Winter Park Business Academy
The City of Winter Park and its Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) have partnered with the National Entrepreneur Center (NEC) to provide direct business technical support.
Through in-person & virtual workshops and individualized business coaching, the Winter Park Business Academy is here to assist you with starting or growing your business…. for FREE!
Resources to help your business today
The National Entrepreneur Center (NEC) provides access to research databases.
Visit the office weekdays 9am-5pm.
BizLink Orange provides assistance finding resources and upcoming classes to help your business.
Request a FREE Personal Action Plan.
Central Florida International Trade Office (CFITO) connects your business to a world of opportunities through exporting and importing.
Reach out for a FREE international trade consultation.
Upcoming Workshops & Events
Free Business Guides
Startup
You don’t have to do it alone! Locate resources that can help you start a business in Central Florida!
Licensing & Zoning
Learn about the zoning, license(s), and tax receipts you’ll need to operate a business.
Funding
Ready for a cash infusion? Learn how to properly apply for a business loan, grant, and alternate funding.
Nonprofit Startup
Turn your vision and passion for helping others in your community into a reality.
Growth
Are you focused on growing your business? Learn how to accelerate and penetrate new markets.
Certification
Find and win more bids and contracts with relevant certifications in place for your business.
Government Contracting
How to grow your business by having federal, state, and local governments as customers!
International Trade
Ready to go international? Discover the steps to get started on your way to exporting and importing!
Local organizations helping Winter Park businesses
Operating a Business in Winter Park
Business Certificate / Tax Receipt / Occupational License
***Applying for a Business Certificate does not permit the applicant to operate or engage in business until the certificate has been issued.***
Approval Process
STEP 1 Verify that the zoning of your location is approved for your business type by contacting the Zoning Division at 407-599-3530. It is imperative that this step is done first. If the property is not zoned properly, the occupation/business activities will not be permitted/approved.
STEP 2 If you are performing interior alterations or changing the usage from the previous operator/tenant, a building permit is required. When work is completed, a new Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained prior to receiving a Business Certificate. Before proceeding to the next step, please contact the Building & Permitting Services Department at 407-599-3237.
STEP 3 Select your business type (New, Home-based, etc.) to Apply for a Business Certificate.
Information
Business Certificates expire each year on September 30, regardless of when you apply. You are responsible for paying for the renewal of a business certificate each year; otherwise a penalty will be assessed for late payment. Additionally, any previous zoning approvals could be null and void.
If your business has closed or moved to a location outside the city limits of Winter Park, please email [email protected] to stop receiving renewal notices.
After acquiring your City of Winter Park Business Certificate, you will need to obtain your Orange County business tax receipt.
Visit Orange County Business Taxes Website or call 407-836-5650.
Procurement & Doing Business with Winter Park
The mission of the Procurement Division is to procure quality goods and services at the lowest possible cost consistent with the quality needed to provide the very best service to the public, while assuring fair and equal opportunity to all qualified vendors.
The Procurement Division is responsible for establishing procurement policies and coordinating the procurement procedures for the city. The division provides support for all departments in the city as well as contracting for the purchase of supplies and services exceeding the threshold for formal solicitation.
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