Local Resources
Local Resources

Welcome to the Local Resources page, your comprehensive guide to the wealth of resources available in Tallahassee-Leon County for businesses, entrepreneurs, and residents. Here, you’ll find a curated collection of tools, programs, and organizations dedicated to fostering economic growth, supporting small businesses, and enhancing quality of life in our community.

Financing 

  • FAMU FCU SmartSteps Microloan Program: OEV has partnered with the FAMU Federal Credit Union to create the award-winning, $1 million SmartSteps Microloan Program. SmartSteps is among many innovative strategies employed by OEV to better support and encourage the growth of MWSBEs in Tallahassee-Leon County. 
  • REVIVE! & ARPC Revolving Loan Fund: The purpose of the REVIVE! and ARPC RLF Programs provided by the Apalachee Regional Planning Council is to assist small businesses in the retention, expansion, and creation of jobs in the Apalachee Region.  

View a list of local and state business incentives

Starting your Business

  • Florida Entrepreneurial Nexus advances entrepreneurialism and resources through collaborative connections to support growth of Florida’s small business community by leveraging existing solutions to strengthen a robust ecosystem.
  • Open MyFlorida Business is the State of Florida’s Official Business Information Portal. This resource provides licensing requirements to operate in the State of Florida.

Workforce Development 

  • CareerSource Capital Region provides comprehensive workforce services by connecting employers with talent and Tallahassee natives with employment opportunities. Employer incentives include recruitment assistance, skills assessment for applicants, customized training and information on tax incentives. All services are provided at no cost to the client. See Careersource Resources For Employers
  • Leon Works Expo: Coordinated by OEV and Leon County Government, this annual career fair connects students interested in skilled trades with employers and academic institutions. 
  • TalentHub, produced by the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, is a platform designed to assist the entire workforce eco-system with exploring careers, building skills, and finding jobs. This data-driven platform connects job seekers with employers and integrates demands for new-skilling, new employer-advised programs, training tools, and other opportunities.

View all programs and resources for workforce development 

Business Development 

  • FAMU SBDC: the Small Business Development Center at Florida A&M University works with existing and startup small businesses to help them grow and compete in today’s global economy.   
  • Domi Station: a non-profit business incubator and coworking space. The organization offers programs, resources, and events that help entrepreneurs start and scale their sustainable business. 
  • IGNITE Tallahassee is North Florida’s premiere incubation space for high-scale companies. 
  • AERO (Alliance of Entrepreneur Resource Organizations), based in Tallahassee, is a coalition of public agencies and community non-profit organizations united to provide current and new businesses with resources to aid in their success.
  • Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship: the mission of the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship is to cultivate, train and inspire entrepreneurial leaders through world-class executive education, applied training, public recognition and leading-edge research. 
  • The Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce seeks to strengthen and infuse the local economic and entrepreneurial ecosystems by providing the support needed to empower, stimulate, grow and sustain business enterprises owned and operated by women and minorities
  • The Capital City Chamber of Commerce is the “go-to” organization for business development and community outreach partnership/advocacy opportunities in the community.
  • The Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce works to connect companies to talent through innovative programs and to help potential employees discover our region’s great job opportunities.

Business Support