Community Outreach: Initiatives for Expanding,
Supporting and Partnering

Frank Germonto, PTAC Procurement Specialist with the SBDC at UCF, spoke to over 110 participants at the South Florida Water Management District Workshop on October 14, 2006. The purpose of the event was to provide small businesses with guidance and information on how to register and find procurement opportunities with the South Florida Water Management District. SBDC at UCF introduced its PTAC program in October 2006 and hired Frank Germonto as its Procurement Specialist. Frank has over 40 years of procurement experience in the commercial and government sectors. Prior to joining the SBDC at UCF, Frank served as a procurement consultant, PTAC specialist, contracting officer and director of contracts for aerospace and telecommunications companies.

Interested business owners and area professionals toured the FSBDCN’s Mobile Business Assistance RV in Orlando during the SBDC at UCF’s Power Networking Reception. The Mobile Business Assistance Program enables the SBDC at UCF to provide disaster victims and local, rural clients access to SBDC programs and counseling services.

In conjunction with its Quarterly Business Advisory Group event, the SBDC at UCF kicked-
off its SBRN program. More than 100 professionals and business owners were presented with SBRN program and membership information. To coordinate the Orlando SBRN, Kellie Snaith, Program Manager and Marketing Director, joined the SBDC at UCF in October.  She has over 12 years of marketing and consulting experience. Kellie most recently served as the Associate Director of Marketing for University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. Her career also includes working with Arthur Andersen for over five years as a marketing and project management consultant. In addition, she has worked in university advancement, as well as marketing and sales in the concert and shopping mall industries.

The SBDC and DETA Centers at Brevard Community College held the 6th Annual Veterans Conference on September 19, 2006. The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, The Boeing Company and United Space Alliance were sponsors. Read more about the conference under Inspiration and Creativity Through Business Education. Robin Braswell, DETA Specialist, led a Contractor Update that featured representatives from Patrick Air Force Base, The Boeing Company, United Space Alliance, NASA Small Business Office and NAV Air.
Eau Gallie ROTC opens BCC Veterans Conference	Dr. Gamble, former Navy officer and BCC district president. delivered the Welcome Address at Veterans Conference	Christophe Gilfriche, Director of the Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program
The SBDC and DETA Centers at Brevard Community College counseled and exhibited at the NASA/Kennedy Space Center Small Business Council, 45th Space Wing and Canaveral Port Authority Small Business Expo on October 17, 2006. Other counseling agencies included: SBA, GSA, Florida/NASA Business Incubation Center, Brevard Small Business Assistance Center, City of Palm Bay Housing and Neighborhood Development Services, Department of Veterans Administration, Canaveral Port Authority, SCORE, NASA/KSC Industry Relations, NASA/KSC Construction Management, and Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts at KSC, Inc. Major contractors who counseled and exhibited included: Lockheed Martin, The Boeing Company, Space Gateway Support, United Space Alliance, InDyne, Inc. and ITT Corporation. Numerous SBDC/DETA clients exhibited at the event.

The SBDC at FGCU in Fort Myers, in cooperation with FGCU's Research and Sponsored Program (ORSP), coordinated and presented a Federal Industry Consortia Seminar on October 19, 2006. The purpose of the event was to bring non-profit and for profit organizations together to team on federal grant opportunities. Each of the five FGCU Deans, or their designees, from the colleges (College of Arts and Science, College of Education, College of Professional Studies, College of Health Professions, Lutgret College of Business) spoke to 34 non-profit and for profit organizations. The SBDC’s PTAC Specialist presented a Powerpoint on Federal Grant Opportunities and as a follow-on they will provide a Business Planning Series for Non-Profits. FGCU, SBDC, PTAC and ORSP with non-profits and for profit companies are scheduled to meet quarterly during the 2007 calendar year. Plans are in process to submit federal grant opportunities on a regional basis to increase federal grant awards in the FGCU region.

Seminar Participants

Ted Kramer, SBDC at FAU; Jackie Rule, PTAC-FAU; and Patty Wilhelm of the Palm Beach County Office of Small Business Assistance

The First Annual FAU/Scripps Florida Small Business Opportunity Event was held on October 25, 2006 at the FAU John D. MacArthur Campus in Jupiter, Florida. Registration was standing room only when the general welcome commenced at 9:00 am. While people were lined up to register, Mike Bell and Jackie Rule, SBDC at FAU PTAC Specialists, welcomed all in attendance and encouraged the participants to obtain business cards and general information regarding the PTAC and SBDC programs. Other organizations included the County of Palm Beach, School Board of Broward County, CAMACOL, and WBENC of Miami, to name a few. CBA Ted Kramer greeted individuals on behalf of the SBDC at FAU in Boca Raton. Upon completion of the general overview, interested parties were encouraged to attend the breakout sessions which included: Information Technology, Human Resources, Building & Facilities/Scientific Operations and Procurement. The conference culminated with a SBE Tradeshow and Luncheon hosted by Scripps.

