The Florida SBDC Network is the first Florida organization to be designated by the Board of Governors as a State of Florida Center in August 2009. One of eight original national SBDC pilot programs funded in 1976 by the U.S. SBA, the Florida SBDC Network successfully links the state's education system to community outreach, utilizing both faculty and students to aid in the development and education of Florida's small business community. Designated as Florida's principal provider of business assistance by state statute, the Florida SBDC Network is a statewide network of 35 centers involving universities, colleges and other economic development organizations, with additional outreach provided at approximately 60 resource partner locations.
Student Participation: Education and Reality
SBDC at UNF Staff Teach UNF Classes
Janice Donaldson, SBDC Director, taught the Planning a New Business class in the Coggin College of Business this semester. Of the 43 students in the class, 18 were honors students. The class featured six area entrepreneurs who gave the class a reality check on what it is really like to own a business. Cathy Hagan, SBDC Certified Business Analyst (CBA), spoke to the UNF Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) on access to capital. Kevin Monahan, SBDC CBA, facilitated a panel for the UNF Marketing Society. Marge Cirillo, SBDC CBA, provided two small business case studies for a Flagler College marketing class.
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SBDC at Daytona State College provided mentoring for visiting Fellow In an effort to promote international business and economic growth between the U.S. and Latin America, as well as the Caribbean, the SBDC at Daytona State College participated in the American Business Fellows Program. For six weeks, Edgar Julian Galvez from Cali, Colombia, joined the SBDC to observe the inner workings of the Center and actively participate in its day-to-day operations. read more |
SBDC at USF Staff Support Education in Different Ways
The USF St. Petersburg College of Business, in conjunction with the SBDC and SBDC CBA Wayne Brass, provided four local small businesses with student teams. These teams worked on business consulting projects for the companies and provided the company workers with a full report of their findings and recommendations.
Mario Iezzoni taught GMS 7930 @ USF Health The Business Side of Medicine and two sections of MAN 4802 Entrepreneurship. He also coordinated the Med-Ice Conference held on February 26.
Thanks to Bill McKown the Highlands SBDC office and USF Polytechnic are partnering with South Florida Community College (SFCC) to deliver the summer series of the Entrepreneur Summit 2010. The event is a fast-paced three-day training program covering five key business modules. The modules include Organization and Workforce Administration; Sales and Marketing Management; Enterprise Sustainability; Financial Management; and Leadership and Managing a Successful Business.
Dave Noel and Bill McKown created the content for two of the five modules for the SFCC Entrepreneur Summit. They will also deliver part of the training during the event. The Entrepreneur Summit 2010 was the brainchild of Dan Murphy of the Highlands County Economic Development Commission. The program is funded by the Heartland Workforce and is managed by SFCC. The Summit will be held at locations in Highlands, Hardee and Desoto counties.
Jim Parrish presented a workshop to the Capstone Engineering Design class at USF on how to do a business feasibility analysis, business planning and cash flow projections.
Eileen Rodriguez and Kim Wagner co-taught MAN 4802: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management for the USF College of Business at the Tampa Campus.
The SBDC at FAMU presented a series of workshops to senior level economics students at the Florida A&M University Developmental Research School. Walter Adams spoke on Starting a Business and Business Plans. Chris Workman addressed Marketing and Financing Your Business.
Florida A&M University Entrepreneurship Club was addressed by Chris Workman. He spoke at the invitation of the FAMU Entrepreneurship Club and presented a workshop on Business Plans. The event included an opportunity to respond to student business questions and introduce the services of the SBDC.
The SBDC at FAMU presented a Starting A Business workshop to information systems students at the FSU College of Communication and Information. Chris Workman presented the information and addressed student questions on establishing technology-based businesses.
Dr. Pat Fuller's, chair of Brevard Community College's (BCC’s) Simpkins Entrepreneurial Lecture Series, students regularly attend Founders Forum meetings and meet with SBDC at BCC Director Victoria Peake and Operations Manager Sandy Pfrimmer. Peake and Pfrimmer serve on the Founders Forum Board of Directors. Panel discussions and presentations by local entrepreneurs are the focus of the dinner meetings.
