The Community Entrepreneurial Opportunity or CEO Program, was established in 2005 to address findings identifying the need to "promote and support Suncoast entrepreneurialism" in the 20th Century Workforce Study. The program was started by Suncoast Workforce, now known as CareerSource Suncoast is a 10-week course that includes workshops led by local business professionals to help new businesses and potential entrepreneurs evaluate their business ideas, network with other community members, and learn what is needed when starting a business - including developing a business plan, competitive analysis, and the importance of marketing and communications. CEO Program graduates have continued access to counseling and office accommodations through CareerSource Suncoast where they can use computers, phones and fax machines. There is no cost to participate in the program.
Funding for the program is supported through financial and/or in-kind contributions from several organizations including the City of Sarasota, Sarasota County, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Center at State College, the Florida Small Business Development Center at USF, and SCORE. Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) funds were contributed by Comerica, Suntrust, Wells Fargo and Chase Banks.
There is no charge to take the 10-week course. For more information on future class dates or to fill out an application for the program please visit the CareerSource Suncoast CEO Program website.