Working with student teams through the Florida SBDC at USF is a win-win opportunity for businesses and students alike. As a client, you’ll provide the team with essential financial and organizational details. In return, you’ll receive value-added consulting services at no cost, including a customized plan or strategic recommendations tailored to your business goals.
Each project is guided by a Florida SBDC at USF regional consultant, who collaborates with the student team and ensures quality results throughout the semester. Our priority is delivering a professional, actionable plan that helps your business grow.
Participating universities typically include University of South Florida, University of Tampa, Warner University and Florida Southern College.
How the Program Works
- Duration: One semester
- Meetings: 2–3 face-to-face or virtual sessions with your assigned team (Typically a client introduction meeting, a check-in meeting midway, and a final student delivery meeting)
- Deliverables:
- Strategic or Organizational Analysis: A comprehensive written report with a fully developed plan to guide your business. Areas of potential analysis include marketing, financials, new market identification, and operations.
- Marketing Assets: Creative marketing ideas and sample assets designed to boost your brand visibility. Areas of analysis may include identifying target markets, Google Maps and search presence, website, SEO, email marketing, and social marketing.
Why Participate?
- No-Cost Consulting: Gain expert insights without the expense.
- Fresh Perspectives: Benefit from innovative ideas from talented university students.
- Professional Oversight: Every project is supervised by an experienced Florida SBDC at USF consultant.
Eligibility Requirements
Each participating university sets specific criteria for business size, employee count, and revenue. Review the general eligibility guidelines below to see if your business qualifies.
Qualified businesses:
- For-profit small businesses as defined by the U.S. SBA (generally less than 500 employees)
Startup:
- Has been in business for at least 1 year
- Has more than 2+ employees (owner plus employees)
- Has gross revenues of more than $25,000
- Willing to provide financial statements (Balance sheet, Profit and Loss statement)
- Brick and mortar location (not required for all student team projects)
Established:
- Has been in business for at least 3 years
- Has more than 5 employees
- Has gross revenues of more than $1 million
- Willing to provide the last three years of financial statements (Balance sheet, Profit and Loss statement)
- Brick and mortar location (not required for all student team projects)
