Press Releases - Florida SBDC.

Florida SBDC at USF Announces 2023 Regional Performance Award Winners

TAMPA (May 11, 2023) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at University of South Florida (USF) announced its 2023 Performance Award and small business winners on May 10, during the 2023 Florida SBDC at USF Business Awards Celebration Luncheon. The event was held at USF’s Marshall Center. Performance award winners are now eligible for Florida SBDC Network state awards. State award winners will be announced at the Florida SBDC Network’s Annual Conference, held in Fort Lauderdale in August.

“We were thrilled to be able to recognize our employees and business owners in person, after having to take a hiatus due to COVID,” Carl Hadden, regional director of the Florida SBDC at USF said. “We are proud to be a tireless supporter of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is not a solitary activity. Entrepreneurs need the support system of the Florida SBDC at USF, bankers, attorneys, accountants, insurance agents, and the support of their family, friends, and community to thrive. We are blessed to be one of many contributors to the successes we celebrated today.”

Kristene Manning

Ambassador of the Year: Kristene Manning

Kris Manning’s commitment to excellence as the Florida SBDC at USF Fiscal and Business Manager enables the region to deliver on the Florida SBDC Network mission of “Providing businesses the expertise and resources to succeed” as well as the vision of Florida SBDC at USF Announces

2023 Regional Performance Award Winners

“Creating a better Florida for all by helping businesses grow” by working closely with the regional director to manage the region’s finances ensuring seamless service delivery. Kris meets regularly with peers throughout the University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business to find solutions to collective challenges while simultaneously sharing best practices. Manning’s expertise in her role directly impacts stakeholder return and value as well as commitment to excellence while indirectly helping the region deliver business needs and solutions contributing to the development and economic growth of our communities, all of which encompass the FSBDCN values. Kris goes above and beyond in her duties every day to make sure the Florida SBDC at USF is properly equipped to help businesses grow.

Performance Excellence Award: Gregory J. Manning

Gregory J. Manning

Greg Manning is a Florida SBDC at USF business consultant. Manning joined the Florida SBDC at USF team in August 2020, just three months into the COVID-19 pandemic. He came to us with a wealth of business knowledge, having owned 16 Hallmark stores throughout central and south Florida. Greg was tasked, in April 2022, with covering four counties in our 10-county region. Since these counties are very rural and spread across many miles, they would normally be covered by three consultants. Even with the added coverage area, Greg saw 332 unique clients and maintained his excellent satisfaction rate. Then, in October 2022, Greg worked three Hurricane Ian mobile Business Recovery Centers (BRC) across three counties in Lake Placid, Arcadia, and Wauchula, providing 160.25 hours of disaster capital access consulting to his clients. Manning served 47 BRC walk-ins and converted 85% of them into SBDC clients while accurately following BRC procedures by streamlining the process for clients in an already stressful time and allowing for timely entry of administrative data. Greg’s sense of responsibility and ownership, as well as his commitment to partners and the small business community goes far above and beyond expectations.

Resource Partner of the Year: USF Research Foundation Inc.

The USF Research Foundation Inc. (RF) has proven themselves to be a patient, persistent, passionate, problem-solving partner to the Florida SBDC at USF. In early-2021, SBDC leadership determined the center’s regional office needed to be downsized to meet the post-COVID workflow and budgetary constraints. SBDC engaged with the RF in April 2021 regarding office space at USF CONNECT. RF’s enthusiasm to attract the SBDC into the research park was evident from the initial meeting. The RF negotiated lease terms that addressed SBDC’s budget constraints, increased the improvement allowance in the lease agreement, and secured a $50,000 commitment from Florida High Tech Corridor to support the buildout of the SBDC office space. The accommodations provided by RF and the financial support of the Florida High Tech Corridor allowed the SBDC to enter a lease in January 2022. Amid a construction material supply chain crisis and labor shortages, RF’s project manager remained fully engaged with the SBDC and contractor during the buildout resulting in project completion on time and under budget. The RF continues to support the mission of the SBDC with sponsorship for events as well as prompt support for services requests, and general inquiries. With their continued financial support and advocacy, enthusiastic partners like the Research Foundation elevate the impact the Florida SBDC at USF has in the research park and throughout our ten-county region.

