Florida SBDC at USF Empowers Small Businesses in Sarasota and Manatee County with No-Cost, Face-to-Face Consulting Services
Scott Carpenter, Florida SBDC at USF Senior Business Consultant
TAMPA (August 27, 2025) — The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of South Florida (USF) expands access to no-cost, face-to-face business consulting services for entrepreneurs and small business owners in Sarasota and Manatee County. These personalized sessions are available with Florida SBDC at USF Senior Business Consultant, Scott Carpenter at the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce every week from Tuesday through Thursday at 1945 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34236 as well as every first Tuesday of the month at the North Port City Hall, located at 4970 City Hall Blvd, North Port, FL 34286.
As for Manatee County, personalized sessions offering professional guidance to help local businesses thrive are available with Florida SBDC at USF Business Consultant, Brad Mix on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at the Manatee Chamber of Commerce’s Lakewood Ranch Office, located at 4215 Concept Court, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211.
Whether launching a startup, scaling operations, or navigating challenges, experienced Florida SBDC at USF business consultants are available to support business owners through their journey with tailored advice in areas such as business planning, market research, capital access, and more.
Andrew Barrow, CEO, Innovative US with Selma Canas, Florida SBDC at USF Business Consultant
Real Success, Right Here in The Community
The Florida SBDC at USF has had the privilege of working with many inspiring entrepreneurs in Sarasota and Manatee County. Here are just a few examples of how our guidance has helped local businesses succeed:
Laser Safety Business Thrives While Protecting Vision and Expanding Globally
Innovative US of Sarasota County
“As we continue to grow our business, we’re looking to the SBDC to help us things with grants. So, for example, we want to do more trade shows and we’re gonna use some of the grant money that’s available to be able to attend trade shows that we think are gonna open up new export potentials in different parts of the world,” Barrows said.
Dana Rothgery, Owner of Clancy’s with Brad Mix, Florida SBDC at USF Business Consultant
From Hostess to Owner – A Bradenton Favorite Gets New Life
Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub of Manatee County
“Since I took over ownership three months ago, my numbers actually have grown. They have improved since going against some projections done over the last few years. I have added a lot more things to every night. So, we’ve been busier. Sales have been up,” Rothgery said.
Andrea Couture, Owner of Intra-State Terrazzo & Concrete with Scott Carpenter, Florida SBDC at USF Business Consultant
Sarasota-Based Company Builds Success from the Ground Up
Intra-State Terrazzo & Concrete of Sarasota County
“So Intra-State Terrazzo has grown since [working with] the SBDC at USF by giving us some good insight and financial management. On implementing marketing strategies and as well as opening up other doors to us and to the market and giving us great data to know where to go from where we are at currently,” Couture said.
These stories reflect the power of partnership and the potential that exists within our community. With the right support, any small business owner can achieve similar success. To learn more visit SBDCTampaBay.com or to schedule a no-cost consultation, please visit https://floridasbdc.org/request-for-consulting/.
For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, 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, 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. For more information, please visit SBDCTampaBay.com.
