TRAINING PARTNERS & BUSINESS SERVICES

TRAINING PARTNERS & BUSINESS SERVICES

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Florida SBDC at University of South Florida
The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at University of South Florida assists existing and emerging businesses in Polk county, through no-cost confidential business consulting, information, and low-cost training. Our consultant¹s expertise focuses on areas that are vital to owning and operating a successful business, including: 
• strategic market research
• market expansion and revenue growth
• business and strategic plan development
• access to capital and loan packaging assistance
• financial analysis and assessment
• accounting systems and financial literacy
• feasibility analysis and start-up assistance.

No-cost specialized services available for qualified businesses looking to accelerate market growth:
• Growth Acceleration provides in-depth business assessments and strategic planning for qualified businesses to develop sustainable growth strategies.
 
• Export Marketing Plans position qualified manufacturing small businesses in Florida who are ³new-to-export² to identify growth strategies through the development of specialized plans.
 
• Government Contracting assists established businesses to expand by reaching new markets through federal, state and local government contracting.
 
• Small Business Certification could present growth opportunities for your woman, minority, or Veteran-owned business.
 
To schedule an appointment with a certified business consultant today, visit https://SBDCTampaBay.com/polk or call 863-688-8551 ext. 237.
 

Polk County’s Small Business Assistance Center offers a variety of classes for new and existing businesses. Affordable classes are held monthly, during the day and evening at 330 W Church Street, Bartow, FL 33830 - 863-534-5915
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STARTING A BUSINESS

What is a Business License?

A business license is simply a business tax registration certificate issued / filed by the state, county or city in which the business in question is located. You need to obtain it if you are starting any type of business. 

Who Needs A Business License?

Regardless of the profession you are in; even if your business is an online internet business, a home based business, a handy man business or an outdoor vendor business; you are required to get a business license. 

Where do you to get a Business License?

You will need to apply for three licenses. 

First apply for your Florida State business license. After applying with the state, contact the Polk County office in Bartow to apply for your license to conduct business in the county. Once you have received both licenses, then apply with Haines City, if your business will be within the city limits.

Florida Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation
Phone: (850) 487-1395
Fax: (850) 488-1830
http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/ 

Polk County Occupational Licensing
(863) 534-4731


Frequently Asked Questions
In your excitement to start your new business, be sure to set aside time to visit with Polk County's Small Business Development Center. A branch of the Small Business Administration, Central Florida's professionals work under the guidance of University of South Florida.

The professional staff provides free or low cost guidance to ensure you start in the right direction with your business plan in place:

Small Business Assistance Center: 863-534-5915
​Classes

  • Consultations
  • Professional Services
  • Business Plans
  • Certifications


Need helpful information about incentive programs for small businesses?
Please click on the link below for the Small Business Assistance Center:
https://floridasbdc.org/find/usf/

Local Municipalities:

City of Haines City, 620 E Main Street, Haines City, FL 33844

  • (863) 421-3600


City of Davenport, 1 South Allapaha Avenue, Davenport, FL 33837

  • 863-419-3300


Town of Lake Hamilton, P.O. BOX 126, Lake Hamilton, FL 33851

  • 863-439-1910

  • Spectrum (cable/phone/internet): (863) 965-7766
  • Duke Energy (Power): (863) 678-4449
  • Florida Public Utilities (Natural Gas): (863) 293-2125
  • Tax Collector’s Office: 863-298-7577
  • Property taxes: (863) 298-7578
  • Occupational License Tax: (863)298-7579


OTHER BUSINESS RESOURCES/ SERVICES

Central Florida Development Council2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road
Auburndale, Fl 33823
(863) 551-4710
www.cfdc.org

Haines City Economic Development Council
135 N Sixth Street, Suite H
Haines City, FL 33844
(863) 422-2525
www.hainescityedc.com