Celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2006, the Florida SBDC Network continues to successfully accomplish its mission through one-on-one, confidential counseling provided free of charge; seminars and workshops addressing business training needs; and information for better decision-making. Throughout the years, these have evolved with specialized programs to better serve Florida’s small business community.

Working hard to remain adaptable to the changing environment of business, the Florida SBDC Network’s new Mobile Business Assistance Center Program will focus on two underserved markets: (1) post hurricane small businesses and (2) rural clients who need help and don’t or can’t visit our locations in urban or campus areas.

In 2004, the SBDCs responded to small businesses following each of the hurricanes that battered Florida. Certified Business Analysts (CBAs) were positioned at the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) to assist businesses with their disaster recovery efforts; and in all cases, the business person(s) had to visit the center to solicit help. We know that many were missed because they didn’t or couldn’t visit a DRC.

Directly attributed to the SBDC disaster recovery efforts, 6,098 jobs were retained, 158 new jobs were created, $6.2 million in sales growth was realized, and $35.2 million in new capital formation was obtained. In September of 2005, the FSBDCN received national recognition for their efforts through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s EDA Excellence in Economic Development Award for Economic Adjustment Strategies.

To better position for their assistance and following the long clean up and economic repositioning following Florida’s hurricanes, twelve CBAs went to a week-long FEMA training program to ensure they were up-to-date on the training that business needs to restart, continue growth, and prepare for the next disaster. Although these activities were beyond the normal scope of work, the CBAs were gratified to be in a position to help so many of their clients in their greatest time of need. The CBAs know the statistics on small business success following a disaster are frightening. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 40% of all companies that experience disaster never reopen, and 25% of those who do reopen go under in less than two years.

Beyond the demands associated with disasters that affect small businesses, we also know that the more rural areas of Florida are not being adequately served. Thinking about the bookmobile and bloodmobile, you realize that many reasons may keep clients away. They can’t leave their store/business unattended; they don’t trust easily; they are loyal to their community and its service providers; and they are uncomfortable in a new and different environment. The bookmobile has somewhat lost its popularity as more branch libraries are being built, but the notion of a mobile center has merit. The many mobile insurance company centers that popped up following the storms are evidence of the need and their popularity. Day after day we see evidence in the field and in the media that our rural neighbors feel they are always last in line and left behind—if they get served at all.

A cursory look at the economy shows that the need has never been greater for economic development. The strategy of the Mobile Business Assistance Center Program is Market Outreach enabling the SBDC to target and reach missed and under-served market segments of the state—small business rural clients and small business disaster victims.

To implement the Mobile Business Assistance Program, plans are in process for working with other economic development agencies to plan rural strategy; scheduling the coaches to maximize the effectiveness of their use; establishing an assessment to determine program effectiveness; and creating organizational policy to ensure appropriate use of coaches in the field.

The Florida SBDC Network’s leadership and initiative ensured future success with respect to serving the markets discussed. The Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development provided sufficient funds to purchase two 38’ RV coaches. Each will hold four CBAs with space for them to counsel, work, eat and sleep. Tables can be set up under tents to accommodate counseling and the assistance needed so the clients can work through the endless forms and applications that disaster victims must manage.

Funds were available to purchase the RVs, but there were limited resources for necessary supplies and accessories required to make them functional. The timeline for outfitting each of the two Mobile Business Assistance Centers is early June. WalMart and T-Mobile graciously donated funds to facilitate the effort. The hurricane season has now started and the Florida SBDC Network Mobile Business Assistance Center Program still needs help to ensure their role in providing support for business assistance. Contact Dianne Barlar at 850.473.7809 or dbarlar@uwf.edu for more information about Mobile Business Assistance Center Program.