How We Can Help
North Port Economic Development Division
With a dedicated team of professionals, we strive to create a vibrant and prosperous business environment. Here are five key services we offer, tailored to meet the unique needs of our community:
Business Retention and Expansion
We work to highlight the competitive advantages of our region, such as infrastructure, skilled workforce, and available incentives. We also focus on retaining existing businesses by providing support, resources, and tailored assistance to help them expand and overcome challenges.
Entrepreneurial Support
We offer comprehensive assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. From business planning to accessing funding and capital, we provide guidance, mentorship, and help navigate regulatory requirements to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Workforce Development
We recognize the critical role of a skilled workforce. To address this, we collaborate with educational institutions, training centers, and workforce development agencies. Together, we identify skill gaps, facilitate training programs, and create partnerships between employers and potential employees, ensuring our region has the talent needed for success.
Market Research
We conduct in-depth research and analysis to identify market trends, industry opportunities, and potential areas for growth. By gathering data on demographics, economic indicators, and industry clusters, we inform strategic decision-making, attract targeted investments, and develop tailored development plans for our region's economic prosperity.
Infrastructure and Site Development
We actively participate in infrastructure planning and development to support economic growth. We identify and prioritize infrastructure needs, such as transportation, utilities, and broadband access. Working with stakeholders, we attract funding, coordinate projects, and ensure the availability of suitable sites for businesses and industries to thrive.
Our Partners
Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County
The EDC is a county-wide organization that supports regional economic development through attraction projects, inbound and outbound missions, and entrepreneurial support.
North Port Area Chamber of Commerce
Our North Port Area Chamber provides local business support through networking opportunities, mentorship, small business advertisements, and more.
CareerSource Suncoast
As one of our premiere workforce development partners, CareerSource Suncoast offers apprenticeships, grant funding, workshops, and more to develop career-ready workers.
CareerEdge
CareerEdge partners directly with employers in fast-growing sectors to help them fill skills gaps and meet their employment needs, while at the same time assisting individuals in entering the workforce and moving up career ladders.
SCORE Port Charlotte
SCORE Mentors provides early growth mentorship for businesses looking to enter second or third stage growth. Dedicated SCORE Mentors will guide entrepreneurs through the process of business planning, funding acquistion, and more.
State College of Florida
Our region represents two State College of Florida campuses, one in North Port and one in the Sarasota-Manatee area. Both are major workforce partners that consult the City to develop courses and curriculum that address workforce needs.
Sarasota Area Manufacturing Association
The Sarasota-Manatee Area Manufacturing Association (SAMA) aims to support the advancement of regional manufacturing through workforce initiatives.
Florida Power and Light Company
As America’s largest electric utility, Florida Power & Light (FPL) Company serves more customers and sells more power than any other utility, providing clean, affordable, reliable electricity to more than 5.7 million accounts, or more than 12 million people.
Suncoast Technical College
Suncoast Technical College’s (STC) North Port Branch offers career and technical programs, as well as offering workforce support to the region’s top employers.
FloridaMakes
FloridaMakes focuses on helping small and medium-sized manufacturers generate business results and thrive in today’s technology-driven economy.