Vision Statement: “SarasotaCounty is a vibrant, inclusive community with a regional perspective that encourages business to thrive and prosper. Business contributes to the community and the community supports business.”
The Business Climate Work Group is focused on issues that affect the overall business climate of SarasotaCounty and the surrounding regions. Issues initially identified by the group include: affordable housing & livable wages; regulatory issues, community education & public relations; regional perspective on development; and the availability of capital.
Subgroups of the Business Climate Work Group
Business Resource Funding
- Designed and launched a website to communicate the various sources of capital availability for funding new and existing businesses. www.businessresourcefunding.com
Create a collaborativeregulatory environment
- To attract appropriate residential and commercial development, the regulatory environment in Sarasota County needs to be more consistent, cost efficient and user friendly.
Collaborate with regional partners to solve the workforce housing shortage
- The cost of housing is increasing faster than wages, and the average worker is unable to find housing in Sarasota County that is within their means. The impact on the economy is a scarcity of workers to fill jobs. Without an available workforce, businesses will not stay or be attracted to the county.
Foster initiatives that create a more diverse community
- The goal of economic sustainability requries that Sarasota County attracts and retains a wide range of ages, nationalitites and lifestyles. This diversity will promote a multifaceted economy that will attract national and international visitors, residents and businesses.