Public Relations Agency Blossoms with Support from the Florida SBDC at USF
Blooming Communications of Hillsborough County
Caitlin Gardner turned an unexpected career shift into an opportunity to build her dream business. After being laid off due to corporate restructuring, Gardner relocated to Florida with her family. Determined to use her expertise to help others, she launched Blooming Communications, a full-service public relations (PR) agency and consultancy specializing in strategic communications, media relations, digital marketing, executive coaching, keynote speaking, and more.
True to its name, Blooming Communications is dedicated to fostering growth for clients, much like cultivating a flourishing garden.
When looking for a way to get the business started, the only thing getting in Gardner’s way was actually laying down the business foundation in Florida.
With her skillset and 20 years of experience in PR and marketing, Gardner knew she could create something spectacular in the Tampa Bay area. That’s when she turned to the Florida SBDC at USF for business guidance. With the help of business consultant Christine Jaros, she navigated the complexities of launching her company.
“When I first got laid off, I was overwhelmed, and I wasn’t sure where to look, so I found a lot of resources online about starting my own business. It was actually when I went to the SBDC website and filled out the form, asking for help, that I felt confident because I was able to see a very clear plan and was able to get very quickly a call with my consultant,” Gardner shared.
Jaros provided invaluable support, helping the motivated entrepreneur go through all the necessary steps needed in order to get the business up and running towards success.
“My business has taken off since I’ve been working with the Florida SBDC at the University of South Florida. I have made such an impact, starting from a business plan development to registering with the state, getting an EIN number with the IRS, and also starting my bank account. These were small steps, but they were important for me launching my business successfully,” Gardner said.
With the proper support and guidance, the business owner goes on to mention some of their successes so far. “I want to celebrate every milestone with my business and while we’re still in the start-up phase, I am excited that we have launched, and we have a website, and that we have business plans and pricing structures. We have a good message to get out to the community and to recruit new clients into our sales funnel,” Gardner said.
“One thing that I know that I’m proud of personally is, I am miles ahead of where I was just a few months ago because of the impact of the Florida SBDC and my coach, Christine, helped me with confidence to be able to say, here’s what you can bring to the table, here’s the value,” she added.
Looking ahead, Gardner plans to continue working with the Florida SBDC at USF for resources and guidance as her business expands.
“I’m excited to continue engaging with the SBDC because I have big dreams and goals, and I need their support and their resources. To be able to see the databases and to network and to understand where the financial opportunity is for me. They’re well-connected here in the Tampa market because they’re connected to the University of South Florida. I’m a transplant to this area so I really need those deep connections because I know that hometown feel is important for a lot of business transactions,” Gardner said.
When giving advice to other small business owners about the Florida SBDC at USF, Gardner said the following, “I would say, get started, make that initial phone call or outreach to the SBDC because they are ready and willing to help you.”
