Archive for category: Featured Success Stories

ABA on Demand LLC of Hillsborough County

Driven by a shared passion for helping children with autism and supporting families, two Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Lisset Riera and Rosa Alonso, launched their own behavioral analysis practice, ABA on Demand, to provide high-quality, compassionate ABA services. Their business delivers therapy in schools, homes, and community settings, along with parent training designed to guide families through behavioral challenges with confidence and understanding.

After years of working for other providers, the founders envisioned creating the type of company they always wanted to work for — one that combined best practices, strong professional development, and a positive environment for both clients and staff. “In our experience, we gathered good and bad experiences, so we wanted to take the good ones that we learned and fix the ones that we thought needed fixing to create an environment for employees and also a practice for kids,” Alonso shared.

“We thought, we can provide good quality ABA services and also help the professionals become very proficient in what they do — learn the science, learn how to practice ABA the right way,” she added.

But while they were skilled clinicians, they were new to business ownership. That’s when they discovered the Florida SBDC at USF and connected with business consultant David Vargas. “David has been a life saver. We are BCBAs, so we’re not business managers. We had no experience in how to run the company. So, everything we’ve done, we’ve learned step by step. So, when we got to SBDC, we were completely lost,” Riera said.

“He provided help with the business plan, help with all the financial part and the organization of the company itself, that we needed, that we didn’t even know how to get, we didn’t know where to go,” she added.

With the Florida SBDC at USF’s support, the business has grown rapidly earning business certifications, building community partnerships, and even securing a Glazer Foundation hurricane relief grant, which allowed them to give $5,000 in assistance to affected employees.

One of the partnerships that they were proud to speak about is with a well-known university. “Through the [Tampa Bay] Chamber of Commerce that we got [connected] to through SBDC, we just created a collaboration with Kaiser University, and we might be working with them, in an RBT program. So, it’s a lot of doors that open through the [Florida] SBDC at USF,” Riera said.

Their success continues to accelerate. “With Florida SBDC at USF, our business has really increased in size,” Riera said.

Moving forward, the duo plans on expanding their services while using the Florida SBDC at USF along the way. “As we continue to grow our business, we’ll continue to walk with the hand of [the Florida] SBDC,” Riera explained. “We plan on opening up a center or school for children with special needs; to provide ABA services and we’re going to need help. We’re gonna need help with procedures, things that we need to do to be able to function a center, like zoning and all those things that we have no idea how they work. So, we’re gonna keep using the resources… the Florida SBDC at USF,” Alonso added.

When asked what advice they would give to other small business owners, Riera said, “Stay in touch with the SBDC at USF.” Alonso concluded with: “I advise small business owners to take advantage of the [Florida SBDC at USF] program. It is there for us to use and it’s totally free, so why not? It’s a very good resource.”

Bayview Plaza LLC of Pinellas County

Family-owned and operated since 1988, Plaza Beach Resorts, has been a St. Pete Beach treasure for decades. Today, under husband-and-wife duo Robert and Mariuche Czyszczon, the three award-winning boutique hotels continue to offer guests a unique slice of Old Florida charm along one of America’s most celebrated shorelines.

What began as a single property purchased by the owners’ parents in 1988 has grown into three distinct resorts, each with its own personality.

The Plaza Beach Hotel, located directly on the sand, exudes a chic 1960s retro vibe, complete with classic cars in the lobby and outside. The hotel also boasts a world-first penny bathroom, where every inch is covered in meticulously placed copper pennies.

Across the street, Bayview Plaza Waterfront and Bay Palms Waterfront Hotel sit along the tranquil Intracoastal Waterway. Both properties are transformed into an immersive art experience through an exclusive partnership with marine artist Steve Diossy, with vibrant murals covering the exteriors and guest rooms featuring collectible marine artwork.

The family-owned resorts sit along the award-winning shoreline consistently recognized as the number one beach destination in the Unites States of America. Thus, when the next generation of Czyszczon’s stepped in during 2000, armed with experience from luxury brands like the Ritz-Carlton and Marriott, the business continued to evolve into boutique destinations known for their personalized hospitality and loyal guests who return year after year.

Over the decades, the family has faced many challenges—from financial crises to red tide—but none as significant as Hurricane Helene and Milton.

When disaster struck, they turned to the Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development and business consultant Debra Schweikowsky, who helped them secure a $50,000 Florida Emergency Bridge Loan. “The Florida SBDC at Pinellas County was just instrumental in providing us all the information and help with the Florida Department of Commerce bridge loans, the SBA loans. Debra was just my cheerleader and my follow-through person. We were able to receive some funding— we’re still navigating through some of the SBA loans and providing some more information that they’ve requested but Debra is still following through with me and making sure that it’s been submitted and that we get all the funding that we need,” Mariuche said.