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SBDC at UCF and UCF COB's Small Business Institute® Students Named National Winner A SBI team from the Spring 2009 semester was named National Winner of the 2010 SBI® Case of the Year competition. The student team placed first in the "Graduate Specialized Category" of the 2010 Project of the Year National Competition sponsored by SBI®. read more |
Community Outreach: Initiatives for Expanding, Supporting and Partnering
SBDC at UWF's Director Larry Strain and CBAs Sharon Triplett and Tom Hermanson attended the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new EDC Innovation Center at the UWF Combs Campus, on February 4. The goal of the Center is to cultivate and strengthen the development of technology-based start-up companies in the Okaloosa County area. The EDC's Innovation Center is Okaloosa County's first business incubator targeted for technology-based entrepreneurs and includes such areas as technology transfer, electrical engineering, renewable energy, aerospace engineering, health sciences, information technology, industrial-systems engineering, computer engineering and defense contractors. In addition to the Emerald Coast Campus, key UWF partners include the SBDC and the Haas Center. The SBDC provides assistance with business plan development while the Haas Center assists by providing statistical data and market research.
The SBDC at UNF staff participated in various community outreach projects, including the Women Business Owners of North Florida’s annual trade show and awards program. Nancy Boyle served on the awards screening committee, and Janice Donaldson served as a judge in the Entrepreneur category. Staff had a booth at the event and a table at the awards luncheon. SBDC at UNF Gainesville staff participated in the University of Florida’s annual Small Business Trade Fair. Dominic Orsini and Pat Fitzgerald organized a Small Business Resource Fair in Gainesville in partnership with the Chamber, the Community College, University of Florida and several economic development organizations.
The SBDC at UNF partnered with the Citrus County Board of Commissioners and three area chambers of commerce to provide a full-time presence in the County. A new business analyst was hired to provide counseling, training and information to small business owners.
The SBDC at FAMU and Innovation Park co-hosted the opening of the Incubator at Innovation Park for the Tallahassee technology community. The evening included a reception, tour of the facilities, and an opportunity to network among community members. A local business leader spoke on the subject of franchising your business and answered questions about his experiences in franchising.
The SBDC at BCC partnered with Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD) to provide dialogue and training on customer service for EGAD merchants. EGAD Director Mary Wallis and Beverly Shea, retail and customer service consultant and trainer, offered two programs and look forward to continuing the series for EGAD merchants and other interested Brevard businesses.
Palm Beach State College President Dennis Gallon helped the SBDC fuel Palm Beach County economic recovery by delivering a powerful message to an audience of county economic leaders, entrepreneurs and college staff. His message, the keynote address at March 19’s Fueling the Economic Recovery program, was a promise to devote the college’s resources at every opportunity to help facilitate local recovery from the worst economic recession since The Great Depression. read more
SBDC at USF, the College of Business and USF St. Petersburg hosted three monthly small business networking seminars. These seminars are provided free and use local professionals to present information on how to be a successful entrepreneur. This program is now in its third year of offering these seminars to small businesses in the community.
Larry Strain represented the SBDC at UWF at the FSBDCN's first Quarter Directors' Meeting and in the offices of the Panhandle Delegation of the Florida Legislature in Tallahassee. During the visits to legislative offices of every Representative and Senator whose Districts cover areas covered by the SBDC at UWF, presentations were made on the FSBDC funding situation, benefits of funding the SBDCs directly and on the SBDC's accomplishments in their districts. On the evening of February 16, a reception was held at the Governor's Club and several panhandle legislators, including Dave Murzin and Brad Drake made appearances. The two-day legislative visits were successful at raising SBDC issues and getting interest in the SBDC by several legislators.
SBDC in Broward Director Rafael Cruz was asked to be one of the judges for the Miami Herald Business Plan Challenge for the fifth year in a row. The Miami Herald is South Florida’s largest and best-known newspaper with a readership of over 2.5 million. The judges are selected from leaders in the business community and include bank presidents, CEO’s and university professors. The business plan challenge gets hundreds of people submitting plans each year. The entire contest is featured in the Business Monday section of the Miami Herald over a three month period.
