Manatee County Government
Which incentive is right for your company?
Manatee County wants you to keep your business here. We offer solutions to keep your business here and to help your business expand and succeed. We work hard at attracting businesses considering a move to the southwest Florida region. Visit our Business Expansion/Relocation page for information on job creation, incentives and grants.
Florida Qualified Target Industries Tax Refund
Florida's Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund (QTI) is Florida's most widely used incentive program designed to help create high skill jobs and to encourage corporations and other targeted industries to locate here. If your company receives a QTI refund, Manatee County contributes 20 percent of the incentive.
New or expanding businesses in targeted, high-growth industries that create at least 10 new jobs paying 115 percent of the average annual wage may receive tax refunds of up to $3,000 per new job created, or up to $6,000 in an Enterprise Zone or rural county.
Additional "per job" bonuses are available for businesses that pay 150 or 200 percent of the average annual wage. There is a cap of $5 million in refunds per single qualified applicant in all years, and no more than 25 percent of the total refund approved may be paid in any single fiscal year.
Quick Action Closing Fund
Your company may also be eligible for the Quick Action Closing Fund. There are certain projects for which the competition is so great that, without flexible and readily available funds, opportunities would be lost.
Florida has $16 million in this "deal closing" fund to compete against other states for prospective business opportunities.
In 2009, the QAC played a role in the creation and retention of 8,080 jobs paying an average annual wage of $48,488.
Economic Development Incentive Grant (EDI)
Businesses that create at least five quality jobs at 115 percent of Manatee County's average annual wage may be eligible for the Economic Development Incentive (EDI) grant. This grant is available to businesses that create new jobs with benefits and invest in capital projects, either by expanding an existing business in Manatee or by bringing a new business here. The incentive is customized for each business based on the number of jobs created and percent above 115 percent of the Manatee County average local wage.
Transportation Impact Fee Refund
If your company constructs or expands a building and creates five quality jobs at 115 percent of Manatee County's average annual wage, you may be eligible for Manatee County's Transportation Impact Fee Refund which will offset your company's impact fees.
Remember to request an application for this refund through our Economic Development Division early in the development process.
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds
Economic Development Manager Karen Stewart can also assist your company in completing and submitting an Industrial Development Revenue Bond application.
Manufacturing companies may be able to use the Industrial Development Revenue Bonds to offset the cost of purchasing or constructing facilities and/or the purchase of new equipment. To be eligible, your company must have been in operation for three years, and must have the capacity to obtain commercial bank credit.
Workforce Training
Business owners in Manatee County or who want to learn more about training options for their employees on a variety of topics, customized for each employer. To learn more, call Manatee Economic Development Council Office at (941) 748-4842 to learn more.
