The Sister Cities Association of Sarasota supports economic development of our region and our Sister Cities. We work to improve and increase international investment for Sarasota and for our Sister Cities.
One interesting program that we are researching is the EB-5 Visa program. A number of our members are international and they are restricted from living here full time. Some of them would like the opportunity to become full time residents.
The EB-5 program provides that an individual who invests $1,000,000 and creates and maintains ten jobs can get a permanent Visa. For areas of higher unemployment the amount of investment is reduced to $500,000. Sarasota has several areas that qualify for the lower investment, including some areas on the north side of the City. There are also other areas near Bradenton and Venice.
The programs are complicated and involve typical red tape. Our goal here will for our committee to become knowledgeable about the various programs and, if approved by our Board, present our findings to our international members who may be interested.
HOW IT COULD WORK
One of our members who wanted to pursue this program would carefully research the program, and determine what type of business he would like to establish in Sarasota. Of course the business should be viable and create jobs for our City.
Our committee Members for Economic Development include:
VP of Economic Development, Eladio Amores eladio.amores
Craig Hullinger craighullinger@gmail.com 309 634 5557
Bethruyle bethruyle@gmail.com 309 966 1616