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The City of Lauderdale Lakes turned to the SBDC in Broward to facilitate the 10-week intensive Kaufman Foundation FastTrac New Venture. The program was a great success. Both the City and the participants raved about the value of the program. The SBDC in Broward is currently the only Certified Provider of the FastTrac program in Broward County. Other cities have already shown interest in hosting the program for their business communities. |
The SBDC at FGCU, Lutgert College of Business, Undergraduate Business Association (UBA) and Financial Planning Association of SW FL (FPA) partnered to offer a free Community Outreach Clinic on February 1. The presentation was an opportunity to help consumers understand the latest health care bills and reforms. The event attracted members of the public, faculty and small business owners. A distinguished panel of guest speakers presented their views on the healthcare bill and the impact of healthcare on the average family and small business owner. read press release
SBDC Leadership and UWF Haas Center Director spoke at annual Entrepreneur Week Celebration in Curacao
 Rick Harper and Jerry Cartwright (L-R Center) |
Jerry Cartwright, State Director of the Florida SBDC Network, and Dr. Rick Harper, Director of the UWF’s Haas Center for Research and Economic Development, spoke to a group of approximately 150 small businesses, entrepreneurs and other interested guests at the annual entrepreneur week activities in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles. The discussions relayed the makeup of small businesses in the U.S. economy and why they are important to driving successfully through the current recession. Additionally, Dr. Rick Harper, who also serves as a professional at the University of West Florida, provided an overview of the current status of the American economy and its influence on the Curacao tourism sector and its long-term economy growth. Curacao implemented an entrepreneur’s week-long celebration, mirrored after the successful U.S. Small Business Week, after the establishment of its SBDC called SeDECK, with its partnership with the Florida SBDC Network and grand opening in 1995. |
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SBDC at UCF Regional Director Eunice Choi participated in a roundtable with Governor Crist at the Disney Entrepreneur Center (DEC) on January 8. Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty provided a brief overview of the DEC and its service providers to the Governor followed by Governor Crist’s address regarding small business and its role in today’s economy.
SBDC at UCF's Eunice Choi attended the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development's, John Fernandez, economic development roundtable discussion on January 29 at the University of Central Florida. The event included representatives from UCF and key economic development agencies in Florida.
PTAC Specialist Tony Espinosa represented the SBDC at UCF at the National Small Business Contracting Summit in Orlando on January 26 and 27. The event brings together federal agency leaders from Washington, D.C. and the Southeast region to link small businesses to knowledge, connections and resources needed to get a piece of the $55 billion spent by the federal government in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee each year.
SBDC at UCF’s Eunice Choi visited Tallahassee, along with the other SBDC Regional Directors and FSBDCN Leadership, during the FSBDCN’s annual briefings at the capital on February 16, 2010. Choi met with key legislative representatives and their staff to highlight the Central Florida’s work, economic impact – stressing the value of the statewide FSBDC infrastructure.
SBDC at UCF’s Eunice Choi was invited to attend the UCF Cleantech Symposium on February 18. The purpose of the symposium was to engage local government and economic development officials, university researchers, associations, support services and cleantech companies to better understand the cleantech community and to collectively help foster its growth in Central Florida. Based on feedback from the 2009 Cleantech Study, this symposium focused on creating a renewable standard portfolio and activities that support this initiative. The invitation-only working group was designed to bring the drivers of this growing industry to the table to discuss, discover and develop a plan for the cleantech investment category.
Assistant Director Jill Kaufman represented the SBDC at UCF at NAWBO Orlando’s ‘Wine, Women, and Chocolate’ Open House held at the Disney Entrepreneur Center on March 23. The event, which was attended by over 100 NAWBO supporters and members, was designed to introduce the NAWBO Orlando members to the resources available at the DEC. Kaufman spoke to the group about the SBDC services and programs, particularly the SBDC at UCF’s "Program for Leaders of Growing Businesses" which includes the Advisory Board Council, CEO XChange and the Small Business Institute.
