Manatee, Sarasota Entrepreneurs Can Get Coaching

Suncoast Community Capital (SCC) and the Urban Entrepreneur Partnership (UEP) are working together to offer personalized coaching to Sarasota and Manatee business owners. The UEP is part of the Kauffman Foundation, an organization dedicated to entrepreneurship. Individuals who qualify will receive one-on-one coaching from successful professionals with business expertise.

“The UEP approached us because it saw enormous untapped potential in Sarasota and Manatee counties, and it was impressed by what we have been able to do in supporting entrepreneurs in a short period of time,” says Mike Kennedy, president and CEO of Suncoast Community Capital. “Kauffman is the largest foundation in the world devoted to entrepreneurship, and we knew the UEP would be a wonderful partner to support entrepreneurs who want to quickly improve profitability and create jobs by offering personalized, one-to-one business coaching.”

In order to participate, eligible applicants must either have an idea for a business or be currently operating a for-profit or nonprofit business in either Sarasota or Manatee county.

“We simply are looking for ideas or companies of any type or size that have the potential to quickly increase profitability and create jobs as a result of the coaching,” he says. SCC and the UEP will assess that potential during the application and screening process.”

While approximately 48 entrepreneurs will be selected to receive training annually, only 12 applicants will be selected to receive the next round of coaching, which will begin mid-July.

Kennedy says that while his company is accepts applications year-round online, those interested in receiving coaching this summer need to apply by June 20.
 
Writer: Kimberly Patterson
Source: Mike Kennedy, Suncoast Community Capital
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Kimberly Patterson is a news editor for 83 Degrees Media in the Tampa Bay region of Florida.