Business Resource Center Serves Need of South County Businesses.

Expansion of local businesses is a top priority for community leaders in south Sarasota County. They recognize that for our economy to remain strong and provide jobs for local residents, existing businesses must grow and prosper.

To ensure that the needs of our local businesses are being met, representatives from the Sarasota County Committee for Economic Development, the Englewood Area Chamber of Commerce, the North Port Area Chamber of Commerce, the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce, Manatee Community College, Sarasota County Technical Institute and The Venice Foundation have come together to establish the Business Resource Center at Manatee Community College--South Campus.

The center serves a growing business community in south Sarasota County as a one-stop, easy-to-use educational, training and resource center. Services currently offered include training, one-on-one counseling and a business resource library. The center also acts as a referral service for the myriad other programs and organizations available to assist local businesses. The keystone of the center's success? Reaching out to local businesses through personal visits.

As the focal point for business assistance in south Sarasota County, the center is growing in influence every day. It is open to all business firms, existing or proposed, within the area served by the three participating Chambers. With the exception of special or commissioned projects, formal education and training classes, there are no user fees. Future components of the center may include a business loan program for qualified applicants, employee assessment center, business incubator facilities, grant assistance programs and opportunities for networking.