START YOUR BUSINESS

Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
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start your business

Starting a business can be challenging and many questions arise when getting your start-up going. We have assembled some tools and resources in the Sarasota community to help you get going! Whether it's deciding if your idea will stand up to the current economy, finding the perfect location, the paperwork and forms you must fill out or what's your plan, we've got you covered. 
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SPEAK TO AN EXPERT

Opportunities to connect with Chamber Members - Local Attorneys
SCORE (A resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration) - Resources for Non-Profits 
BIG (Bright Ideas on the Gulf Coast) - Entrepreneurial Concierge Service 
Gulf Coast Community Foundation - Resources for Non-Profits

It’s all In A Name

Search the Florida Department of State | Division of Corporations - SunBiz.org

What’s My Risk?

George Jenkins, LUTCF - Insurance Risks
U.S. Small Business Administration - Don't Forget about Filing & Paying Taxes
U.S. Small Business Administration -​ Emergency Preparedness 
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Business Plan Writing Assistance

SCORE (A resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration) - Create a Comprehensive Business Plan 
U.S. Small Business Administration - Write Your Business Plan
SCORE (
A resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration) - New Business Checklist for Sarasota & Manatee Counties 
SCORE (A resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration) - Upcoming Manasota SCORE Workshops
Open Colleges - How To Write A Business Plan
Purdue University Global - Small Business Disaster Recovery Plan

Financing and Funding

Opportunities to connect with Chamber Members - Local Banks
U.S. Small Business Administration - Finance Your Business
U.S. Small Business Administration - Managing Small Business Cash Flow - Answers to 10 Commonly Asked Questions
ConsumersAffairs.com - consumer advocacy organization - Business Loans & Financing
Money Saving Pro - Small Business Loans
U.S. News & World Report - Best Business Credit Cards of 2018

Marketing & Networking

Opportunities to connect with Chamber Members - Local Marketing Firms
Opportunities to connect with Chamber Members - Networking with The Chamber

Finding Employees & Human Resources

Opportunities to connect locally through The Chamber - Job Bank
CareerEdge - Training the next generation of skilled workers - Workforce Development
U.S. Small Business Administration - Hire & Retain Employees
Opportunities to connect with Chamber Members - Local Human Resources & Payroll Firms
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Local Demographics​

Sarasota County - County Demographics & Statistics
Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee County - Commercial Realtors
Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC) - Business Location Assistance & Tax Incentives
U.S. Small Business Administration - Home-Based Businesses
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Forms Needed

SCORE (A resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration) - New Business Checklist for Sarasota & Manatee Counties 
City of Sarasota - City Business
City of Venice - City Planning & Zoning
Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC) - Business Assistance

Relocation documents

Williams Parker Harrison Dietz & Getzen  - The Florida Relocation Guide

Additional Resources: Florida Small Business Development Center at USF​

See something missing that could help other business owners, such as yourself? ​Please email us with your suggestions

Our Sponsors

QUICK LINKS

Leadership Sarasota County
Sarasota Young Professionals Group
​CareerEdge Funders Collaborative 
Visit Sarasota County
EDC of Sarasota County
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1945 Fruitville Road
Sarasota, Florida 34236
(941) 955-8187
communications@sarasotachamber.com

Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.  All Rights Reserved.​
MemberClicks
  • Membership
    • Join the Chamber >
      • Membership Application
    • Member Login >
      • Member FAQs
    • Member Benefits >
      • Chamber Events
      • Ribbon Cuttings >
        • Ribbon Cutting Tips
      • Councils
      • Member2Member Discounts
      • Affinity Partners
      • Sponsorships
      • Notary and Certificate of Origin Services
      • Workforce Development
      • Business Connect Request
      • Business Resources >
        • Job Bank
        • Start Your Business
        • Grow Your Business
    • Public Policy >
      • Past Public Policy Support
      • Contact Your Rep
    • News & Publications >
      • Chamber News
      • Member News
      • Local Media
      • The Bridge Magazine
    • Awards & Recognition >
      • Past Small Business Awards Winners
      • Chair's Cup Award
    • Photo Gallery
  • Events
    • 2022 Small Business Awards
    • Chamber Calendar
    • Community Calendar
  • Programs
    • Young Professionals Group >
      • Join YPG
      • About YPG
      • YPG Council
      • YPG Photo Gallery
      • YPG Events >
        • YP Summit
    • Leadership Sarasota >
      • Adult Leadership
      • Youth Leadership
      • Engage Sarasota
      • Leadership Council
      • Celebrate Outstanding Leadership Awards
    • CareerEdge Funders Collaborative
    • Opportunities For All >
      • 2021 OFA Grant Awardees
      • OFA Photo Gallery
      • OFA In the News
  • About Us
    • About the GSCC
    • Our Team
    • Board of Directors
    • Chamber Ambassadors
    • History
    • Live & Work >
      • Key Locations
      • Job Bank
      • Beaches & Destinations
      • Sarasota Accolades
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Contact
  • Business Directory