-->

SMARTstart Pasco


Resources  Entrepreneurs 

Whether you're an established small business or just starting a business, the Pasco Economic Development Council has the tools you need to establish and grow a strong business in Pasco County. Our SMARTstart Small Business Program is an innovative suite of programs that provides the tools growing businesses need for long-term success.


Locations

Resource Agencies to Know:

All Stages

What do you need help with?

Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce

Businesses and organizations find the Chamber an effective and affordable method of connecting with the community, potential customers and possible business associates - regardless of geographical distance - we are all interconnected today.
Business Development, Education & Training, Networking

Florida Economic Development Council

Since 1964, the Florida Economic Development Council has promoted economic development throughout the state of Florida. Today we are its primary resource for developing economic development professionals, issues education, networking, and recognition of excellence among members of the profession. 500+ professionals count on FEDC to educate, advocate, and connect on their behalf.
Networking

Florida Division of Corporations | Sunbiz

Our activities include a variety of business entity filings, trade and service mark registrations, federal lien recordings, judgment lien filings, uniform commercial code financing statements, fictitious name registrations, notary commissions, and cable and video service franchises.
Business License

Florida High Tech Corridor Council | The Corridor

A 23-county region spanning from Florida’s Sun Coast to Space Coast, The Corridor is a place where research and innovation thrive. Chaired by presidents of the University of Central Florida (UCF), the University of South Florida (USF) and the University of Florida (UF), the Florida High Tech Corridor Council drives progress in the region. Our mission is to attract, retain and grow high tech industry and the workforce to support it. We envision a 23-county Florida High Tech Corridor region with a high-wage, high-value economy that leads the nation and world in technology invention and innovation.
Funding / Financial

Florida Medical Manufacturers Association

The Florida Medical Manufacturers Consortium (FMMC) is a state-wide association of medical device firms, that exists to unite, promote and grow our industry.
Business Development, Education & Training, Manufacturing, Networking

Florida Venture Forum

The Florida Venture Forum is a statewide member organization that helps entrepreneurs obtain funding through education, strategic partnering and effective networking. The Forum's educational programs provide in-depth information on topics such as raising debt and equity capital, human resources, finance, management, term sheet negotiation, valuations, marketing and R&D.
Funding / Financial

FloridaMakes

FloridaMakes is a nonprofit that works with individual manufacturing companies, to deliver company-centric service with bottom-line results, designed to: help you expand your market opportunities; adopt best practices, advanced technologies and training, and make the best use of existing public and private state and national resources available to enhance and further your company's growth.
Manufacturing

GrowFL

GrowFL is Florida's only organization exclusively dedicated to support and accelerate the growth of second-stage companies, by providing their leaders with focused, efficient, and timely access to resources they deem important. Our programs provide connections with other second-stage company leaders, resources, and organizations whose expertise, experience, and products lead to the second-stage company’s continued growth and prosperity. Second-stage growth companies have at least 6 employees and $750 thousand in revenue and possess the intent and desire to grow beyond second-stage. They are a small, but mighty group of entrepreneurial leaders in Florida, accounting for just 10% of the companies but generating more than 30% of the jobs.
Awards & Recognition, Business Counseling, Business Development, Business Expansion and/or Relocation, Business Plan, Coaching & Mentorship, Education & Training, Funding / Financial, Government Contracting, Importing & Exporting, Incubator / Accelerator, Manufacturing, Networking

SMARTstart's CO.STARTERS Program

CO.STARTERS is a 10-week program that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn business ideas into action.
Business Plan, Coaching & Mentorship, Education & Training

Pasco County Tax Collector Business Tax Receipts

Business Tax Receipts (formerly called Occupational Licenses) are required for most businesses operating in Pasco County. In addition, all cities in Pasco County require that a city Business Tax Receipt be purchased for businesses operating within their boundaries.
Business License, Taxes

Pasco EDC Microloan Program

A community based microloan fund that will act as a loan source for credit worthy Pasco County small businesses. The microloan fund will help to create a stronger economy, job opportunities and provide entrepreneurial education in our community. It will also help certain types of disadvantaged businesses who often have difficulties accessing credit, such as women-, minority-, veteran- and disabled-business owners.
Funding / Financial

