Now more than ever, small businesses need help to survive. But even before the COVID-19 shutdowns, Florida businesses could access small business resources through groups like Enterprise Florida. In this article, we will look at what’s available for you and your company.
Enterprise Florida
This organization may be your first stop as you look for small business resources and economic development issues. Enterprise Florida (EFI) consists of business and government leaders joined together in a public-private partnership. In fact, EFI is considered the “principal economic development organization for Florida.”
Since its inception, EFI has worked to:
- Recruit new businesses,
- Retain existing industries,
- Promote expansion,
- Support small and minority businesses,
- Increase international trade,
- Create jobs for Florida residents, and
- Market Florida as a prime place for companies looking to relocate.
The following list includes a sampling of the small business resources offered by EFI:
- Gathering data needed to entice business to Florida,
- Providing comprehensive community profiles,
- Assisting with necessary liaisons with state government offices,
- Facilitating with Florida permits and licenses,
- Counseling and advising export companies, and
- Reporting international trade statistics and trends.
As a business owner, you may be interested in locating business incentives programs and coordinating financial assistance. EFI can help.
EFI can even help coordinate with federal agencies that provide small business resources.
Small Business Administration
This cabinet-level federal agency is a major provider of small business resources like “counseling, capital, and contracting expertise.” However, the SBA may be best known for its disaster loans. After a natural disaster, businesses and residents may apply for low-interest loans intended to speed their recovery.
After COVID-19 adversely affected companies, the SBA received the authority to expand its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program. These low-interest loans are one of the valuable small business resources available to boost business recovery after COVID-19.
Stay Informed About Small Business Resources for Florida Businesses
Business attorneys may also be considered a source for small business resources. When your company faces legal problems, even those caused for economic reasons, contact an experienced Florida business lawyer for advice.
Attorney Richard Sierra at the Florida Small Business Center assists clients like you with business and litigation matters. As always, Our Goal Is to Help You Succeed™. For an appointment, you may call us at 1-866-842-5202 or use the contact form on our website. We represent clients throughout the State of Florida, including Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Deerfield Beach, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Orlando, Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa, and surrounding communities.