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Archive for category: Blog

From Corporate to Cutting-Edge Manufacturing: A Veteran and Family-Owned Business Thrives in Manatee County

Blog, Featured Success Stories, Success Stories
Spectrum Custom Molds & Manufacturing Inc of Manatee County

Spectrum Custom Molds & Manufacturing Inc of Manatee County

After two decades in corporate America developing new products and technologies, Michael Guidoboni felt a shift coming in the industry. “In 2016, 2017, the corporate industry was taking a little bit of a turn, and I started exploring what other options I had,” Guidoboni said.

Reflecting on an early passion for metal fabrication, Michael and Son, Adam Guidoboni, took a bold leap: purchasing a tool shop and transforming it into a full-service manufacturing company, Spectrum Custom Molds and Manufacturing Inc. “Bada bing, bada boom. Here I am eight years later, and you see where we’ve come,” Michael said.

The family-owned company has since grown into a one-stop shop for customers—offering everything from tool building to production, assembly, and distribution. With support from the Florida SBDC at USF and consultant Brad Mix, the business received guidance on financial planning, which led to successful results. “Our relationship with the Florida SBDC at USF has been ongoing for about five years now. I originally touched base with the SBDC for some assistance in getting financing for building the building that we’re sitting in right now. Needed the resources, didn’t really know where to go or how to proceed with that process. And early on I was connected with Brad from the Florida SBDC at USF and he helped me put my financials together so that we could go approach banks and lenders in an attempt to get funding for the building,” Michael said.

With Mix’s help the family business secured financing through a U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) loan with help from their bank in Wisconsin and Florida First Capital, which oversees the SBA 504 portion.

That funding helped fuel a major milestone: the build of a new facility in 2023. “Our biggest success is our new facility that we moved into in 2023 and all the equipment we’ve acquired since then,” Adam said. “We’ve purchased about three machines per year, which has really given us the opportunity to grow. The 10 acres we’re on gives us unlimited capability to grow past where we’re at,” Adam added.

In recognition of these achievements, the business received the 2025 Florida SBDC Veteran Business Owner of the Year Award during the Florida SBDC at USF’s Annual Business Awards. “Since the award ceremony from the Florida SBDC at USF, we’ve seen a lot of uptick in growth. Especially connections, new opportunities, quoting, it’s really given us an opportunity to grow as a business. And, that recognition, we put it on our website. We’ve seen a lot of interest from that and brought new parties,” Adam said.

Now thriving with sales growth, job retention, and national opportunities, the company continues to set its sights on the future of U.S. manufacturing and plans to keep the Florida SBDC at USF along for the ride. “So, as we continue to see success and the business grows, I can envision our relationship with the Florida SBDC at USF providing future opportunities for us. If we have to go build another building, we’re gonna need to get financing. I’m gonna reach out to Brad and say, ‘Here’s the situation we’re in, you know, how do you recommend we move forward? I value your input.’ I think all the information we’ve been given from the Florida SBDC at USF has been spot on and obviously has worked out,” Michael said.

As for advice to other local small business owners, the father and son duo mentioned taking advantage of the opportunities that are readily available. “For new small businesses that are coming into the area and growing, I think the Florida SBDC at USF really gives a good connection and opportunity, especially when you’re a new business and you’ve never been in business before,” Adam said. “I mean, we’re a fairly young business going into our eighth year and for anybody that’s in year one, year two, all the connections and advice in the beginning is more than helpful,” he added.

https://enwqtxc9es4.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Spectrum-Candid-1.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1 3456 5184 sbdclarry /wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Locked-Host-Logos-Horizontal-USF-Small-e1728920602651.png sbdclarry2025-10-01 13:04:272025-10-01 13:04:35From Corporate to Cutting-Edge Manufacturing: A Veteran and Family-Owned Business Thrives in Manatee County

Checklist for Local Government Contracting

Blog, Government Contracting

by Retta Parsons | September 26, 2025

Many factors need to be considered before a business engages in government contracting. It is a complex system that requires much research, monitoring, diligence and time. The following are questions to ask yourself before seeking government contracting opportunities.

