Tampa, Florida is a great place for businesses to grow and prosper. With a favorable tax structure, quality infrastructure, incentives for development and a strong workforce, it's no wonder why entrepreneurs and small business owners are flocking to the area. But what types of services do business communities in Tampa offer? The City of Tampa is dedicated to serving the business interests of small and large businesses across a wide range of industries. The Small Business Administration (SBA), the Defense Logistics Agency, the State of Florida and other public and private partners, with the University of West Florida being the main institution hosting the network, provide a range of services to help businesses succeed.
These include Business Tax Renewals, Business and Professional Licenses (State of Florida), Search for Business Tax Receipts, Payments and Search for Building Permits. In addition, our office provides assistance with SBA services, including funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. We can also connect you to our partner organizations, lenders, and other community groups that help small businesses succeed. Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation to announce National Small Business Week. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about what's affecting businesses, to hear about the changes taking place in the Tampa Bay Area, and to meet in a collegial environment to share with others.
With 400 member companies and hundreds of volunteers, the Alliance's mission is to promote, shape future growth and foster the economic prosperity of the Westshore Business District. The Florida SBDC provides business research and sources to develop creative marketing plans and successful sales strategies. The Florida SBDC offers pre- and post-closing assistance and is the provider of technical assistance for business owners interested in obtaining funding through banks, credit unions and Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs. Strategic planning* helps companies make better business decisions to achieve their goals and objectives. For more than 40 years, Tampa Bay's best small businesses have been recognized at an annual event attended by more than 500 people. Certifications must come from municipal, county, or state agencies that qualify businesses to participate in women and minority-owned business programs, or from the Tampa Bay Small Business Development Center, the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council, or the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. George Woodruff spent more than 40 years at IBM, Hughes Aircraft and Lockheed Martin developing new businesses in the area of innovation and advanced technology programs.
This experience has enabled him to provide invaluable insight into how businesses can succeed in Tampa. With so many resources available to entrepreneurs in Tampa Bay, there's no reason why your business can't reach its full potential.
