MISSION Through Apprentice Florida, we help businesses find the best solution to build a work-ready, custom-trained team, by utilizing an existing apprenticeship program or creating their own. The best part is establishing a program in Florida can take less than 30 days. DESCRIPTION Apprenticeships are a proven training method benefitting both job seekers and businesses. They are gaining momentum as Read more...

MISSION Breeze Transit moves people to live, work, and play by delivering exceptional experiences that show customers we value them and their choice to ride transit. DESCRIPTION The Breeze transit system combines traditional bus and trolley routes with OnDemand rideshare service. In 2023 the transit agency provided nearly 2.2 million rides. SERVICES/PROGRAMS • Breeze routes provide transportation along major corridors 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 CareerEdge Funders Collaborative’s mission is to provide an exceptional labor force to the region’s growing industries by leveraging community assets and forming high-performing workforce partnerships. DESCRIPTION CareerEdge Funders Collaborative, a workforce development program of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, strives to understand employer needs. It designs programs and funding opportunities to address workforce needs fueling economic growth in Read more...

MISSION To recruit, train, and retain talent for employers on the Suncoast. DESCRIPTION CareerSource Suncoast is a private, non-profit corporation with a Board of Directors, consisting of private business, economic development and education representatives, community and state agencies, and elected officials. Members of the board represent the diversity of businesses, organizations and trades that operate in Manatee and Sarasota counties. 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. Since our founding by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council in 1979, Read more...

MISSION CREW Sarasota/Manatee is an organization dedicated to empowering and connecting like-minded women in the Real Estate environment in Sarasota/Manatee. We are dedicated to fostering professional growth and creating a supportive community of women developing businesses together. ABOUT Transforming the commercial real estate landscape in Sarasota/Manatee, CREW Sarasota/Manatee strives to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and cultivate a dynamic network that Read more...

MISSION To provide a forum and build a community or “Alliance” among the Residents, Businesses, and Governments of the downtown Sarasota districts. VISION A vibrant and thriving Downtown Sarasota community. DESCRIPTION The Alliance studies issues and takes a position on policy matters that reflect the constituency of our Residents, Business and Governments. We ask the community to “Take the Pledge”. Read more...

MISSION The Early Learning Coalition prepares children for lifelong success through quality early learning. VISION Every child develops a strong foundation of learning in a community dedicated to ensure all families have the necessary support to thrive and all children reach their full potential. DESCRIPTION The Early Learning Coalition provides administration and oversight of the local, integrated system of early Read more...

MISSION To enhance the potential of students, promote excellence in teaching, and inspire innovation in education, guided by strategic philanthropy. VISION Our vision is to unite the community to prepare each and every student for life. 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 Read more...