Daniel Dorian Rising Star Nominee

Daniel Dorian

Daniel Dorian graduated from the University of South Florida in the spring of 2022 with a degree in Economics and Entrepreneurship. Shortly after graduation, he joined the team at Pinellas County Economic Development’s Office of Small Business and Supplier Diversity. In less than 1 year he has become an Indispensable part of the team at the Pinellas County Satellite Office for the Florida SBDC at USF. Based on his go-getter attitude, he was quickly given team leadership over all client intake and public interaction, and now acts as the point of contact for all client and citizen inquiries in the division. During his short service he has already revamped all public facing documents to improve understandability and to comply with FSBDC State branding standards. Working with Pinellas County’s Economic Development Marketing division, Dorian has revamped SBDC at Pinellas website and collateral materials and now maintains control of the inventory. Daniel has also taken leadership over the division’s workshop processes and scheduling system, proving that he is a rising star in all aspects.

Graduate Student Project of the Year: University of Tampa

University of Tampa student team included MBA graduate students who were all part of the Strategic Analysis Project (SAP) for family-owned, premier grass fed/grass finished cattle producer, Providence Cattle, where they developed a paper that analyzed the industry as well as the company and developed recommendations that aimed to improve the competitive position of Providence Cattle. The team visited the client’s location, in addition to holding multiple meetings throughout the semester. The team’s report concluded with three recommendations that Providence Cattle will implement to improve their brand awareness, create a niche customer base, and increase social responsibility as well as improve public relations. The client provided immediate feedback to the team sharing, “The presentation was so thorough and actionable. These are strategies we can actually use and implement. Thank you!!”

Undergraduate Student Project of the Year: Warner University

The Spring 2022 Warner University student team produced a Small Business Analysis for law firm Rignanese & Associates PLLC owned by Cynthia Rignanese. The students were challenged to go deeper than general information relating to the law industry and uncover relevant and actionable information for a firm specializing in elder law, estate planning, and real estate. The students prepared a thorough report that included a SWOT Analysis, Industry Analysis, Marketing Analysis, Financial Analysis, and Management Analysis. Rignanese was very impressed with the students and the recommendations they provided stating, “The Team did a thorough and professional job — from research to PowerPoint presentation. I was impressed by the data on not only the legal industry, but on my particular area of practice — estate planning for seniors in Central Florida. I am a numbers person, so when I received valuable data and input from the Team, I was pleasantly surprised. I ended up with useful information that will help my law firm to achieve its one- and five-year goals”.

Also recognized were the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) award winners. Winners included David Hahn, of Results Sales and Services, as the SBA South Florida District and State of Florida Veteran Vusiness Owner of the Year, as well as Mark Clifton, of Spathe Systems, as the SBA South Florida District Minority Business Owner of the Year. The SBA also recognized Sunshine State Economic Development Corporation as the Top Certified Development Company and the Florida Business Development Corporation as the Top Community Advantage Lender.

View the photo gallery.

Media Contact: Stephanie Ordonez, ordonez25@usf.edu

About the Florida SBDC at USF

The Florida SBDC at USF helps create a better Florida for all by providing businesses the expertise and resources needed to succeed and grow. 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, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida, and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the network’s lead host institution. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals.

Florida SBDC at USF opens new satellite location at Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

Blog, Press Releases

Scott Carpenter

SARASOTA, Fla. (October 6, 2022) – Florida SBDC at University of South Florida opens a new location within The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce building at 1945 Fruitville Road with Scott Carpenter as lead business consultant. Florida SBDC at USF assists aspiring, emerging and existing businesses in Sarasota and Manatee counties, through no-cost confidential business consulting, market research, and low-cost training. The Florida SBDC at USF co-location is an example of how the Sarasota Chamber continues to expand upon member benefits to promote, support and connect the business community.

“Our 2022 survey results indicated marketing/communications, sales skills training and strategic planning as a top need of our businesses. With access to SBDC coaching, we can expand the education provided by our Shumaker University skills training all year-long. We believe this adds even more value to the portfolio of benefits our members currently enjoy,” said Heather Kasten, President/CEO, Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

Scott Carpenter who is the point of contact at the Chamber location, has experience in leading national B2C and B2B campaigns to increase profit and loss results through small to multi-million budgets. Carpenter joined the Florida SBDC at USF with a marketing communications and public relations career spanning three decades. Carpenter also successfully launched and grew his own public relations and communications firm that has recorded more than $10 million in billings.

