Business Resources

Sarasota County drives economic development by fostering business growth, exceptional jobs, and quality of life amenities. Whether you are a startup business, an existing business looking to expand to the next level, or an existing business looking to relocate, Sarasota County is the best location for businesses of all sizes to establish and grow. Sarasota County is committed to creating a business-friendly, diverse, and innovative environment where entrepreneurs thrive. 

Contact Governmental Relations:
Phone: 941-861-5000
Website: scgov.net/government/governmental-relations

The EDC is a public/private partnership focused on growing existing businesses and strategically diversifying the economy of Sarasota County.  It assists new and existing businesses by providing confidential project management, rapid permitting, building/site review, market research, workforce assistance, incentives/financing, and export assistance.

For information about services, incentives, and resources available to local or relocating businesses, contact the EDC:
Phone: 941-309-1200
Website: edcsarasotacounty.com

The Division of Corporations is the State of Florida's official business entity index and commercial activity website. Content to do business in Florida includes general information, available resources and frequently ask questions to start or manage/change an existing business, obtain forms and fees, or perform a records search.

Phone: 850-245-6000
Website: sunbiz.org

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), an independent agency of the federal government, helps Americans start, build, and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, and online resources, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United State and Puerto Rico.

Phone: 305-536-5527
Website: sba.gov/district/south-florida

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Muma College of Business assists existing and emerging businesses in Sarasota and Manatee counties, through no-cost confidential business consulting, information, and low-cost training. Whether starting, buying, growing, or selling a business, the Florida SBDC at USF has what entrepreneurs need to grow and succeed.  Consultants can assist entrepreneurs in a variety of business areas, including marketing, business certification, capital access, market diversification, developing strategic business plans, export services, and web optimization. 

Phone: 813-396-9711
Website: sbdctampabay.com/Sarasota/

CareerSource Suncoast is a private, nonprofit corporation whose primary focus is to help businesses grow by providing workforce solutions for talent recruitment and development, and helping job seekers and workers manage their careers.

Phone: 941-358-4200
Website: careersourcesuncoast.com

SCORE, a national non-profit network of over 10,000 volunteer business experts, is a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Locally, nearly 150 volunteers provide free and confidential mentoring, low-cost education, and online resources to existing and emerging businesses to support small business starts and job creation.

Manasota Chapter:
Phone: 941-955-1029
Website: score.org/manasota

Access digital resources for your business goals from creating business plans, marketing materials, grant writing, conducting competitive analysis, networking and more. Business resources include Business Economics and Theory Collection, Business Plans Handbook Series, Demographics Now, Florida Small Business Development Center Network, General business File ASAP, ReferenceUSA, Small Business Administration, Small Business Collection, and Small Business Resource Center.

Phone: 941-861-1110
Website: sarasotacountylibraries.org/my-library/digital-library

For 40 years, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has matched donors with causes, creating lasting impact. We unite people and organizations to create opportunities for families across generations to improve their lives through cultural, educational, economic, and social support.

Phone: 941-955-3000
Website: cfsarasota.org

Gulf Coast Community Foundation offers a range of resources for nonprofit organizations and for businesses that want to give back. The foundation’s Invest in Incredible initiative provides free online resources, training workshops, and professional consulting for nonprofits.

Phone: 941-486-4600
Website: gulfcoastcf.org/i3