However, Gainesville’s business-friendly environment and vibrant community also make it a top choice for entrepreneurs, with a robust local economy helping area businesses thrive. In this post, we’ll explore all the unique advantages of starting a business in Gainesville, from the wealth of local resources to an educated and talented workforce. Keep reading to learn more about why Gainesville is a prime location for your business!
1. Economic Advantages
With a population of about 145,000, Gainesville is the largest city in Alachua County, providing a substantial customer base for area businesses—that’s only growing. In fact, Gainesville’s economy grew by 3.1% in 2022, outpacing the national average. Not only is its economy expanding, but its employment rate is also improving, growing at a rate of about 1.5% per year.
Key industries in Gainesville include education (University of Florida), healthcare (UF Health), technology, and, of course, tourism. The University of Florida is an important backbone of our local economy—especially its healthcare sector. The UF Health Shands Hospital is not only a top employer, but also a significant contributor to local revenue; UF Health has contributed $4.6 billion to our state’s economy each year.
In addition to a strong economy, Gainesville also provides an economic climate that supports small business. These include:
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- Grants and incentives for new businesses from Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
- Tax incentives, including the Qualified Target Industry (QTI) Tax Refund, which provides tax refunds to businesses that create high-wage jobs.
- No personal state income tax, maximizing employee salaries and reducing the payroll tax burden on employers.
2. Business Support and Networking
In addition to the economic advantages Gainesville offers entrepreneurs, there is a wide range of resources available to assist in business startup and ongoing growth and development.
Gainesville business incubators and accelerators include:
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- The Gainesville Technology Entrepreneurship Center (GTEC), which offers resources and mentorship for startups. GTEC has helped over 100 startups since its inception, with a combined revenue of over $50 million.
- The North Florida District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), offering services including funding programs, business counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery assistance. They also connect small businesses with partner organizations, lenders, and community groups to support business success in the region.
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If you are looking for networking opportunities in Gainesville, be sure to check out:
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- The Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, which organizes regular networking events and business expos.
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- The annual Innovation Gainesville Conference, attracting over 500 entrepreneurs and business leaders, fostering collaboration and innovation.
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3. Strategic Location for Transportation
The elevated transportation infrastructure of Gainesville not only reduces logistic costs, but it also improves supply chain efficiency. In fact, Amazon chose Gainesville as a location for one of its distribution centers due to its strategic location and transportation network.
The biggest transportation benefit of Gainesville is its situation among crucial interstate routes. Gainesville is served by Interstate 75, which connects directly to Tampa and Atlanta, as well as Interstate 10, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and services up and down the coast.
Although the closest major airport, MCO (Orlando), is about two hours away, Gainesville does have its own smaller airport. Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) offers daily flights to major hubs like Atlanta and Miami which can further connect you to every major global destination.
4. An Educated and Skilled Talent Pool
UF isn’t the only contributor to our strong and diverse talent pool. Santa Fe College, a public college, offers a wide range of associate and bachelor’s degree programs, as well as certificate and vocational training courses. Santa Fe College provides education opportunities in fields including health sciences, business, information technology, arts, and social sciences—and is known for its strong emphasis on quality, accessible education, serving to elevate the whole community.
5. Quality of Life
Beyond a more affordable lifestyle, Gainesville provides much in the way of arts and entertainment to support a fulfilling social life. Art museums, like the Harn Museum of Art, located on the University of Florida campus, serve as a cultural hub, attracting art enthusiasts and scholars alike. For performing arts enthusiasts, the historic Hippodrome Theatre, commonly known as “The Hipp,” presents a variety of theatrical productions, films, and community events. Gainesville also hosts numerous cultural events like the Downtown Festival and Art Show and the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire.
Gainesville’s dining and nightlife scene is also vibrant and diverse, offering a range of culinary options, trendy bars, and lively entertainment venues that cater to various tastes and preferences.
Together, these establishments and events contribute to a wonderful cultural vitality in Gainesville, providing residents with diverse and enriching experiences.
Showcase Properties: Your Partner for Commercial Real Estate in Gainesville
Whether you’re opening a new business in Gainesville or looking to expand to our territory, our team at Showcase is here to help. With decades of experience in the Alachua County commercial real estate market, we have the right expertise to help local businesses find the perfect commercial property to meet their needs.
We offer comprehensive property search services, including market analysis and site selection, and can help with all your commercial real estate needs, from leasing to buying and selling. Contact a Gainesville Realtor today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards your business success in Gainesville, FL!