“The Florida SBDC at USF is excited to have its Sarasota office located within The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce,” states Carpenter. “Through our no-cost consultations, our goal is to provide Chamber members and all local executives with insight and market expertise that accelerate their business. From business planning to financial assessment, access to capital and marketing analysis, our team is poised to help the Sarasota business community grow and thrive.”

As a business consultant, Carpenter can assist Chamber members with disaster relief loans for businesses affected by Hurricane Ian and help them create a long-term strategic plan for their company. With the help of Carpenter and Florida SBDC at USF, The Chamber will be able to better support its members and their needs.

About The Great Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce (GSCC) is a major force in our community’s economic prosperity and outstanding lifestyle. An award-winning not-for-profit membership organization, the Chamber provides the leadership to achieve a diverse balanced economy that enhances the quality of living and working in greater Sarasota.

Media Contact

communications@sarasotachamber.com

Florida SBDC at USF Consultant Wins Network State Star Award

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TAMPA, FL (July 5, 2022) – Karen Krymski, MPH, CVE, received the Florida SBDC Network’s State Star Award at the Network’s Small Business Success Summit, held in Tampa on June 28. The award recognizes Krymski for her accomplishments during 2021. Only one State Star is awarded by the Network each year.

Florida SBDC at USF Consultant Wins Network State Star Award

Karen Krymski, MPH, CVE, accepts the Florida SBDC Network State Star award from Network CEO, Greg Britton. Photo by: Carl Hadden

Krymski has been a member of the Florida SBDC at University of South Florida team since 2015. She is a procurement specialist for the Florida Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) at USF. She joined the team with extensive entrepreneurial, marketing, and government contracting experience. She excels at determining client needs and gauging how they should begin their government contracting journey. Krymski performs a thorough analysis of her clients’ capabilities, their competitors, and market opportunities to provide data-driven, actionable recommendations.

The economic impact generated by her clients in 2021 is a true testament to her effectiveness as a specialist. She provided consulting to 311 entrepreneurs in 2021 and was able to capture 1,173 instances of government contracts valued at $79 million, plus an additional $1.25 million in commercial/private contracts, totaling more than $80 million in contract opportunities for businesses in the Florida SBDC at USF region.

Krymski also consistently partners with her Florida SBDC at USF colleagues who specialize in access to capital, to provide her clients with additional support. By joining forces with these consultants, she was able to help secure an additional $5.8 million in capital for her clients.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Karen’s accomplishments,” Florida SBDC at USF Regional Director, Carl Hadden, said. “Karen’s passion to help her clients reach their full potential is infectious. Her clients consistently share their gratitude for her guidance, professionalism and expertise.”

Krymski was also recognized at the Network conference with a Laura Subal Lifetime Achievement Award for helping Florida’s small businesses obtain more than $100 million in contracts to date. Yolanda Goodloe, procurement specialist at the Florida PTAC at Pinellas County Economic Development office, received a Laura Subal Lifetime Achievement Award for securing more than $50 million in contracts for Florida small businesses to date.

Additional regional award winners for the Florida SBDC at USF, include:

Regional Performance Excellence Award – Karen Krymski, MPH, CVE
Regional Resource Partner Award – Spectrum Reach (Lizzy Olmstead/Montess Burt)
Regional Undergraduate Student Project Award – 3 Keys Brewery and Pub, LLC (University of South Florida)
Regional Graduate Student Project Award – Modular Molding International Inc. (University of Tampa)

Krymski is now in the running for the America’s SBDC Network national State Star award, to be announced in September at its annual conference in San Diego, Calif.

The Florida SBDC at USF assists existing and emerging businesses in the 10-county Tampa Bay region, through no-cost confidential business consulting, information, and low-cost training. Learn more about the available services for businesses at SBDCTampaBay.com.

About the Florida SBDC Network:

For over forty years, the Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance [Fl. Stat. 288.001], has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development to provide existing and emerging small and medium-sized business owners with management and knowledge resources that enable overall growth, increased profitability, and economic prosperity for Florida’s economy. Since 2011, Florida SBDCs have provided 624,331 hours of professional business consulting to 58,975 client businesses, resulting in 281,831 jobs impacted; $36.7 billion in sales generated; $2.7 billion in government contracts acquired; $1.6 billion in capital accessed; and 4,520 new businesses started. A statewide network of over 40 offices, the Florida SBDC is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of Defense, State of Florida and other private and public partners. The Florida SBDC Network, headquartered at the University of West Florida, is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs and is a 2016 recipient of the President’s E Award for Export Service. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency. For more information, please visit www.FloridaSBDC.org.

