How We Help

Your EDC Is Here For You

Rapid Response Team

Companies that qualify receive expedited review of all county-related services. The EDC collaborates with key county staff to help keep your project on schedule through ongoing communication, including meetings where all the key players are at the table. We help to streamline the regulatory process for your project, while you focus on your business.

Economic Development Incentive Grant (EDI)

The EDI is a job creation grant offered by Manatee County Government to expanding, new or relocating targets sector companies that meet certain eligibility criteria. The company must demonstrate that the grant will make a material difference in their decision to expand or locate in Manatee County.

Multi-Modal Transportation Impact Fee Incentive
(M-TIFI)

This incentive provides relief for the multi-modal impact fee to qualifying expanding, new of relocating target sector companies.

SeaPort Manatee Encouragement Zone

The SeaPort Manatee Encouragement Zone is Manatee County’s initiative to facilitate a greater range of employment-based uses near SeaPort Manatee. It includes the Florida International Gateway and Planned Development Encouragement Zone.

Economic Development Ad
Valorem Tax Exemption Incentive
(EDAVTE)

Manatee County’s Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption may be available to qualifying new or expanding target sector companies. Minimum eligibility includes: A company establishing 10 or more new jobs to employ 10 or more full-time employees, paying an average wage for such new jobs that is above the average wage in the area.

International Trade Assistance
for Bradenton Area Companies

Whether yours is a foreign-based company seeking a U.S. presence or a local company investigating overseas markets, the Bradenton Area EDC is your one-stop connection to vital services.

For a sampling of how the Bradenton Area EDC and its partners can help boost your global business, select the appropriate button below:

Thinking global is what we do.
Let us help your global company thrive.

Other Incentives & Access to Capital

The SBA 504 Loan Program provides approved small businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing, used to acquire fixed assets for expansion or modernization.

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The State Small Business Credit Initiative was designed by the federal government to help states strengthen existing loan and equity programs and/or create new programs that support the financing of small businesses. The primary objective of Florida’s SSBCI program is to leverage private capital for Florida’s small businesses, which are defined as businesses with 500 employees or less.

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In addition to regularly scheduled events, the Florida Venture Forum hosts the annual Florida Venture Capital Conference, which showcases high growth companies seeking equity financing.

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The Florida Opportunity Fund provides venture capital to emerging Florida companies, and leverages partnerships with other organizations to strengthen the early-stage finance ecosystem in Florida.

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The mission of Bridge Angel Investors is to provide a network of successful and accessible business professionals to cultivate and support Florida’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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The Florida Recycling Loan Program was created to provide access to capital for the purchase of equipment and machinery to expand recycling capacity in Florida.

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Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (IDRBs) finance business and industrial expansions for firms with strong credit. IDRBs can provide low-interest loans for large projects by permitting the borrower to take advantage of long-term financing with lower than prime interest rates.

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Lauren Kratsch
Contact Lauren Kratsch
Senior Director Business Relations
(941) 803-9032
laurenk@bradentonareaedc.com

Bradenton Area's Talented Workforce

With a regional labor pool of over 1.8 million, the Bradenton Area provides companies with access to a ready workforce offering a wide range of talents and skills. Strong partnerships between the Bradenton Area EDC, training and educational institutions, workforce development agencies and training-grant funders provide innovative solutions to employers. 

Whether your company is looking to locate or expand, the Bradenton Area EDC and its workforce partners are ready to assist you with recruitment, training or retention strategies.

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Advanced Manufacturing Related Jobs

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Manatee County Residents with White collar Jobs

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Excellence in Education = A Talented Workforce

The public schools within the Bradenton Area provide focused career pathways for students interested in professional and technical careers. The Bradenton Area has robust postsecondary educational opportunities for students graduating high school as well as specialized programs for lifelong learners.

Learn More About K-12 & Higher Education>>>

Training & Recruitment Resources

Along with our workforce partners, the EDC can assist your company to find, recruit and train the talent you need to be successful.

Assistance for Foreign-Based Companies

Our sophisticated approach to business recruitment is underpinned by our innate desire to provide essential services to companies entering the U.S. market. Because fostering a diverse business climate and community is important to our mission, we believe no question or ask is too big or too small. Below is a quick snapshot of the services and assets.

 

Assistance for Local Companies Seeking to Export

Getting started and overcoming obstacles – The EDC’s partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service will help your business start off on the right foot. If you already are frustrated by previous attempts to export, the EDC and its partners will help you get on track.

Expanding your markets – Working with Enterprise Florida, the state’s economic development agency, we assist local businesses connect with state-sponsored trade missions to foreign countries. Looking to ship by sea? The EDC experts at Port Manatee provide advice and access to global business relationships.

Grants and financing – Federal and state programs may be available to help reduce the cost of exporting your goods or services.

Contact Lauren

Lauren Kratsch

Lauren Kratsch

Senior Director Business Relations