In this 5-minute read:
- 11 best local business resources for Orlando area
Several organizations recognize that small businesses are the bread and butter of this nation’s economy. And in order to further that growth, many of them have built up resources to help small business owners and entrepreneurs find success.
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From staring a business plan to assisting with finances and marketing, your Orlando area business can find the resources it needs to plant its roots and grow within your community.
Throughout this article we’ll provide some local resources in the following categories:
- Comprehensive business resources
- Business classes and advisors
- Financial resources
- Chambers of commerce
- Hiring and employment resources
Comprehensive business resources in the Orlando area
Several national and local organizations offer comprehensive resources to small business owners, including financial assistance, business training, one-on-one consultations, marketing resources, and more.
Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
This organization plays a vital role in Florida’s economic development. They have locations all across the state, including Orlando. Their primary services include:
- Consultations and training
- Business research
- Growth acceleration
- Government contracting
- Capital access
- Organizational development
Help your business get started and find continued growth with help from the Orlando branch of the Florida SBDC.
Florida SBDC at UCF
3201 E Colonial Drive, Suite A-20
Orlando, FL 32803-5140
Phone: (407) 420-4850
Website: https://sbdcorlando.com/
National Entrepreneur Center
The National Entrepreneur Center is a network of Orlando businesses that help train and improve growth in even more small businesses. They offer free one-on-one coaching, low-cost business seminars, loan facilitation, free access to their computer lab, important business connections, and more.
It is their mission to help small businesses find success.
Contact them today:
National Entrepreneur Center
3201 E. Colonial Drive Suite A-20
Orlando, FL 32803
(Please note this is the same location as the SBDC, but the National Entrepreneur Center is a separate organization.)
Phone: (407) 420-4848
Website: https://nationalec.org/
Business classes and advisors for Orlando companies
Get additional (or first-time) training and one-on-one consulting with business advisors in your area. These resources can point you in the right direction.
SCORE
SCORE is a national organization dedicated to helping small business owners brush up on their professional skills in order to grow their businesses. They work closely with the National Entrepreneur Center to provide training and mentoring to business owners. Whether you are just getting started or have a well-established business, this resource can be a great benefit to you.
SCORE’s services include:
- Free mentoring from industry professionals
- Low-cost seminars and networking events
- Templates and tools for helping with business plans, marketing, and more
Contact your Orlando SCORE office:
Orlando SCORE
National Entrepreneur Center at Fashion Square Mall
3201 E. Colonial Dr., Suite A-20
Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: (407) 420-4844
Email: score@nationalec.org
Website: https://orlando.score.org/
University of Central Florida
UCF offers continuing education courses for small business owners and entrepreneurs to help you keep your skills sharp or gain the skills you need to get started. Most courses are offered online and can be completed from the comfort of your own home.
Register for classes at www.ce.ucf.edu.
Financial resources for businesses in the Orlando area
If you are looking for additional financial assistance for your business, these resources can help.
The City of Orlando
The city has a grant matching program, their Business Assistance Program (BAP), that is designed to encourage businesses to move to, expand in, or redevelop in Orlando.
Eligible items for grant money include:
- Street light and fire hydrant relocation
- Sidewalk repairs
- Water and sewer line construction
- Curb, gutter, and street improvements
- Landscaping
The city will match up 50% of eligible costs, up to $20,000.
Reach out to learn more:
Economic Development Department
400 South Orange Avenue
Orlando, Florida 32801
Phone: (407) 246-2121
Email: kim.king-maysonet@orlando.gov
Website: orlando.gov
Enterprise Florida
Enterprise Florida facilitates capital programs to help small business owners pair up with lenders and start a line of credit to fund their company.
Their programs include a small business loan support program, in which businesses can acquire loans for startup costs and working capital, and a venture capital program that pairs you up with investors.
Contact Enterprise Florida:
Orlando (Headquarters)
800 North Magnolia Avenue, Suite 1100
Orlando, Florida 32803
Phone: (407) 956-5600
Website: enterpriseflorida.com
Chambers of commerce in Orlando, FL area
Chambers of commerce can prove to be a valuable resource for making connections and helping your business get more traction in your community. The purpose of most chambers is to further the economic growth of their community by helping small businesses find success.
Benefits of joining a chamber of commerce include unlimited networking opportunities, marketing resources, business training, business consultations, and much more.
Go deeper: Chamber of commerce basics: what they do and why you should join
Orlando Regional Chamber
301 E. Pine Street, Suite 900
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 425-1234
Email: info@orlando.org
Website: http://www.orlandochamber.org/
East Orlando Chamber of Commerce
12301 Lake Underhill Rd., Suite 245
Orlando, FL 32828
Phone: (407) 277-5951
Email: eocc@eocc.org
Website: https://www.eocc.org/
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Orlando Fashion Square Mall
3201 East Colonial Drive, Suite A-20
Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: (407) 428-5870
Email: info@hispanicchamber.net
Website: http://www.hccmo.org/
Hiring and employment resources for small businesses in Orlando
As you grow your business, utilize the organizations around you that are already cultivating the top talent in your area. Find the best candidates for the job with these resources.
OrlandoJobs.com
OrlandoJobs.com is job listing site where people can find job openings in the Orlando area. Employers can post jobs on the site and connect to the best talent around.
Go to employers.greatjobspot.com to get started.
Contact
OrlandoJobs.com
43 E Pine Street, Suite 200
Orlando, FL 32801
For Sales – sales@orlandojobs.com
For Support – support@orlandojobs.com
Robert Half
Robert Half is the world’s largest specialized staffing agency, and they have a branch in Orlando. They will pair you up with professionals that fit your exact needs for an employee. Whether you need temporary assistance or full-time employees, this organization can help.
Contact:
Orlando Office
301 East Pine St, Suite 200
Orlando, FL, 32801
Phone: (407) 481-8393
Website: https://www.roberthalf.com
Grow your business with reputation management software
As you continue to grow your business and gain new customers, keep the momentum going by maximizing online reviews and improving your online reputation.
Reputation management software can assist you by making the process of managing and responding to online reviews simple for you and your customers.
Also, click here to check out our small business loans resources. Learn more, plus get free reputation monitoring and customer insights when you sign up for Womply Free!