Valuable Resources

SCORE's mission is to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education. SCORE Central Florida offers free business advice, no-cost business training through webinars and workshops and numerous templates and tools to assist you in your journey to open your new business or grow your existing one.

BRIDGE Local, originally Lakeland Business Leaders, was established in 2010. BRIDGE Local's mission is centered around more tightly connecting all of the resources available to local businesses, local consumers and Lakeland's community as a whole. BRIDGE Local believes in celebrating and encouraging genuine connection and collaboration. 

Catapult Lakeland is a privately funded, non-profit that aims to increase viability of startups in Lakeland, provide value-added educational opportunities, launch companies into brick and mortar spaces, connect corporations and the innovative startup community and so much more. Catapult is also a co-working space that hosts small businesses and entrepreneurs. 

Prospera is an economic development nonprofit organization that specializes in providing bilingual assistance to Hispanic entrepreneurs trying to establish or expand their business. Prospera offers a variety of services designed for Hispanic small business owners, to empower them through training, consulting, grants and access to capital.  

The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce is an organization dedicated to creating a climate where business can prosper in Lakeland. The Chamber is leading the way for businesses to stay informed about the policy decisions that stand to impact job creation and economic growth in Lakeland and the State of Florida to ensure success for businesses of all sizes. 

The Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corporation, Inc. (BBIC) is a U.S. Treasury certified Community Development Entity dedicated to providing business and funding opportunities for the long-term growth and success of small business. Tampa Bay BBIC has been brought to Lakeland by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce to assist small business owners and entrepreneurs.