Business Resources

Sarasota County Office of Business and Economic Development

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:

Sarasota County Newsletter Sign up: Business Opportunities

Survey from Sarasota County – helping them better serve our business community needs

Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County

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:

FL Department of State | Division of Corporations FL Department of State | Division of Corporations

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.

SCORE

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.

FREE CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS MENTORING, WORKSHOPS, AND ONLINE RESOURCES.

Florida SBDC at University of South Florida

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at USF assists existing and emerging businesses through no-cost confidential business consulting, information, and low cost training. Professionally-certified business consultants assist entrepreneurs with a variety of business issues, including: strategic market research, market expansion and revenue growth, business and strategic plan development, access to capital and loan packaging assistance, financial analysis and assessment, accounting systems and financial literacy, and feasibility analysis and start-up assistance.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

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 States and Puerto Rico.

Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources

Access our 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.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Gulf Coast 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.

Community Foundation of Sarasota County

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.