Small Business Advantages

Access to Capital

Jacksonville is the location for growing or expanding small business. There is an array of financial institutions able to assist the small business owner to secure the financial resources necessary for success. Jacksonville has business venture capital and financial institutions that understand small business. Many of these organizations can help secure funding for real estate, permitting, land development and other soft costs associated with business development and growth. Organizations such as Essential Capital (formerly JEDCO) carry products and services such as the Microloan Program, 7(a) loan programs and 504 loans for traditional and Small Business Administration (SBA) type financing.

Business Assistance

Whether you are a startup operation or a growing and expanding business enterprise, you should consider Jacksonville. The Office of Economic Development partners with small business organizations that provide the necessary services for successful startup business ventures. These organizations are conveniently located to meet the needs of new business entrepreneurs. These partners will help you start and manage you new business venture by taking you through the key components of business startup. Sample Courses are 'How to Start up Your Own Business', 'Where's the Money? Business Financing', 'Dollars and Sense: Recordkeeping Essentials', 'Taking the AX out of Business Taxes' 'Marketing Matters' and 'The Business Plan: Roadmap to Success' to name a few. These value added resources are provided at only a fraction of the costs of the benefits they will provide. Click here to learn more about small business assistance programs and resources.

Touted as one of the leading incubator programs in North Florida, the Beaver Street Enterprise Center (BSEC) gives the small business owner the building blocks to grow their business and achieve their business goals. The business incubator offers for rent space ranging in size from 115 to 3,000 square feet. BSEC also has central conference and meeting facility space, entrepreneurial support groups, equity funding access, high speed internet connections and assistance with business planning. It is located in the Enterprise and Empowerment Zone designations and conveniently accessible to downtown and many of the adjoining business locations. Having your small business located at the business incubator provides you with numerous opportunities to gain access to successful community leaders, monthly peer meetings to help you network with fellow entrepreneurs, marketing and financial strategic planning by professionals in your field and much more. To learn more about the BSCE click here www.bsecenter.net .

Financial Incentives that Support Small Business

The Office of Economic Development boasts many small business incentives not found in other similarly situated metropolitan areas. These incentives seek to encourage economic based jobs - those jobs that generate goods and services that are exported outside of the community to bring new dollars into the community, thereby expanding community wealth and prosperity. There are also programs to assist retail and service establishments within designated areas of the city. Click here to learn more about local incentives for small business.