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 of over 30 centers, involving universities, colleges and other economic development organizations, with additional outreach provided at 70 resource partner locations.
Fall 2010
Education and Reality
SBDC at UNF
SBDC Staff Academic Activities
• SBDC Regional Director, Janice Donaldson, taught the Planning a New Business course
(GEB2112) this fall semester. The class enrollment was capped at 43, with students on a
waiting list. Guest speakers in August and September included two successful
entrepreneurs sharing their business experiences.
• Diane Denslow, an instructor in the Coggin College of Business, worked with the SBDC
at UNF over the summer, providing in-depth assistance to select clients.
• The SBDC at UNF provided Coggin College faculty member Yemisi Bolumole with a case
study for her supply chain management class this semester.
•The SBDC assisted the Coggin College of Business at UNF with screening and selection of
the Lowell Salter Endowed Scholarship applicants. Jared Bailey, an MBA student, was
selected to receive the scholarship and to work 20 hours each week in the SBDC, staffing
the Center Help Desk and assisting Certified Business Analysts with client research.
• Nancy Boyle taught Organizational Behavior (MAN4240) this fall semester with a class
enrollment of 29 students. Guest speakers for the semester included professionals in
human resources, communications and team building, and strategic thinking.
• The SBDC at UNF partnered with the Family Business Consulting Group Inc. to offer a
free webinar on Board Development to SBDC clients and businesses participating in the
Family Business Management (MAN3132) class.
• Kevin Monahan is participating as a mentor in the Coggin College of Business mentoring
program.
Veterans' Small Business Capital & Procurement Conference Co-Sponsored by the SBDC at UNF, SBA and VBOC
 MAC at Veterans Conference |
The University of North Florida hosted a Veterans' Small Business Capital & Procurement Conference in Jacksonville, FL on September 9. The Veterans' Business Outreach Center provided sponsorship, manned a booth and spoke as part of a panel on "Resources for the Veteran Entrepreneur" to an audience of 125 attendees. The SBDC at UNF, SBA, and VBOC sponsored the free event aimed at advising veteran business owners on acquiring capital and accessing the Federal market place for procurement opportunities. |
SBDC at FGCU
Business 2Day Independence 2morrow
A 10-week curriculum covering the development of a working business plan, the "Business 2day/Independence 2morrow" is a terrific new program for small business owners. It was a collaborative effort between Edison State College and the SBDC at FGCU. Janice Groves, CBA for the SBDC, guided the class attendees through a series of interactive practices to inform and educate them on writing the business plan including feasibility, marketing, financial projections, cash flow, budgeting, targeting, pricing, location, business structure, and the other fundamental steps needed to write the plan. When the class attendees completed the course they were on their way to a complete and workable business plan. Community partners provided information on proper record keeping and business banking.
Southwest Florida Small Business Workshop
Working with Hodges University Hispanic Council and the Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, SBDC at FGCU CBAs Julio Estremera and Mille Class, DBE program coordinator, organized the first Southwest Florida Small Business Workshop on three Saturday's. The workshops reached out to Hispanic and non-Hispanic small business community members for a three-hour panel discussion with professional volunteers?attorneys, bankers and accountants all shared their knowledge for audiences of over 40 attending each event. Several table tops of resource information were made available for attendees.
State Director's Office
Student Introduced to Business
The State Director's Office was provided a University of West Florida College Work Student during the Fall semester. Ashley Goggins is assisting in the day to day office operations of the State Director's Office which in turn is providing her with working knowledge of the business world.
SBDC at Brevard Community College and VBOC
10th Annual Veterans' Conference
The SBDC at Brevard Community College held the 10th Annual Veterans' Conference at Brevard Community College in Melbourne on September 15. The conference featured Mark Llano, 2009 Vetrepreneur of the Year and CEO of Source One Distributors, Inc., as the keynote speaker. He spoke on What It Takes! (to be successful in business) to an audience of 150 veteran entrepreneurs. BCC President James Drake welcomed attendees and SBDC Director Victoria Peake recognized the sponsors, BCC administrators, SBA and legislative guests and SBDC volunteers. Sponsors of the conference were The Boeing Company, Borrego Springs Bank, Craig Technologies, DRS Tactical, Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, FLORIDA TODAY, Harris Corporation, United Space Alliance, and VBOC. They joined on a panel consisting of the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), a special program of the FSBDCN directed for assisting in government procurement, and a SBA representative presented program services for veteran entrepreneurs.
