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.
High Point Academy: Entering a New Community with New IdeasJanuary 15, 2026 - 1:42 pmLaunching a business in a new community — especially one far from home — can challenge even the most seasoned entrepreneurs. Unfamiliar markets must be understood, new relationships must be built from scratch, funding must be secured, and a fresh team must be hired and onboarded. For Deilys and Daniel Calzadilla, the wife‑and‑husband owners of SCHOOL 499 Inc. d/b/a High Point Academy, a decade of success acquiring and revitalizing underperforming schools across eight South Florida locations didn’t guarantee confidence as they prepared to open a brand‑new school from the ground up in Ormond Beach, Florida. They knew they needed local insight and support, which led them to the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF).
EME’s Food Hall (& Commissary Kitchen): Feeding the Community and Serving Up Entrepreneurial SupportJanuary 13, 2026 - 2:14 pmThe food service and hospitality industry often attracts culinary-minded entrepreneurs eager to be their own bosses and to share the food they love. Jamie Farnell is one such entrepreneur. With energy, creativity, and goodwill, he turned a novel restaurant concept into a thriving business in Clermont, FL: EME’s Food Hall & Commissary Kitchen. His journey, however, was not a solo effort. Alongside support from friends and family, Farnell turned to the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) in Lake County for guidance.
Strategic Shift, Tactical SuccessNovember 24, 2025 - 2:11 pmFor entrepreneurs and small business owners, a strategic pivot can mean the difference between success and failure. But executing that pivot often requires expert guidance. Ron Ben-Zeev, founder and president of modular shelter manufacturer World Housing Solution, made just such a bold shift — from targeting the disaster relief market to supplying the U.S. Department of Defense. To capitalize on this new direction, he turned to the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF), where he found the support he 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.
