MISSION The new 26 West Center was created with one goal in mind – to make entrepreneurship and careers in technology accessible to everyone. That, of course, includes State College of Florida students, alumni, faculty and staff. What makes the 26 West Center so unique is that all the services are also available to residents of the Bradenton/Sarasota area and Read more...

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 The mission of the Arts and Cultural Alliance is to serve as the voice, advocate, and resource for arts and culture in our community. VISION The vision of the Arts and Cultural Alliance is that arts and culture are essential to the continuing development of a vibrant, creative community. VALUES • Access • Collaboration • Education • Inclusiveness • 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...

VISION CareerEdge will be known as the region’s distinguished workforce development organization that promotes economic prosperity through strong employer-labor and community partnerships. MISSION Our mission is to provide an exceptional labor force to the region’s growing industries by leveraging community assets and forming high-performing workforce partnerships. QUICK FACTS • Offers unique qualifications as the first collaborative designated as a National Read more...

MISSION Collaborate. Innovate. Lead. DESCRIPTION CareerSource Florida is the statewide workforce policy and investment board of business and government leaders charged with guiding workforce development for the state of Florida. CareerSource Florida provides oversight and policy direction for talent development programs administered by the Department of Commerce, Florida’s local workforce development boards and their 100 career centers. Together, the CareerSource Read more...

MISSION Our mission is to connect Manatee and Sarasota employers with skilled talent in our region. 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 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 Commute Connector is a program of the Florida Department of Transportation dedicated to educating commuters in Southwest Florida about available transportation choices through planning and promotions DESCRIPTION We partner with employers, manufacturing associations, local government agencies, and universities to address the transportation needs of their staff and commuters. Our services are complementary and available to residents or employers of Read more...

MISSION Bring Your Company a Smarter Way to Work. The program is designed to meet your business goals. Companies partner with Enterprise to bring their employees a better commute. By sharing a ride, your people arrive to work relaxed and recharged, fueling a better company culture for everyone. DESRIPTION WHY COMMUTE WITH ENTERPRISE? • Save up to $6,000 a year 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 grow, diversify, and sustain the economy of Sarasota County while enhancing our unique, natural and cultural environment. VISION To be the organization that is the catalyst for creating a vibrant economy that is sustainable and competitive globally. DESCRIPTION The EDC of Sarasota County is a non-profit organization in existence since 2004. We are a public-private partnership comprised of 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...

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...

DESCRIPTION The Florida Development Finance Corporation (“FDFC”) was formed by Florida Statute 288.9603, Florida Development Finance Corporation Act of 1993 and is designated as a state-wide, special development financing authority for economic development purposes. Its purpose is to assist new and existing businesses and organizations (for-profit and not-for-profit) with access to capital through financings that promote business activity, job creation, Read more...

MISSION As a federally regulated Certified Development Company (CDC), our 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 a Certified Development Company, First Capital FinanceFlorida First Capital is chartered for Read more...

Together We’re Positively Changing the World for the Better Mission We serve students and industry through educational excellence and the discovery, advancement, and application of knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Vision Highly desirable graduates and solutions for a resilient high-tech economy. Description Established in 2012 through legislation signed by the Florida Governor, Florida Polytechnic University became the 12th Read more...