March 28, 2024

Up Front

Small Business' Vital Role

| 6/1/2007

Letter from Charlie Crist, Governor of Florida


Governor Charlie Crist

Over a century ago, my grandfather began a small business in his pursuit of the American Dream, a dream that continues to live on today in Florida. In my years of public service, I have endeavored to support the goals and dreams of small business owners through my work on policy and legislation. Today, as Florida's governor, I am committed to fostering a business climate that keeps taxes and business impediments low and allows for free enterprise to thrive.

Small businesses play a vital role in Florida's economy, with more than 1.6 million such businesses operating within our state. Florida offers a number of resources to assist small businesses, including the local economic development organizations and chambers of commerce, business- and sector-focused associations, and the public-private partnership that leads Florida's statewide economic development efforts, Enterprise Florida.

Florida Small Business magazine is an excellent resource for small business owners and managers, whether you are just getting started or preparing to take your business to the next level. I wish you every success in your business ventures.

Letter from Kurt S. Browning, Secretary of State


Kurt S. Browning, Secretary of State

The Florida Department of State joins Florida Small Business in providing Florida's business community with valuable information regarding state services.

Millions of visitors from around the world visit our web pages every day to learn about the advantages of incorporating in Florida. By offering quick and easy access -- free of charge -- to all its databases and digital images, the Division of Corporations responds to approximately a half billion requests for information each year. Businesses choose Florida because we provide a complete package of incorporation services including up-to-date corporate laws, a business-friendly state government and a customer service-oriented staff trained to assist your business in all phases of incorporation.

Working with a state-of-the-art efficiency, the Division of Corporations provides over 50 different filing, registration, certification and service activities worldwide 24 hours per day, seven days a week. Through the use of credit cards and accounts, businesses may use all filing and certification services electronically without paying a convenience fee. By clicking onto www.sunbiz.org, you can use all of these services and more, including access to corporate status and information, online annual report and business entity filing, online UCC filing, notaries and apostille information.

Florida is well equipped to handle your corporate and business entity filing requirements. We're proud to process more than three million business filings each year, and we have the fastest turnaround time of any state in the nation when it comes to registering your business. We look forward to having you join our business community and to providing you with fast, reliable service.

The Resources You Need Now

Letter from John A. Adams Jr. President/CEO Enterprise Florida Inc.


John A. Adams Jr. President/CEO Enterprise Florida Inc.

Since Enterprise Florida's inception a decade ago, we have witnessed our state's success in creating jobs and businesses in a broad cross-section of high-growth industries. A trend that has become the standard for business growth in Florida is innovation, which is duly represented by the unique variety of enterprises that are developing in every region. These businesses reflect the target industries Florida is pursuing to build its business climate to a higher competitive level. Furthermore, they are demonstrating that Florida truly is the "Innovation Hub of the Americas."

The many new businesses establishing themselves here are responding to the wealth of opportunities the state offers to support their goals. Together, we are helping to sustain and grow our economy. Enterprise Florida is proud to team with its local and regional economic development partners -- e.g., chambers of commerce, economic development councils, etc. -- to help steer new businesses toward the resources that are vital to their achieving success.

We appreciate this opportunity to join FLORIDA TREND in producing Florida Small Business, a handy resource to any person or company that wants to do business in this state. One of its most outstanding features is its references to organizations and resources that would benefit any business, large or small.


Letter from Lynda Keever, Publisher FLORIDA TREND and Florida Small Business


Lynda Keever, Publisher FLORIDA TREND and Florida Small Business

Inside this new edition of Florida Small Business you'll find valuable tips and solutions to the problems and challenges of operating a business in one of the fastest growing states in the country. We've gathered the resources and references that you need to thrive in Florida's ever-changing small business world. You will also find inspiring success stories of others who have prospered.

For 49 years, FLORIDA TREND has been bringing business news and views to the attention of decision-makers in government, big business and small business. In Florida Small Business, our staff works hard to focus on the most important issues facing startup companies as well as established and growing firms. I think as you read and use this special annual publication, you will agree with me that they have done an outstanding job.

Along with our partners, Enterprise Florida and the Florida Economic Development Council, I invite you to make use of all of our publications and online resources to ensure your future business success. I also encourage you to contact the businesses and organizations whose messages appear in the magazine ( p. 75) to assist you in your growth.

Tags: Florida Small Business, Business Services

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