Wanda Barton, Xtremely Clean Janitorial Services Named 2022 SBA State of Florida Woman Business Owner of the Year

Blog, Featured News, Press Releases, SBDC News

Wanda Barton

TAMPA, Fl. – The Florida SBDC at University of South Florida, in cooperation with the U.S. Small Business Administration, recognized local business owner, Wanda Barton, on May 5, as the 2022 U.S. SBA South Florida District and State of Florida Woman Business Owner of the Year.

Barton is the owner of Xtremely Clean Janitorial Services, LLC, and a client of Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County. Her business consultant is Janette Blanco. The award was presented at The Power of Creative: A Small Business Week Lunch and Learn, sponsored by Spectrum Reach.

National Small Business Week Awards celebrate the sacrifices and achievements of small business owners and their significant contributions to our economy and our communities. The 30^th Annual National Small Business Week was celebrated May 1-7.

Xtremely Clean Janitorial Services is an African American, woman-owned, certified business started in 2013. The business initially focused on cleaning foreclosed homes, but when the market turned, Barton looked for alternatives to sustain her business.

CJ Castro, Senior Area Director for the U.S. SBA South Florida District, was on hand to present the award.

“Wanda Barton’s vision for Xtremely Clean was built on a solid foundation,” Castro said during his presentation. “She is a person who has built a successful company and excelled along the way.”

He mentioned Barton’s multiple business certifications that have helped her to grow Xtremely Clean Janitorial Services into the business it is today. Her certifications include:

Woman & Minority Business Certification by the City of Tampa – March 27, 2021, through March 27, 2023
Small Business Enterprise Certification by Port Tampa Bay – November 1, 2021, through October 31, 2022
Minority/Woman Business Certification by Hillsborough County – January 19,2021 through January 19, 2023
Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) by the City of Tampa – April 12, 2017, through March 6, 2019
Woman & Minority Business Certification by the State of Florida – 5/15/2020 through 5/15/2022
Green Seal Certified since October 2013

Xtremely Clean Janitorial Services provides services throughout Tampa Bay. When Barton started as a Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County client in 2013, she had six employees and annual sales of less than $2,500. Now, the business is approaching $2 million in annual sales and 80 employees. Local, city, and state government contracting has been a large part of Barton’s growth strategy.

Barton has secured contracts with the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, Port Tampa Bay, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Department of Management Services, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, and other agencies.

“Everybody knows that cleaning is not for everybody, but I will say that it is my passion,” Barton said. “I love what I do. I started my company very small. Of course, it wasn’t fun, but I knew I had to start somewhere. Today I stand here to say I am grateful that I put a lot of things aside to make sure I took my company to the next level. It was not easy, but I did it. I’m going to keep doing it as I should to take my company even further.”

While she continues to grow her business, Barton also serves as a mentor for other cleaning business owners, sharing her knowledge, passion and lessons learned, in hopes that they too can reach the success that she has.

During her acceptance speech, she credited the Florida SBDC Network, the City of Tampa, and the State of Florida with her success.

“I want to thank the City of Tampa and SBDC,” she said. “I must give special recognition to Ms. Janette because she stood alongside me and believed in me when times were hard. She was there. I could call her up at any time and just vent because it’s not easy. We run into a whole lot of challenges. There were doors that closed and I just kept knocking on them. I just kept knocking.

“I really appreciate the City of Tampa for giving me the opportunity to service them, because without the State of Florida and the City of Tampa, I would not be standing here.”