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.
* * *
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.
* * *
More than 1,750 hours
of expert advice are provided to SBDC
clients by professional volunteers—primarily accountants, lawyers
and management consultants.
* * *
Florida SBDCs are featured in over 165 media outlets— newspapers, television, radio and magazines— reaching an audience
of over 11 million.
* * *
FSBDCs create 60% of the indirect generated by all UWF Centers and Institutes and 34% of the indirect produced by all UWF Colleges, Centers and Institutes combined.
Annually
 L-R: Vicky Peake, SBDC at BCC; Carol Craig, Craig Technologies; Mark Llano, Keynote Speaker; Moses Harvin, American Services Technology |  L-R: Fred Crispen, Borrego Springs Bank; Vicky Peake, SBDC at BCC; Robert Chavarria, SBA |
 L-R: Lou Vesico, Speaker; Eunice Choi, SBDC at UCF Regional Director |
SBDC at UCF
SBDC at UCF Participates in UCF On-Line Classes
Pauline Davis was a guest speaker for "How to Start Your Own Business Class" at the University of Central Florida's College of Business. The class is a credit course taught online by UCF Instructor Kathie Holland. Pauline Davis presented an overview of the Small Business Development Center and its services to the potential entrepreneurs. There were 25 students present in the classroom and many more watched online.
Strategy Planning for Small Business Offered in Orlando
On September 29, the SBDC at UCF offered "Strategy Planning for Small Business" as part of its Strategic Workshop Series sponsored by Orange County Government. The workshop was taught by Dr. Cameron Ford, founding director of UCF's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and offered the 54 participants a one-day intensive workshop on how to develop strategic direction and a plan of action and control for their business.
SBDC at UCF Advisory Board Council's Information Session for Business Owners
The SBDC at UCF's Advisory Board Council offered an information session for small business owners on September 14. The purpose of the event was to present the benefits of having an advisory board to potential clients. A total of 30 small business owners attended the event and Advisory Board Council client Emily Schlansky of Dog Day Afternoon presented a client testimonial in support of the program.
SBDC at UWF
SBDC at UWF Staff Teach UWF Courses
Dan Cavanaugh is again teaching ISM 3011 to UWF business students. He taught one section over the summer and his current section has 26 students. An excellent professor, Dan has been asked to teach the course again next semester. Prior to her retirement in August, Fort Walton Beach Manager Jane Briere taught a section of Management 5806, Small Business Consulting for three graduate students. The SBDC at UWF currently employs two Graduate Student CBAs. Both are enrolled in the UWF MBA program.
SBDC at UWF Executive Director Speaks at Small Business Management Class
Larry Strain of the SBDC at UWF was the guest speaker in Dr. Bill Carper's Small Business Management class on 8/31/10. Strain spoke about the SBDC services, history and community impact. He also addressed the FSBDCN response to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. For the remaining balance of time Strain answered questions from the class members on entrepreneurial topics, pending legislation, and economic development.
SBDC at GCCC
SBDC at GCCC Staff Serve on College Committee to Implement Entrepreneurial Programs
Director Joe Chavarria and Assistant Director Valerie Simmons have been asked by GCCC to serve on the college's new Entrepreneurial Advisory Committee. The college business department will be implementing a 12 and 15 hour Entrepreneurial Certificate Program along with a new Associate's Degree in Entrepreneurism.
SBDC at USF
SBDC at USF Teaches USF Master's Level Course
Eileen Rodriguez, Regional Director of the SBDC at USF, is teaching a 3 credit hour Master's level course for the USF Geology department entitled "Introduction to Professional Geology". This course outlines basic business practices and entrepreneurial choices for small geological businesses. She is also working with the USF Center for Global Studies and is contracted by the Center to deliver international business seminars to small business owners in Tampa, Orlando, Miami and Jacksonville.
