Frequently Asked Questions

Growth Acceleration Services

What size company does Growth Acceleration Services benefit most?

Businesses tend to grow organically up until approximately $2 million in sales. To move beyond that sales point requires a more sophisticated, organized approach to business processes. Growth Acceleration Services allow your business operations to be more efficient and effective.

I am already profitable. Why should I utilize Growth Acceleration Services?

A key element of the Growth Acceleration Services is the evaluation of your cost structure, budgets and current financial situation. Utilizing this service ensures you are operating your business as efficiently as possible, prior to launching additional growth efforts.

What information will I have to provide?

All information obtained by the SBDC consultants working on your behalf, will remain confidential at all times. Documents required include current financial statements, an aging of accounts receivables, accounts payables, inventory plus the financial statements and/or tax returns for the last three years, current marketing materials, operations manuals, and other relevant information as required to complete the Assessment Report.

Certification

Why get certified?

Being certified as a woman, minority or veteran owned small business opens the doors to working with government entities and gives you a competitive edge.

What is certification?

Certification is applied for through the various city, county and state entities. Having a certification allows you to compete for additional contracts. Your business must be 51 percent owned by a woman, minority or veteran, to qualify.

How do I get certified?

Being certified as a woman, minority or veteran owned small business opens the doors to working with government entities and gives you a competitive edge.

Why get certified?

You can gain certification through Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, City of Tampa, City of St. Petersburg and the State of Florida, just to name a few. Most of the time, this can be done online.

What do I do once I get certified?

Once certified as a woman, minority or service-disabled veteran business, you must register as a vendor with the agencies you choose to work with. The Florida SBDC at USF can help you decide which agencies will be most beneficial for you.

Minority-Owned

Are there grants available to for minority-owned businesses?

Typically, grants go to non-profit social service, larger research and educational institutions. However, there are minority-specific loans available through a variety of organizations. Schedule an appointment with a finance consultant today to find out more.

What resources are available for woman-owned small businesses?

There are many resources available for minorities, including the Small Business Administration. There are also many variations of Chambers of Commerce available throughout the Tampa Bay area to serve minority-owned businesses, offering a wealth of networking opportunities.

Woman-Owned

Are there grants available to open a woman-owned business?

Typically, grants go to non-profit social service, larger research and educational institutions. However, there are woman-specific loans available through a variety of organizations. Schedule an appointment with a finance consultant today to find out more.

What resources are available for woman-owned small businesses?

There are many resources available for women, including the Small Business Administration. There are also organizations available for women to network within, such as the Organization for Women in International Trade.

Business Resources

Veteran-Owned

Are there grants available to open a business?

Typically, grants go to non-profit social service, larger research and educational institutions. However, there are veteran-specific loans available through a variety of organizations. Schedule an appointment with a finance consultant today to find out more.

What resources are available for veteran-owned small businesses?

There are many resources available for veterans, including the Veteran Business Outreach Center.

Government Contracting

Do I need to already be in business?

Yes. You may be any type of business entity, but you must already own and operate a business to take advantage of government contracting

Do I need to be registered with the government to get contracts?

You must be registered as a vendor with each agency you wish to do business with. Our professionally certified consultants help you decide which agency is best for your business product/service and walk you through the process of becoming a vendor.

What resources are available for working with the government?

Our professionally certified business consultants have prior government buying experience, so they are your number one resource. They can assist with bid/proposal preparation, registrations, certifications, marketing, networking and contract administration.

Do I need to get certified to do business with the government?

Certification as a woman-owned, minority-owned or veteran-owned business gives you a competitive edge, but it is not a requirement. Should you decide to get certified, the Florida SBDC at USF can help you through that process.

Is there any training available to teach me how to work with the government?

We offer training in a variety of areas, including government contracting, at our main office in the Port Tampa Bay Building. These trainings are available for a nominal fee. View upcoming classes and sign up today.

Training

How do I register for training?

Register for training can only be done online. Please visit our Training Calendar and click on the link to the class you want to register for. Please follow the prompts.

What types of payment are accepted for training classes?

The Florida SBDC at USF accepts VISA or Mastercard payments. In addition, all training classes are pre-paid only. No cancellations or refunds will be issued.

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