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Below you will find an overview of resources to help you navigate through establishing or improving your business. As business owners and operators, you play an important role as leaders in our community and we are here to support you however we can.

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of West Florida provides effective tools, training, and valuable resources to help small businesses in Florida grow and succeed.

Meet John Emsing, Business Consultant for the Florida SBDC.

John is available for walk-ins every Thursday from 9 AM-12 PM here the Crestview Chamber Office.

If you'd like to schedule your appointment you can email him at jemsing@uwf.edu or call (850) 974-1808.
For more information check out https://sbdc.uwf.edu/

Meet Chip Wells, Associate Director/ Government Contracting Consultant the Florida SBDC.

If you'd like to schedule your appointment you can email him at cwells1@uwf.edu or call (850) 612-1379.
For more information check out flapex.org.

Economic Development Council:

The EDC has put together an online resource guide that will be regularly updated.

The Small Business Association:

Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep employees, customers, and themselves healthy.

  City of Crestview:

We will promote an environment that encourages economic and educational opportunity.

https://www.cityofcrestview.org/35/Business

Okaloosa County:

Okaloosa County's website is posting county specific resources and updates like links to commission meetings, FDOT information, and much more.

Start Up:

Provides Guidance and advice in Opening your business, this includes taxes, small loans, grants, social media and business networking.

https://www.startupokaloosa.com/page/get-advice

Funding:

Start or expand your business with loans or grants.

https://www.startupokaloosa.com/page/find-money 

Home Business:

Planning requirements for operating a home-based business.

http://myokaloosa.com/sites/default/files/users/gmuser/home_occ.pdf

Okaloosa County Scorecard:

The Florida Scorecard™ is a dynamic online tool that identifies and tracks key metrics that are important to Florida’s economy today and into the future. The Florida Scorecard gives stakeholders the power to measure progress on a statewide level and within their own communities. Check back often as this information is updated regularly. Check out OKALOOSA COUNTY

Florida DBPR-Department of Business & Professional Regulation:

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation is the agency responsible for licensing and regulating businesses and professionals in the State of Florida.

http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/

http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/businesses-and-professions/

The U.S. Department of Labor:

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is providing resources to help companies respond in the event of coronavirus in the workplace. The guidance was developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

 

Market Research

Demographics | Okaloosa-Walton Economic Development Center  www.florida-edc.org

Demographics | Simmons National Consumer  http://library.demographicsnow.com/?skey=2582CEC23C344BAE8F3366093789755E

Small Business Resource Center http://www.flelibrary.org/smallbusiness.php

UWF Small Business Development Center www.sbdc.uwf.edu 

Licenses & Permits

Florida Tax Registration http://www.sunbiz.org/taxes.html   

Okaloosa County Courthouse www.clerkofcourts.cc

Okaloosa Tax Collector www.okaloosatax.com

Crestview Growth Management http://www.cityofcrestview.org/adminservices/adminservices.php