SBDC at FAU Director Nancy Young was renamed as a member of the Palm Beach County Small Business Assistance Advisory Committee for a three-year appointment.

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Student Participation in Reality Labs

Gulf Coast Community College and their SBDC have become educational partners in entrepreneurship training for IT program students. Department head Steve Dunnivant of the GCCC IT Department has established a graduation requirement for IT students that requires they attend an entrepreneurship training program conducted by the SBDC. The coursework for the program will be the 10 lesson Kaufman Technology Venture that will be conducted over each semester. The training program for IT students will be conducted by the SBDC CBA staff at their offices located in the Bay County Small Business Incubator. This is the first time that a department of GCCC has established a graduation requirement that included SBDC training courses. The goal of the joint effort is to foster entrepreneurship among Information Technology graduates and provide a real-world learning environment so that the students' integration into the business world will be accomplished with greater ease.

Pryia Patel, SBDC at Brevard Community College student assistant, assisted staff at the 6th Annual Veterans Conference. She had the opportunity to learn about government contracting and joint ventures. Eau Gallie High School Air Force Junior ROTC offered the Presentation of Colors at the conference and joined the business participants, contractors and speakers for a portion of the morning agenda.
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Inspiration & Creativity Through Business Education

Bill Valenti (center) receives Lender of the Year Award	Eggs, Grits and Business Program Audience	L-R Front: Millie Class; Mr. Muhammad, host of program; L-R Back: Lisa Sparks; Jill Belcher; Suzanne Specht; Julio Estremera; Dan Regelski; Tor Ortensen
The SBDC at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers held it's second annual Eggs, Grits and Business Program in September. The event attracted over 100 attendees who came to enjoy a great breakfast and learn about the small business resources available through the SBDC. Topics included Starting a Business, Growing Your Current Business, How to do Business with the Federal Government and Learn to do Business with Lee County. The SBDC team presented its Lender of the Year Award to Bill Valenti, President of Florida Gulf Bank during the program. Florida Gulf Bank and the SBDC sponsored the event.

Walter Cotton III, presenter at the SBDC/DETA at Brevard Community College's 6th Annual Veterans Conference, was recently featured in Veterans Business Journal as the $8 Million Man. He inspired local businesses to think beyond contract bundling and consider a "joint venture business model". Cotton encouraged forward looking businesses to identify capabilities to leverage with other businesses who have pedigree, past performance and scalability to meet federal requirements. Shayne Wetherall, CEO of Enright Partners, LLC and a former Navy Seal, challenged participants to create jobs for returning service men and women in an address entitled "Business Ownership: The Ultimate Expression of Patriotism".
Walton Cotton III presents at Veterans Conference		Shayne Wetherall presents at Veterans Conference
The SBDC at UCF developed an e-Business Seminar as part of Orange County’s Economic Stimulus Package. The two-day workshop, held in September, was designed for growing businesses who were seeking training on website development, e-commerce, internet security and online marketing. With limited seating and scholarships available through Orange County Government funding, the workshop was a sell-out and hosted 70 participants.		Participants at e-Business Seminar

SBDC at BCC Operations Coordinator Sandy Pfrimmer ends her tenure as chair/president of Brevard Small Business Assistance Council. The Council collaborates with other local advocacy groups including the National Minority Suppliers Development Council to bring counseling and programs to Brevard business.

At the end of October, the SBDC at USF hosted the 2006 Women Business Owners' Leadership Conference, in collaboration with Wachovia, National Association of Women Business Owners, Women Business Enterprise National Council, Women Presidents’ Organization and other sponsors. The keynote speaker was Lisa Price.

Jill Kaufman, Assistant Director of Marketing for the SBDC at UCF, and Raj Echambadi, UCF Associate Professor of Marketing, gave their expert opinions to the Orlando Business Journal (OBJ) for an article titled, "Marketing to Minorities". The article was featured in the July 21-27, 2006 issue and discussed the importance of considering cultural nuances when developing effective, targeted outreach to minorities.

Pauline Davis, SBDC at UCF's Assistant Director, was selected to serve on the City of Orlando Advisory Board for the Minority and Women Entrepreneur Business Assistance Program. The Board consists of City of Orlando staff and representatives from business development service providers currently serving the community. The program was designed to review business plans for those businesses who want to operate in the Parramore Heritage Community. The Board is tasked with determining if a business is eligible to receive a grant from the City of Orlando and provide ongoing business consulting services to these business owners.

Pauline Davis was invited to speak to FAMU Law School students in June and September. During the first presentation, Pauline discussed what it takes to start a private law practice and how to advise clients on business development. Pauline presented a "How to Start Business Planning" seminar to third-year FAMU Law School students during the second engagement. Both speaking engagements allowed Pauline to present the services provided by the SBDC at UCF to FAMU.

