8 Steps To Get Your Business Up And Running
Build your business with this list of resources from the Pensacola entrepreneur ecosystem.
Step 1: Validate Your Idea & Create A Business Plan
Have a business idea? Validate your idea and create a business plan with startup programs and accelerators in the Pensacola area.
Startups on the block
Incubator
Got a startup idea? Join Startups on The Block and get connected.
MBA Entrepreneurship
Consulting
Have a team of MBA students present solutions for a problem you’re facing.
Small Business Development Center
Consulting
Powerful tools, effective training and valuable resources for small business.
Step 2: Get Funding
Looking for funding? Partner with these local companies that are looking to invest in small businesses in the state of Florida.
Community Enterprise Investments Inc.
Funding
Need funding to start or grow your business? Community Enterprise Investments Inc. can help. Apply for a business loan in four simple steps.
Florida Opportunity Fund
Funding
Identifying and investing in early growth stage companies, focused on diversified, high-quality opportunities in the state of Florida.
Florida First Capital Finance Corp.
Funding
Florida First Capital has helped thousands of clients achieve their small business dreams through their loan programs. They are experts that you can turn to for growth.
Tech Farms Capital
Funding
Tech Farms Capital enhances entrepreneurial ecosystems by Investing in and developing startups to generate great returns.
Step 3: Licensing & Permitting
Business licenses are designed to protect you and your business. Keep yourself from being personally liable by getting set up with a business license.
Escambia County
Permitting
Escambia County provides you with the information for business licenses.
Florida First & Future
Permitting
Apply for a business license with Pensacola Florida's First & Future.
Step 4: Accounting & Legal
Accounting plays an important role in running a business. Businesses of all sizes need to track income and expenses. Schedule a 15 minute call with an SCI staff member and we’ll get you connected with local individuals and organizations to help you track and manage your startup’s finances.
Step 5: Branding & Design
Build a relationship with your audience and express who you are with a strong brand and visual identity. To learn how you can build a brand that people connect with, schedule a 15 minute call with an SCI staff member and we’ll get you connected with the right people and firms.
Step 6: Marketing & Promotions
Reach a new audience and capture leads with a marketing partner or by taking your marketing in-house. Looking to partner with a local marketing agency to help? Schedule a 15 minute call with an SCI staff member and we’ll get you connected. Check out these ondemand training videos to learn ways you can implement marketing and social media tactics now.
Messaging Matters: Virtual Branding
Marketing & Promotions
When you are in survival mode, "branding" might be the last thing on your mind. However, hard times can often make or break a brand. last thing on your mind. However, hard times can often make or break a brand. You have to be even more intentional about managing it during times of uncertainty.
Virtual Selling, Prospecting, & Networking
Marketing & Promotions
In this 1 hour webinar session, we’ll talk about the significance of creating the process and structure by which we sell during times of uncertainty, how buyers are making decisions, and how to have conversations about state and gaps no one has ever experienced.
Winning Business on Social Media
Marketing & Promotions
It’s not a question of whether or not social media is an effective sales tool. The question is whether or not it’s working for you. Corey’s presentation unpacks the sales process and provides a step-by-step plan for winning business on social media.
Building a Social Media Strategy
Marketing & Promotions
The key ingredient for impactful social media marketing is having an actionable strategy. In this 2.5-hour workshop, you’ll learn everything you need to know about creative social media strategies: how to plan, write, and execute one that delivers.
Step 7: Staffing
Looking to grow your team? Hire talented individuals so you can focus on your strengths and grow your business.
Gulf Breeze Chamber of Commerce
Staffing
The Gulf Breeze Area Chamber connects communities and commerce through leadership, advocacy and collaboration. They provide support for business in the community.
Military & Veterans Resource Center at UWF
Staffing
UWF has been recognized as a gold-level University in the large public school category on the list of Military Friendly Schools.
UWF College of Business
Staffing
UWF's College of Business is invested in building an experienced and educated workforce ready to enter today’s dynamic business world.
Career Center (UWF, PSC, George Stone)
Staffing
At Career Center, you can tap into the distinctive and robust talent that exists at UWF. Click the link to learn more about the talent that exist in our community.
Gulf Coast Minority Chamber of Commerce
Staffing
To serve as an advocate and the conscience of the Minority and Small Business Community, promoting and assisting in procurement opportunities, business development strategy, increasing operating capacity and other economic assets while striving to ensure economic fairness for all.
Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce
Staffing
The Chamber provides leadership and resources to a diverse audience, including community & military leaders, entrepreneurs, business executives and educators. We offer numerous programs & events to help our members develop strategic relationships within the business community.
Pensacola Young Professionals
Staffing
Pensacola Young Professionals was created in 2006 to be a voice for the young pros of Pensacola. We started with taking a stand on the Maritime Park initiative and have made it our mission to be catalysts for positive change ever since.
Step 8: Mentorship
Looking to take your business to the next level? Apply for SCI’s Venture Mentoring Service(VMS) and get paired with a team of expert mentors for free ongoing advice and guidance.
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