If you are looking for a business-friendly environment without the 
stress of urban congestion, DeSoto County, Florida, is the place for you.
In DeSoto County, leaders in the public and private sectors are determined to see the county continue to prosper. We strengthen our county and community by fostering economic growth and developing programs that help businesses and entire business sectors achieve success.
Our work at the Economic Development Office helps create jobs and positions in DeSoto County for future growth, all while improving the quality of life. We make DeSoto County stronger.
DeSoto County offers a variety of workforce services to the business community from both state and local levels. The DeSoto County Economic Development Department is ready to link you to resources and information that can help you find, train and retain qualified, motivated employees.
Our staff works cooperatively and closely with several organizations to continue nurturing a first-class labor force in our area. CareerSource Heartland, CareerSource Florida, Employ Florida, Florida High Tech Corridor, FloridaMakes, Apprentice Florida, and South Florida State College-DeSoto Center are great resources for businesses to upgrade their workforces, or maintain them at premium levels.
Whether it’s talent, infrastructure or real estate offerings, we are committed to enabling prosperity through our time and financial investment.
On-the-Job Training: Helping employers offset the costs associated with new hires by reimbursement of a significant percentage of the employee’s salary while they are being trained in the workplace is one method that can be utilized to improve employee skill sets.
Employed Worker Training: If you are thinking about upgrading the skills of your employees to make your organization more competitive, workforce resources may be available to reimburse up to half of the costs associated with the training when it leads to a nationally recognized credential. Request more information here.
Corporate Education: South Florida State College’s Corporate and Community Education (CCE) Department works with local businesses to help sharpen the skills of its workforce through customized training and continuing education opportunities.
DeSoto County: Learn More
City of Arcadia: Learn More
WonderFL: Learn more
CareerSource Heartland: Learn More
Major Employers: Learn More
Apprentice Florida: Learn More
The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at University of South Florida, with an office at South Florida State College’s main campus in Avon Park, assists existing and emerging businesses in DeSoto County through no-cost confidential business consulting, information and low-cost training.
The SBDC consultant will meet — by appointment only — in DeSoto County or online.
Their professionally credentialed consultants have the real-world experience and expertise to help you make the right business decisions. Consultants focus on areas that are vital to owning and operating a successful business, including:
Additionally, there are no-cost specialized services available for qualified businesses looking to accelerate market growth:
Physical Address:
Economic Development Office
Turner Agri-Civic Center
2250 N.E. Roan Street
Arcadia, FL 34266
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
