Serving Entrepreneurs, Building Community, and Growing Businesses!
Entrepreneurs at all stages of development, whether just contemplating a venture or well on the journey, are invited to participate and to become involved in the Station 2 community. Networking is always included with opportunities to share, to follow up with speakers, and for serendipitous creative collisions. Whether here for a day, a season, or years – stop by Station 2 today!
Want Station 2 event reminders delivered to your inbox?
Register at https://www.meetup.com/Entrepreneurs-Startups
An overview of the Manatee County Economic Development Incentive Program, resources for small businesses and information on disaster planning and recovery for the business community.
Karen Stewart is the Economic Development Program Manager for Manatee County Government. In this role, Karen provides leadership to facilitate economic development projects by linking all county departments and the business community. In addition, she manages the performance based incentive program, rapid response permitting, and promotes the business friendly approach in county government.
Since 2009, Economic Development Incentives have been adopted for more than 60 companies with potential to create over 3,500 jobs over the next several years.
Ms. Stewart works in partnership with the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation, Port Manatee, and the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. She provides leadership for the County’s Southwest TIF Area and leads the Rapid Response Team for economic development projects throughout the county and in the Florida International Gateway.
Karen has a Master’s of Science in Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, is a graduate of Eckerd College and is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). She is a member of the International Economic Development Council, the Florida Redevelopment Association, Florida Brownfields Association and various local business organizations.