  • Does your business have well-defined product or service lines? Have you been in business for at least two years and making sales during that time?
  • Do you have an established clientele with successful completion of projects of similar scope and budget? Can you list those companies as references? Do you have current contact information for those companies that you have verified?
  • Does your business have the capacity to successfully complete contracts on time and on budget? Will you be able to successfully service both your current clientele and the governmental entity should you be awarded the contract?
  • Do you have all required licenses, insurances, bonding, etc., in place? Have you scanned and digitized those documents (generally saved in .pdf form) so that they can be easily uploaded if requested. Keep in mind that, generally, pictures of the documents will not be accepted.
  • Have you secured relevant codes such as DUNS, Cage, NAICS, NIGP, etc.?
  • Have you prepared a capability statement? This is an important one as it is like your ‘resume’ which will be reviewed and evaluated.
  • Do you have time to attend various “Vendor Connect” events throughout the year to network and build relationships with procurement staff and large prime contractors?
  • Are you registered as a vendor with any municipality with whom you would like to submit a bid? Have you secured all relevant certifications offered by them?
  • Do you have the ability to check emails and vendor portal accounts every day? Frequently, changes (amendments) are made to bids and require a response of receipt from interested parties.
  • Do you have quick access to operating capital? Governments have a reputation for paying outside of their contracted reimbursement time limits. Also, invoice submission processes and procedures are known to be difficult with some entities not contacting a business should they need additional information or to make corrections. However, your business still must make payroll and buy supplies. The business is expected to be timely and within budget on all deliverables no matter the circumstances.
  • Does your company have a formal accounting system? Are the financial statements prepared by someone educated and experienced in accounting/bookkeeping? Has that professional done at least a sample review of postings to ensure accuracy? 

Government contracting is complicated at best and requires a good deal of time for success. It should be seen as a supplemental, diversified income stream and not as a sole source. Remember the adage, “Government contracting is in addition to and not instead of,” so focus on creating a business that does not need to depend only on that. Always seek guidance from an experienced government contracting consultant and keep your head in the game. It is possible, you just need to be determined and work towards achieving it.

Author

Retta Parson

Retta Parsons

Consultants, Hillsborough, Parsons

Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County

Specialty: Start-up, Bookkeeping

Retta Parsons brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in business management and public administration to her role as a business consultant. She previously served as CEO of Shiawassee United Way. In that position, she provided leadership to ensure the construction of a $26 million county medical care facility. She also led the change process and alliance establishment that resulted in the implementation of United Way 2-1-1 in Shiawassee County. Parsons also served as a training director for Girl Scouts, where each year she managed the delivery of approximately 124 trainings for more than 700 attendees. Parsons enjoys being active in the community. Past roles include chairperson for the State of Michigan, Department of Health & Human Services, Shiawassee County, board; chairperson of the Shiawassee Human Services Council; and ambassador for the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce. She earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Western Michigan University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Resources Management from Spring Arbor College. She is a certified Child Care Facility Inspector, Instructor of Trainers, and Bridges Out of Poverty Trainer. In her spare time, Parsons enjoys bike riding with her husband, Roger, and spoiling her children and granddaughter.
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https://enwqtxc9es4.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RettaParson_2025WEB-e1742404121983.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1 1024 1024 sbdclarry /wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Locked-Host-Logos-Horizontal-USF-Small-e1728920602651.png sbdclarry2023-01-11 15:22:532025-03-19 13:27:42Retta Parsons
https://enwqtxc9es4.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Checklist-for-Local-Government-Contracting.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1 750 1420 sbdclarry /wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Locked-Host-Logos-Horizontal-USF-Small-e1728920602651.png sbdclarry2025-09-27 21:52:012025-09-27 21:57:50Checklist for Local Government Contracting

