Best Small Business Resources in the Orlando Area

Description

The National Entrepreneur Center is a facility that houses and manages the services of 13 different entrepreneurial assistance organizations. This collaboration allows the NEC to produce seminars and do 1-on-1 business counselling alongside numerous networking events. Partnered programs include several chambers of commerce, minority-oriented outreach organizations, and SCORE counseling.

Restrictions

Workshops range in cost from $35-$50.

Description

Colab is an downtown Orlando Coworking space that allows business owners and entrepreneurs to work in close proximity to one another for very low cost compared to traditional renting space. Colab also offers a bi-monthly “Lunch and Learn” program, where entrepreneurs and businesses can share knowledge.

Restrictions

Colab space has a membership fee.

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.

Description

Prospera is a nonprofit organization specialized in providing bilingual assistance to Hispanic entrepreneurs trying to start or expand their business. This organization empowers Hispanic entrepreneurs through mentoring services, financial planning, sales and marketing plans, and other resources to prepare entrepreneurs to start a business. Prospera does not charge for many of their services, and other services are low cost.

Restrictions

Entrepreneurs must be Hispanic to join this organization. 

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.

Description

The University of Central Florida has a Pre-Incubation program that features business mentors and seminars for teaching entrepreneurs how to create a sustainable business. The Incubation program focuses on growing companies, and grants access to attorneys and mentors that can provide specific strategies for intellectual property.

Restrictions

Entrepreneurs must demonstrate that their business can grow to the point of hiring and managing employees. Entrepreneurs must also participate in a 3 ½ week, $400 course.