Business Education: Motivation, Inspiration and Creativity
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As part of the VET NET program, co-founded by the SBDC at BCC and Gary Beckert, Reginald Crane, president and CEO of Next Level Coaching and Consulting Services, LLC facilitated an interactive and dynamic session at the TRDA Business Innovation Center on The Journey of Self-Awareness to Self-Management: How We’re Hard Wired…Does It Make a Difference? Next Level Coaching and Consulting Services is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business. Gary Beckert, of GM Beckert and Associates, Inc., GSA and Federal Contracting Consultants, provided government contracting tips and strategies to VET NET attendees. |
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The SBDC at UWF, in partnership with the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, PJC and the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, kicked off a program targeting technology-driven firms called Excellence in Entrepreneurship. Larry Strain, Director of the SBDC at UWF, was the course moderator and sometimes presenter. The seven classes moved the attendees through a series of steps designed to help them start and operate a successful business, develop an effective business plan, and build a network of resources they can rely on in their business lives. The various sessions were led by an outstanding array of business professionals and successful entrepreneurs.
SBDC at UNF’s Marice Hague directed the 5th Annual Girls Going Places program on April 15. The event brought 102 area high school students on campus to learn about owning a business and financial independence. More than 30 women business owners served as mentors for the day-long event. The Jacksonville Commitment participated as a supporter of the event. Janice Donaldson chaired Economy Day for the 2010 class of Leadership Jacksonville. Hague’s responsibilities included planning the day’s activities which included a tour of JaxPort and a panel on economic development.
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The SBDC at UCF hosted its third annual Economic Outlook for Small Business event on January 28. The event brought more than 130 participants from the business community to hear keynote speaker, Dr. Sean Snaith, director of UCF’s Center for Economic Competitiveness, present an overview of the region’s and the state’s economy. Snaith’s presentation was followed by a panel discussion with area financial experts. Members of the panel (bottom picture) included: Snaith; Tom Gallman, assistant district director for marketing and outreach for South Florida U.S. SBA; Chris Hurn, CEO and founder of Mercantile Capital Corporation; and Don McGowan, president and CEO of BankFIRST. The event was sponsored by Orange County Government and is part of the SBDC at UCF’s Strategic Workshop Series. |
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The inaugural Business Owners Success Summit or ‘BOSS’ was held on March 25 in Lake County and was created to bring local business owners and entrepreneurs together in an interactive forum to discuss current trends affecting their ability to survive, grow and thrive in today’s economic environment. The event was attended by more than 100 business owners and professionals from the area. The SBDC at UCF and SBRN Central Florida hosted an information booth at the event.
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The SBDC at UCF presented e-Strategies for Small Business on March 25, featuring three area experts specializing in e-communications, social media and Internet marketing. The workshop presented the importance of incorporating e-strategies into a business’ marketing plan, and over 90 small business owners attended. The guest speakers for the workshop included: Hillary Bressler, president/founder, .Com Marketing; Allen Kupetz, executive-in-residence, Rollins College; and Pamela Starr, regional development director, Constant Contact. The workshop was sponsored by Orange County Government and is part of the SBDC at UCF’s Strategic Workshop Series. |
Diversity through Collaboration
SBDC at UNF's Janice Donaldson participated in an expo at Eugene Butler Middle School showcasing African American Entrepreneurs. Donaldson also organized and participated in the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Coffee and Learn series. SBDC at UNF staff participated in the annual UNF Martin Luther King scholarship luncheon and the Jacksonville Chamber’s annual MLK breakfast; and attended the First Coast African American Chamber’s annual Heritage Breakfast.
SBDC at UCF’s Eunice Choi was the guest speaker at the Asian American Chamber of Commerce’s Lunar New Year Dinner event on February 18. Choi introduced the SBDC’s programs and resources that are geared for established business owners and business leaders. The Asian American Chamber’s main objective is to assist and empower the Asian American community by providing a leading voice on its behalf to advance business and economic interests of their members.
