Start a Business
North Florida is a region that inspires a lot of ideas and a lot of opportunities for new business. It is also a region that supports new business in a number of game-changing ways, beginning with lower costs: Six North Florida counties rank in the list of top 10 Florida counties offering the state’s lowest cost of living.
Physical, digital and knowledge infrastructure
North Florida expands entrepreneurial opportunity through logistical, digital and knowledge networks. Uncongested roads and convenient air connections allow ease of access; a comprehensive broadband network that provides gigabit fiber optic connections, while knowledge and intellectual resources include two R1 universities. Whether the opportunity is local or global, North Florida offers an infrastructure, and an ecosystem, that delivers.
Specialized startup and development support
North Florida’s entrepreneurial ecosystem provides deeper support:
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At the University of Florida, UF Innovates offers a variety of programs and services, including two business incubators.
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At Florida State University, the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship is the nation’s first standalone College of Entrepreneurship.
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At the University of North Florida, the Coggin College of Business Centers include the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, an equity-free business incubation center.
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Small Business Development Center provides locations throughout the region, including FAMU (Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University), SDBC at University of North Florida as well as satellite business consulting centers in Nassau, Putnam, Clay and Suwanee Counties, which also serve surrounding counties. Click here to visit to the statewide SBDC network office website. Whether the need is startup assistance or consultation for growth, the centers can provide a variety of tools and programs to help.
Dedicated local and regional support
From conception through expansion, your enterprise enjoys collaborative and cohesive support at the local, regional and national level.