As we work closely with entrepreneurs, investors and other organizations we have put together our recommendations on how we can better support entrepreneurs, promote creating of new ventures and expand our technology-based economy.

1) FIND ENTREPRENEURS
The first step is to find the source of energy and innovation. Entrepreneurs are the key to driving the 21st century economy. We launched a service called VentureCast as a way for entrepreneurs and investors to register and connect. By identifying what current entrepreneurial activity is happening allows us to easily communicate and leverage these assets and begin to scale the activity.

2) COMMERCIALIZE IDEAS
The second step is to find the good ideas (out of many) and turn them into marketable products and services. This step requires strong technologists that can accelerate the development. At Startup Florida we currently operate one of the most effective Incubators in the State of Florida. We provide entrepreneurs capital, services and other critical assets that accelerates the development of an idea.

3) FIND CUSTOMERS
The best way to ensure a new venture's success is to get customers as quickly as possible to reach profitability. Every business and organization in Florida (and local community) buys products and services. If we can support our local ventures by buying their products and services, we can ensure they survive and grow and eventually grow their customer base outside of our community. We believe in order to activate this element of our plan we need to work closely with local business community, local government and other organizations. The key is to motivate local businesses to leverage technologies and services offered by local startups.

4) ATTRACT INVESTORS
Investors are important to a thriving entrepreneurial community. Many times it takes State and Local governments to get involved in attracting investors through grants, tax incentives and many times co-investing with them in companies. The State of Florida is at the early stages of encouraging investors to invest locally through programs like the Florida Opportunity Fund. Startup Florida continues to invest time in helping these types of programs be successful.

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