Business Assistance
Training, Seminars & Counseling
Whether your business is just starting or well established, any company can benefit from new ideas and additional resources. The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce partners with educational institutions and other organizations to offer an array of learning options for business leaders and their employees. Additionally, The Chamber offers an on-site Small Business Resource Center five days a week to assist new members and start-ups (as well as existing members). Resources are also available online 24/7 at the SBRC online.
Seminars and training opportunities may be offered in small-class settings, confidential, one-on-one counseling sessions or at your business. Seminars are great for helping obtain and secure start up capital and developing a marketing and business plan, but are also a conduit for resources for planning that will take a small business to the next level.
SCORE - Counselors to America's Small Business
This counseling program is available to both current Chamber members and those looking to start a new business. A SCORE counselor is available at The Chamber for several hours each week and assesses the needs of the prospective client. When possible, SCORE pairs counselors with experiences that best match the client's specific needs.
Customized Training
Sarasota County Technical Institute and Manatee Community College offer occupational/technical training programs that can be designed for individual businesses as needed. Both of these institutions have worked to make classroom and on-the-job training within easy reach for most employees.
Other Training
Customized training grants to upgrade skills of current employees are available. By working with the area's educational institutions, employers can create new opportunities to strengthen the skills of their employees. For more information, see the individual listings in the Quick Links at the right.