SBDC at Florida Keys Community College
SBDC at FKCC Aides in the Professional Development of Business Students and the Community
Greg Baumann is a member of the FKCC Business Advisory Committee. The Committee plays an active role in the development of programs and processes that foster the continued academic and professional development of business students and the community, enabling a culture of meaningful collaborative work between both business enterprises and the college, including its stakeholders.
CBA Baumann is also assisting the FKCC Library with updating publications in the dedicated business and entrepreneur section of the Library for 2011.
Community Outreach and Economic Development
State Director's Office
FSBDCN's State Director Serves on Gulf Oil Spill Economic Recovery Task Force
Florida SBDC Network State Director Jerry Cartwright continued to serve on the Gulf Oil Spill Economic Recovery Task Force participating in conference calls and in-person meetings. The Task Force was created by Governor Charlie Crist by executive order to facilitate efforts by Florida businesses and industries in recovering from lost business and revenues due to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.
SBDC at GCCC, VBOC Program
The Veterans' Business Outreach Center Continues Community Work
The Veterans' Business Outreach Center was very active during the month of September. They participated in and sponsored two veterans' small business conferences; one with the SBDC at UNF in Jacksonville and the SBDC at Brevard Community College in Melbourne. VBOC also presented best practices on Program Service Delivery on September 24, as VBOC attended the first ever National Veterans' Business Outreach Center conference in Washington, DC to receive training on the VBOC's new computer reporting system.
SBDC at UCF
SBDC at UCF Works with U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce
Regional Director Eunice Choi met with Margot Dorfman, CEO of the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce, to discuss ways to provide women-owned businesses with additional resources. As the Chamber actively works to change the conversation and position women as industry and market leaders to gain access to opportunities, it identified the SBDC as the strongest, broadest, most robust and successful government-supported small business assistance program in America. Choi and Dorfman agreed to collaborate on pushing women's businesses into the mainstream, particularly connecting women with procurement opportunities.
Five SBDC at UCF Clients Named to Prestigious 2010 Inc. 500/5000 List
SBDC at UCF clients were named to the 2010 Inc. 500/5000 list of the nation's fastest growing private companies. The five companies, which include five CEO XChange clients and four Advisory Board Council clients, were A+ Tudor U, American Home Companions, Common Sense Office Furniture, Hooah LLC and LimitLess International. The SBDC at UCF recognized the clients at the Advisory Board Council's Information Session for Small Business Owners on September 14, as well as through a press release to local media.
September 14 Proclaimed "Waymon Armstrong and ECS, Inc. Day"
SBDC at UCF client, Waymon Armstrong, who was named the 2010 National Small Business Person of the Year continued to lead small business news during the third quarter. The SBDC at UCF staff attended the Orange County Board of Commissioners Meeting on September 14 in support of the UCF Orange County funded programs and to be present for the Orange County Mayor's proclamation of September 14 as "Waymon Armstrong and Engineering and Computer Simulations Inc. Day" in Orange County.
SBDC at UCF Receives Orange County Funding for 2011
Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty conducted his last Board of Commissioners meeting before his last day in office on September 14, 2011. During the meeting, Orange County Commissioners approved another year of funding for the UCF economic development programs including the SBDC at UCF's Advisory Board Council program and Strategic Workshop Series. Orange County officials also presented a review of the Mayor's past decade of success which included recognition of the SBDC at UCF's Advisory Board Council program, Small Business Institute and Strategic Workshop Series.
SBDC at UCF Partners with the Black Business Investment Fund
On July 30, the SBDC at UCF's Pauline Davis, Eunice Choi, and James Spencer met with the Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF) to discuss opportunities to partner and expand client services. BBIF presented their SBA guaranteed micro loan program planned to start in October 2010 for businesses in the Central Florida region and is not exclusive to black businesses. The BBIF will utilize the SBDC as a source of referral and use the SBDC's New Venture Seminar Series as a prerequisite to providing the loans.
