FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SARASOTA COUNTY:
Sarasota Office
Sarasota County Committee for Economic Development
1945 Fruitville Road • Sarasota, Florida 34236
Voice: 941.955.2508, Ext. 238 • Fax: 941.951.7837
E-mail: info@sarasotacountyced.org
Venice Office
Sarasota County Committee for Economic Development
401 Commercial Court, Suite B • Venice, Florida 34292
Voice: 941.485.8400 • Fax: 941.485.5987
Web Site
For a wealth of information about starting, expanding or relocating your business, visit www.sarasotachamber.org. You will find healthcare, education, area events, links to other informative sites and more.
Funding for Community Profile
The Sarasota County Economic Development Board and Board of County Commissioners provided funds for this project in cooperation with the following organizations:
Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
Venice Area Chamber of Commerce
North Port Area Chamber of Commerce
Englewood/Cape Haze Area Chamber of Commerce
Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce
Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce
©2004 Sarasota County Committee for Economic Development. Information contained in this Community Profile is compiled by the Sarasota County Committee for Economic Developmentfrom several sources and is known to be accurate at time of publication. All demographic and statistical information is subject to change without notice.
Sarasota County - The Good Life – Good Business Community
Sarasota County offers companies a strategic edge in today’s increasingly competitive global economy. The low cost of doing business, workforce-development support and solution-oriented local governments contribute to a friendly business environment that helps companies flourish. The subtropical weather, 35 miles of beachfront and coveted lifestyle make working here a pleasure.
This Florida Gulf Coast community is the state’s “cultural capital”, with its own ballet, symphonies, opera, state museum, chamber chorus and world-class performing arts hall. From 60 golf courses to an abundance of water sports and eco-activities, the area offers every recreational opportunity under the sun. Its cultural richness, great school system and enviable way of life make it easy to attract top talent.
Forbes named Sarasota County one of the “Best Places for Business and Careers.”
No longer simply a resort destination, Sarasota County is developing a deepening diversity that helps insulate it from national economic downturns. An expanding employee base, diversity of business locations and state-of-the-art infrastructure contribute to a business ecosystem that modern companies seek. In this nourishing environment, technology has experienced brisk growth, manufacturing is diversifying and maturing, financial services continue to be vigorous, and creative services remain strong in this longtime artist colony.
Economic development is nurtured by a public-private partnership of government, education, business and the arts. To assist targeted businesses, Sarasota County has contracted with the Committee for Economic Development (CED), a division of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. The CED works with state and local governments, the various Chambers of Commerce, workforce development officials, business owners, civic groups and other organizations to help business relocate and thrive here. The CED is part of the Tampa Bay Partnership, a seven-county regional economic development organization.
Businesses can travel the fast track here. Tax refunds, expedited permitting and impact fee mitigation are just a few incentives, programs and services developed to support and encourage a diverse and growing economy.
Population Characteristics
Who We Are, Where We Live, What We Do
Once considered primarily a vacation and retirement destination, Sarasota County has experienced rapid growth among baby boomers and upwardly mobile professionals who want to earn an above-average income in a community that is so well suited for raising their young families.
A great year-round climate, excellent schools, abundant recreational opportunities, expanding employment and state-of-the-art healthcare facilities have attracted successful professionals, executives and entrepreneurs from larger urban areas throughout the country and other parts of the world, making significant contributions to our economy, culture and quality of life.
According to the 2000 census, Sarasota County’s population was 325,957, and is expected to exceed 378,000 by the year 2010.
Population Trends & Projections Sarasota County
| 2002 | 339,684 |
| 2005 | 353,579 |
| 2010 | 378,942 |
| 2015 | 403,143 |
| 2020 | 427,411 |
| 2025 | 450,706 |
Source: Bureau of Economic and Business Research, University of Florida, 2003
Expansion Management chose the Sarasota/Bradenton area as the only Community ranking, scoring high for its “Quality of Life Quotient.”
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