That support enabled them to reopen and, remarkably, house displaced local residents through FEMA’s Temporary Lodging Assistance program. “One of the biggest success stories has been housing local residents that lost their homes but now we’re finally ready to open up to our regular guests and we are welcoming them with open arms,” Mariuche said.

The husband-and-wife team expressed how appreciative they were of the support from the Florida SBDC at PCED as well as their community. “They [Florida SBDC at PCED] were so prepared they gave us so much information on how to apply for everything, how to stay on top of it, and what opportunities were out there for all the businesses that were affected by the hurricanes,” Mariuche said.

“We are just so appreciative of all the love and support we received from everybody from the community from the [Tampa Bay Beaches] Chamber of Commerce, from the [Florida] SBDC, from the government,” Mariuche added.

Through it all, the business owners have stayed committed to their guests, employees, and community.

Gotcha Covered Central Tampa of Hillsborough County

After years in corporate America, Khaled Alhamzawi, decided it was time for a new chapter. With help from a franchise consultant, he discovered a business that aligned with both his professional skills and his passion for helping others—custom window treatments. Today, as the franchise owner of Gotcha Covered of Central Tampa, serving clients throughout Hillsborough County, including Carrollwood and South Tampa, he helps homeowners transform their spaces with blinds, shades, shutters, drapes, and motorized solutions integrated with smart home technology.

“The reason why I chose Gotcha Covered is because of the company, the support that we get on different levels and more importantly, I like helping people and I wanted to help people decorate their home and make them nicer,” Alhamzawi shared.

Since launching his franchise over two years ago, Alhamzawi has found valuable support through the Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County and business consultant Retta Parsons, who guided him through mentorship and government contracting opportunities.

“What really helped me was learning about capability statements, how to work with general contractors, and how to navigate the city and county contracting process,” he said. “That’s something I wasn’t familiar with and the consultant [Parsons] was very experienced, guided me through the process, how to fill the application, how to become a registered business and a lot of resources, workshops,” he added.

Through this support, Gotcha Covered of Central Tampa has grown significantly, expanding its client base to include interior designers, subcontractors, and local agencies. “Working with the Florida SBDC helped me increase my business significantly and put me on the right track for future opportunities,” he added.

Financially the business is successful, but the business owner also mentions how seeing a happy customer feels like true success. “I definitely grew financially, but I think building relationships, seeing a smile on a customer face when I finish a project with them and how happy they are with the project and they personally thank me for what I did, and guiding them through the process… that makes me happy,” Alhamzawi said.

Gotcha Covered of Central Tampa continues to grow—proof that with the right guidance and resources, small businesses can thrive.

Silver Dolphin Restaurant and Country Store of Hernando County

Nestled between the ocean and canal, Silver Dolphin Restaurant and Country Store, a Hernando Beach destination for locals and tourists alike. With a unique main dining area known as the Secret Garden—a lush outdoor space with nearly 100 seats—guests can enjoy fresh food while surrounded by wildlife and the natural beauty of the Gulf coast.

The business was born from, owner, Yann Milcendeau’s appreciation for the area’s abundant parks and recreational opportunities. “With the ocean being right next to us and all the things you can do around here… it’s an absolute playground for anybody who wants to go on vacation,” Milcendeau said.

When challenges struck, the Florida SBDC at USF and senior business consultant Bill Burnham were there to help. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the business received critical assistance securing a Florida Emergency Bridge Loan, which allowed them to continue paying employees and complete renovations while closed. “The SBDC was instrumental in us surviving COVID,” Milcendeau shared. “The Florida SBDC actually saved us. Some businesses have never reopened because they had no cash up front, nothing that they could get on short notice. We did it and because of that we’re open today and we still employ our 32 employees at the Silver Dolphin,” he added.

Disaster struck again when a hurricane caused substantial flooding. “When the storm first hit you think that there is no hope – it’s over, you look at your property and you can’t believe what you’re looking at compared to what you had before, but we took the time to rebuild,” Milcendeau said. Once again, Burnham assisted in securing both a bridge loan and an SBA disaster loan, providing the funds needed to reopen.

“I want to thank the Florida SBDC at USF for all they’ve done for us, I really believe that they’re the greatest reason we’re still here because of the bridge loans and the money that we received as a loan to reopen so quickly. Most of all I want to thank Bill, he was instrumental in taking the application and making it easy for us,” Milcendeau said.

Today, the restaurant and store continue to thrive, welcoming families and friends to gather over food and enjoy the scenery of Hernando Beach. “Here at Hernando Beach, we’re all in business still. We’re all open and we’re better than before. We have come back to be more attractive to all the tourists, all the people that want to come and visit us,” Milcendeau said.

Thanks to resilience, community support, and guidance from the Florida SBDC at USF, this small business is stronger than ever.

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.