SBDC at UCF Participates in 5th Annual Entrepreneur Fair
The SBDC at UCF participated in the Disney Entrepreneur Center's 5th Annual Entrepreneur Fair at the Sheraton Orlando Downtown on August 26. More than 600 small business owners and entrepreneurs attended the one-day event which offered free workshops and a trade show comprised of small business service providers and vendors. The SBDC's PTAC Specialist Tony Espinosa presented an overview on how to do business with the government and participated in a panel discussion on government contracting as one of the free workshops offered during the fair.
SBDC at Brevard Community College
 L-R: Lisa Barr, Women Building Strong Communities Coordinator; Victoria Peake, SBDC at BCC; Aloina Groh, Hoyman Dobson; Donn Miller-Kermani, Women's Business Center . | SBDC at BCC Participates in Habitat for Humanity of Brevard County 2010 Women Build Victoria Peake, SBDC at BCC director, accepted the invitation from Habitat for Humanity of Brevard County 2010 Women Build to be a Distinguished Guest. Peake and Donn-Miller-Kermani, director of the Women's Business Center, spoke to the group on November 6. BCC Operations Coordinator Sandy Pfrimmer also joined Women Build as a "builder" in November. |
SBDC at BCC Coordinates Career Survival for Engineers and Scientists
The SBDC at Brevard Community College assisted in coordinating and sponsoring IEEE Region 3 Career Survival for Engineers and Scientists in the 21st Century, a one-day career management seminar. The City of Cocoa, Office of Economic Development hosted the engineers at the Cocoa Civic Center. The workshop was broadcast throughout the nation with presenters traveling to Cocoa from numerous national sections of IEEE.
SBDC at Seminole State College
| Robert Goetz Speaks at the Inaugural for The Entrepreneur Success Series Robert Goetz, SBDC at Seminole State College CBA, presented "Improving Small Business Performance" as the featured speaker at the inaugural The Entrepreneur Success Series held July 16 in Longwood. The summer months also enabled Goetz to facilitate group input and discussion that culminated in a new direction and 3-year strategic plan for the Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce. He also participated as a panelist on "Business Incubation in Central Florida" http://cmfmedia.org/2010/09/business-incubation-in-central-florida on September 16 at the monthly membership luncheon of the Oviedo?Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce. |
 L-R: Robert Goetz, SBDC at SSC CBA; Chad Leatherwood and Joe Bilello with Avanti Wealth Management |
SBDC at UNF
Community Outreach Activities at UNF
• Assisted Ajay Samant, Dean of the Coggin College of Business, with his remarks on small business development for a
presentation to the IndoUS Chamber of Commerce.
• Offered its conference room to the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for its Coffee and Learn program. The
local SBDC at UNF's Small Business Resource Network Speakers' Bureau provided the speaker for the event.
• Partnered with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Veterans' Business Outreach Center to sponsor the
first annual Veterans' Business Outreach Forum.
• Spoke to a number of groups this quarter including: the Clay County Chamber of Commerce, the St. Johns County
Chamber of Commerce, the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, the SBA North Florida Lenders' Conference,
the Jacksonville Sister Cities African Business & Cultural Summit, and the Florida Electrical Contractors' Association.
Cathy Hagan and Marge Cirillo made a presentation to the St. Johns County Board of Commissioners on SBDC results
in FY09-10.
• Participated in seven trade shows this quarter, including the Jacksonville Community Empowerment Expo, the
Jacksonville Minority Enterprise Development Week Expo, the Ocala Reverse Trade Fair, and the Ocala/Marion Small
Business Expo.
•Continued to chair the Small Business Assistance Providers Assistance Group in Jacksonville is Regional Director
Janice Donaldson. The group includes nearly 20 organizations providing assistance to small business. The organization
developed a web site, www.jaxsmallbizhelp.org.
"Speaking of Business" Continues
SBRN Director Nancy Boyle continued her weekly Comcast Public Access cable television show, "Speaking of Business."
Volunteer Hours Grow
SBDC at UNF staff provided volunteer work in the community as they continued to serve on a variety of boards, including Essential Capital Finance Corp., Citrus County Information Technology Alliance, Gainesville Technology Enterprise Center, SBA North Florida Advisory Board, Florida Export Finance Corp., Beaver Street Enterprise Center, Citrus County Economic Development Board, Citrus County Economic Development Alliance, City of Ocala Economic Development Board, Nassau County Economic Development Board, St. Johns County Economic Development Council, the Citrus Business Incubator Task Force, and the Jacksonville Women's Business Center.
