Find the Right Help for the Business You Are Building
Entrepreneurs do not need every resource at once. They need the right help at the right time. SMARTstart Resource Partners bring together organizations that provide consulting, counseling, education, technical assistance, workforce support, mentoring, market research, financing guidance, and business connections for entrepreneurs and small businesses in Pasco County.
A Stronger Way to Navigate Business Support
Starting or growing a business can raise questions that cross many areas at once. One owner may need help understanding customers. Another may need training, hiring support, financing guidance, market research, or a mentor who can help think through the next decision.
SMARTstart Resource Partners make that search easier by connecting experienced and aspiring entrepreneurs with organizations that understand different parts of the business journey. Instead of asking business owners to figure out the whole ecosystem alone, the resource partner network gives them a clearer place to begin.
Career Source Pasco Hernando provides Pasco and Hernando area businesses with valuable HR services, time-saving hiring strategies and cost-effective training. Services include:
- Labor market information and research
- Recruiting and pre-screening of qualified employees
- Training assistance to upgrade employee skill levels
- Up-to-date tax credit and benefits data
- Business incentive and other program information
- Meeting facilities and job fair services
The Pasco County Library Systems offers a wealth of information to assist small business including a wide variety of market research tools, databases, trade journals and more to help you in preparing business and marketing plans.
The Zephyrhills Library offers a wealth of information to assist small business including a wide variety of market research tools, databases, trade journals and more to help you in preparing business and marketing plans.
The New Port Richey Library offers a wealth of information to assist small business including a wide variety of market research tools, databases, trade journals and more to help you in preparing business and marketing plans.
Pasco EDC works to attract and support businesses, create and retain jobs and generate a sustainable and diversified economy in Pasco County. Pasco EDC assists businesses with site location, identifying capital resources for retention, expansion and relocation, local permitting and regulatory assistance and liaison with local, state and federal agencies.
Extension provides non-biased, research-based information to America's citizens. We are an off-campus branch of the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and serve as a bridge between the research labs of the university and the local community.
The Corporate Training department is home to professional development and targeted technical training. Courses from accounting for business to executive leadership are offered. Leadership and manufacturing training are rapidly becoming a large part of the training provided.
Saint Leo University’s Institute for Professional Development provides customized, web-based and instructor-led human resource development and training programs that support local and global business an industry needs.
Prospera (formerly the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Florida or HBIF) is an economic development, nonprofit organization specialized in providing bilingual assistance to Hispanic entrepreneurs trying to establish or expand their business in Florida.
Pasco-Hernando SCORE is a network of active and retired volunteer business leaders who provide expert advice to small business clients in need of help with start-up, expansion efforts or that is experiencing problems. Pasco-Hernando SCORE counselors share their management and technical expertise to help identify problems and find solutions.
The SBDC delivers management and technical assistance to prospective and existing small business including guiding entrepreneurs through the steps of launching and running a business, providing consulting and training. Low cost and no-cost workshops and seminars are also available.
The Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre helps entrepreneurs launch and grow successful businesses by providing free business coaching, webinars, trainings, networking opportunities and access to financial resources. The Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre is the only SBA-designated women’s business centre on the west coast of Florida. Our offices are located in Tampa, FL which enables us to provide services to entrepreneurs in Hillsborough, Hernando, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco and Manatee counties. The Tampa Bay WBC is funded in part by the US Small Business Administration (SBA).
Chambers of Commerce
Chambers of Commerce
Chambers of Commerce provide opportunities for networking and cooperation among local business owners. Pasco County has four Chambers that serve the various geographical regions and business niches in Pasco County.
Entrepreneurs can connect with mentors, counselors, and advisors who help them think through startup questions, growth challenges, operations, strategy, and problem-solving. These partners can bring practical perspective to decisions that are difficult to make alone.
Resource partners can help business owners work through planning, compliance, operations, technology, marketing, financial management, and other technical needs that affect how a company starts and grows.
Businesses that need help hiring, training, or developing workers can connect with workforce and training partners that support recruiting, apprenticeships, technical training, labor market information, and employee development.
Market research partners help entrepreneurs better understand customers, competitors, industries, and business opportunities. Library systems and research resources can support business and marketing plans with access to data, databases, trade journals, and other information.
Entrepreneurs looking for funding or growth support can connect with partners that help them understand financing options, prepare for funding conversations, and explore resources that may fit their stage of business.
Local chambers and business organizations help entrepreneurs build visibility, meet other business owners, stay connected to the community, and participate in the local business environment.
Find the Partner That Fits Your Next Step
Whether you need mentoring, market research, workforce help, technical assistance, financing guidance, or a stronger local network, SMARTstart Resource Partners can help connect you with the right kind of support.
Find the Partner That Fits Your Next Step
Whether you need mentoring, market research, workforce help, technical assistance, financing guidance, or a stronger local network, SMARTstart Resource Partners can help connect you with the right kind of support.