Business Launchpad

Starting a Business in Florida

To start a business in Florida you need to:

​

1. Check with your County Tax Collector to see if you need a license.          

2. Register your business with the Department of Revenue.  

3. Register with the IRS.    

4. Corporate entities or fictitious name registrants should register with the Department of State. 

​

Other Resources

• Small Business Development Center                      

• Startup kit for new business owners                    

• Required taxes

 

Access to Capital

Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF): BBIF is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), private non-profit loan fund that specializes in providing loans and financial technical assistance services to Black, minority & underserved small businesses through Florida.

​

FAMU Federal Credit Union: Credit union dedicated to providing financial services to FAMU Alumni, FAMU students, and members/employees of other specific organizations in the Tallahassee area.

​

Florida Black Business Loan Program – Department of Economic Opportunity: The Black Business Loan Program provides loans, loan guarantees, or investments through Loan Administrators to black business enterprises that cannot otherwise obtain capital through conventional lending institutions but who could otherwise compete successfully in the private sector.

​

Small Business Loan Fund – Broward County: The Small Business Loan Fund (SBLF) is a community development financial institution whose purpose is to make access to credit more readily available to minority and women owned businesses in Florida. SBLF provides loans to small businesses statewide, but its principal focus is on small businesses located in South Florida - Broward, Miami Dade, and Palm Beach Counties.

​

African American Entrepreneurs Association (AAEA): The African American Entrepreneurs Association (AAEA), a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization was formed to develop and create economic development through entrepreneurship within the undeserved African American community.

​

Business Planning & Consulting

Annuity.org - Investing in a Business: Annuity.org has been a trusted source for personal finance information for more than 10 years. They combine accurate, timely research with unique insights from consumers and professionals to provide helpful, valuable resources about annuities and structured settlements.

​

Florida State Minority Supplier Development Center: The FSMSDC provides a range of services, including certification assistance, business education and training, and supplier summits/events.

​

Florida Small Business Development Centers (SBDC): Florida’s SBDCs provide a broad range of services to support business formation and growth.  Their network of service centers and business consultants spans the state.   

​

State of Florida Office of Supplier Diversity: Florida’s Office of Supplier Diversity’s specialized team is available to help improve business opportunities for Florida-based woman-, veteran- and minority-owned small businesses.

​

Urban League: Florida affiliates of the Urban League offer a range of business support programs, including Business Plan assistance. 

​