SBRN Supports SBDC Program Needs
The Small Business Resource Network, a program of the FSBDCN, included 307 professional and agency members in chapters across the State during the quarter. Professional categories include accountants, attorneys, insurance agents, lenders/investors, and consultants. These professionals volunteer for the SBDC to teach workshops, assist Certified Business Analysts, lead staff training programs, and provide programmatic input. The SBDC is able to capture these important in-kind contributions. In addition, the SBRN provides SBDC staff with an objective way to refer small businesses to private-sector professionals.
SBDC at FGCU Programs
| Florida Bridge Loan Program The BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill began in April of 2010 and affected Southwest Florida businesses. Known for its fine beaches and tourist attractions, and a world-wide tourist destination, many Southwest Florida businesses suffered losses due to fewer visitors. As the lead agency handling the Bridge Loan process, Harry Looknanan, Jr., CBA at the SBDC at FGCU, took the lead in gathering local bankers to form a Bridge Loan Task Force committee. Over a couple of months, 15 applicants applied for the $25,000 Bridge Loan and 8 received funding. This was a successful and collaborative effort to help the local economy. |
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| On The Road with SBDC for Success To reach the rural business communities of Southwest Florida, FGCU's SBDC continues to have "On the Road with SBDC", a program designed to bring the SBDC to the rural small business community. During lunches sponsored by local banks, SBDC Counselor Janice Groves presented PowerPoints that showcased the many services of the Florida SBDC at FGCU. The response has been great. |  |
| Success Leads to Growth Hurricane Preparedness Hurricane Season is a challenge, so in an effort to get business owners serious about taking action, the SBDC at FGCU hosted a 3-hour Saturday Hurricane Preparedness Workshop. Teamed with popular weatherman Jim Farrell of WINK- television, federal, state and county officials, and Bonita Springs Fire and Control District, the event was great. Held at the local franchise Sunshine Ace Hardware and kicked off with breakfast sponsored by Costco, Sunshine collected door prizes from their vendors and handed out hurricane bags filled with surprises and supplies. The MAC was on hand along with the Fire Departments and the event drew over 100 attendees and several vendor tables. Promoted through news media, Constant Contact and Sunshine Ace Hardware in-store promotions, the event was so successful that Sunshine Ace has agreed to host the event at three of their locations in 2011. |
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| Business and Breakfast The SBDC at FGCU Community Outreach DBE program was held on a Saturday morning and involved several organizations including its sponsor, the Fifth Third Bank. The NAACP chapter, Southwest Florida Works (formally Southwest Florida Enterprise Center), city of Fort Myers City and county officials all attended to meet with small business owners for an interactive networking event followed by short presentations covering their role in the community. Mille Class, CBA and DBE program coordinator, took the lead role by organizing the agenda, securing sponsors, and contacting agencies to get involved. The event drew over 60 attendees. |  |
SBDC at Broward
SBDC at Broward Participates in Small Business Workshop
The SBDC in Broward participated in an all day event "Small Business Workshop" hosted by Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz on September 25 that attracted over 140 attendees. The free event discussed how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act can assist small business and provided marketing, management and financial guidance to small business owners or those interested in starting a small business. Director Rafael Cruz presented a break out session on sales tactics and all SBDC at Broward staff manned a booth and networked with the attendees.
SBDC at UWF
SBDC at UWF Leads the Emergency Bridge Loan Program in Four Counties
Throughout the third quarter, the SBDC at UWF actively led the Emergency Bridge Loan Program in its four county service territory. Partnering with local bankers and economic development organizations in each county, the SBDC formed and led loan committees evaluating loan applications from business owners adversely impacted by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. All told, these loan committees approved 156 Emergency Bridge Loans totaling $3,768,500 which helped the affected businesses retain 1603 jobs at a critical time for the Gulf Coast economy.
