cultivating prosperity through workforce development

CareerEdge Funders Collaborative is the workforce development initiative of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. At the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, we understand that one of the biggest challenges that our local businesses face is attracting and retaining talent. CareerEdge Funders Collaborative, is guided by a demand-driven strategy and enhances the regional workforce through Fast-Track training, on-the-job training, internship reimbursement programs and employer funding to up-skill employees. 
​Mission: To provide an exceptional labor force to a region's growing industries by leveraging community assets and forming high-performing workforce partnerships.
How CareerEdge Works
  • Unrestricted funds
  • Employer-focused 
  • Sector-based
  • Data-driven​
  • Founded as a collaborative
  • Serving as the regional convener on critical workforce issues
  • Builds a skilled workforce in the region with a focus on ​fast-growing sectors:​​​
By the Numbers: Program Impact
Where Are the Jobs? Guide
Where Are the Jobs?  is a guide developed by CareerEdge Funders Collaborative to assist our region’s students and young adults when deciding on a pathway to a career. The guide features high-demand jobs, the average wages and the educational pathways needed to obtain each career.
Watch: 10 Year Anniversary Video
Internships in Action: Insurance Industry
2020 Project Highlights
  • 33 total Bridges to Careers Fast Track Training participants 
  • Fully-funded 37 internships with 16 local employers as part of the Internship Reimbursement Program
  • Awarded $157,209 for incumbent worker funding to State Farm, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Atlantic Mold, and Habitat for Humanity
  • Expanded outreach strategies to connect students and young adults with career opportunities, including a Virtual Insurance Career Chat at North Port High and work with the Local College Access Network (LCAN) in partnership with the Education Foundation of Sarasota County
  • Worked with the Bradenton EDC on Manufacturing PPE and the creation of the Job Focus website
  • Assisted the Sarasota EDC with Small Business Resiliency Loans
  • Continued participation in the Regional Workforce Council, resulting in an updated Workforce Policy Legislative Agenda representing workforce interests regionally

Our Sponsors

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