The FSBDCN is one of eight original national SBDC pilot programs funded in 1976 by the US SBA to successfully link the state's education system to community outreach, utilizing both faculty and students to aid in the development and education of the state’s entrepreneurs and small business community. Today, the FSBDCN is a statewide network 34 centers, involving universities, colleges and other economic development organizations, with additional outreach provided at 50 resource partner locations.
Student Participation: Education and Reality
SBDC Provides Five Clients as Case Studies for UNF Marketing Class
The SBDC at UNF provided five clients as “live” case studies for the Entrepreneurial Marketing class in the Coggin College of Business at UNF this spring semester. Eleven undergraduate students prepared marketing recommendations for the clients, resulting in more than 842 hours of assistance.
SBDC at UCF Brings Back Small Business Institute® to UCF’s College of Business Administration
 Dr. Lloyd Fernald with SBI Students |
Beginning with the spring semester of 2009, the SBDC at UCF, in conjunction with UCF’s College of Business Administration, re-launched the Small Business Institute® (SBI) program, which allows graduate-level business students to participate in hands-on learning experiences by providing management consulting services to local small businesses. The SBDC at UCF’s Advisory Board Council program managed the small business clients who participated and several of the student case studies. SBI®, last offered at UCF in 2006, is a national program and is treated as a graduate-level elective course at UCF. Professor Emeritus and SBDC at UCF Advisory Board Chair Lloyd Fernald was the program instructor. SBI® will be offered again during the fall semester. |
Students Develop Business Plans for SBDC Clients
Dan Regelski, regional director of the SBDC at FGCU, facilitated a business plan writing process for students enrolled in his Small Business Management class. Seven clients (all existing business owners and SBDC clients) worked along with the students in developing marketing strategies, reviewing financial variances, writing business plans and participating in business meetings and observing ongoing client interactions with its customers. Completed business plans were presented to the class and to the SBDC clients with additional input and recommendations.
Suzanne Specht, Certified Business Analyst (CBA) with the SBDC at FGCU, worked with Associate Professor Gerry Segal during a Capstone class for graduating seniors at FGCU. She facilitated the dialogue between the professor, students and SBDC clients. Business plans were written with specific objectives attained through the needs of the SBDC client and the observations of the students. Dr. Segal received scholarship money and the students then competed on with a presentation process that was judged by Specht and two other small business owners. Specht, the SBDC and the students were commended on their efforts and accomplishments.
SBDC at UWF Director Larry Strain served as a judge in a student business plan course in the College of Business. As a judge, he was asked to rate each team’s written plan and 20 minute oral presentation on the basis of quality of concept, quality of the written plan, financial analysis, market analysis, presentation and supporting PowerPoint presentation and finally, credibility.
SBDCs Introduce Entrepreneurship to High School Students
w.jpg) SBDC at UNF Girls Going Places Entrepreneurship Conference Participants |
 High School Girls Learn About Financial Literacy and Independence |
For the third consecutive year, Julio Estremera, CBA with the SBDC at FGCU, presented an all-day session on Writing a Business Plan to graduating seniors at Ida Baker High School in Cape Coral. Estremero also provided 45-minute overviews of entrepreneurship to students majoring in business in each class and prepared a PowerPoint that introduces the concept of entrepreneurship as a college path.
STATEWIDE BENEFITS
of the SBDC Program
Students invest
close to 9,000 hours developing business, marketing and strategic plans; conducting feasibility studies; and providing in-depth consulting for “actual” small businesses under SBDC guidance.
* * *
Approximately 25 academic courses— undergraduate to MBA capstones—are taught
by SBDC professionals for close to 550 students.
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More than 1,800 public appearances are made
by SBDC staff for civic groups, chambers,
banks, economic development agencies and at conferences.
* * *
Close to 1,400
SBDC events are co-sponsored with community agencies, associations, chambers, banks, libraries, etc.
* * *
Over 38,000 hours
of service are donated by SBDC professionals
in support of approximately 1,500 university and community organization board and committee events.
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More than 1,750 hours
of expert advice are provided to SBDC
clients by professional volunteers—primarily accountants, lawyers
and management consultants.