SBDC at FAU Training Coordinator Elena Bedoya and CBA Camilo Lopez participated in the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Greater Orlando, Inc. HBIF co-sponsored the event, "Mercadeo Básico para su Empresa (Basic Marketing for your Business)" on September 19 at West Kendall Regional Library. Camilo was the speaker and there were 58 attendees.

Camilo Lopez speaks at marketing event

Participants of marketing event

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Community Awareness: SBDC Visibility

The SBDC at UCF featured a booth and distributed SBDC literature at the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce Express: Networking & Business Expo. The expo drew more than 150 professionals and business owners in one of the fastest growing areas of Orlando.

In August, the SBDC at UCF joined the Disney/SBA National Entrepreneur Center (NEC) for its 3rd anniversary celebration. To celebrate, the NEC hosted the NEC Entrepreneur Fair which featured small business training sessions, tradeshow booths of local vendors and entrepreneurs, as well as displays and information on each of the NEC service providers including the SBDC at UCF. Ben Dobson, Assistant Director of the Kissimmee/Osceola Chamber of Commerce SBDC, moderated a session, "Marketing on a Shoe String", discussing cost effective ways to promote business and generate sales. The NEC is a unique public/private partnership, bringing together eleven non-profit service organizations that specialize in providing entrepreneurial education and support. The NEC was formed by its founding sponsors: Orange County Government; University of Central Florida; U.S. Small Business Administration; and Walt Disney World Co. The SBDC at UCF is a major service provider for the NEC, providing counseling and training to over one-third of the NEC’s clients.

This fall, SBDC at USF staff were featured in various print articles in Highlands Today, the Tampa Tribune, and the Maddux Business Report. The SBDC was also featured on a Fox affiliate TV call in-program and on the local PBS (Public Broadcasting System) station in a half-hour program called "Small Business Academy".

SBDC Staff at ICoast Technology Show

Carole Hart, Mike Bell, Jackie Rule, Ondria Merriweather-Brown, Jeanne Cimillo and Maggie Gunther participated in the annual ICoast Technology Show on August 17 at the Broward County Convention Center. Carole gave an overview presentation about the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs on the main stage.

Mike Bell, PTAC Specialist at the SBDC at FAU, drives MAC to activities in FAU region

In September, the Mobile Business Assistance Center (MAC) toured the SBDC at FAU region to participate in the following activities: the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce hosted the MAC for tours and it was open to the public. Tomasso's Pizza donated pizza for all visitors; the Palm Beach County Workforce Alliance hosted the MAC for tours at its facility in Belle Glade; the North Palm Chamber of Commerce and the FAU MacArthur Campus hosted the MAC, which was open for tours on the Jupiter Campus of FAU from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council did an excellent job rallying support for the event and Chick-Fil-A donated lunch for all attendees; the St. Lucie County Board of Commissioners hosted the MAC for tours in Fort Pierce and it was open to the public. Ken Stephanz made a presentation about the SBDC at the meeting; and the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce hosted the MAC before and after its meeting. Bob Keltie made a presentation about the SBDC to the chamber.

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Global Relations: Developments

MOU Formalizes the Relationship Between UWF’s Florida SBDC and Mexican Small Business Development.  Tracing a relationship that began in 1992 with the Florida Small Business Development Center Network (FSBDCN) and prior to 1989 with the University of West Florida (UWF), the two have entered into a more formal relationship through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Technological Higher Education System of Mexico and its Merida Institute of Technology (ITM). The UWF and FSBDCN are confident that their agreement is the only one between a U.S. SBDC host institution that encompasses such a grand cooperative effort—one between a single higher education institution, their supported community outreach/economic development program and an entire national system. The MOU puts the Mexican Technologico System in the forefront of economic development. Further, it confers coordination responsibility to the Merida Technologico (ITM); implies strongly for future exchanges of faculty and students; involves the FSBDCN in future economic research (drawing the Haas Center into the mix), consulting and training; identifies the FSBDC as the body to develop an evaluative tool for economic impact of the SBDCs in Mexico; and finally, indicates joint cooperation and development as a "good faith effort" on behalf of all parties to the MOU. Having been successful colleagues for these fifteen plus years, the MOU formalizes the relationship between all parties and evidences a successful future. John Cavanaugh, UWF President, and FSBDCN State Director Jerry Cartwright participated in the signing of the MOU and Eileen Rodríguez, Associate Director of the SBDC at USF, served as lead trainer.

The SBDC at USF was prominently involved with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay in hosting a trade delegation from China, Shanghai Region. The delegation visited Tampa for three days and met with the Mayor, Port of Tampa and Tampa Bay area businesses.
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Excellence in Quality Improvement

Nancy Young, Director of the SBDC at FAU participated in the Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC) annual conference in Houston, Texas. She discussed the growth and functionality of their new and improved SBDC web site during the Interactive Strategies session on Wednesday, September 13.

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