Our Mission
Providing businesses the expertise and resources to succeed
Supporting Wildland Firefighters: Getting Them the Help They NeedMarch 11, 2026 - 3:53 pmFighting a wildfire demands exhausting, focused teamwork in a harsh, smoky landscape where heat, noise, and urgency press in from every direction. With risk everywhere, having dedicated emergency medical services on scene is essential for such dangerous situations. Yellow Tarp EMS—founded by Garrett and Kathleen “Katie” Cooper—exists to provide that critical support. They realized that, to keep their medics equipped, insured, and ready to deploy, the company required significant funding. To solve this, the Coopers turned to the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) in Lake County, where they discovered the guidance and resources they needed.
McCarthy Fabrication Credits CEO XChange for Stronger Leadership and Smarter GrowthMarch 4, 2026 - 3:46 pmFSBDC at UCF Executive Roundtable’s Peer Insights help MFAB Navigate Rapid Expansion. Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida March 4, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hal Thayer, Communications Director, FSBDC at UCF, 407.420.4850 or HThayer@ucf.edu Orlando, FL – Leading a small business can be one of the toughest jobs in the world. Customers rely […]
Blezoo CEO Finds Community and Clarity Through FSBDC at UCF’s CEO XChangeFebruary 24, 2026 - 2:00 pmOwning a business is an expedition into the unknown. Markets will shift, surprises frequently emerge, and even the most capable leaders eventually confront the limits of what they know. The old adage “it’s lonely at the top” resonates for a reason—especially for second‑stage business owners navigating growth challenges and opportunities that only they can ultimately address.
Aesthetics Practice Unlocks Capital and GrowthFebruary 9, 2026 - 2:07 pmRegardless of a company’s size or industry, growth requires capital. Milestones such as expanding facilities, adding equipment, and increasing staff demand funding, and cash flow from operations often falls short in financing such new developments. This was the case for Melissa Castro, founder and owner of MC Aesthetics Laser & Wellness Center (formerly MC Elite Aesthetics). In seeking additional capital to expand her business, she turned to the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) and found the guidance and support she needed.
Our Vision
Creating a better Florida for all by helping businesses grow
Florida SBDC Network
The Florida SBDC at the University of Central 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 disclosureavailable at www.floridasbdc.org/ funding-disclosures/. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals.
