City of Sunrise, FL
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Small-Business Resources
Information to Help Your Business Succeed in Sunrise
The City of Sunrise is a strong advocate for its small-business community. The resources on this page are a sample of the programs and initiatives currently in place in Sunrise and beyond.
The City's Small-Business Advisory Board advises the Director of Economic Development on matters related to small business activity, development and support within Sunrise, while providing a strategy for promoting Sunrise as an attractive location for small businesses to operate.
Other duties include assisting in the development of information and/or programs regarding resources available to assist small and minority owned businesses; working closely with similar boards, chambers of commerce, and county/state/federal agencies toward the advancement, promotion, support and betterment of the small business community in Sunrise; and recommending policies, procedures and strategies to assist, support and promote small retailers and store-front business establishments throughout the City.
Preference for board appointments will be given to small business owners, certified property managers, community bank representatives, real estate brokers and retail leasing agents. For additional information - and to determine if there is a current vacancy - please view the City Clerk's Commissions and Boards page. You may also contact Danielle Lima, Economic Development Director, at (954) 746-3430 or dalima@sunrisefl.gov. Meetings are open to the public and members of the community are encouraged to attend to share concerns related to the small business environment in Sunrise. Meeting times are typically the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30pm. More details are available on the City Calendar.
Sunrise Small Business AcademyThe Sunrise Small Business Academy (SSBA), launched in 2022, to provide small business owners with training, access to resources, and other assistance designed to help elevate and grow their business. For details about this free program - and to apply - visit our dedicated SSBA webpage.
Shop SunriseSmall businesses in Sunrise can increase their exposure to residents and visitors through the City of Sunrise Shop Sunrise Program. The program is free to join for any Sunrise business with a valid business tax receipt (BTR). Learn more about the Shop Sunrise program and how to join.
Greater Sunrise Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1975, The Greater Sunrise Chamber of Commerce was founded to represent the Sunrise area business community. The Chamber is an excellent network that offers visibility, support, and member benefits. They provide member benefits such as business referrals, networking and advertising opportunities monthly, discount programs, and training and educational seminars.
How to Become a City Vendor
For businesses interested in becoming a registered vendor and viewing City solicitation opportunities, please view information about becoming a registered vendor and information about invitations for bids (IFBs), request for proposals (RFBs), and requests for qualifications (RFQs).
Sunrise Business Tax Receipt
An active City of Sunrise Business Tax Receipt (BTR) is required to legally conduct business within the city. For information regarding renewing or obtaining a City of Sunrise BTR, please visit our dedicated webpage. If you have any questions, please call the Business Tax Office at (954) 572-2352 or email BTRdocuments@sunrisefl.gov
Sunrise Sponsorship Opportunities
The City of Sunrise has several opportunities for your business to increase its community engagement. The City hosts a number of annual events and festivals at little to no cost to attendees. Sponsorship opportunities are available for each of our events.
In addition to events, your business can increase its community presence by sponsoring one of our youth sports teams. More information about sponsorship opportunities with the city can be viewed.
Broward County Office of Economic & Small Business Development
The Broward County Office of Economic & Small Business Development (OESBD) is primarily responsible for enhancing the economy of Broward County by recruiting new industry, supporting existing industries, and creating new value-added employment opportunities for residents. This site offers programs and services such as certification, contracting opportunities, construction apprenticeship, and access to webinars on applying for grants, negotiating, compliance training, and more.
Broward County Local Business Tax
The Local Business Tax (formerly known as Occupational License) is required of any individual or entity any business, or profession in Broward County, unless specifically exempted. A Local Business Tax Receipt is required for each location you operate your business from, and one for each category of business you conduct.
The County Business Enterprise (CBE) program was designed to increase participation of small businesses in Broward County projects as both prime contractors and subcontractors. The County Business Enterprise Act of 2009 establishes a cumulative goal of 25% participation by CBE-certified firms in all County procurement contracts - excluding contracts under the Federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and the Broward County Small Business Enterprise, or Sheltered Market, program.
All firms seeking CBE certification must meet the same maximum gross receipts (averaged over three years), regardless of their industry. CBE eligibility requirements are as follows:
1. The firm must be independent;
2. The firm must have a continuing operating presence in Broward County; Each owner must not have a personal net worth exceeding $750,000; and
3. The firm must not have an excess of $5 million in average annual gross revenue calculated over the previous three calendar years.
Firms interested in a CBE certification can apply online.
Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance
As the primary economic development organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance focuses on creating, attracting, expanding and retaining high-wage jobs and capital investment in high value targeted industries. While the Alliance's main focus is the attraction and retention of mid to large size companies, they also assist with expansion of small businesses in certain targeted industries.
South Florida Regional Planning Council
The general purpose of the South Florida Regional Planning Council is to identify the long term challenges and opportunities facing Southeast Florida. For small businesses, the SFRPC works with the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA to provide low interest rate loans to small- and medium-sized businesses in counties of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe. The Council’s Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program is designed to meet the needs of businesses that are not met by conventional lenders. In addition, the Southeast Florida Community Development Fund, Inc.’s (SFCDFI) is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose primary mission is to promote community and economic development, access to capital for disadvantaged small businesses and start-ups by providing loans and development services that will result in successful businesses, the creation of jobs, and promote economic and community development in South Florida.
SunBiz.org
The SunBiz Web site provides continually updated links to web resources related to starting a business in Florida. Make Sunbiz.org your first stop if you need IRS Information, tips for selecting a business location, industry reports and more.
To learn how to register your business, please visit this page on the SunBiz website.
Florida Department of Commerce
The Florida Department of Commerce is a state agency that provides workforce, community, and economic development opportunities to Floridians.
GrowFL
GrowFL is dedicated to support and accelerate the growth of second-stage companies throughout Florida, by providing their leaders with focused, efficient, and timely access to resources they deem important. Second-stage growth companies have at least 6 employees and $750 thousand in revenue and have passed the startup phase.
The Florida Opportunity Fund
The Florida Opportunity Fund (FOF) provides venture capital to emerging Florida companies, leverages additional capital resources, builds relationships with experienced entrepreneurs to lead growth companies, and partners with other organizations to strengthen the early-stage finance ecosystem in Florida.
Florida Apex Accelerator
The Florida APEX Accelerator helps businesses research and bid on federal, state and local government contracts. The Accelerator matches businesses with contract opportunities, helps owners prepare bids and navigate requirements. The Florida APEX Accelerator also provides training and awareness on cybersecurity, risks of foreign ownership, control and influence, intellectual property protection, and assistance with government-led innovation programs at no cost to the business.
Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council
Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council (FSMSDC) was established in 1975 and has grown to be the leading connector of Corporate and Government Members with Minority Business Enterprises. Businesses who join their Technical Assistance Program have access to specialty consultants with expertise in various areas: including accounting, bid preparation, business planning, e-commerce, legal, marketing, SWOT Analysis, etc.
Connex Florida
Connex Florida is an online capabilities database and platform created for Florida manufacturers that aims to connect an array of resources and locate new business opportunities by identifying new suppliers and customers. The platform contains in-depth information on a broad scale along with detailed search functions to find specific manufacturers' production capabilities, including equipment and manufacturing processes, as well as industry certifications, material types, industry sectors, NAICS and SIC codes, and more. Connex Florida is free to manufacturers.
U.S. Small Business Administration
Since its founding in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has delivered millions of loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses. SBA provides assistance primarily through its four programmatic functions: access to capital (loans, grants, bonds and venture capital); entrepreneurial development (education, information, technical assistance and training); government contracting (federal procurement); and advocacy. Visit SBA.gov to review their many resources.
The SBA also powers America's Seed Fund through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs. These programs serve as vital conduits, linking entrepreneurs with federal business grants and contracts across 12 government agencies. If you’re seeking funding opportunities for your innovative projects, exploring SBIR and STTR grants is a strategic step forward.
Small Business Development Center in Broward
The Small Business Development Center in Broward is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide service network funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Services provided by the SBDC in Broward include personalized, one-on-one counseling, as well as training on a variety of topics – including business plan development, financing, and taxes. The SBDC also maintains an extensive library of business resources and hosts numerous business-related events. With more than 40 offices across the state, the goal of the Florida SBDC Network is to enhance the economic well-being of Floridians by providing high-quality training, no-cost, confidential consulting and market/industry research to Florida’s small businesses.
Career Source Broward
Career Source Broward (CSBD) is a federally-funded, locally controlled organization that provides innovative employment solutions and quality workforce services to businesses and individuals in Broward County. The CSBD helped thousands of businesses all across Broward County – big and small – with their recruitment, hiring and training needs. Their business services team is dedicated to helping companies save money, energy, and time with their no-cost workforce solutions such as job postings, candidate pre-screening, financial assistance to train new and existing employees, hiring events, labor market information and more.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce regularly updates a list of grants, loans, and programs that are designed to help small businesses. The list contains a variety of funding opportunities for new and existing businesses. The website also contains tips on how to start, run, and grow your business. Utilizing this tool can help your business find applicable programs to start or grow.