Pasco Enterprise Network

If you are starting a new business or trying to expand your small business, Pasco Enterprise Network (PEN) offers a one-stop resource for finding guidance and assistance. No matter what challenges you may be facing, we can connect small businesses and entrepreneurs to the help they need to grow.
Co-Working / Office Space, Coaching & Mentorship, Education & Training, Incubator / Accelerator, Networking

Pasco Hernando State College Entrepreneurship

Understanding all aspects of business and the related industry is essential to develop and manage a successful organization. Marketing and promotions are necessary for the strategic dissemination of information regarding the product or service that is being promoted. Also, having a fundamental understanding of finance is also key to running an efficient organization.
Education & Training

SCORE Pasco Hernando

We're 20+ local volunteers eager to provide free help to small businesses in Pasco and Hernando counties of Florida. Whether you are trying to start a small business, expand an existing small business, or buy/sell an on-going small business, we can provide free face-to-face mentoring and counseling regarding the many issues that you may find daunting.
Business License, Business Plan, Coaching & Mentorship, Education & Training, Government Contracting, Importing & Exporting

Prospera

We specialize in providing bilingual assistance to Hispanic entrepreneurs trying to establish or expand their business. We offer a variety of services especially designed for Hispanic small business owners, to empower them through training, consulting, grants and access to capital.
Business Plan, Coaching & Mentorship, Education & Training, Importing & Exporting

City of New Port Richey Business Tax Receipts

All businesses within the incorporated city limits of New Port Richey must obtain a city BTR before beginning to operate. All BTRs expire September 30 of each year and are renewable for the upcoming license year any time after August 1.
Business License, Taxes

City of Zephyrhills Business Tax Receipts

A business tax receipt is required by the City before conducting any business. Anyone who opens a new business without having obtain a BTR will be assessed a penalty of 25% of the regular license fee.
Business License, Taxes

Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce

Joining the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce brings you in direct contact with the area market, potential clients, businesses and extended partners and community organizations. Credibility, networking, affordable advertising and access to services and programs are the primary reasons member organizations join.
Business Development, Education & Training, Networking

Main Street Zephyrhills

As a member, you will receive advance notice of special events, promotions and other activities by our organization to benefit our community. In addition, our members may promote their establishments through profiles and links on our website and other promotional opportunities we provide.
Available Buildings & Sites, Awards & Recognition, Business Expansion and/or Relocation, Networking

Enterprise Florida

Enterprise Florida recruits new business to the state, and works to retain and expand existing industry and business. We provide site selection services, demographic information, incentive information and much more.
Available Buildings & Sites, Business Expansion and/or Relocation

Idea Stage

What do you need help with?

SMARTstart's CO.STARTERS Program

CO.STARTERS is a 10-week program that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn business ideas into action.
Business Plan, Coaching & Mentorship, Education & Training

Pasco Enterprise Network

If you are starting a new business or trying to expand your small business, Pasco Enterprise Network (PEN) offers a one-stop resource for finding guidance and assistance. No matter what challenges you may be facing, we can connect small businesses and entrepreneurs to the help they need to grow.
Co-Working / Office Space, Coaching & Mentorship, Education & Training, Incubator / Accelerator, Networking

SCORE Pasco Hernando

We're 20+ local volunteers eager to provide free help to small businesses in Pasco and Hernando counties of Florida. Whether you are trying to start a small business, expand an existing small business, or buy/sell an on-going small business, we can provide free face-to-face mentoring and counseling regarding the many issues that you may find daunting.
Business License, Business Plan, Coaching & Mentorship, Education & Training, Government Contracting, Importing & Exporting

Prospera

We specialize in providing bilingual assistance to Hispanic entrepreneurs trying to establish or expand their business. We offer a variety of services especially designed for Hispanic small business owners, to empower them through training, consulting, grants and access to capital.
Business Plan, Coaching & Mentorship, Education & Training, Importing & Exporting

Formation Stage

We’ve selected the agencies below as being important to forming your business; however, you should still review agencies categorized for the Idea stage. Agencies are categorized at the point of recommended introduction in the business cycle.

What do you need help with?

Pasco Hernando State College Entrepreneurship

Understanding all aspects of business and the related industry is essential to develop and manage a successful organization. Marketing and promotions are necessary for the strategic dissemination of information regarding the product or service that is being promoted. Also, having a fundamental understanding of finance is also key to running an efficient organization.
Education & Training

Launching Stage

We’ve selected the agencies below as being important to launching your business; however, you should still review agencies categorized for the Idea and Formation stages. Agencies are categorized at the point of recommended introduction in the business cycle.

