Business Resources

Local Resources:  

City services to new and existing business owners:

• Business Navigator Program: Dedicated point of contact for developers and eligible business owners to assist with tracking of pending permits and Certificate of Occupancy (CO) applications.
• Business Support: Mentorship support to residents and business owners interested in opening or growing a business in Greenacres.
• Restaurant Spotlight Initiative: Designed to highlight the culinary options in the City.  Also known as Eat Local, Eat Greenacres. 
• Ribbon Cutting Program: Ribbon Cutting Support to new or expanding businesses within City Limits at no cost.  
• Contact the Department of Economic Development at 561-649-5402 or econdev@greenacresfl.gov for more information.

Departments and organizations that will provide information/support regarding startup, permitting, licensing and growth of your business:

• Open My Florida Business: The portal is designed to help individuals seeking to start and operate a business in the Sunshine State. By entering the type of business you wish to start, the portal will create a checklist to help you understand governmental requirements for your business category.
• Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation Access applications for professional licensure, view exam information, renew your professional license online, search for licensed professionals in the state.
• NAICS Association: Determine the appropriate code for your business
• Florida Department of Revenue Register to collect and report Florida sales tax.
• Internal Revenue Service Establish an employer identification number (EIN/Federal Tax Id), get information on federal tax responsibilities.
• Sunbiz: State of Florida Division of Corporations  Incorporate business online, search documents, file annual report, etc.
• Census Business Builder A suite of services that provide selected demographic and economic data from the Census Bureau about the target area and type of businesses.
• Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer Facilitates R&D and start-up needs.
• U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Federal agency for granting U.S. patents and registering trademarks. 
• City of Greenacres Map: Check to see if your business is within the City of Greenacres’ jurisdiction and if it the address allows the use.
• City of Greenacres Building Services: Access applications for permits, frequently asked questions, and inspection information regarding building permits.
• City of Greenacres Business Tax Receipt (BTR): Every person that conducts business within City limits needs a BTR before starting operations. Most businesses also need a Certificate of use/occupancy before applying for the BTR.
• Palm Beach County Business Tax Receipt: Needs to be obtained after the City’s BTR is issued.
• Palm Beach County Business Loan Program: The Business Loan Program implements several loan funds to support a broad range of new and existing businesses located in Palm Beach County
• SCORE Palm Beach: Free business mentoring and educational opportunities.
• Florida Atlantic University Small Business Development Center (FAU SBDC) - Provides business consultation services to small and medium sized businesses looking to grow. The SBDC's mission is to help businesses develop their business model, strategize their goals and help them execute and exceed those goals.
• Veterans Business Outreach Center: Provides entrepreneurial development services to veterans, National Guard and reserve members and military spouses interested in starting a business
• Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE): PACE is a long-term, fixed-rate source of financing that allows property owners to do energy conservation and hurricane hardening improvements to their property. Property owners can use PACE financing to cover 100% of the costs involved in installing eligible projects, including all related equipment, materials, and labor. Eligible improvements include air conditioners, roofs, windows/doors, water heaters, solar panels, pool heaters, hurricane shutters, and generators.
• Florida Power & Light Rate Incentives: Incentive programs that can help new commercial construction or relocation save energy and dollars.

Other local organizations:

• Business Development Board of the Palm Beaches: Attracts and retains business investment through corporate relocations, expansions, and international trade; and provides marketing support and business networking services through a paid membership.
• Black Chamber of Commerce: Provides resources on the challenges faced by Black-owned and minority businesses.
• Career Source Palm Beach: Provides recruiting, hiring and on-the-job training services.
• Central Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce: A private, member-driven organization comprising more than 600 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals.
• Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County: Provides services to the Hispanic Business Community
• Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship: Cultivates, trains, and inspires entrepreneurial leaders through free world class executive education.
• Miami Bayside Foundation: Provides loan programs for minority businesses in south FL
• Prospera: Specialized in providing bilingual assistance to Hispanic entrepreneurs trying to establish or expand their business.
• SCORE Palm Beach: Free, confidential business mentoring and educational opportunities.
• South Florida Manufacturing Association: Provides services designed to help manufacturing companies expand market opportunities, develop customized, innovative business strategies, adopt best practices, and assess opportunities for state-of-the-art technologies and training.
• South Florida Regional Planning Council (SFRPC): Offers low-interest rate loans to small and medium size businesses that are not entirely served by conventional lenders.

To access local resources or request more information, contact the Department of Economic Development at 561-649-5402 or econdev@greenacresfl.gov