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 (SBDC) and Florida APEX Accelerators program both provide effective tools, training, and valuable resources to help small businesses in Northwest Florida grow and succeed. Each organization provides no-cost and confidential consulting to assist our local businesses.
Meet John Emsing, Associate Director for the Florida SBDC.
John is available for walk-ins or to schedule a meeting every Thursday from 9 AM - 3PM here at the Crestview Chamber Office.
If you'd like to schedule your appointment you can email him directly at jemsing@uwf.edu or call (850) 974-1808.
Government Contracting Support
The APEX Accelerators program, formerly known as Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP), under management of the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), plays a critical role in the Department’s efforts to identify and helps a wide range of businesses enter and participate in the defense supply-chain. The program provides the education and training to ensure that all businesses become capable of participating in federal, state, and local government contracts.
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.
One Okaloosa 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
The City of Crestview supports businesses with bid opportunities, permits, inspections, and development resources. Our one-stop Building Division streamlines permits, while Fire and Safety Inspections ensure compliance. From business tax receipts to plan reviews, we provide the tools for growth and success. Explore our services to build, expand, and thrive in Crestview!
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.
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).
Demographics | Okaloosa-Walton Economic Development Center
www.florida-edc.org
Demographics | Simmons National Consumer
http://library.demographicsnow.com
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