Pictured: CJ Castro, Senior Area Manager, U.S. SBA South Florida District; Wanda Barton, Xtremely Clean Janitorial Services LLC owner; Carl Hadden, Interim Regional Director, Florida SBDC at USF; Elizabeth Gaustad, Field Marketing Specialist, Spectrum Reach

Pictured: Janette Blanco, Business Consultant, Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County; Wanda Barton, Xtremely Clean Janitorial Services LLC owner; Carol Minor, Center Director, Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County; Carl Hadden, Interim Regional Director, Florida SBDC at USF

About the Florida SBDC Network:

For over forty years, the Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance [Fl. Stat. 288.001], has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development to provide existing and emerging small and medium-sized business owners with management and knowledge resources that enable overall growth, increased profitability, and economic prosperity for Florida’s economy. Since 2011, Florida SBDCs have provided 624,331 hours of professional business consulting to 58,975 client businesses, resulting in 281,831 jobs impacted; $36.7 billion in sales generated; $2.7 billion in government contracts acquired; $1.6 billion in capital accessed; and 4,520 new businesses started. A statewide network of over 40 offices, the Florida SBDC is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida and other private and public partners. The Florida SBDC Network, headquartered at the University of West Florida, is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs and is a 2016 recipient of the President’s E Award for Export Service. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency. For more information, please visit www.FloridaSBDC.org.

Eileen Rodriguez awarded Jerry Cartwright Lifetime Achievement Award

Press Releases, SBDC News

After 24 years of service to the Florida SBDC at University of South Florida, Eileen Rodriguez will retire on August 6, leaving a long-lasting legacy behind.

The Florida SBDC Network state office has chosen Eileen as the recipient of this year’s Jerry Cartwright Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was named after Jerry Cartwright, former Florida SBDC Network state director, for his lifetime of work within the SBDC organization. He was recognized as an innovator in developing new programs.

Eileen initially joined the Florida SBDC at USF as a consultant in February 1997. As a minority business owner herself, she found a niche assisting small business owners through business certification and international trade efforts, while also teaching seminars in both English and Spanish.

As a regional director, Eileen was a proven leader. She was responsible for policy development, strategic planning, human resources management, and the administrative oversight of a $3.1 million budget for the region.

While she has been known to say that she had no idea what she was doing when she was named regional director, one would never know it by watching her performance. Much of Eileen’s work over the years focused on developing outreach programs and attracting additional funding for the Florida SBDC at USF region. These activities played a central role in developing partnerships between USF and the larger Tampa Bay community, enabling the Center to continue to extend its technical services.

Her work within the community has led to many awards over the years, including the Hispanic Leadership Class Award in Business from Tampa Hispanic Heritage in 2013, the Chairman’s Award from Florida Minority Supplier Development Council in 2016, the Minority Business Advocate Award from MED Corp in 2017, and the USF Pathways Award in 2018. She was also a finalist for the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Business Woman of the Year in 2011. Her office is littered with plaques and trophies from various speaking engagements and awards from the past 24 years.

Eileen will be remembered as a leader within the Tampa Bay community and beyond – a leader amongst leaders. The Florida SBDC at USF is more diversified and resilient today because she had the intellectual agility to be in front, leading the charge.

Eileen was also a vocal advocate for positive change within the Florida SBDC Network at the state level. Janice Donaldson, retired Florida SBDC at University of North Florida regional director, said, ”I could always call [her] or email [her] when I was worried, upset, frustrated or didn’t know what to do about a problem. I never once questioned whether it was good advice or not because it always was, and she’s done that for every regional director.”

Florida SBDC at USF Announces Regional Award Winners

Press Releases, SBDC News

TAMPA, FL (July 30, 2021) – The Florida SBDC at University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business hosted the 2021 Performance Awards Celebration Luncheon at Armature Works today to honor its regional award winners.

The Florida SBDC at USF announced the following award winners:

Performance Excellence of the Year – Bill Burnham
Volunteer of the Year – Dr. Mary Armstrong
Student Project of the Year – eSmart Recycling, Inc. (Tony Selvaggio and University of Tampa)
Outstanding Resource Partner of the Year – Manatee County Economic Development (Ruth Buchanan and Bruno Kapacinskas)
Game Changer of the Year Nominee – The Elf Network (Stacey Dadd, Eileen Rodriguez, Yanina Rosario, Shaunda Wickham)

“It’s been a long, hard year and a half due to COVID-19,” Interim Associate Director, Stacey Dadd, said. “We are proud to finally have the chance to recognize these individuals for all of the hard work that’s been done in the past two years. They have accomplished some amazing things in that time and Tampa Bay’s small businesses are better for their dedication and hard work.”

The Florida SBDC at USF did not have awards in 2020, due to COVID-19.