What do you need help with?

Florida Division of Corporations | Sunbiz

Our activities include a variety of business entity filings, trade and service mark registrations, federal lien recordings, judgment lien filings, uniform commercial code financing statements, fictitious name registrations, notary commissions, and cable and video service franchises.
Business License

Florida Venture Forum

The Florida Venture Forum is a statewide member organization that helps entrepreneurs obtain funding through education, strategic partnering and effective networking. The Forum's educational programs provide in-depth information on topics such as raising debt and equity capital, human resources, finance, management, term sheet negotiation, valuations, marketing and R&D.
Funding / Financial

Pasco County Tax Collector Business Tax Receipts

Business Tax Receipts (formerly called Occupational Licenses) are required for most businesses operating in Pasco County. In addition, all cities in Pasco County require that a city Business Tax Receipt be purchased for businesses operating within their boundaries.
Business License, Taxes

Pasco EDC Microloan Program

A community based microloan fund that will act as a loan source for credit worthy Pasco County small businesses. The microloan fund will help to create a stronger economy, job opportunities and provide entrepreneurial education in our community. It will also help certain types of disadvantaged businesses who often have difficulties accessing credit, such as women-, minority-, veteran- and disabled-business owners.
Funding / Financial

City of New Port Richey Business Tax Receipts

All businesses within the incorporated city limits of New Port Richey must obtain a city BTR before beginning to operate. All BTRs expire September 30 of each year and are renewable for the upcoming license year any time after August 1.
Business License, Taxes

City of Zephyrhills Business Tax Receipts

A business tax receipt is required by the City before conducting any business. Anyone who opens a new business without having obtain a BTR will be assessed a penalty of 25% of the regular license fee.
Business License, Taxes

Growing Stage

We’ve selected the agencies below as being important to growing your business; however, you should still review agencies categorized for the Idea, Formation, and Launching stages. Agencies are categorized at the point of recommended introduction in the business cycle.

What do you need help with?

Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce

Businesses and organizations find the Chamber an effective and affordable method of connecting with the community, potential customers and possible business associates - regardless of geographical distance - we are all interconnected today.
Business Development, Education & Training, Networking

Florida Medical Manufacturers Association

The Florida Medical Manufacturers Consortium (FMMC) is a state-wide association of medical device firms, that exists to unite, promote and grow our industry.
Business Development, Education & Training, Manufacturing, Networking

FloridaMakes

FloridaMakes is a nonprofit that works with individual manufacturing companies, to deliver company-centric service with bottom-line results, designed to: help you expand your market opportunities; adopt best practices, advanced technologies and training, and make the best use of existing public and private state and national resources available to enhance and further your company's growth.
Manufacturing

GrowFL

GrowFL is Florida's only organization exclusively dedicated to support and accelerate the growth of second-stage companies, by providing their leaders with focused, efficient, and timely access to resources they deem important. Our programs provide connections with other second-stage company leaders, resources, and organizations whose expertise, experience, and products lead to the second-stage company’s continued growth and prosperity. Second-stage growth companies have at least 6 employees and $750 thousand in revenue and possess the intent and desire to grow beyond second-stage. They are a small, but mighty group of entrepreneurial leaders in Florida, accounting for just 10% of the companies but generating more than 30% of the jobs.
Awards & Recognition, Business Counseling, Business Development, Business Expansion and/or Relocation, Business Plan, Coaching & Mentorship, Education & Training, Funding / Financial, Government Contracting, Importing & Exporting, Incubator / Accelerator, Manufacturing, Networking

Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce

Joining the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce brings you in direct contact with the area market, potential clients, businesses and extended partners and community organizations. Credibility, networking, affordable advertising and access to services and programs are the primary reasons member organizations join.
Business Development, Education & Training, Networking

Main Street Zephyrhills

As a member, you will receive advance notice of special events, promotions and other activities by our organization to benefit our community. In addition, our members may promote their establishments through profiles and links on our website and other promotional opportunities we provide.
Available Buildings & Sites, Awards & Recognition, Business Expansion and/or Relocation, Networking

Optimizing Stage

We’ve selected the agencies below as being important to optimizing your business; however, you should still review agencies categorized for the Idea, Formation, Launching, and Growing stages. Agencies are categorized at the point of recommended introduction in the business cycle.