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Florida SBDCs are featured in over 165 media outlets— newspapers, television, radio and magazines— reaching an audience
of over 11 million.
Annually
Tor Ostensen, CBA with the SBDC at FGCU, is coordinating the 2nd Annual Camp CEO with assistance from the faculty at FGCU, Junior Achievement and members of the SBDC's Small Business Resource Network (SBRN). This year, 30 juniors from three county high schools will participate in the week-long program that will include writing a business plan. Each student team will present to a group of entrepreneurs and SBDC staff who will determine which team will have the most potential to reach the market.
Judith Pultro, CBA with the SBDC at FGCU, presented Writing a Business Plan to two Entrepreneurship classes at Cape Coral High School. Through a PowerPoint presentation, examples and interactive classroom discussion, Pultro prepared the students for a course assignment in which they will each write a business plan for a prospective endeavor.
Students Learn About Entrepreneurship Through the SBDC
SBDC at USF CBAs Daniel Scott and Mario Iezzoni taught an Entrepreneurship class (Management 4802) for USF Tampa in the spring semester.
SBDC Director Eileen Rodriguez served as Faculty Liaison for the USF COB’s International Business Board.
Rodriguez was also a guest lecturer at the Business Plan Development class (Entrepreneurship 6116) for USF Tampa.
One of the satellite offices of the SBDC at USF is located at South Florida Community College (SFCC) in Avon Park. The college's business professor was unable to complete the semester due to a serious illness, and SBDC CBA Bill McKown stepped in to teach the Introduction to Business class for the remainder on the term.
SBDC CBA Dave Noel participated in SFCC's Career Fair where over 1,100 students visited the event. For those students who visited the SBDC's booth, the word of the day was "entrepreneur".
 L-R: Sandy Pfrimmer, BCC Career Center Coordinator Linda DeAngelis, Hoang Dung T. Lee (Annie), Heather Allen, Vicky Peake |
BCC International Student Receives Hands-on Experience Working at SBDC Hoang Dung T. Lee (Annie) worked with the SBDC at Brevard Community College (BCC) staff over two semesters. She has proudly shared pictures of SBDC events with her grandparents in Vietnam. This month, Annie graduates from BCC, and plans to pursue a degree in accounting or finance from UCF. Annie participated in SBDC small business roundtables by registering and greeting clients. She also assisted with the Founders Forum greeting and registrations where she had an opportunity to speak with Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) business professors and public accountants. |
Community Outreach: Initiatives for Expanding,
Supporting and Partnering
Lt. Governor Collaborates with SBDC at UWF/FSBDCN to Promote Cover Florida
 L-R: Ed Ranelli, UWF COB Dean; Larry Strain, SBDC at UWF Director; Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp; Jimmy Patronis, Florida HOR; Jerry Cartwright, FSBDCN State Director |
 Crowd gathers in the SBDC at UWF Downtown Center parking lot, in front of the MAC, to hear Lt. Governor Kottkamp speak about the Cover Florida program |
 Lt. Governor Kottkamp speaks about the Cover Florida program |
| On March 5, Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp held a press conference in Pensacola at the SBDC at UWF Downtown Center, using a Mobile Business Assistance Center (MAC) as a backdrop. The press conference was part of a two-day public awareness campaign to promote Cover Florida Health Care. Cover Florida received unanimous approval by legislators during the 2008 session and provides access to affordable, quality health insurance coverage to Florida’s nearly four million uninsured. Representative Jimmy Patronis joined Lt. Governor Kottkamp in Pensacola, and both thanked the press and organizations such as the Florida SBDC Network for assisting with getting the word out about the affordable health plan. | ||
SBDC Director Chairs UNF Subcommittee on Community Outreach
SBDC Director Janice Donaldson is chairing a subcommittee for the UNF Coggin College of Business on Community Outreach. The mission of the group is to create a clearinghouse to encourage communication, collaboration, and contact management among those within the Coggin College who provide community outreach and transformational learning experiences for students.
