Small Business Resources

The Lakeland Downtown Chapter was chartered on July 30, 1996, with just 44 women. Now boasting more than 90 members, we are considered one of the largest ABWA Chapter in the country. This Lakeland networking group is involved in helping members achiev

We offer free business advice, no-cost business training through webinars and workshops, and numerous templates and tools to assist you in your journey to open your new business or grow your existing one.

Business Resource Team members will also serve as a dedicated point of contact for businesses through the entire development process, from site evaluation and selection to development and site plan review, building permitting to certificate of occupancy,

The LEDC’s primary role is to help create jobs and capital investment by attracting new companies as well as facilitating the expansion of existing companies in the Lakeland area.

The vision of the CFDC is to develop an economic environment that attracts and retains industry-diverse businesses with higher-paying careers and educates and retains qualified talent to align with targeted industry workforce needs.

CORE Lakeland was founded by female business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. We aim to build others while continuously building each other professionally and personally. The CORE Network Groups structure and membership guidelines were developed to

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business assists existing and emerging businesses in Polk county, through no-cost confidential business consulting, information, and low-cost training.

Get connected with the people, businesses, resources, and opportunities you need to start, grow, and sustain your business. The Lakeland Chamber can help open doors at every stage of your business.

The Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corporation, Inc. (BBIC) is a U.S. Treasury certified Community Development Entity dedicated to providing business and funding opportunities for the long-term growth and success of small businesses. Tampa Bay BBIC

Prospera is an economic development, nonprofit organization specialized in providing bilingual assistance to Hispanic entrepreneurs trying to establish or expand their business.