What do you need help with?

Florida Economic Development Council

Since 1964, the Florida Economic Development Council has promoted economic development throughout the state of Florida. Today we are its primary resource for developing economic development professionals, issues education, networking, and recognition of excellence among members of the profession. 500+ professionals count on FEDC to educate, advocate, and connect on their behalf.
Networking

Florida High Tech Corridor Council | The Corridor

A 23-county region spanning from Florida’s Sun Coast to Space Coast, The Corridor is a place where research and innovation thrive. Chaired by presidents of the University of Central Florida (UCF), the University of South Florida (USF) and the University of Florida (UF), the Florida High Tech Corridor Council drives progress in the region. Our mission is to attract, retain and grow high tech industry and the workforce to support it. We envision a 23-county Florida High Tech Corridor region with a high-wage, high-value economy that leads the nation and world in technology invention and innovation.
Funding / Financial

Enterprise Florida

Enterprise Florida recruits new business to the state, and works to retain and expand existing industry and business. We provide site selection services, demographic information, incentive information and much more.
Available Buildings & Sites, Business Expansion and/or Relocation

Entrepreneurs to Know:

Sort By Industry
Sort By City
Sort By Company Name
Sort By Products / Services

Alex D Novak
Ambit Intersect
New Port Richey
Brian Cummings
Seabreeze Pest Control
Hudson
Brian Makarski and Amy Henninger
Charm City Eats
Dade City
Britton Janning
The Social Connection LLC
Land O Lakes
Cassandra Garvey
Career Focus Inc.
Dade City
Corry Graber
Perks Cafe
Dade City
Dan Tang
Global ETS, LLC
Odessa
Elliot Monsod
Mosaic Insurance Partners, LLC
New Port Richey
Gary Gorsline
X-Link Medical Software Interfacing
Land O Lakes
Garyn Angel
Magical
Port Richey
Gayle Hill
UpHill Marketing Group
Land O Lakes
Gigi King
Dakota's Document Preparation Services
Dade City
Hubertus Muehlhaeuser
Welbilt Inc.
New Port Richey
James Moore
Sweet Luminous Bakery
Dade City
Jeff Stamler
Nicopure Labs
Trinity
Jessica Paola Gamez
Pao Pics
Dade City
John Beebe
Heros Downtown Subs & Salads
New Port Richey
Johnathan McKeen-Chaff
Covenant Company, LLC DBA Center Ed
Dade City
Karla Arita
Power Gals
Land O Lakes
Ken Buzzie and Rick Chadwell
Spark Technology Solutions
Dade City
Leon R Jablow IV
IV Consulting Group
Land O Lakes
Leslie Saland
AL Saland Insurance Solutions
Lutz
Marcus Meyer
Gator Cleaning Solutions
Odessa
Maria Bryant Jones
Nutoriously Good Enterprises, LLC
Dade City
Mary Katherine Mason
Lanky Lassie's Shortbread, LLC
Dade City
Pamela Tavares
AquaBox USA, Inc.
Dade City
Roy Kirchner
Ultimate 3D Printing Store
Odessa
Sam Arledge
Manufacturers Distributor, Inc.
Odessa
Sara Melucci
Gulf Coast Heating & Cooling
New Port Richey
Sarah and Heath Dorr
Hills, Homes, and Land
Dade City
Scott Alvarez and Joe Fernandez
Guardian Memorial Reefs
New Port Richey
Shakiel Humayun and Danielle Loduca
Superfood Bake Shop
Wesley Chapel
Stamie and Chad Carter
The Spa Boutique & Aesthetics of Trinity
Trinity
Suzanne Fulford
Dixie Belle Paint Company
Lutz
Thomas Giella
Complete I.T. Computer Repair & Network Solutions
Wesley Chapel
Tim McClain
Express Employment Professionals
New Port Richey
Tina Levene
Florida Recovery Schools of Tampa Bay, Inc.
Holiday
Tom Gaffney
Connect GO
Wesley Chapel
Tonisha Kimble
Wonders of the World Book and Toy Store
Zephyrhills
Wayne Rasanen
IN10DID
New Port Richey
Wendy O'Neill
Creativity Unpinned
Wesley Chapel