Community Awareness: SBDC Visibility
SBDC at UNF's Janice Donaldson participated on a panel of resource partners at the request of CFO Alex Sink. The forum included small business owners and resource partners and provided CFO Sink with information on issues affecting small business. The SBDC at UNF also participated in Beaver Street Enterprise Center’s ground-breaking for its new building.
SBDC at UWF Director Larry Strain appeared on the television program "Connecting the Community" on January 19. The title of the program was Creating Your Own Job. Strain appeared along with Rick Harper from the Haas Center at UWF and a banker from Gulf Coast Community Bank. The program centered around creating your own job as an alternative to seeking employment. The discussion revolved around do's and don'ts, considerations before starting a business, testing the business concept, and having a valid and viable business plan. The show was rebroadcast several times during the week.
SBDC at UWF's Larry Strain attended the 73rd Annual Dinner and Officer Installation held by the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce. The SBDC at UWF was one of many sponsors of the event. During the program, Strain was sworn-in as a member of the Chamber's Board of Directors and as a member of the Executive Committee. Over 350 people attended the event and the SBDC received recognition at the event, as well as in the Chamber's January and February newsletters.
Global Relations and Developments
The SBDC at BCC and Melbourne Regional Chamber highlighted Beth Gitlin, president of Global Passages, at the most recent international trade roundtable. Chris Hill from Representative Bill Posey’s office attended and encouraged small businesses to explore global trade resources and opportunities.
The SBDC at UNF hosted a visit from the International Visitors’ Corps. Director Janice Donaldson discussed entrepreneurship and women-owned business issues in the U.S. with the group of seven women business owners from around the world.
The Consul of Mexico, Alberto Fierro, and the Director of ProMexico, visited the SBDC at UCF on February 11. Eunice Choi presented the various SBDC programs including opportunities to partner on programs of mutual interest.
Excellence in Achievements, Improvements and Contributions
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The SBDC at UCF and the UCF Business Incubation Program hosted Leesburg and Lake County officials at the inaugural open house for the SBDC at UCF, Leesburg and UCG Incubator, Leesburg. Local leaders participating in the open house event included Lake County District 1 Commissioner Jennifer Hill, Leesburg City Manager Jay Evans and Leesburg Economic Development Director Ken Thomas. Dr. Tom O’Neal, founder and executive director of the UCF Business Incubation Program, Dr. Jai Ganesh, Associate Dean of UCF’s College of Business Administration, and the SBDC at UCF’s Eunice Choi represented UCF. Event attendees received a tour of the Leesburg facility and one of the FSBDCN’s Mobile Business Assistance Centers. |
SBDC at UNF's Janice Donaldson served on the Coggin College of Business Dean’s Search Committee and on the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Advisory Committee. The SBDC at UNF received recognition as only one of four units on the UNF campus to bring in more than $1 million in contracts and grants funding in FY08-09.
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SBDC at BCC Operations Coordinator Sandy Pfrimmer graduated from Brevard Community College on May 13. Pfrimmer was a member of the largest graduation class in BCC history. |
The Florida SBDC Network is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. SBA, hosted by UWF and accredited through the national Association of SBDCs.
Statewide Benefits of the SBDC Program
Under SBDC guidance, students invest over 9,000 hours developing business, marketing and strategic plans; conducting feasibility studies; and providing in-depth consulting for small businesses.
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Over 25 academic courses—undergraduate to MBA capstones—are taught by SBDC professionals to 550 students.
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Over 1,800 public appearances are made by SBDC professionals for civic groups, chambers, banks, economic development agencies and conferences.
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Close to 1,400 SBDC events are co-sponsored by community agencies, associations, chambers, banks, libraries and more.
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Over 38,000 hours of service are donated by SBDC professionals in support of nearly 1,500 university and community organization boards and committee service.
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More than 1,750 hours of expert advice are provided to SBDC clients by professional volunteers—primarily accountants, management consultants and more.
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Florida SBDCs are featured in over 165 media outlets— newspapers, television, radio and magazines— reaching an audience of well over 11 million.
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FSBDCs create 50% of the indirect generated by all UWF Centers and Institutes and 32% of the indirect produced by all UWF Colleges, Centers and Institutes combined.
Annually