Small Business Resources

Thinking of starting a business? Step one is to do your research. There are a number of resources that can help you learn about the various aspects of opening and running a business, from applicable tax and permitting information, to market and demographic data, business planning, financing and mentorship. A few of the options below may be a good place to start:

Tamarac

The City of Tamarac Business Revenue Division can help you obtain a business revenue receipt (formerly known as an occupational license); a requirement to operate in Tamarac.
(954) 597 3537

The City of Tamarac Building Department offers a streamlined plan review process and safety inspections/certificates of occupancy.
(954) 597 3420

Tamarac Chamber of Commerce can provide networking opportunities and exposure for your business.
(954) 722-1520

Broward

The Broward Office of Economic and Small Business Development offers a free business development workshop series, small business certifications, and web links to helpful resources.
Phone: (954) 357-6400

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance offers a number of services, such as business relocation or expansion and site selection assistance, incentive program information and market research. It serves as a liaison for workforce development between CareerSource Broward, educational institutions and the business community.
110 E. Broward Blvd., Suite 1990
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 524-3113
Toll free: 800-741-1420

SCORE Broward is a volunteer organization that offers mentorships, affordable or free workshops and webinars, special small business events, and resources, such as templates for business, finance, management and marketing plans.
299 East Broward Blvd., #123
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 356-7263

Broward College Innovation Hub is a mixed-use business incubator that focuses on housing a dynamic community of entrepreneurs, start-ups, mentors, advisors and investors. Professors will work with their students and incubated companies on market research, branding, operations, financial planning and other business needs. Companies in the incubator will also be able to post internship opportunities for qualified students to fill them. A portion of the Innovation Hub will be dedicated to sports-related startups as part of a collaboration with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.
Enrique Triay, Director
Email
(954) 201-7981

Florida

Enterprise Florida, Inc. has an extensive network of state, federal and non-profit resources ready to assist small businesses in accessing capital, entering new markets, and creating revenue growth and jobs.
Orlando Headquarters
800 N. Magnolia Ave, Suite 1100
Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 956-5600

Florida’s Small Business Development Center Network (Florida SBDC) provides entrepreneurial and business development services for every stage of the business life cycle, such as personalized and confidential consulting provided at no-cost, executive level training seminars and workshops that may charge a nominal fee, and business research. They also offer specialized services for qualifying businesses looking to accelerate market growth.
FSBDC at Broward
111 E. Las Olas Blvd., Room 1010
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 762-5235

Florida Virtual Entrepreneur Center (FLVEC) is an online directory of resource agencies for various stages of business growth (from idea to formation, launch, growth and optimization).

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Division of Strategic Business Development website provides links to connect you to their partners and opportunities that can assist you in locating, retaining and growing your business in Florida.
(850) 717-8960

The Florida Department of Revenue website contains tax information and documents for new business owners. Its local Taxpayer Service Center provides face-to-face tax assistance.
Coral Springs Service Center, Suite 200
3301 N University Dr.
Coral Springs, FL 33065
(954) 346-3000

The Florida Department of State Division of Corporations website offers links to web resources related to business startups.

www.MyFlorida.com is the official portal for the State of Florida. Its section dedicated to businesses includes information for starting a business, such as business registration, new hire reporting, land use and permitting, environmental compliance and other resources.

United States

The BusinessUSA website is designed to be a one-stop resource providing federal and state information for businesses and entrepreneurs. By simply checking the applicable answers to a number of questions, you can access a wealth of pertinent federal and state information about business startup, financing, and taxes and credits.

The Internal Revenue Service website provides federal tax information and allows you to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a number of resources for small businesses, including things to consider when starting a business, loan programs, helpful information for companies seeking investment capital through SBICs, surety bond guarantees, and an online learning center.
South Florida/Miami District Office
100 S. Biscayne Blvd 7th Floor
Miami, FL 33131
(305) 536-5521