Starting Your Business

Business planning

You’ve got a great business concept and you’re ready to go. But wait, do you have a formal business plan put together? A business plan is a road map to success. Without a business plan most banks and landlords will not work with you. Your business plan is a vital tool to move forward. Taking the time to speak with an expert and developing a good business plan will pay off. Luckily there are experts who are here to help. 

• 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. The consultants expertise focuses on areas that are vital to owning and operating a successful business, including business and strategic plan development, access to capital and loan packaging assistance, financial analysis and assessment, accounting systems and financial literacy, feasibility analysis and start-up assistance. Here is the link to request a consultation: https://sbdctampabay.com/schedule-consultant/

• CareerSource CEO
• SCORE

Connect with experts

Another vital element to starting your business is surrounding yourself with experts. Whether it’s accounting, business law or a good real estate broker. There is no replacement for an expert to get you started on the right path. Sarasota County is full of well-equipped Chambers and business associations who will gladly connect you to the experts you need. 

• Englewood Chamber of Commerce
• Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
• Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance
• Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce
• Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce
• Manasota Black Chamber of Commerce
• North Port Area Chamber of Commerce
• Venice Area Chamber of Commerce

Florida Companies to Watch

• A unique way to recognize and honor second-stage companies that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace with innovative strategies and processes, making them “worth watching.”
• An awards program that companies from across the state and all industries may participate in. Selection is based on steady growth in employee counts and revenue as well as strength in leadership, corporate culture, community support and philanthropy, innovation in management or technology, or other factors that contribute to an outstanding organization.