
KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS.
AND YOUR FUTURE.
From business mentors and accelerators to capital and co-working spaces, we’ve provided an array of resources to help you start your business in Tampa Bay.

Resources and training
Big help for small businesses and startups
Florida Small Business Magazine
Explore small-business advice on a variety of topics — from planning and asset protection to branding and funding.Hillsborough County Startup Business Checklist
If you’re starting a business in Tampa Bay and need some direction, this checklist is a great place to start.SOFWERX
Created under a Partnership Intermediary Agreement between Doolittle Institute and the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), SOFWERX encourages collaboration between innovators and operations officials.StartupBus Tampa
Jump on a bus, create a concept and launch a startup. This unique experience accelerates startups and transforms lives.Tampa Bay Innovation Alliance
Welcome to the district anchored by global companies driving economic activity throughout the area. Engaging talent, experts and consumers, this district is the region’s technology hub.The Florida SBDC at University of South Florida
This organization is the most experienced economic development network in Florida and provides businesses with the expertise and resources needed to succeed.USF Connect
The University of South Florida’s business and economic development initiative provides support for technology startups and is the point of entry for companies that want to do business with the university.

Accelerator and mentor programs
Build your startup’s momentum fast
Dreamit UrbanTech Accelerator
Get unprecedented access to Dreamit’s national customer and investor network. Plus, interface with one of the largest real estate development projects in North America.Embarc Collective
This startup collective curates experiences, resources and environments to help forward-thinking founders and their teams thrive. The mission of Embarc Collective is to make Tampa Bay a prime destination for diverse startup talent to make an impact.Tampa Bay Wave Accelerator
Focused on helping startups build, launch and grow, this accelerator has helped startups reach $1 million in revenue or investment.Florida-Israel Business Accelerator
This Florida-based technology accelerator is designed to establish and grow successful Israeli and Florida tech ventures in the Tampa Bay area.Synapse Summit
A nonprofit that empowers the innovation community to connect directly with the resources and opportunities it needs to find success through an online community and an annual innovation summit in Tampa Bay.Tampa Bay Innovation Center
The center’s incubator program provides tech businesses with mentors, educational opportunities, networking and resources to help develop business plans.USF Tampa Bay Technology Incubator
This incubator supports technology research and advocates for creating and developing facilities for technology companies.UT Entrepreneurship Center
The University of Tampa John P. Lowth Entrepreneurship Center in the Sykes College of Business teaches skills that are critical for today’s entrepreneurs.

Financial aid
Capital providers specializing in your success
Ballast Point Ventures
These late-venture and early-growth equity investors are seeking to invest $5-$12 million in companies that meet its investment criteria. Ballast Point Ventures also provides financial resources, operational insight and strategic counsel to entrepreneurs.Florida Funders
Blending the best of angel investing, venture capital and equity crowdfunding, this group provides Florida companies with capital and support in their early stages.Florida Venture Forum
This statewide organization helps entrepreneurs obtain funding through education and networking.Hyde Park Capital
This Florida-based private investment banking firm specializes in mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and other financial advisory needs for middle-market public and private companies.KLH Capital
KLH infuses more than money into your business. It gets access to broader capital markets, without personal guarantees or risks to personal assets.Lovett Miller & Co.
By providing growth capital and shareholder liquidity for rapidly growing, privately held companies, Lovett Miller focuses on technology-enhanced services and healthcare companies.SCP & CO
Actively advising and investing in lower-middle-market businesses, the company provides capital and strategic resources to accelerate growth and build stronger companies.Stonehenge Capital
Stonehenge Capital is a nationally recognized specialty finance company with expertise in structured tax credit finance, community development and private equity.

Chambers and associations
Tap into our world-class business community
Bay Area Manufacturers Association
This association provides a forum to exchange ideas and share best practice information, network with colleagues, and learn about manufacturing-related topics through educational programs and tours.Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay
A leadership program of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, this group is designed to help budding leaders ages 21 to 35.Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce
This nonprofit business membership organization provides members with innovative leadership, influential advocacy, inside access and increased opportunities.Manufacturing Alliance of Hillsborough County
Fueling the growth and longevity of our manufacturing sector, the alliance cultivates the next generation of workers and leaders and helps businesses access talent and resources.New Town Connections
Meet a new kind of social family that builds genuine business connections.Relocate Tampa Bay
Offers destination services for individuals, families and employees relocating to the Tampa Bay area. This locally owned, private company specializes in helping new residents acclimate to their new community.Tampa Bay Tech
The fastest-growing hub of its kind in the area, Tampa Bay Tech radically connects the local tech community.Tampa Downtown Partnership
As a steward of downtown Tampa, this group cultivates public and private partnerships and helps facilitate downtown’s physical and economic development.Westshore Alliance
Meet the voice of Tampa Bay’s thriving Westshore District. With 400 member businesses and hundreds of volunteers, the Westshore Alliance’s mission is to promote, shape future growth and foster economic prosperity throughout the Westshore District.

Co-working spaces
Find the perfect spot to work
Hyde House Heights
Discover this office and event space with waterfront views, amenities and restaurants located downstairs.CoCreativ South Tampa
Rent executive office suites in three Tampa Bay locations, without a lease or contract.CoWorkTampa
Find one-of-a-kind workspaces designed for professionals who want a comfortable, distraction-free place to complete projects, collaborate, launch startups or grow businesses.FirstWaVE Venture Center
In the heart of downtown, this 16,000-sq.-ft. center is home to tech startups and entrepreneurial support organizations.Industrious Tampa
Rent premium co-working and private offices on the 33rd floor of Truist Place in downtown Tampa.Pipeline
Bringing the best workplace experience to independent professionals, startups and teams, Pipeline also provides a dynamic learning environment and desirable locations.Regus
With office buildings offering workspaces in a variety of sizes across several locations around the city, businesses can expand or contract as needed.Tampa Hackerspace
A nonprofit, member-based workshop that provides equipment, classes and mentoring for various types of projects.WeWork
Whether you hail from finance, trade, tourism or one of the Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the city, WeWork’s Tampa Bay workspaces are the ideal launchpad for your next chapter.Workhouse
Supports the growth of early- and mid-stage startups by providing a landing pad for these companies as they outgrow their homes, garages and incubators.SOAR
This professional and affordable New Tampa work location is perfect for independent workers, virtual employees, road warriors, pajama workers and creatives.

Colleges and universities
A world of education and research resources
Hillsborough Community College
Founded in 1968, this comprehensive community college serves 45,000+ students annually at five campuses, at three centers and through online offerings.Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University is a leading Catholic teaching institution that enrolls almost 15,000 students across its traditional Florida campus with more than 40 education centers and office locations, as well as online degree programs.University of South Florida
This high-impact, global research university is dedicated to student success. Plus, according to the National Science Foundation, the school is one of the top 50 research universities nationwide.University of Tampa
Discover dynamic opportunities for all learners. Celebrated scholars from around the globe and 11,000+ students from all 50 states and over a hundred countries attend here and benefit from an innovative curriculum focused on students’ success.