Technical Assistance

Business Concierge

We understand the intricacies of business. As such, the assistance and attention to detail you will receive from our office will be unparalleled. Our community-wide, pro-business approach provides information and expertise to address critical business concerns. Connecting you with the best solution for your business need is our primary motivation.

Quick Links:

• Business Plan
• Plan & Canvas Templates
• Licenses and Permits
• Incubators, Strategic Partners and Resource Centers
• Small Business Checklist
• Certifications - Minority-Owned, Woman-Owned, Veteran-Owned
• Exporting
• Workforce Development
• Workforce Re-entry Program
• FAQs

Business Plan

"If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail."

That famous quote from Benjamin Franklin characterizes the value of documenting the why? how? where? and with whom? questions that every business leader and entrepreneur must answer.

A business plan or lean startup canvas captures why your business exists and why it will succeed. Even an excellent business idea can be useless if you can’t formulate, execute and implement a strategic plan to make it work. Documenting your plan is a must do.

Here are some resources to help:

Business Plan Templates

There are many organizations that provide templates to help entrepreneurs and leaders get started on their business plans. Here are few online templates that may be helpful.

• Small Business Administration
• SCORE

Business Canvas Templates

• Small Business Administration
• Business Model Analyst
• Canvanizer

Business Licenses and Permits

Federal, state and local governments have established numerous business license and permit requirements to help better manage resources, monitor commerce, generate tax revenue and protect the general public. As a business leader/owner you are responsible for acquiring government-mandated licenses and permits before you launch your venture.

Other Permits and Licenses may be required before you begin operating your business. Here are some of the most common permits you may need:

• Alarm Permit
• Building or Remodeling Permit
• Health Deparment Permit
• Occupational Permit
• Emissions or Chemical use Permit
• Sign Permit
• Film Permit

Learn more about license and permit requirements in Volusia County.

Business Incubators and Resource Centers

Incubators and business resource centers provide hands on support that can accelerate the growth of new and expanding business ventures. They provide access to low cost space, experienced mentors, a variety of funding sources, expensive equipment and a pool of curious and creative minds. If you’re ready to launch a business or expand an existing venture, explore area Incubators/Centers.

Strategic Partners and Programs

Learn more about the outstanding business resources available to you. Our business support partners have capable teams and offer numerous programs to help meet your particular business need.

Resource Directory

Matching your current needs with the right business resources can be a confusing task but we’re here to help. Explore the collaborative partner business resource navigation tool that can be searched by the stage of your business, category of need or organization name. If you can't find a resource you need, give us a call at 386-248-8048 or contact us, and we’ll guide you to the resources you seek and help make the connection.

Networking

Studies have shown that informal professional networks and communities are as valuable to entrepreneurial success as formal structures such as incubators and accelerators. Peer advice, especially from a business owner who’s already been through it all, is priceless when trying to overcome unfamiliar obstacles. Start building your professional network at one or more of the networking events or networking organizations available to you in the community.

Small Business Checklist

When you have a business idea, where do you go from there? Follow our 10 Steps to Help Launch Your Business guide or follow other startup guides available to you.

Business Certifications

If you’re a small business owner who belongs to an underserved group, you may be eligible for certain business certifications that can help you access more government contracts and private-sector opportunities.

Exporting

United States GDP accounts for only 15% of the global economy, leaving significant opportunity for many domestic businesses to grow though exports to international customers. Should international trade be part of your strategy? Learn more about the export development programs and logistics assets available and take advantage of our relationships with JaxPort and Port Canaveral to gain valuable insights about developing new international markets.

• Select Florida - Select Florida’s six trade offices around the state assist Florida businesses with developing new international markets and exporting their products and services around the globe. Programs and services provided include:
  • Trade Development Services
  • Export Diversification Grants
  • International Office Network
• Central Florida International Trade Office - provides a single point of contact for navigating international trade resources available in Central Florida.
• International Trade Administration - offers trade expertise to assist with exporting; guidance and tips on how to grow your business and export successfully.

Workforce Development

There are excellent recruiting and employee training programs available through CareerSource Flagler Volusia and our local colleges and universities. If you anticipate growing or upskilling your team in the future, explore the programs below to see if they’re right for you.

• Customized training
• On-the-job training
• Incumbent Worker Training
• Quick Response Training
• Business & Industry Courses
• Virtual Job Fairs

Workforce Re-Entry Program

The Volusia County Division of Corrections (VCDC) Re-entry program is committed to readying individuals to be released from its facilities with personal growth and employment opportunities. Volusia County Economic Development has been working with VCDC to connect employers with program participants as they re-enter the workforce.  The program offers technical and practical training in various fields with participants receiving certification or licensing upon completion.

Industry certifications offered include:

• Construction and Concrete Certification
• OSHA certification
• Heavy Equipment Licensing
• FDOT Flagger Licensing
• Commercial Landscape Maintenance/Horticulture
• In-2-Work (kitchen prep and safety)
• GED completion

In addition to industry certification, program participants are offered self-improvement counseling and job readiness skills to prepare them for successful re-entry into the workforce. These include life skills, financial literacy, and anger management. An effective method of lowering recidivism is to empower those individuals to be released with personal skills and employment opportunities. In 2023, VCDC’s Re-entry program assisted over 1,400 individuals.

Interested employers seeking to hire can submit an Employer Application Form. For more information, contact Volusia County Economic Development at (386) 248-8048 or email Business Specialist Ricardi Calixte at rcalixte@volusia.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

It may seem like your needs are completely unique and finding a solution will be a long journey but you may find that others have faced similar challenges. We can help you navigate, so contact us for assistance.