, and connections for startups, established companies, entrepreneurs, and tech talent. Key features include:
- A detailed ecosystem directory, highlighting Sarasota County’s innovative companies, resources, and partnerships.
- Information on access to capital, investment opportunities, and economic development growth resources.
- A tech jobs board, enabling users to discover and apply to local technology roles.
- Access to local news, stories, and success highlights, profiling local tech entrepreneurs and their impact on the community.
- A simple way to connect with the tech community, whether through networking, partnerships, or events.
Why Sarasota County?
Sarasota County is uniquely positioned to attract and nurture tech founders and talent. In the last 5 years, Sarasota County has seen a 137% increase in the number of Technology companies, bringing 650 new tech jobs to the region. The area offers compelling advantages, including:
- Favorable tax conditions, such as no state income tax and low corporate tax — making it an attractive location for innovation-driven companies.
- A growing talent pipeline, fueled by local universities and a supportive infrastructure for research and development.
- A high quality of life, including top-rated beaches, cultural amenities, and a lifestyle that blends creativity, nature, and business opportunity.
“In launching this website, our goal is to unite Sarasota County’s tech and innovation community under one digital roof,” said Joshua Ewen, CEcD, Vice President, Economic Development. “We want entrepreneurs, investors, and talent, both local and global, to see Sarasota County not just as a beautiful place to live, but as a place to build, innovate, and thrive.”
A Vision of Growth and Collaboration in Emerging Industries
As the region deepens its focus on innovation, this platform also serves as a strategic catalyst, Sarasota County’s reputation as a hub for science-driven innovation. Building on the world-class advancements underway at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, this initiative aligns with and amplifies regional momentum. Mote’s groundbreaking work, spanning marine biomedical research, ocean technology development, coral reef restoration, and coastal resilience, generates scientific breakthroughs with powerful commercial potential.
Recognizing the scale of opportunity, the EDC and Mote have foraged a partnership to convert research into real-world impact. Together, Mote’s technology transfer team and the EDC can identify, attract, and support companies capable of licensing and commercializing Mote’s innovations. This collaboration aims to accelerate the development of marine technologies, strengthen high-skill job creation, and build a resilient, future-focused economic engine for Sarasota County.
Join the Movement
The EDC invites technology professionals, startups, investors, and civic partners to explore the site, share their stories, and engage with the EDC team.
To learn more, visit www.innovatesarasotacounty.com or contact the EDC directly at info@edcsarasotacounty.com
About the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County
The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC) is dedicated to growing, diversifying, and sustaining the county’s economy. Guided by its vision to serve as a catalyst for a vibrant, globally competitive economy, the EDC brings together business and community partners to attract investment, support job creation, and strengthen Sarasota County’s long-term economic resilience.
Contact:
Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County
Phone: (941)309-1200
Email: info@edcsarasotacounty.com
Sarasota County Organizations Receive State-Wide Acclaim for Resilience and Creativity in Recovery Efforts
The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC) and Visit Sarasota County (VSC) were honored on May 15, 2025 at the annual meeting of the Florida Economic Development Council, showcasing the region’s resilience and innovative approach to economic development amidst challenging circumstances.
Last Fall, in the wake of storms Debby, Helene, and Milton, VSC partnered with the EDC among several community stakeholders to create the Support the 941 Campaign. The goal of the campaign was to encourage local businesses to share how they were ready to welcome residents and visitors again and generate economic activity for and by locals, thereby demonstrating the region’s vitality ahead of peak tourism season.
The organizations were the recipients of two prestigious awards recognizing their exceptional contributions to the community:
- The “Pivot and Persist” Award: This accolade pays tribute to EDOs that have demonstrated unwavering commitment and creativity in the face of adverse economic impacts. The recognition of the Support the 941 Campaign, which played a pivotal role in nurturing community healing following last year’s storms, highlighted the organizations’ ability to quickly pivot and their dedication to driving local economic recovery.
- Best in Show: The Melissa Medley Creativity Award: This honor celebrates marketing activities or campaigns that exhibit unpredictability, effectiveness, and significance. The campaign was commended for it’s imaginative and impactful efforts in effectively promoting the region with passion and creativity.
“We are tremendously proud to receive these prestigious awards from the Florida Economic Development Council,” remarked Erin Silk, President and CEO, of the Economic Development Corporation. “This recognition underscores the unwavering commitment to our EDC and VSC teams have to working together for the betterment of the Sarasota County community.”
“Both VSC and the EDC recognize that tourism is the front porch of economic development, that our efforts mutually strengthen quality of life across our region,” said Erin Duggan, President and CEO of Visit Sarasota County. “Receiving these accolades is an honor and reinforces the considerable thought that went into the Support the 941 campaign – with the goal of balancing the needs of our local businesses with those of our entire County, including – critically – our residents, to ultimately bring about a stronger community.”
The recovery of the hospitality industry is vital to strengthening the quality of life in Sarasota County. In 2023, the economic impact of tourism totaled $4.2 billion thanks to more than 3 million visitors. Those visitors helped sustain 35,000 jobs, resulting in $978 million more in employee wages.
The accolades serve as a testament to the organizations’ steadfast dedication to driving economic growth, supporting small businesses, and fostering community well-being. Both the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County and Visit Sarasota County remain committed to continuing their impactful work and contributing to the region’s sustainable economic development.
For more information on #SupportThe941, visit https://www.visitsarasota.com/support-941
About the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County
The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County is a public-private partnership comprised of dedicated business and government leaders working together to grow a more diverse and resilient Sarasota County economy. The EDC is the designated economic development partner for Sarasota County, the Cities of North Port, Venice, and Sarasota and the Town of Longboat Key.
About Visit Sarasota County
Visit Sarasota County (VSC) is the official tourism marketing entity and primary provider of visitor information for Sarasota County where tourism is the top industry. Through programs and partnerships, VSC makes Sarasota County a better place by promoting our community on the world stage. These efforts bring together over 500 partners to keep visitors coming, local