The City is pleased to announce the launch of a Business Resource Office that will help support new and expanding businesses. The Business Resource Office was formed with staff members from the Community & Economic Development Department experienced in economic development, real estate, development review and business tax administration.
The Business Resource Office located at Lakeland City Hall (228 S. Massachusetts Avenue) will be open for business on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Dedicated team members will act as a point of contact for businesses through the entire development process, from site evaluation and selection to development and site plan review. The team will also assist with building permitting, certificate of occupancy and business tax receipt issuance. The committed resource, knowledgeable staff and one-stop streamlined process is focused to make it easier for those wanting to do business in Lakeland.
City Manager Shawn Sherrouse said, “I am very proud of our Community & Economic Development Department for their collective leadership in taking yet another step forward with the services we provide to our business community. We are continuing to strategically adjust how we interact with our customers, and this new Business Resource Office furthers the City’s efforts in serving the community.”
Brian Rewis, Community & Economic Development Director said, “Lakeland’s businesses invest in the community, so it is critical that their local government invest in and support them. The services the Business Resource Office will deliver aren’t necessarily new, but the way services will be delivered out of one office with dedicated staff and resources is new for the City of Lakeland. Using our extensive experience, we will be able to provide a business with technical assistance and help navigate municipal processes like zoning rules and permit requirements.”
The Business Resource Team will continue to work closely with key community partners supporting Lakeland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, including the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Lakeland Economic Development Council, Catapult, The Well, Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corp., and Prospera, as well as the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency and more than a dozen City Departments responsible for infrastructure and quality of life services crucial to community and economic prosperity.
To learn more or to get started, please visit the Business Resource Office at www.lakelandgov.net/lbro. Customers can also contact the team at 863-834-LBRO (5276) or [email protected].