Florida's Small Business Support Team

Enterprise Florida

Under the bold and steady leadership of Governor DeSantis, Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes succeed in the state of Florida. In this effort, we strive to create an environment where small businesses are supported and have the platform and tools to grow. Our Minority & Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Capital (MaSBEC) division assists small businesses as they enter new markets, achieve revenue growth, create jobs, and access small business loans in Florida. In addition, our International Trade & Development division works daily with small businesses to help them enter international markets and offers grants to exhibit at leading trade shows across the globe. At Enterprise Florida, we are here for you every step of the way as you navigate each stage of your business.

Contact us and let us help you maximize your success here in Florida. For more information on MaSBEC, go to enterpriseflorida.com/small-business/.

For more information about the Rural Expansion Toolkit, go to enterpriseflorida.com/rural/.

Laura DiBella, Florida Secretary of Commerce,
President and CEO, Enterprise Florida, Inc.
(877) YES-FLORIDA • enterpriseflorida.com

Florida Small Business Development Center Network

At the Florida SBDC, we’re in the business of helping your business. We understand the risk that comes along with being an entrepreneur, and are here to help! Designated as the state’s principal provider of business assistance, the Florida SBDC Network is your source of professional resources and guidance to help your business grow and succeed. Whether you are just starting out, or have been in business for years, our team of qualified consultants and specialists are here to help your business launch, grow, and thrive. Visit us online to learn more about our services and find an SBDC location nearest you: FloridaSBDC.org.

Greg Britton, State Director
(850) 898-3479 • floridaSBDC.org

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is proud to support Governor Ron DeSantis’ vision for Florida’s long-term prosperity through economic growth and investing in Florida’s communities. The Sunshine State is the ideal location for job creators and small business owners. Since 2020, Florida has seen more new business formations than any other state and in 2023, Florida has been ranked the number two best state in the nation to start a business.

Already in 2023, under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, DEO has awarded nearly 1,500 law enforcement recruits with a $5,000 bonus through our Law Enforcement Recruitment Program, launched a new $50 million Local Government Bridge Loan to help Hurricane Ian and Nicole-impacted communities, awarded the first $144 million in Broadband Opportunity Program funds to facilitate 160,000 connections across the state, and launched the first $142 million for small businesses through the State Small Business Credit Initiative Program.

For more information about DEO’s economic development efforts and available programs to assist Floridians, businesses, and communities, visit FloridaJobs.org.

Meredith Ivey, Acting Secretary
(850) 245-7105 • floridajobs.org

CareerSource Florida

Florida’s economic recovery, talent development and business growth are CareerSource Florida’s top priorities as Florida continues to see job growth, increases in labor force and a decline in unemployment. Whether your business needs to recruit specialized talent, hire new team members, train existing employees, or all three, the CareerSource Florida network of business and workforce development professionals offers expertise, funding and resources — including labor market data — to help businesses succeed. Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, we are collaborating with our education and economic development partners to make Florida No. 1 for workforce education. The CareerSource Florida network assisted more than 86,500 Floridians who secured employment last year, including 4,123 military veterans. If you need to start, grow or rebuild your business, CareerSource Florida is here to help. Together, let’s make Florida the global leader for talent.

Adrienne Johnston, President and CEO
(850) 792-5242 • careersourceflorida.com

Tags: Florida Small Business, Support Team