The Florida SBDC at USF Performance Awards winners advance to the state-level awards for the Florida SBDC Network. State winners will be announced at the Florida SBDC Network’s virtual awards celebration, on August 24.

In addition to recognizing the above award winners, the luncheon also served as a celebration of regional director, Eileen Rodriguez, who is retiring effective August 6, after 24 years of service to USF.

About the Florida SBDC Network:

For over forty years, the Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance [Fl. Stat. 288.001], has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development to provide existing and emerging small and medium-sized business owners with management and knowledge resources that enable overall growth, increased profitability, and economic prosperity for Florida’s economy. Since 2011, Florida SBDCs have provided 624,331 hours of professional business consulting to 58,975 client businesses, resulting in 281,831 jobs impacted; $36.7 billion in sales generated; $2.7 billion in government contracts acquired; $1.6 billion in capital accessed; and 4,520 new businesses started. A statewide network of over 40 offices, the Florida SBDC is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida and other private and public partners. The Florida SBDC Network, headquartered at the University of West Florida, is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs and is a 2016 recipient of the President’s E Award for Export Service. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency. For more information, please visit www.FloridaSBDC.org.

COVID-19 Pandemic Broadens Access to Training for Entrepreneurs

Blog, Disaster Preparedness, Featured News, Press Releases, SBDC News

TAMPA (March 5, 2021) – With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the Florida SBDC at University of South Florida immediately halted all of its in-person events.

The center typically hosts between 80 to 100 events each year at its Channelside Drive location, in downtown Tampa. This includes eight to 12 face-to-face seminars per month covering topics such as starting a business, using social media to market a business successfully, and government contracting. It also includes larger events such as its Annual Small Business Awards Celebration in May, the Basic Economic Development Course in November, and monthly government contracting networking breakfasts.

While buried in disaster relief assistance related to the pandemic, marketing and communications officer Stacey Dadd took the opportunity to reevaluate how training was being delivered.

“We sat still for a few months as we were trying to work through the thousands of requests we’d received for disaster assistance, and in May I started researching a variety of platforms we could use to deliver our services online,” Dadd said.

The center resumed its training schedule, albeit slightly altered, in July 2020, and the results have been impressive. The center now offers eight to 10 one-hour webinars each month, featuring a variety of its professionally-certified consultants as speakers, giving business owners the opportunity to connect and ask questions in a live, virtual environment. The results have been positive.

“In all of 2019, we hosted 89 events at our Channelside location with just 984 attendees,” Dadd added. “Even with taking a three-month hiatus in 2020, we served 1,176 attendees in just 44 events and as a bonus, because of the wonders of technology, 500 more have watched the recordings in our online portal.”

The trend has continued into 2021, with 50 percent of all registrations present in the live webinars. Dadd says the center is on track to serve nearly 4,000 entrepreneurs via its webinars, based on the current data.

“We really couldn’t be happier with the outcome,” Eileen Rodriguez, regional director at the Florida SBDC at USF, said. “We have talked about adding a virtual component to our training for a few years but were initially resistant to the change. Even when we’re able to go back to face-to-face services, we will still keep an online component to our training events.”

All Florida SBDC at USF consulting and training opportunities continue to take place virtually, until further notice. To register for one of the upcoming webinars, go to SBDCTampaBay.com/training-calendar.

Governor Activates Bridge Loan Program for Small Businesses

Blog, Disaster Preparedness, Featured News, Press Releases, SBDC News

Florida SBDC at USF to Administer Loans in 10-county Tampa Bay region

TAMPA (March 17, 2020) – The Florida SBDC at University of South Florida will facilitate the loan process for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, for small businesses in the Tampa Bay region.

The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, activated by Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday, March 16, is available to small businesses in Florida that are experiencing economic damage as a result of COVID-19.

“We understand the urgency surrounding the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program,” Eileen Rodriguez, regional director of the Florida SBDC at USF, said. “We are here to help and will work with small business owners as quickly as possible, as we are experiencing a high volume of inquiries right now.”

The Florida SBDC at USF will accept applications for the following counties: Desoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota.

To qualify, applicants must be for-profit, privately held small businesses that maintain a place of business in Florida. Businesses must also be an employer with 2 to 100 employees. Loans are interest-free for one year. Businesses can qualify for up to $50,000 in most instances. Applications will be accepted through May 8.