SBDC at UWF Executive Director Represents the FSBDCN at the Governor's Oil Spill Task Force Working Group
Larry Strain of the SBDC at UWF represented the FSBDCN at the Governor's Oil Spill Task Force Working Group on the GCCF Claims Process at the request of State Director Jerry Cartwright. Strain traveled to the meeting in Tallahassee and provided the working group with FSBDCN feedback on the GCCF Claim Application, a status update on the SBA Disaster Response Centers closing schedules and answered questions from the panel on the Bridge Loan process, the claims process, and on how small businesses in particular have been affected by the lack of responsiveness by GCCF.
SBDC at UWF Associate Director Serves as Panelist at a Walton County Economic Development Alliance Workshop
Tom Hermanson, SBDC at UWF Associate Director, participated as a panelist at a Walton County Economic Development Alliance sponsored workshop on July 28. Tom's presentation was on the State of Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. Additional presentations were made by BP Claims Officer Randall Seward, SBA Disaster Team Public Information Officer Michael Peacock, accountant Tammy McGaughy of O'Sullivan Creel and legal information by Scott Critzer.
Tom also participated in the Walton County Economic Development Alliance quarterly round table meeting. It included portions of the IEDC/EDA County Site Visit. The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has been contracted by the U.S. Department of Commerce to assist the community in their economic recovery from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and drilling moratorium. The team of recovery expects conducted their site visit over a two and one-half day period. The goal of the visit was to collect input on viable recovery strategies for the region and identify the resources needed to implement the strategies.
MACs Deployed to the July 4th Riverfest Celebration
As part of the SBDC at UWF efforts to reach out to businesses and the community at large the SBDC deployed the FSBDC Network's Mobile Assistance Center (MAC) during the Fourth of July weekend. Larry Strain staffed the FSBDC Mobile Assistance Center during the July 4th Riverfest Celebration in Milton. Over 25,000 people attended the festival and during the day Strain distributed FSBDCN can huggers to people stopping at the RV along with disaster preparedness information. Over 4400 people stopped at the SBDC MAC during the day taking away disaster preparedness information as well as information on the services of the SBDC at UWF.
SBDC at USF
SBDC at USF Discussed Partnership with St. Petersburg's Sustainable Entrepreneurship & Innovation Alliance
Eileen Rodriguez of the SBDC at USF met with Dr. Bill Jackson and Daniel Scott with USF St. Petersburg's Sustainable Entrepreneurship & Innovation Alliance to discuss a partnership. CBA Wayne Brass continues these efforts as the SBDC representative at USF's St. Petersburg office.
Eileen also served as faculty advisor for the USF COB's International Business Board and regularly attends meetings. Along with Eileen, Bill McKown also serves on the COB Staff Council. Kris Manning attends USF CRAN meetings, as well as Office Manager meetings for the COB.
SBDC at Florida Keys Community College
SBDC at FKCC Establishes an SBA Business Recovery Center
The SBDC at FKCC in Key West established an SBA Business Recovery Center. The Center assisted more than 60 small business applicants who were adversely affected by the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. The Center was open for 8 weeks.
Research and Small Business
SBDC at UCF
UCF Millionaires Club - Again
SBDC at UCF was recognized for its efforts at a special event held at the UCF Stadium Club on August 20 by UCF's Office of Research and Commercialization. The event celebrated ten years of research and commercialization successes at UCF and the UCF Millionaires Club. Since 2000, UCF has collectively brought more than $1 billion to the Central Florida economy, growing the economy through research, commercialization and company formation. The SBDC at UCF has been named to the UCF Millionaires Club in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
State Director's Office
Research and Small Business Activities of SDO Staff Member
The Interim Advocate and Business Technology Commercialization Director, Lew Attardo served as a Judge and Referee for the 2010 Emerald Coast BEST Robotics Competition at UWF (4th year representing UWF as a competition Judge and Referee).
Lew also prepared an overview of UWF proposed projects in response to the Deepwater Horizon Disaster and to the EDA/IEDC Technical Assistance Team visit to Florida; worked with Professor Dave Eppright, UWF College of Business, on the design of Food Science/Safety proposal for EDA; and presented Deepwater proposal summaries and recommendations to the Associate Vice President for Research and President's Office.
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.