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SBDC at UWF Participates in Business Resource Forum On February 26, the SBDC at UWF participated in a Business Resource Forum with the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and Workforce EscaRosa. The purpose of the Forum was to make area businesses aware of the resources available to them as they try to survive difficult economic times. The Forum included presentations on the stimulus package, managing in a difficult economy, utilizing technology to increase business efficiency, alternative financing options and managing relationships with bankers. The SBDC had a booth and distributed brochures, newsletters, resource disks and other materials. In all, there were more than 10 exhibitors who would be considered resources for struggling companies. |
SBDC at UWF Participates in Agribusiness Conference |
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SBDC at FGCU Targets Underserved Markets Through New Alliance
In his role as the SBDC at FGCU's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Coordinator, Tor Ortensen is creating a new alliance with the resurgence and re-organization of the Dunbar NAACP. FGCU representative Cheryl Gonzales is chairing an economic development committee and has requested that Ortensen join her on this committee. A statewide program joining forces with the Manager of the Office of Supply Diversity is scheduled for May 28 at FGCU. The SBDC's DBE program is administered through a Memorandum of Understanding with Lee County.
SBDC Educates Community Residents About Entrepreneurship During Economic Downturn
Judith Pultro, CBA at the SBDC at FGCU, presented two Frequently Asked Questions to Starting a Business seminars for Beacon of H.O.P.E. (Helping Our People Everyday). H.O.P.E. is an outreach of the Pine Island Long Term Recovery Organization (P.I.L.T.R.O.) that officially opened on November 14, 2004, after the famous “Friday the 13th” Hurricane Charley. The seminars were organized in an effort to educate residents of the greater Pine Island community about entrepreneurship as a possible career option in this economic downturn.
SBDC at UCF Partners with UCF Incubator Program to Staff Leesburg Business Incubator
In March 2009, the SBDC at UCF announced a partnership with the UCF Incubation Program to staff a business incubator in Leesburg. The new partnership will result in a shared staff position that will serve half-time as the SBDC area manager for Lake County and half-time as the Lake County incubator’s site manager. Under the UCF Research Foundation umbrella, the UCF Incubator Program and the SBDC at UCF will bring a variety of business development services, training and resources to the incubator. This will be the sixth sub-office for the SBDC at UCF and the seventh business incubator managed by UCF’s Office of Research and Commercialization.
Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce Partners with SBDC at UCF to Offer Discounted Workshops
Under the new leadership of President Leslie Hielema, the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce partnered with the SBDC at UCF in January 2009 in an effort to provide training for Chamber members and expand the SBDC at UCF’s community outreach. Throughout 2009, the SBDC at UCF will offer all workshops and seminars to Orlando Regional Chamber members for half-price. In return, the Chamber will promote the SBDC at UCF events.
SBDC at UCF Offers Small Business Issues Forum
On March 24, the SBDC at UCF hosted a Small Business Issues Forum for the Florida Office of Small Business Advocate. The goal of the forum was to compile a list of the top issues and concerns facing Florida’s small businesses and to develop a corresponding list of possible solutions. The SBDC at UCF invited previous and current clients, as well as a few SBDC constituents to attend the meeting.
SBDC at BCC and Economic Development Partners Featured on Magazine Cover The SBDC at BCC, along with economic development partners, Women’s Business Center, BCC’s Institute for Business Training and Community Education, and SCORE are featured on the cover and in the May issue of Brevard County Woman. Directors were noted for their cooperative efforts and joint partnerships assisting small and large businesses in Brevard. |
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SBDC Participates in "New Year, New You" Expo The Women’s Business Center, SBDC at BCC, SCORE and the Procurement Technical Assistance Center at the SBDC at UCF participated in the "New Year, New You Expo" hosted by the Women's Empowerment (WE) Business Council of the Melbourne/Palm Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. L-R: Vicky Peake, SBDC; Heather Allen, SBDC; Tony Espinosa, PTAC; Sandy Pfrimmer, SBDC; Donn Miller-Kerman, WBC; and Renee Couperthwaite, WBC / Seated: Tom Gallman, US SBA |
Palm Beach Community College’s CCE and SBDC/PTAC Share Service Missions
On January 22, SBDC and PTAC staff met the Corporate and Continuing Education (CCE) group at Palm Beach Community College. SBDC staff were excited to tell them about SBDC programs and impact, and CCE staff welcomed them to their campus and shared their mission and courses. The two groups soon learned that they have a common light--service. Many times there are SBDC/PTAC clients who need more formalized education in areas other than business, whether it be English as a second language, Stress Management or Taking Care of Aging Parents. With this new relationship between the SBDC and CCE, clients are now made aware of services that will enhance their business and personal lives. SBDC clients are receiving the CCE brochure and catalog in their counseling information packets.