Florida SBDC Network business consultants, many of whom are Disaster Recovery Institute (DRI) Certified Business Continuity Professionals, are available to assist small businesses through the loan application process and with other COVID-19-related challenges at no-cost.

The Florida SBDC at USF is available to answer questions and assist small business owners in submitting applications. Loan decisions are made by an independent committee made up of economic development and finance professionals from within the region. Financing is provided by the state of Florida using public funds. The state is also working diligently to make an online application available as well.

For additional qualifications and details for getting started, please visit us online at SBDCTampaBay.com/coronavirus. Details for how to submit the completed application and documentation are available on this webpage. All updates or changes to the process will be communicated via this webpage as well.

As a principal responder in the state’s Emergency Support Function (ESF) 18 for Business & Industry, the Florida SBDC Network is a key economic development organization that supports disaster preparedness, recovery, and mitigation through its Business Continuation services.

About the Florida SBDC Network:

For over forty years, the Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance [Fl. Stat. 288.001], has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development to provide existing and emerging small and medium-sized business owners with management and knowledge resources that enable overall growth, increased profitability, and economic prosperity for Florida’s economy. Since 2011, Florida SBDCs have provided 624,331 hours of professional business consulting to 58,975 client businesses, resulting in 281,831 jobs impacted; $36.7 billion in sales generated; $2.7 billion in government contracts acquired; $1.6 billion in capital accessed; and 4,520 new businesses started. A statewide network of over 40 offices, the Florida SBDC is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida and other private and public partners. The Florida SBDC Network, headquartered at the University of West Florida, is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs and is a 2016 recipient of the President’s E Award for Export Service. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency. For more information, please visit www.FloridaSBDC.org.

SBDC Blog Named Top Small Business Blog, Website

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Feedspot recognizes Florida SBDC at USF blog and website in #68 spot

TAMPA (December 3, 2019) – The Florida SBDC at University of South Florida blog has been named to the Top 100 Small Business Blogs and Websites to Follow in 2019 list, by Feedspot.

“We see thousands of business owners each year, helping them to grow their businesses,” Stacey Dadd, marketing and communications officer, said. “We’re pleased that we are able to provide thought leadership in the area of entrepreneurship to those clients, and many more, at no cost to them. It’s important that they have access to the endless free resources that are available to them in the Tampa Bay region.”

The Florida SBDC at University of South Florida ranked #68 on this year’s list of top small business blogs and websites.

The Florida SBDC at USF blog publishes an average of once per week, featuring tip articles for business owners, as well as success stories of clients in the 10-county Tampa Bay region, infographics, audio segments, and more. In-house professionally credentialed consultants write all content.

“We’re only able to provide this high-quality blog due to the expertise of our business consultants we have on staff from the University of South Florida, Pinellas County Economic Development and our consultants at the Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County,” Dadd added.

The Florida SBDC at USF provides no-cost consulting, training and information to existing and emerging businesses in the 10-county Tampa Bay region. The Center serves entrepreneurs in Desoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Highlands, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

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About the Florida SBDC Network:

For over forty years, the Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance [Fl. Stat. 288.001], has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development to provide existing and emerging small and medium-sized business owners with management and knowledge resources that enable overall growth, increased profitability, and economic prosperity for Florida’s economy. Since 2011, Florida SBDCs have provided 624,331 hours of professional business consulting to 58,975 client businesses, resulting in 281,831 jobs impacted; $36.7 billion in sales generated; $2.7 billion in government contracts acquired; $1.6 billion in capital accessed; and 4,520 new businesses started. A statewide network of over 40 offices, the Florida SBDC is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida and other private and public partners. The Florida SBDC Network, headquartered at the University of West Florida, is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs and is a 2016 recipient of the President’s E Award for Export Service. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency. For more information, please visit www.FloridaSBDC.org.

Florida SBDC Network Announces Performance Excellence Awards

Featured News, Press Releases, SBDC News

Employees, Partners Recognized for Efforts in Support of Florida’s Small Businesses

TAMPA, FL – The Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2019 Performance Excellence Awards. The awards, which were presented June 25 in Orlando as part of the network’s annual conference, recognized top personnel, volunteers, and partners for their contributions to the network’s mission of helping the state’s small businesses grow and succeed.

