Guides: Start Your Own Business: Community Resources

Local, State, and Federal Resources

Below are local, state, and federal resources you can access.

USA.gov - Small Business
Learn the steps to start a small business, get financing help from the government, and more.
Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations
Florida's virtual one-stop shop to look up a business name, view statistics, and register a business. Allows for electronic filing for a variety of different business types and permits you to file an annual report.
U.S. Small Business Admistration
The U.S. Small Business Administration has programs and services to help small businesses succeed.

Local Business Support Organizations

Orlando has a variety of resources and organizations to help you start your business. These links provide you with a means to research how they can help you and how you can contact them.

Black Business Investment Fund of Florida (BBIF)
The Black Business Investment Fund is a non-profit Community Development Financial Institution. They are a non-traditional, certified lending institution specializing in aiding minority business owners build their management capacity and access capital.
CareerSource Central Florida
Let CareerSource Central Florida help your business Recruit, Retrain, and Retain your workforce. Offers services to post job openings, business services, and employer research and resource center.
Florida Small Business Development Center Network
Located in the National Entrepreneur Center this organization partners with UCF, offers seminars, and provides one-on-one business counseling.
National Entrepreneur Center
The National Entrepreneur Center offers programs and services specifically for entrepreneurs and serves as a hub for other local business organizations. NEC Online, a new business resource from the National Entrepreneur Center, offers over 300 learning modules, resources, tools, and more for free.
Orlando Economic Partnership
The Partnership is dedicated to meeting the needs of today's industry and creating an economic climate where business can thrive. They provide key services and support ranging from relocation and expansion expertise to export counsel and long-term planning.
SCORE Orlando
SCORE provides free business counseling, mentorships, and training seminars (costs for training seminars may vary). They operate out of the National Entrepreneur Center at Fashion Square Mall.
University of Central Florida Incubator
"Since 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped hundreds of early-stage businesses develop into financially stable companies by providing the tools, training, and infrastructure that help facilitate smarter, faster startup growth." ~ UCF incubator site

Local Chambers of Commerce

Chambers are local associations that promote and protect business interests. They require a fee to join, but the connections developed may help you in your business endeavors.

African American Chamber of Commerce Central Florida
The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida serves as an advocacy organization to unify, promote, and empower the African American community in the areas of programming, economic development, education, and training.
Central Florida Disability Chamber of Commerce
The Central Florida Disability Chamber of Commerce provides information and education on business creation and growth, specifically designed for the needs of people with disabilities. The CFDC also offers supports for Veteran & Youth entrepreneurs.
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando has programs, resources, and services to support the Hispanic business community of Metro Orlando.
Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce: Orlando, Inc.
The Orlando Chamber of Commerce is committed to connecting people, businesses, and communities in Metro-Orlando.
The Pride Chamber: LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Formerly called MBA Orlando, the LGBT Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to the business equality movement in the Greater Orlando area and beyond. The Pride Chamber's strategic focus is to serve as a resource to small businesses and large corporations, and bridge the gap between them.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce
Focusing on the west side of Orange County, this Chamber provides events, networking opportunities, and more.