FloridaCommerce, Florida SBDC Network to Launch First Stop of Florida’s Rural Business Resource Tour

One-Stop Rural Entrepreneurship Resource Initiative Kicks Off October 2 in Perry

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Small businesses in Florida's rural communities will soon have unprecedented access to support and resources thanks to a new initiative launching next month. Co-hosted by FloridaCommerce and the Florida SBDC Network, Florida's Rural Business Resource Tour is designed to connect small businesses with essential resources to help their businesses grow and thrive.

The first event will take place Thursday, October 2 from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Big Bend Technical College (The Commons) in Perry bringing together businesses from Taylor, Lafayette and Dixie counties, with subsequent events scheduled in rural counties across the state. Attendance is free and open to any business - with a focus on serving rural county small business owners, entrepreneurs and those organizations that support small and emerging businesses in rural communities. For more information, and to register, please visit www.floridasbdc.org/ruraltour.

"Our goal is simply to bring Florida's services and resources for small and emerging businesses directly to rural communities - communities where business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs place greater value on direct, local, face to face outreach," said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. "In partnership with the SBDC, and collaboration with agencies like DBPR, CareerSource, DOE, DOT, DEP, DMS, and more, we want to shift the approach to bringing the answers, options and supports for rural businesses directly into rural communities."

"We are thrilled to launch Florida's Rural Business Resource Tour to bring support and resources directly to our state's rural communities," said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. "Whether someone is looking to launch a new venture or expand an existing business, the Rural Resource Tour is for them. Rural entrepreneurs are vital to our state and the Resource Tour is about making sure they have direct access to the tools and resources they need to succeed - right in their own backyard."

Organized in collaboration with the state's three Rural Areas of Opportunity (RAOs) advocacy and support organizations, along with partners such as CareerSource Florida, FloridaCommerce, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS), Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Florida Department of Education, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Management Services, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida First Capital Finance Corporation, FloridaMakes, Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, UF/IFAS and VISIT FLORIDA, the tour will offer a one-stop shop for rural business support.

The Rural Business Resource Tour will provide opportunities for small business owners to:

• Explore business development assistance;
• Learn about available federal, state, and local resources to support growth and sustainability;
• Access funding and grant information;
• Strengthen business resiliency through planning;
• Boost digital readiness with guidance on e-commerce, online marketing, and technology adoption; and
• Network with regional support organizations.

Each participating agency brings valuable expertise and resources to help rural small businesses thrive. From access to capital and disaster resilience to regulatory guidance and workforce development, these partners will provide on-the-ground support tailored to the needs of local entrepreneurs and communities. Highlights of partner offerings include:

CareerSource Florida

• Business development support through CareerSource North Florida
• Access to talent solutions, training programs and reemployment assistance
• Employer resources tailored for rural entrepreneurs and businesses
• Guidance on export assistance through SelectFlorida

FloridaCommerce

• Tools and resources for disaster preparedness and business continuity planning
• Information on small business loan programs, including Emergency Bridge Loans (EBL)
• Guidance on new state tax credit initiatives
• Assistance navigating local permitting processes and resolving regulatory issues
• Connections to workforce development boards and reemployment programs
• Export and international trade assistance for businesses looking to grow internationally.

Florida Chamber of Commerce

• Showcasing Florida Chamber Foundation Data Tools - A hands-on demo of three interactive tools that provide insights into Florida's economy, tailored to highlight opportunities and challenges for rural businesses
• Rural Florida Research - Sharing data-driven research and analysis to help rural business leaders make informed decisions and strengthen their local communities

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS)

• Information on the "Fresh From Florida" Membership Program and resources related to program benefits

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

• One-on-one guidance through DBPR's Business Information Portal, which offers custom checklists for licensing, permitting and regulatory compliance
• Information on recent licensure fee waivers and regulatory relief measures to reduce startup and operating costs
• Onsite assistance with licensing, permit application and navigating regulatory requirements for professions, contractors and service businesses

Florida Department of Education

• Support for workforce education, career pathways and talent pipeline development
• Collaboration with rural businesses to align training programs with local industry needs

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

• Permitting assistance and environmental compliance support for businesses

Florida Department of Management Services

• Assistance with state procurement processes and vendor registration
• Resources for small and minority-owned businesses to participate in state contracts

Florida Department of Transportation

• Information on workforce development initiatives and Target Zero

Florida First Capital Finance Corporation

• Guidance on accessing capital through SBA 504 loans and other financing options

FloridaMakes

• Customized consulting for manufacturers to improve operations and competitiveness
• Support for expanding market opportunities and adopting new technologies
• Workforce training and talent development strategies

Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network

• Assistance with accessing capital and funding opportunities
• One-on-one business consultations
• Support through the APEX Accelerator for government contracting
• Resources and information to strengthen business development, resiliency, and digital readiness
• Export and international trade assistance

UF/IFAS

• Assisting AgTech businesses in research and new development opportunities to expand their business success

U.S. Small Business Administration

• Access to capital, counseling and contracting assistance
• Guidance on SBA disaster assistance programs for businesses, nonprofits and individuals
• Resources to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses

VISIT FLORIDA

• Promotion of tourism-based businesses through the VISIT FLORIDA Partnership Program
• Marketing opportunities via the Florida Adventure Travel Network and rural tourism initiatives