Veteran Finds New Mission In Business Ownership
FSBDC at UCF in Sumter County Helps Marine Launch ERA Group Franchise
Orlando, FL – Entrepreneurship can be daunting for anyone, including for those with a military career in their background. For many veterans, like Marine Denny Ying, the unfamiliar terrain of business ownership presents a steep learning curve and new challenges. Fortunately for Ying, the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF), specifically its Sumter County office, was there to help him navigate the unknown.
Ying’s entrepreneurial journey began with the decision to buy a franchise. “Starting a business takes a lot of time and resources and, quite honestly, I just don’t have all the know-how and confidence you need,” he admits. That’s when he turned to the FSBDC and consultant Jamie Mead for guidance. Together, they evaluated 10 franchise opportunities through market research, franchise disclosure document analysis, and financial modeling. “We really looked hard at all the different options,” recalls Ying, “in terms of viability, cash flow, financing, and also market data. I appreciate how Jamie worked to understand my needs and really helped guide me along the way to come up with the decision I did.”
Ying ultimately invested in an ERA Group franchise, a global leader in cost management consulting. ERA Group supports middle-market businesses and nonprofits with cost intelligence and savings strategies. Its ‘No Win, No Fee’ model ensures its clients only pay when savings are realized, minimizing financial risk. “We are never the star of the show,” describes Ying. “We are the wingman helping companies look at areas where they do not have the time, resources, or expertise to focus. We help unlock hidden cash flow that can be directed to mission critical opportunities.”
ERA Group’s reputation speaks for itself, having earned the Global Franchise Awards’ titles of ‘Best Business & Professional Services Franchise 2025’ and ‘2025 Grand Champion.’ Ying is now building his business around delivering measurable value to clients, backed by the support and structure of a proven franchise system.
When reflecting on his experience with the FSBDC, Ying encouraged other entrepreneurs to take advantage of its services and resources. “What I would share with another entrepreneur who is thinking about engaging with the FSBDC is: there’s no cost! There’s no risk! Why would you not want to?” he explains. “Their entire engagement is really to help support you and put resources around you, whether it is their consulting, workshops, or financial modeling. This is your time and Jamie and the FSBDC are waiting to help you.”
Thanks to the FSBDC’s expert guidance, Ying has successfully launched his business and is confidently forging ahead in his new civilian career. With a strong foundation and a clear mission, he’s proving that with the right support, veterans can thrive as entrepreneurs, just as they did as warriors.
For information about ERA Group, please visit https://usc.eragroup.com/.
— FSBDC —
About the FSBDC at UCF
Hosted by the University of Central Florida (UCF), and with its main office in the National Entrepreneur Center located at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando, the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) is part of part of UCF’s Office of the President and the Florida SBDC Network.
The Florida SBDC at UCF provides aspiring and existing small businesses with no-cost consulting, low-cost training, and access to business data and research resources. In addition to its core service offering, the Florida SBDC at UCF also offers specialized services to qualifying companies, including capital access, market growth, government contracting, international trade, business continuation, cybersecurity, disaster planning and recovery, and more. The FSBDC at UCF serves an eight-county area that includes Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties and maintains 9 service centers across Central Florida.
In 2024, the FSBDC at UCF served 2,277 entrepreneurs in Central Florida with consulting services, resulting in more than 2,855 jobs impacted; $564.3 million in sales growth; $57.2 million in capital formation; $161.1 million in government contract awards; and 142 new businesses started. For more information, please visit www.sbdcorlando.com .
About the Florida SBDC Network
For nearly 50 years, the Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance [Fl. Stat. 288.001], has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development to provide existing and emerging small and medium-sized business owners with management and knowledge resources that enable overall growth, increased profitability, and economic prosperity for Florida’s economy.
In 2024, the Florida SBDC Network delivered 107,812 hours of consulting to 15,474 small business clients – resulting in business owners securing $304 million in capital, $732 million in government contracting, impacting 19,800 jobs, increasing sales by over $3.8 billion, and creating 1,019 businesses.
With over 40 offices statewide, the Florida SBDC is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of Defense, State of Florida and other private and public partners. Full funding disclosure available at www.floridasbdc.org/funding-disclosures/.
The Florida SBDC Network, headquartered at the University of West Florida, is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs and is a recipient of the President’s E Award for Export Service. 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 www.FloridaSBDC.org.
FSBDC at UCF | 3201 E. Colonial Drive | Orlando, FL 32801 | p 407.420.4850 | f 407.420.4862
sbdc@ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com