“At the Florida SBDC Network, we believe in creating unimaginable possibilities for small businesses, while also creating economic prosperity for our state,” said Michael W. Myhre, CEO of the Florida SBDC Network. “Congratulations to our award winners and service year award recipients, who work tirelessly to ensure our state’s entrepreneurs and small business owners have the resources and expertise needed to find success.”

Florida Level Awards

Florida SBDC Network Announces Performance Excellence Awards

Pictured: Yanina Rosario, left, accepts the Florida Student Project of the Year award at the Florida SBDC Network Annual Conference, with Grace Prosthetics representative, Tony Culver.

The network awarded the Florida Student Project of the Year Award to the Florida SBDC at the University of South Florida in recognition of the region’s work with University of Tampa students. The student team provided New Port Richey-based Grace Prosthetic Fabrication, Inc. with an in-depth assessment to help the company streamline operations and plan for growth.

The Florida SBDC Region of the Year Award was presented to the Florida SBDC at the University of West Florida for exceeding performance goals and the region’s exceptional work to help small businesses following Hurricane Michael. In partnership with the network and its state and federal partners, the Florida SBDC at UWF played a key role in helping small businesses across the Panhandle secure more than $21 million in short-term, interest-free Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans.

The Florida State Star Award was presented to Adam McCloskey, associate director of the Florida SBDC at the University of West Florida, for his leadership and extraordinary efforts to help small businesses recover following Hurricane Michael. The State Star award, the highest accolade achievable by SBDC employees, recognizes extraordinary performers who have made strong contributions to their state network. As part of the award, McCloskey will be honored among State Star awardees from SBDCs across the country as part of the 39th Annual America’s SBDC Conference in September in Long Beach, Calif.

The Florida Employee of the Year Award was presented to Lorena Lozada, administrative assistant of the Florida SBDC at Florida International University for her exemplary financial and bilingual communication skills. Thanks to Lozada, the region has increased its reach to Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs.

The Florida Rising Star Award was presented to Kaitlyn Saavedra, a business consultant with the Florida SBDC at the University of North Florida. The award, which honors employees under the age of 35 with less than five years of service with the network, was presented to Saavedra for her leadership and dedication to serving clients in Northeast Florida.

The Florida Team Spirit of the Year Award was presented to Debbie Lanford, international trade specialist for the Florida SBDC at Florida Atlantic University. The award, which recognizes one network professional for their collaborative attitude in helping the network achieve strategic initiatives, was presented to Lanford for her leadership in facilitating the network’s statewide international trade committee. As a testament to the team’s work, the Florida SBDC Network was awarded the Program Excellence Award from the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators (NASBITE).

The Florida Game Changer of the Year Award was presented to LaShaun Collier, business consultant with the Florida SBDC at Florida Gulf Coast University, for her work to create a standard, holistic assessment of a new client.

The Florida Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Wayne F. Leland. Leland, who serves as managing partner of the Winter Park-based outsourced CFO firm Nperspective, has volunteered with the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida since 2007. As a dedicated and longtime volunteer advisor, Leland has donated 108 hours of pro-bono consulting services to small businesses across Central Florida.

The network awarded the Florida Outstanding Resource Partner of the Year Award to the Florida Economic Development Council for the organization’s membership on the network’s state advisory board. Additionally, FEDC was recognized for serving as an integral member in the network’s Partners in Prosperity initiative, which illustrates how the state’s economic and business development organizations work together to help small businesses succeed.

About the Florida SBDC Network:

For over forty years, the Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance [Fl. Stat. 288.001], has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development to provide existing and emerging small and medium-sized business owners with management and knowledge resources that enable overall growth, increased profitability, and economic prosperity for Florida’s economy. Since 2011, Florida SBDCs have provided 624,331 hours of professional business consulting to 58,975 client businesses, resulting in 281,831 jobs impacted; $36.7 billion in sales generated; $2.7 billion in government contracts acquired; $1.6 billion in capital accessed; and 4,520 new businesses started. A statewide network of over 40 offices, the Florida SBDC is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida and other private and public partners. The Florida SBDC Network, headquartered at the University of West Florida, is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs and is a 2016 recipient of the President’s E Award for Export Service. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency. For more information, please visit www.FloridaSBDC.org.

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