Start a Business

Catapult Lakeland is a place where entrepreneurs can flourish in the heart of downtown Lakeland. They provide a one-of-a-kind space, educational programs, workshops, and mentoring opportunities to launch businesses and take start-ups to the next level.

For more information, visit: https://catapultlakeland.com/

Central Florida SCORE has been serving Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties since 1965. Our Certified Mentor volunteers provide guidance and counseling to entrepreneurs in startup and existing businesses to help them succeed and thrive.

The Central Florida SCORE Mentors includes experience in: law, accounting and taxation, insurance / security agency, manufacturing and design engineering, sales and marketing, negotiation, business purchase and sale, and IT. Several are retired executives from various businesses and business owners. We also have access to the entire national roster of SCORE as needed for special situations.

Central Florida SCORE welcomes the opportunity to provide your business, civic club or organization with a workshop on the topic of choice. Please contact us at info@centralflscore.org or call (863) 284-5607.

For more information, visit: https://centralflorida.score.org/

The Florida Small Business Development Center at University of South Florida assists existing and emerging businesses in Polk County, through professional business consulting, training and information.

The Florida SBDC at USF is part of a statewide partnership of higher education, economic development organizations, chambers and other sponsors dedicated to the economic prosperity of Florida. Whether starting, buying, growing or selling a business, the Florida SBDC at USF has what entrepreneurs need to grow and succeed. Services include no-cost, confidential business consulting from certified experts in a variety of business topics, including: marketing, business certification, capital access, market diversification, developing strategic business plans, export services, and web optimization.

The Florida SBDC at USF holds office hours at the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Monday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please contact Greg Manning, Assistant Director, Florida SBDC at USF, Polk County at (863) 688-8551 Ext. 237 or GManning@usf.edu.

For more information, visit: https://sbdctampabay.com/

Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is the economic development arm of the City of Lakeland. The staff provide information about incentives and assistance for development.

For more information, visit their website at: https://www.lakelandcra.net/

Lakeland Economic Development Council is a private non-profit organization with more than 175 member companies. With staff dedicated to growing high-skill, high-wage jobs for the area, 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.

For more information, visit: https://lakelandedc.com/

Take the guess work out of starting a business. Launch by LegalShield’s attorneys work with you to get your business started with confidence. Plus when you form your business through Launch by LegalShield, you automatically gain access to the most comprehensive business legal plan.

For more information, please visit LegalShield Page or to schedule an appointment, call Bob Read (863) 512-1437.