Earlier in the year, I participated at the City of St. Mark's monthly Commission meeting, where I presented on Florida economic incentives (i.e. tax breaks in the form of credits, refunds and training grants).  It was an amazing experience.  My goal was to inform smaller communities about the availability of economic incentives and briefly describe some of their benefits.

My BIG questions: If I offered you a check for $25,000 for training your employees, would you take it?  What if you had to do the training anyway, would the $25,000 check encourage you to get a move on it?

The responses I received: What's the catch?  If it's free money, sure I would take it!

Ultimately, what I wanted to get across was not that the State of Florida is giving out "free" money, but that the State allocates money each year to help encourage economic development - i.e. to help grow businesses within the State.  As small business owners, we have to be willing to get help if it is available.  No man is an island.  We cannot exist in a vacuum.  And, although some business owners may consider this a hand-out, when you think about it, it is really your money.  If you pay taxes, consider a tax incentive as the government allowing you to use some of your tax dollars to help with the growth and training needs of your business.

So, I ask you this question: "If I offered you a check for creating, retaining or training your employees, would you take it?"

SURE YOU WOULD!!!

Why not start now? Give me a

About The Author: Margo Thomas is the owner of Marlynn Consulting.  She helps businesses reduce the cost of training their team and improve their efficiency through economic incentives.  Ms. Thomas may be reached by phone at (850) 727-0293.  Website: http://www.marlynnconsulting.com/.

Tags: Economic Incentives Training Grants Get Money For Training