Highlands County Launches Virtual Incubator Web Site for Prospective Business Owners

Starting a business will get a whole lot easier for residents of Highlands County-at least from a logistical stand point. Beginning November 2 anyone seeking to start a new business will have all of the information at their fingertips, thanks to www.growHighlands.com, a web site made possible by the Highlands County Virtual Incubator Board.

?We are very excited to launch this site,? said Dan Murphy, executive director of the Highlands County Economic Development Council. ?Although there are many web sites available to aid those seeking to start a business, this web site is unique in that it provides specific information to starting a business in Highlands County and the Heartland area.?

The web site will be a one-stop shop for potential small business owners. Visitors to the web site will have the ability to sign-up for classes, watch seminars, seek and receive counseling and find information about the different types of businesses and how to start one of those businesses.

?In today?s economy, more and more people are looking into entrepreneurship as they face job loss and job insecurity,? stated Eileen Rodriguez, executive director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of South Florida. ?This web site will serve as a portal to help get them on their way.?

The web site offers flexibility for the prospective Highlands County business owner who could benefit from attending seminars and receiving counseling, but has little time to do so. Now all of these services will be at the press of a button. Of course, there is always the option of in-person counseling and electronic requests can be submitted via the web site.

GrowHighlands.com is funded by an Enterprise Florida grant. The Highlands County Virtual Incubator Board?s mission is to increase business in Highlands County and the Heartland area.