Nonprofit receives $100K grant for business accelerator, cowork space

SARASOTA — The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity awarded CareerSource Suncoast a $103,000 grant for entrepreneurial training initiatives in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

According to a press release, Michael Meerman will head up the Emerging Initiatives Grant with a business accelerator and cowork space for startup and growth-stage businesses.

Meerman has held management roles with Fortune 100 corporations, served as the business architect and operating principal in startup firms and worked as an operations strategist focused on business process, customer experience and executive development, the statement adds. 

The group, operating as Thrive, includes cowork space with training and business development mentoring from regional subject matter experts.

Meerman is the resident advisor. He will provide members with assistance in formulating, focusing on and executing business plans. “Thrive is way more than a physical space…it’s an entrepreneurial think tank," says Meerman in the statement. 

CareerSource Suncoast is a nonprofit that recruits, trains and retains talent for employers in the Sarasota-Bradenton region.