Could your business be the next Publix? With the help of these local resources, your idea might just take off and become a success.

Resources

The City of Lakeland recently opened a Business Resource Office at City Hall offering support for new + existing businesses. This office within the Community & Economic Development (CED) Department is available to help your biz with everything from finding a site to paying taxes.

Ready to begin? Just request a copy of the city’s Business Resource Guide, and a team member from the Business Resource Office will walk you through each step of the process. The CED department also outlines seven steps to success — spoiler alert: It all starts with a strong business plan.

That’s not the only resource available to local business owners. Find support by becoming a member of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, BRIDGE Local, or Central Florida SCORE, three organizations offering mentorship, networking, and workshops. If you’re a startup, check out the Catapult Lakeland business incubator or The Well.

Funding

Money doesn’t grow on trees. Find information regarding funding + financial incentives from the City of Lakeland or the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency, which offers incentives for businesses in the downtown, Dixieland, and Midtown areas. The State of Florida also has statewide incentives like tax exemptions, tax credits, and grants.

Tips

No one knows local business better than the Lakelanders who have been there, done that. Here’s what a few local business owners said about starting your own business:

“Tell someone your idea! Then believe in it every day...” — @crash_bookshop
“Start with basics: legal creation online with the state. For FL, sunbiz.org. Always create an LLC and then acquire an FEIN from the IRS…” — @puravie
“... Relationships and reputation are so important.” — @venuelakeland