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Business Education: Motivation, Inspiration & Creativity
Entrepreneurial Speaker Series Attracts Students, Business Owners and Community Members
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The SBDC at Daytona State College, through its L. Gale Lemerand Entrepreneurial Speaker Series, presented its third program in the Mori Hosseini Hospitality Center. Mori Hosseini, founder of ICI Homes was the guest speaker. The Series, that began in 2008 with Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy, consistently attracts large crowds of students, business owners and members of the community. Hosseini shared his entrepreneurial journey from being born and raised in Iran to being ranked among the top 100 home builders in the country. |
SBDC at FGCU Offers Unique Programs and Seminars
Suzanne Specht coordinated the SBDC at FGCU's first Going Green Small Business Seminar in February. Topics included defining the differences between "going green" and sustainability in business, how sustainability in business is changing the marketplace, and identifying some of the influencing factors. The event was sponsored by Office Depot.
SBDC at FGCU's Janice Groves coordinated, facilitated and graduated two Rural Entrepreneurial Alternative Learning (REAL) programs: one in LaBelle and one in Immokalee. Sean Moore graduated his first REAL Class in Okeechobee, through joint efforts from Indian River State College and the SBDC at FGCU. The program is funded through a partnership with the Workforce Initiative for Rural Entrepreneurship Development with the intent of providing entrepreneurial training to economically-challenged areas of Florida, primarily the rural areas.
The SBDC at FGCU presented the 2009 FSBDCN SBIR/STTR Phase I Proposal Development Workshop and Regional Conference for small businesses, economic development professionals and other business service providers on March 18-19 at the FGCU campus. The workshop was facilitated by Jim and Gail Greenwood of Greenwood Consulting. Representatives from the FSBDCN, BioFlorida and the Florida PTAC program provided guidance and information on how to establish joint research relationships with universities, prepare business plans, understand contract requirements, explain the mentor-protege program, obtain federal funding and other related topics.
SBDCs Present New Programs Addressing Business During a Down Economy
As Chair of the Financial Planning Committee of the Southwest Regional Manufacturers' Association (SRMA), SBDC at FGCU's Dan Regelski assisted with the coordination and presentation of the How to Survive in our Current Economy luncheon workshop. Handouts that included recommendations on how to approach, evaluate and react in this economy were provided and posted on the SRMA web site. Regelski presented the same workshop to the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce as a result of SBDC CBA Judith Pultro's relationship and work with the Chamber.
The SBDC at UNF developed a new training program, Upside of the Downturn, which is being presented to business owners in a variety of formats, including through virtual training online; as a keynote presentation for community and business organizations; as an interactive roundtable; and as a traditional workshop.
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The SBDC at UCF presented an Economic Outlook for Small Business, on January 27, as part of a continued effort to support small businesses during tough economic times. The event, sponsored by Orange County Government, featured top economist Sean Snaith, PhD, director of the Institute for Economic Competitiveness at UCF. Snaith presented his economic forecast for the region and the nation to over 100 participants. |
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The SBDC at UCF presented its second event of 2009 addressing the nation’s economic recession. On March 11-12, the center presented Business Strategies During a Down Economy. The workshop was tailored for small business owners and provided instruction on strategic planning, strategic marketing, as well as business strategies to consider during a recession. The workshop was taught by two UCF College of Business professors and sponsored by Orange County Government. L-R: Raj Echambadi, UCF College of Business Professor, |
Excellence in Achievements, Improvements and Contributions
The following Florida SBDC professionals have earned the designation of recertified or certified business analysts (YTD) by completing some of the most stringent requirements for continuing professional development in the national SBDC program. Florida’s Certification and Professional Development Program is cited as a national best practice and one that empowers employees to deliver high quality services to the small business community. Their work demonstrates the community service mission of the universities/colleges and allows each to continue as an advocate promoting the role universities/colleges play in economic development and continuous improvement through education.
