As we continue implementing the initiatives outlined in CEO Sarah Evers’s 90-day plan, we are creating deeper partnerships throughout our community and building stronger connections with the businesses that make Hardee County thrive.
One program we are especially passionate about is our Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) Program.
Why Business Retention Matters
Economic development is not just about recruiting new businesses or creating new jobs. It is equally about strengthening the businesses that already have roots in Hardee County and supporting their continued growth and success.
The businesses that call Hardee County home have helped shape our local economy and community. By investing in their success, we are helping build a stronger foundation for long-term economic growth.
Through the BR&E Program, we work directly with local businesses to better understand their goals, challenges, and opportunities for expansion. Whether that means connecting them with valuable resources through the Florida Small Business Development Center, assisting with workforce and hiring needs, or helping identify pathways for internal growth and development, our goal is to provide meaningful support where it is needed most.
Building Strong Partnerships
We recently completed the first round of BR&E meetings with businesses we already have established relationships with, including Mancini Peppers, Bowl of Fun Lanes, Stream2Sea, and Mach Connections.
These conversations provided valuable insight and reinforced the importance of building strong partnerships with our local business community. Creating these relationships allows us to better understand business needs and ensure we can provide support as opportunities and challenges arise.
Now, we are ready to expand the program and connect with even more businesses across Hardee County, strengthening the connection between local businesses and economic development.
Join the BR&E Program
If you are interested in participating in the Business Retention & Expansion Program, click the link below to complete our interest form.
This is not a formal application, but simply a way for us to gather information before scheduling a meeting and learning more about your business.
We are excited about this opportunity and look forward to working together to support the future of business in Hardee County.