Tampa Small Business Resources
Starting and running a small business requires resources. There are businesses, government groups, and nonprofits ready to help you.
We’ve compiled a list of Tampa small business resources and created tools and guides to help you operate a successful business in Florida.
Starting a business? Get access to small business resources and support when you start an LLC with Northwest ($29 + State Fees).
Local Resources for Small Business in Tampa
Using local resources can make a big difference. Here are some of the best local resources for small businesses in Tampa.
To get more Florida business resources, visit our Florida Small Business Resources guide.
Entrepreneur Collaborative Center
Overview
Hillsborough’s Entrepreneur Collaborative Center serves as a flexible venue for free and low-cost entrepreneurial services, including workshops, lectures, consulting, and other events hosted by partnered organizations. The center usually offers several events on topics ranging from social networking to online accounting. Most events require registration and are free to the public.
Contact Information
Office Address:
2101 E. Palm Ave.
Tampa, FL 33605
Phone Number: 813-204-9267
Social Media:
TRUiC Business Resources
Prospera - West Coast of Florida
Overview
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
Only Hispanic applicants will be considered for Prospera’s grant program.
Contact Information
Office Address:
2002 N. Lois Ave. Ste. 660,
Tampa, FL 33607
Phone Number: 813-634-6246
Email: contactwc@prosperausa.org
Social Media:
CoWorkTampa
Overview
CoWork Tampa is a coworking space located in the heart of Tampa, Florida. Membership includes access to printing, meeting rooms, and a large kitchen. There are several membership tiers available, ranging from “virtual” access which includes a mailbox and meeting room access to tiers with private desks and 24/7 access. Space also hosts community events that inform members of new software, tools, and resources that can be useful to startups.
Restrictions
This organization offers paid memberships only.
Contact Information
Office Address:
3104 North Armenia Ave.
Suite 2
Tampa, FL 33607
Phone Number: 800-531-2986
Email: vip@coworktampa.com
Social Media:
SBDC at the University of South Florida
Overview
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.
Contact Information
Office Address:
1101 Channelside Drive
Suite 210
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone Number: 813-905-5870
Social Media:
SCORE Tampa
Overview
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.
The Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women
Overview
Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available.
Restrictions
The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.
Contact Information
Office Address:
305 S. Hyde Park Avenue
Tampa, FL 33606
Phone Number: 813-251-8437
Email: info@thecentre.org
Social Media:
TIE Tampa Bay
Overview
TiE Tampa Bay is the Tampa branch of the global non-profit TiE organization, offering networking, mentoring, and educational programs designed to spur entrepreneurship. TiE has a focus on education, networking, and angel funding and charges a membership fee. TiE also connects entrepreneurs with mentors, though they are not in-house.
Restrictions
There is a membership fee.
Contact Information
Office Address:
802 E. Whiting St.
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone Number: 813-922-5482
Email: mona@tampa.tie.org
Social Media: