Staff Report / sarasotalocal.org

This Saturday marks #SmallBusinessSaturday, a day to recognize the importance of small businesses in the North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). According to the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, there are over 26,000 business establishments in the region. Almost two-thirds of these establishments, specifically 17,173, have fewer than five employees. Additionally, over 95% of businesses in the area employ between one and 49 individuals.

The area houses various establishments categorized by employee count as follows:

- 5 to 9 employees: 3,988

- 10 to 19 employees: 2,630

- 20 to 49 employees: 1,809

- 50 to 99 employees: 592

- 100 to 249 employees: 309

- 250 to 499 employees: 67

- 500 to 999 employees: 8

- 1,000 or more employees: 7, with 4 of those having between 1,000 to 1,499 employees.

For small business owners seeking to grow or enhance their operations, several services are available, including:

- Market Analysis

- Workforce Training Grants

- Low-Cost Workspace

- Business Planning

- Assistance with SBA Loans

Local resources for small businesses include the 26 West Center, Florida SBDC at USF, SCORE Mentors, and CareerSource Suncoast. For more details and assistance, interested individuals can contact Nico Marchitello, Economic Development Specialist, at nmarchitello@edcsarasotacounty.com.

Source: Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County | Sarasota FL | Facebook

Source Type: Business

Source Location:

North Port, FL

301 N Cattlemen Rd Suite #203, Sarasota, FL

https://www.facebook.com/757077153131090/posts/1003390475166422

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