U.S. Economic Development Administration
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) promotes economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness among regional markets in the U.S. Through its programs, EDA funds planning grants, technical assistance, large-scale construction projects, revolving small-business loan funds, and various other economic development activities.
Grants.Gov
If you are looking for a Small Business Grant, Grants.Gov has a comprehensive search function that can help you find a grant that may apply to your business. Visit the site, go to “Search Grants”, and type in key words to find grants you are interested in. Grants.gov possesses a comprehensive database of small business grants administered by various federal agencies. Visit their website to begin your search.
Minority Business Development Agency
The Minority Business Development Agency (MDBA) is an agency in the United States Department of Commerce that promotes the growth of minority-owned businesses through the mobilization and advancement of public and private sector programs, policy, and research. MBDA’s network of 131 grant programs drive success nationwide and the Miami's MBDA Business Center can guide firms that wish to expand into new markets, build capacity, and scale operations. The MBDA Capital Readiness Program aims to bridge gaps in entrepreneurial opportunities, offering:
- Capacity Building: Provides technical assistance services and curricula to develop scalable and investable businesses.
- Access to Capital: Offers assistance to access state SSBCI programs and other government initiatives promoting entrepreneurship, including investor meetings and crowdfunding.
- Access to Networks: Connects entrepreneurs with mentors, coaches, and peers to address specific challenges.
Disclaimer: The City of Sunrise does not guarantee the accuracy of information and/or verify funding source and availability that is provided by any of the non-City organizations that are listed above.
Central County Community Development Corporation
The Central County Community Development Corporation is a subsidiary of the Urban League of Broward County that create communities through small business support, access to capital, and housing development. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), they provide loans to business owners who lack the collateral or credit history to qualify for traditional bank loans. These loans help fund for any business purpose including working capital, inventory, expansions and improvements, contract financing, machinery, tenant and site improvements, remodeling, and renovation of real estate.
The CCDC also provides training programs for small businesses through its Entrepreneurship Center. The Small Business Bootcamp is a 10-week program designed for early-stage businesses to learn the fundamentals of building a small business. Additionally, the UBIZ Co-Lab is a six-month, subscription-based membership program that provides personalized business coaching in marketing, IT, accounting, and legal/operations.
Miami Bayside Foundation
The Miami Bayside Foundation serves to provide access to funds for minority entrepreneurs. They are a CDFI that lends to minority and women-owned businesses that do not qualify for traditional financing and offer trainings on how to better run those businesses. They provide several loans that help businesses take off or scale, workshops and programs to guide you with your business, and scholarships for students looking for financial support for their education.
Southeast Florida Community Development Fund, Inc.
The Southeast Florida Community Development Fund, Inc. (SFCFDI) is a nonprofit organization geared toward providing loans and development services to small businesses in disadvantaged areas. Through the South Florida Regional Planning Council, the SFCDFI provides lending expertise, loan management, and administrative and staff support.
SCORE
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. Because their work is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – and thanks to a nationwide network of 13,000+ volunteers, SCORE is able to deliver its services at no charge or at very low cost.
SCORE can provide volunteer mentors who share their expertise across 62 industries; free, confidential business counseling in person or via email; an online library of free business tools, templates and tips; inexpensive or free business workshops (locally) and webinars (online 24/7). Learn more at the Broward SCORE Web Site.
The TED Center and The Florida Women's Business Center
The TED Center is a non-profit organization that supports the successful development of entrepreneurs, small companies, and start-up businesses. TED Center staff is devoted to assisting entrepreneurs, particularly in those vital initial stages of development by identifying opportunities and partnerships; staying abreast of industry trends; offering a business incubator program that provides rental space; and providing instruction, training, and technical support.
Operating underneath the TED Center's umbrella, the Florida Women's Business Center aims to provide training, counseling, mentoring, resources, referrals, and support to women entrepreneurs. Areas of assistance include but are not limited to: Business Start-Up, Business Plan Development, Business Recovery, Funding, Marketing, Accounting, Operations and Strategic Planning. They also partner with a nonprofit that assists with crowdfunding to offer affordable microloans to entrepreneurs.