Local Government Contracting 101

Blog, Government Contracting

by Retta Parsons | September 26, 2025 You are interested in setting up your business as a government contractor but are not sure where to begin. The process can seem like a confusing maze of deadlines, rules, and paperwork. Luckily, here are some quick tips to get you started: Finally, above all else, remember the […]

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Brewing Tradition & Resilience: A Tampa Coffee Shop’s Story

Blog, Featured Success Stories, Success Stories

Corona’s Coffee Shop of Hillsborough County Nestled in the heart of Tampa, a cozy Latin coffee shop and restaurant, Corona’s Coffee Shop, has been serving flavorful coffee and authentic cuisine for over 40 years. Originally opened by a Cuban descendant with a passion for community and culture, the business was later purchased by its current […]

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Burning Bright: How a Sarasota Candle Business Sparked Success

Blog, Featured Success Stories, Success Stories

Bia Candle Company of Sarasota County Founded in 2019, Bia Candle Company, a Sarasota-based candle company has quickly risen from a startup idea to a thriving manufacturer and retailer with partnerships across Florida. The business, which specializes in high-quality, clean-burning scented candles, was born out of the founder, Bia Antunes’ passion as a candle aficionado […]

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https://enwqtxc9es4.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/BiaCandle-Posed.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1 2000 3000 sbdclarry /wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Locked-Host-Logos-Horizontal-USF-Small-e1728920602651.png sbdclarry2025-09-23 10:37:362025-09-23 10:37:38Burning Bright: How a Sarasota Candle Business Sparked Success

Turning a Passion for Children’s Literature into a Thriving Business

Blog, Featured Success Stories, Success Stories

The Story Garden of Pinellas County For one lifelong educator, a love of children’s books blossomed into a business that is now inspiring young readers across St. Petersburg. Megan Kotsko, owner of The Story Garden, opened her bookstore with a simple yet powerful mission: to provide children from birth through age 12 with a space […]

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Breaking Barriers: How OTAs and OTs Are Powering Small Business Innovation in National Defense

Blog, Government Contracting

by Yolanda Goodloe | July 22,2025 In an era where global threats are increasingly sophisticated and the pace of innovation is accelerating; the United States government is turning to small businesses for answers and removing the red tape that has long kept them out. Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) and Other Transactions (OTs) are transforming how […]

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Family-Owned Business Brings Wellness to the American Workplace

Blog, Featured Success Stories, Success Stories

BN Star of Pasco County For more than 20 years, Magnolia Munoz, Omar Orjuela, and Tomás Orjuela, a family in Colombia, dedicated itself to improving health and wellness through workplace activities. When the family decided to expand to the United States, they brought their business, BN Star, and their vision with them— helping businesses build […]

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Lakeland’s Newest Culinary Destination Brings Wine & Gourmet Fare to the Community

Blog, Featured Success Stories, Success Stories

The Wine Garden of Polk County When Lisa Brophy opened The Wine Garden on April 1, 2025, in Lakeland, it was the culmination of a lifelong dream. The wine and gourmet food retail market, complete with a wine bar, blends her passion for fine food and wine with her vision for creating a welcoming space […]

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Florida SBDC at USF Team Members Honored for Service and Excellence at the Florida SBDC Network’s Performance Excellence Awards

Blog, Press Releases, SBDC News

TAMPA (August 21, 2025) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at University of South Florida (USF) proudly announces that several team members were recognized on August 18, 2025 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay during the 2025 Florida SBDC Network’s Performance Excellence Awards, a prestigious statewide event celebrating outstanding contributions across Florida’s nine […]

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The Florida SBDC at the University of South Florida is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide partnership program nationally accredited by the Association of America’s SBDCs and funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of Defense, State of Florida, and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the network’s headquarters. Full funding disclosure available at www.floridasbdc.org/funding-disclosures/. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency.

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