START A BUSINESS

Small and Start Up Business Support

Pem-Air Building

For smaller firms and startups, the department connects businesses with resources such as the Small Business Development Center, which provides one-on-one consulting, training, and strategies for growth. These resources help local businesses strengthen their operations, build capacity, and scale for long-term success.

New Business Collaborations and Connections

Port at Tampa Bay

From workforce development and specialized training to strategic partnerships and business resources, Hernando County welcomes new businesses with a strong network of support. Local, regional, and state partners work together to help companies access talent, navigate growth, identify resources, and connect with the expertise they need to succeed. This collaborative business environment provides companies with more than a place to locate—it provides the connections and support to help them grow.

Delamere worker grinding metal struts

  • Hernando County also offers the practical advantages companies need when starting operations in a new market. Competitive land and facility costs, available commercial and industrial properties, expanding infrastructure, and a growing regional workforce create an environment where businesses can establish themselves efficiently and plan for future growth. The county’s location provides access to the broader Tampa Bay labor shed while offering a lower-cost, less congested alternative to larger urban centers.

  • The Hernando County Office of Economic Development serves as a resource for companies considering a new location in the community. The department can assist with site and property searches, workforce and demographic data, infrastructure information, permitting coordination, incentive guidance, and connections to local and regional business resources. This support helps companies evaluate opportunities, understand the market, and move through the decision-making process with greater clarity.

  • For companies looking to start strong in Florida, Hernando County offers a compelling place to invest. With strategic access, room to grow, responsive local support, and a quality of life that helps attract and retain employees, Hernando County provides the foundation businesses need to establish operations and succeed for the long term.