A new national survey lists three communities in the Sarasota-Manatee area among the top small cities to launch a business.

WalletHub released a Small Business Survey ahead of Small Business Week, which kicked off Sunday. The survey covered a number of areas, among them what locals are the best places in America for startups. In its small cities list, South Bradenton ranked No. 6, Sarasota showed at No. 17 and Bradenton made it on at No. 20. 

Officials with WalletHub said small cities often provide the best environments for new businesses.

“The benefits of starting a business in a small city include lower overhead costs, stronger relationships with customers and the potential to become a big fish in a little pond,” said Cassandra Happe. “But there are drawbacks, too.

“Entrepreneurs who want to build a large professional network aren’t likely to make as many connections in a town with fewer residents. Other restrictions might include limited industry options, a less diverse customer base, and difficulty attracting and keeping top talent.” 

Indeed, the survey wasn’t all good news for the region. It lists Sarasota among the worst communities to find resource availability, for example. But other conditions like access to capital help elevate the local communities on the overall list. And the business conditions in the state overall, including the low tax environment, help Florida show up strong throughout rankings.

Notably, the same survey ranked Florida the No. 3 best state to launch a business, behind only Utah and Georgia. Four other Florida communities made the top 20 in the list of small cities as well, with Fort Myers ranking the highest at No. 3. Altamonte Springs ranked No. 9, Winter Park rolled in at No. 13 and Casselberry made the list at No. 18.

WalletHub leaders said maintaining a supporting environment for small business was important for local economies. And amid concerns about inflation and other national issues, the survey showed optimism among small businesses looking at the future.

“Some people question the strength of the economy, but its backbone – the small business community – believes the conditions are primed for expansion,” said WalletHub Editor John Kiernan.

“More than 3 in 5 business owners say that it’s currently a good time for a small business to grow, according to a nationally representative survey we just conducted. This optimism persists despite most business owners not seeing evidence of inflation abating.” 

Rankings source: WalletHub

 Tervis, the nationally loved and family-owned drinkware company founded in 1946, and Lee Wetherington Homes, Sarasota’s premier custom home builder, have joined creative forces for a collaboration to showcase Tervis tumblers inside several of the home builders’ new home models in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The tumblers are now featured as part of the outside patio décor in the models at Wild Blue at Waterside in Lakewood Ranch and Everly at Wellen Park. Showcased in the outdoor living area inside the Sapphire model home at Wild Blue at Waterside is Tervis’ Mid Mod Minimal Collection, complementing the gold hardware found in the kitchen of the model. The tumbler is part of the Crystal-Clear Collection and features gold designs on double-wall insulated construction, keeping drinks hot or cold longer and reducing condensation while preventing rings on the table. Displayed on the pool deck inside the Haven model home at Everly in Wellen Park is Tervis’ Yao Cheng – Philodendron design, featuring the tropical foliage. With an interior design theme of Tropical Modernism, Yao Cheng’s artwork further boasts the outdoor lifestyle. In late May, the Kelly Ventura - Abstract Collection from Tervis can be found in the Caravel model home at Everly in Wellen Park. QR codes are now part of the outdoor patio décor displays, allowing model visitors easy access to order the designs from their phones while browsing the homes. 

Pictured: Tervis Yao Cheng – Philodendron design found inside the Haven model home at Everly in Wellen Park.

Thursday, May 2, marks the grand opening of Sarasota’s newest boutique. Nestled at 4045 S Tamiami Trail, Bambola promises to redefine the shopping experience for lingerie, swimwear, and sleepwear aficionados in Sarasota and beyond. The brainchild of Kristin Bear, a seasoned veteran in the lingerie industry with over 16 years of experience, Bambola is the culmination of a journey that started in the bustling streets of New York City and made its way through Miami before finding its home here in Sarasota. Inspired by a desire to offer this market a unique blend of sophistication and comfort, Bear brings to the community a rich tapestry of design expertise and a deep-rooted commitment to celebrating the beauty of womanhood. Derived from the Italian word for 'Babe' or 'Doll,' Bambola embodies the essence of femininity and charm. Pronounced as ˈbam.bo.la, the name encapsulates the founder's fond memories of her time in Florence, Italy, where the endearing phrase "Che Bambola!" often punctuated her adventures with friends. Patrons can expect an exquisite collection curated with meticulous attention to detail. From the seductive allure of lingerie to the laid-back elegance of swimwear and the cozy comfort of sleepwear, every piece at Bambola is a testament to the founder's passion for design and commitment to quality.  To celebrate its grand opening, Bambola is extending a warm invitation to the Sarasota community and offering an exclusive opportunity to experience its offerings firsthand. Attendees can enjoy music and refreshments, receive a 10% discount on all orders over $100, and pick up a free gift with every purchase while supplies last. Join Bambola on Thursday, May 2, from 5 pm to 8 pm as it unveils a world of elegance, sophistication, and timeless allure. Guests are welcome to enjoy complimentary refreshments and live music and tour the shop. See where the “magic” happens, as this location also serves as the hub for international distribution for Bear’s own designer line, Kilo Brava. Explore a space where every woman is celebrated, every moment is cherished, and every visit is unforgettable. The store anticipates offering private appointments for individuals, couples, bridal parties, girls' nights out, and more. For more information about Bambola or to RSVP for the grand opening event, visit instagram.com/bambolalingerie/. 

Selby Gardens' President & CEO Jennifer Rominiecki is being honored with the "Voice of Sarasota" Award at Visit Sarasota County's National Travel and Tourism Week Celebration! National Travel and Tourism Week is an annual hospitality and tourism industry tradition that celebrates the immense value travel brings to the nation. Each year as part of the celebration, the Visit Sarasota County Board bestows the "Voice of Sarasota" award as part of the celebration. This award is presented to an individual whose exceptional efforts have significantly promoted and enhanced Sarasota County as a tourism destination. Congratulations, Jennifer!!!

Visit Sarasota County National Travel & Tourism Week Event, Tuesday, May 14, 4 - 6:30pm,Bird Key Yacht Club, 301 Bird Key Dr., Sarasota. 

On Friday, April 12, Sarasota County completed the acquisition of the 5-acre property at 3905 E. Venice Ave., Venice. The property is within a priority conservation area of Sarasota County's Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP). It is located near Snook Haven Park and Sleeping Turtles Preserve South and in close proximity to another recent purchase along E. Venice Avenue. "We have been able to acquire beautiful, natural sites with the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program," said Nicole Rissler, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. "These sites are important for local wildlife and are key for connectivity in the area."Notable wildlife sightings on the property include gopher tortoises, red-shouldered hawks and great horned owls. Diverse plant life inhabits the property as well, including southern red cedar, cabbage palm and pond cypress. The property consists of mesic flatwood and remnant scrubby flatwood habitat. The newly acquired property was secured through Sarasota County's ESLPP, a voter-approved and taxpayer-funded program designed to acquire and protect natural lands and parklands. Community members interested in nominating land to be considered for county acquisition may complete a land nomination form. The completed form can be sent to landnominations@scgov.net or mailed to: Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, Attn: Land Nominations, 1660 Ringling Blvd., 5th Floor, Sarasota. 

PUTTIN' ON THE RITZ | Mark Sherwin, the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, April 2024. 

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