RECERTIFICATIONS Required every 3 years |
CERTIFICATIONS Required within 6 months of hire |
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Jill Kaufman CBA SBDC at UCF Orlando 3 Years of Service as a CBA |
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Joshua Stewart Student CBA SBDC at UWF Pensacola |
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Gary Cole CBA SBDC in Broward Ft. Lauderdale 6 Years of Service as a CBA |
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Janice Groves CBA SBDC at FGCU Immokalee |
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Camilo Lopez CBA SBDC Miami-Dade Miami 3 Years of Service as a CBA |
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Learline Shorty CBA SBDC at USF Tampa |
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Michael Chung CBA SBDC at UNF Ocala 3 Years of Service as a CBA |
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Jacquelyn Keeley CBA SBDC at Palm Beach Community College, Boca Raton |
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Daniel Telep CBA SBDC/PTAC at FGCU Ft. Myers 6 Years of Service as a CBA |
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Diana Delhumeau CBA SBDC at Palm Beach Community College, Boca Raton |
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Mary McCord CBA SBDC at Seminole Community College, Sanford 3 Years of Service as a CBA |
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Donna Rivett CBA SBDC at Indian River State College, Ft. Pierce |
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SBDC Staff Pass Business Continuity Professional Exam SBDC at UNF CBAs Cathy Hagan and Robert Myers completed the Disaster Recovery Institute International Training Course and passed the examination required to become a Certified Business Continuity Professional. |
Diversity Through Collaboration
SBDC Promotes Initiative to Accelerate Business Growth in Inner Cities
The SBDC at UNF partnered with the SBA North Florida District to cosponsor the new Emerging 200 program. This intensive training initiative is designed to accelerate high-potential small business growth in America’s inner cities. The SBDC helped to promote the program, which began in April with 15 participants.
SBDC at USF Staff Participate in Events That Reach Diverse Audiences
 Eileen Rodriguez and Maria Yepes at Florida State Fair |
 L-R: Malik Ali, Desiree Hanson, Yepes, Rodriguez, Charlene Bostic and Roy Decastro at FMSCD Meeting |
 Wayne Brass, Tisha Ford (NFL), Yepes and Rodriguez at Leadership Forum |
| SBDC CBA Maria Yepes and Director Eileen Rodriguez exhibited alongside the University of South Florida’s exhibit booth at the Florida State Fair that took place at the La Plaza Hispanic Village. SBDC staff Charlene Bostic, Maria Yepes and Eileen Rodriguez attended the Florida Minority Supplier Development Council's (FMSDC) annual meeting in Orlando, along with USF’s Supplier Diversity Manager Desiree Hanson. Other representatives who attended the event included Malik Ali from FMSDC and Roy Decastro, SBDC Client and Advisory Board Program member. Eileen Rodriguez served on the NFL’s Super Bowl Emerging Business Committee. Maria Yepes, Wayne Brass and Rodriguez attended the Small Business Leadership Forum at the Renaissance Vinoy Hotel in St. Petersburg. |
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SBDC at BCC Joins Minority Supplier Council to Recognize SBA Winners
The SBDC at BCC is joining the Florida National Minority Supplier Development Council to host an Awards Breakfast for South Florida SBA winners, Carol Craig, South Florida Small Business Person of the Year and Susan Thibodeaux, Minority Advocate Champion for the South District. IAP Worldwide Services is the breakfast sponsor and Brevard Small Business Assistance Council will be recognized.
Black Business Students Consider Entrepreneurship
Phil Scruton, CBA from the SBDC at Palm Beach Community College, was invited to make a series of presentations to FAU’s black business fraternity, in April. Scruton had participated in this series while at the SBDC at FAU and looked forward to talking with students about becoming an entrepreneur. Each gathering began with discussing the causes and implications of the current economic downturn. Fifteen students shared their impressions, and he was pleased with their grasp of economic events. The entrepreneurship role was thoroughly covered.
