Government Resources for Entrepreneurs: Using Florida as a Case Study: Get Assistance

"Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses."

"Use this tool to find your nearest SBA District Office and other SBA-approved organizations. SBA District Offices are responsible for providing small business owners with information about SBA's programs. SBA District Offices also oversee free and low-cost training and business counseling provided by independent organizations funded by the SBA."

"SBA’s District Offices are responsible for providing businesses with the tools for enhancing and growing their businesses. SBA's District Offices also oversee the delivery of SBA's programs throughout their states."

"Our office provides help with SBA services including funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. We can also connect you to our partner organizations, lenders, and other community groups that help small businesses succeed."

"Small Business Development Centers provide counseling and training to small businesses including working with the SBA to develop and provide informational tools to support business start-ups and existing business expansion."

"SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, is dedicated to helping small businesses plan, launch, manage and grow. SCORE is a nonprofit organization that is driven to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and educational workshops."

"SCORE Orlando volunteers are experienced entrepreneurs, corporate managers, current and former executives and even small business owners like you with a diverse set of industries and specialties who volunteer their experience and knowledge to help small business professionals start, develop, and grow businesses."

"The State Data Center (SDC) Program is one of the Census Bureau's longest and most successful partnerships. This partnership between the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the island areas and the Census Bureau was created in 1978 to make data available locally to the public through a network of state agencies, universities, libraries, and regional and local governments."

"The SDC lead agencies organize a statewide network of coordinating and affiliate agencies. This network works in partnership with the Census Bureau through the Data Users Branch (DUB) and the Census Bureau's Regional Offices for data dissemination at the local level."

The Lead and Coordinating Agencies for Florida.

"The Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR) is a research arm of the Legislature principally concerned with forecasting economic and social trends that affect policy making, revenues, and appropriations."

"Primary information resource provider for the Florida state government since 1845.
Serving state agencies, the legislature and Florida residents.
Issued over 10,000 library cards.
Served over 22,000 users in person, on the phone, via email and online. "

"The University of Central Florida Libraries, a center for discovery and intellectual enlightenment, offers outstanding resources and services in support of a large metropolitan research university. The Libraries partners with academic, professional, and local communities in sharing and developing resources, and fostering life-long learning and information skills."

This list, provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, identifies experts in each state on labor market data, whom entrepreneurs can reach out to.