50 Years of Supporting Florida’s Small Business Dreamers

Fifty years ago, something special started right here in Florida.

Back in 1976, at the University of West Florida, a small idea took root…to give small business owners the guidance, tools, and confidence they need to succeed. That idea became the

Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, and today, it’s grown into one of the largest and most respected business assistance networks in the country.

From one man serving just a handful of clients, the Florida SBDC Network now includes more than 40 offices and 225 business experts across the state, all dedicated to helping small businesses launch, grow, and thrive.

Here at the Florida SBDC at USF, we’re proud to be part of this legacy. Every day, we get to see Florida’s small business owners dream big, take bold steps, and turn their ideas into reality. Whether it’s helping a startup secure funding, guiding an established business through expansion, or supporting entrepreneurs through hurricanes and economic challenges, we’re here for it all, and we’re here for you!

As the Florida SBDC Network celebrates 50 years of impact, we are looking back at the thousands of business owners served across the state and looking ahead to the thousands more we’ll help in the decades to come.

If we’ve helped you along your business journey, we’d love to hear your story! Share how the Florida SBDC has supported your success and help us celebrate 50 years of small business heroes.

Local Highlights:

Here are just a few of the inspiring success stories from small businesses we’ve had the privilege to support here in Tampa Bay:

• Entrepreneur Turns Her Passion into a Growing Travel Business — Armadillo Travel Adventures of Hillsborough County
• Business Owner Guides Students and Job Seekers Toward Their “True North” — North Star Consulting of Hillsborough County
• From Home Kitchen to High-Profile Clients: How Chef JC Turned Her Passion Into a Thriving Business with Help from Florida SBDC at USF — The Bougie Palate, LLC of Hillsborough County

Keep the Celebration Going!

Have we supported you along your business journey? We’d love to hear your story! Share your experience here.

Explore upcoming events and training opportunities at www.SBDCTampaBay.com/Training-Calendar/ and visit the Florida SBDC Network’s 50th Anniversary page at https://floridasbdc.org/50years/ to learn more about our history, statewide impact, and celebrations happening all year long.

Here’s to 50 years of small business success, and many more to come!