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Community Awareness: SBDC Visibility
 L-R: Sam Carson, SCORE; Carlos Cardenas, SBDC Miami-Dade; Katy Sorenson, Miami-Dade County Commissioner; and Nancy Rackear, SBA South Florida District |
SBDC Participates in County's Small Business Assistance Workshop On April 22, Carlos Cardenas, Regional Director of the SBDC Miami-Dade, presented at a Small Business Assistance Workshop coordinated by Commissioner Katy Sorenson of Miami-Dade County. Representatives from the U.S. SBA, South Florida Regional Planning Council, South Florida Workforce, SCORE Miami-Dade and ACCION USA also made presentations to over 200 attendees. |
SBDC at BCC Roundtable Brings Bankers Together for Update on Recovery Act
The SBDC at Brevard Community College hosted a Lender’s Roundtable at the Technological Research and Development Authority. Representatives from BB&T, Regions, Wachovia, BankFIRST and Space Coast Credit Union joined SBA Representative Tom Gallman to discuss current lending practices. Gallman updated the group on the latest information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
| SBDC at UNF Presents 17th Small Business Week Celebration The SBDC at UNF presented its 17th Annual Small Business Week Celebration. The event, featuring TerraCycle founder and CEO Tom Szaky, included a breakfast with UNF students, a VIP roundtable with area business owners, and an awards luncheon attended by nearly 350. Wilfredo Gonzalez, SBA North Florida District Director and UNF Trustee, presented awards to top SBA lenders and to the area’s Small Business Person of the Year, Small Business Exporter of the Year; Entrepreneurial Success, and Women in Business Champion of the Year. Three of these four winners were nominated by the SBDC at UNF for this recognition. Mary Tappouni, the Small Business Person of the Year, and Manish Kothari, Exporter of the Year, won the District and State of Florida awards; while Andrew Harold, the Entrepreneurial Success, won at the District, State and Regional levels. |
 L-R: Mary Tappouni, Kim Knapp, Tom Szaky, Andy Harold and Manish Kothari |
SBDC Director Is Guest Speaker at Women's Association Meeting
Larry Strain, Director of the SBDC at UWF, was the guest speaker at the Pensacola Chapter of the American Business Women's Association (ABWA) March meeting. His topic was "Don't Drink the Kool-Aid" and addressed recommendations for surviving the recession and thriving as times improve. There were approximately 25 people in attendance and the feedback on Strain's 30 minute talk was very good.
SBDC at DSC Hosts Small Business Hotline on College TV Station
The SBDC at Daytona State College hosts the Small Business Hotline on WDSC, Daytona State College’s television station. Its third year began in January and runs through June 2009. The program promotes the FSBDC Network and local business opportunities. This season featured some of the top business leaders in Central Florida, as well as governmental notables such as the SBA District Director and the Mayor of Daytona Beach.
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Global Relations: Developments
SBDC at DSC Hosts Entrepreneurship Coordinator from Colombia
The SBDC at Daytona State College is hosting Julian Galvez, a fellow, through the American Business Fellows Program. The Business Fellows Program, which lasts six weeks, sponsors the exchange of private and public sector professionals to carry out a fellowship at a host organization. The program’s goal is to promote a greater understanding of issues related to international business and economic growth with Latin America, as well as forge and strengthen long-term institutional linkages between the private sectors of the U.S. and Latin America through the exchange of technical resources and expertise. Galvez is the Coordinator of the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Center at the Center for Entrepreneurship Development located at the Universidad del Valle in Cali Colombia. He earned his Bachelors Degree at the Universidad del Valle in Columbia and his Masters Degree from the Universite Bordeaux IV in France in Entrepreneurship, Business Creation and Small Business Innovation. Galvez wants to gain knowledge about the processes and methodologies of creating new business enterprises and hopes to establish long-term institutional relationships.
SBDC at UNF Cosponsored International Certification Opportunity
The SBDC at UNF cosponsored the International Trade Certificate Program with the Clay County Chamber of Commerce. The 24-hour training program graduated 15 participants.
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