Small Business Institute, FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

Small Business Institute® National Honors Won by UCF Students in Florida SBDC at UCF Program

Student Teams Awarded Top Prizes in SBI® Project of the Year Competition

February 18, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hal Thayer, Communications Director, FSBDC at UCF, 407.420.4850 or hthayer@ucf.edu

Orlando, FL –    The Small Business Institute® (SBI®), the premier professional association of small business / entrepreneurship educators and researchers involved in student analysis projects, recently announced that two (2) student teams from the University of Central Florida’s College of Business Administration (UCF CBA) were winners of its annual Project of the Year (POY) competition, taking first prize in the 2015 ‘Graduate Specialized’ division and third place in the 2015  ‘Graduate Comprehensive’ division, respectively.

In competition with MBA teams from across the country, the UCF CBA team of students Taylor Ashley, Destin Wells, and Mary Hannah Hardcastle produced a first-place consulting project in the “Graduate Specialized’ category for a local company, JK2 Holmes Construction and Scenic. And the team of Katherine Etcheverry, Brett McClellan and Lewis Naylor delivered a third-place winning project in the ‘Graduate Comprehensive’ category for Orlando-based AirTech of Central Florida.  Both teams had studied under the guidance of then UCF CBA SBI® Program Director Dr. Lloyd Fernald, Professor Emeritus at the UCF College of Business Administration, in a management class at the UCF CBA.

The Florida SBDC at UCF (FSBDC) sponsors the Small Business Institute® in Central Florida. The FSBDC, in conjunction with the UCF College of Business Administration, manages the SBI® program locally. It recruits and evaluates FSBDC clients for the program, lends FSBDC certified business consultants as SBI® case supervisors and provides a range of guidance and support. The FSBDC is part of the UCF Office of Research & Commercialization (UCF ORC).

“Congratulations to our UCF students who won this prestigious recognition,” said Dr. Tom O’Neal, associate vice president of the UCF ORC. “The SBI® program is a valuable tool for introducing UCF students to the world of business consulting while simultaneously providing another avenue for the FSBDC at UCF and UCF itself to support small businesses in Central Florida. It demonstrates UCF’s commitment to our community and to growing our region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and to the economic development that comes from that ecosystem.”

In the SBI®’s 2015 Project of the Year ‘Graduate Specialized’ competition, the UCF student team worked with JK2 Holmes Construction and Scenic which is in the business of providing customized fabrications for themed environments. The Scenic Division is a relatively new enterprise for JK2, having evolved from their ability to serve the theme park industry by solving construction and building challenges with creative and customized solutions. Working closely with JK2’s President Paul Holmes and Vice President Julie Holmes, the student team’s consulting engagement and assignment was focused on developing a full blown marketing plan for the scenic division, assist in broadening their supply/support base to encourage growth opportunities by developing a positive growth plan, and to develop techniques that support a price strategy.

The student team that took the third place award for the SBI®’s 2015 Project of the Year ‘Graduate Comprehensive’ competition worked with Janine Brunkala, President of AirTech of Central Florida, Inc. As the name suggests, AirTech is a leading provider of air conditioning, heating and plumbing services to the Central Florida area. The student team’s consulting engagement and assignment concentrated on developing key strategies for implementation of a formalized marketing process and budget to drive growth.

The SBI® Program is offered as a full-semester credit course through the CBA’s Management Department. During the semester, the student teams oversaw and implemented extensive research and analysis to determine industry best practices; met regularly to understand company processes and procedures; and performed wide-ranging analysis of business and industry strategies and performance. As a result of their efforts, the students were able to provide a comprehensive analysis and set of recommendations.

“Our hats are off to each of these worthy UCF College of Business Administration students,” said Dr. Paul Jarley, dean of the UCF CBA. “I am pleased that their efforts have been recognized for their excellence. I also want to applaud the FSBDC at UCF and its SBI® program for its emphasis on experiential learning and its applications when working with local businesses. It demonstrates not only our support of our business community but also to preparing our students with hands-on experience that will make them successful in a today’s job market.”

“We thank our Small Business Institute® team from UCF,” said Julie Holmes, leader of JK2 Holmes Construction and Scenic.  “With their assistance, we have articulated a marketing and growth strategy and have begun implementing it across both divisions of our company. In so doing, we have become more strategically focused and are targeting growth initiatives that fit our vision and meet the unique and artistic demands of our clients.  Winning first place in the SBI® competition is a well-deserved recognition of the excellent work and important contribution our UCF team made to our business. It is also another example of the strong support provided by the Florida SBDC at UCF and the tremendous value they bring to the local small business community. Every small business owner should take advantage of this program.”

SBI® is a nation‐wide program that provides high‐quality business assistance to companies in need while providing an extraordinary opportunity for university students to learn through field case studies. Each project is led and conducted by a group of students under the supervision of an SBI® Director or faculty member. The experience is often cited by students as being one of the most rewarding of their academic careers. In today’s collegiate environment there is a strong emphasis on experiential learning, and the SBI® has been at the forefront of this movement for over thirty years.

At the UCF College of Business Administration, SBI® is a graduate‐level elective course. Students enrolled in the class provide management consulting services to local small businesses. Each student team has direct contact with the client and produces a professional case report. The report is the ultimate product of the program and is tailored to each business. Case study reports have included market research, marketing plans, competitive analysis, advertising strategy, customer surveys, strategic plans, financial analysis, human resource manuals and business plans.

— FSBDC —

About the FSBDC at UCF

With its main office in the National Entrepreneur Center located at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando, the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) is part of the UCF Office of Research & Commercialization and the Florida SBDC Network (FSBDC Network). THE FSBDC at UCF provides business seminars and no-cost, one-on-one business consultation to emerging and established businesses. The FSBDC at UCF serves an eight-county area that includes Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties and maintains 10 service centers across Central Florida.

In 2013, the FSBDC at UCF served more than 7,200 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 7,507 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.0 billion in sales growth; $51.5 million in capital formation; $87.7 million in government contract awards; and 129 new businesses started.

About the FSBDC Network

The FSBDC at UCF is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide service network funded in part through cooperative agreements with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida and other private and public partners. The Florida SBDC Network is hosted by the University of West Florida and is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

For over 35 years, the FSBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations, dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with management and technical assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state. The FSBDC Network is a statewide service system of 41 centers with 60 outreach locations, including the FSBDC at UCF.

In 2013, the Florida SBDCs served over 34,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 39,536 jobs created, retained and saved; $5.5 billion in sales growth; $197.3 million in capital accessed; $602.2 million in government contract awards; and 685 new businesses started. And, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in FSBDC programing, $35 was returned to the state in tax revenue

FSBDC at UCF | 3201 E. Colonial Drive | Orlando, FL 32801 | p 407.420.4850 | f 407.420.4862

sbdc@ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com

State Designated as Florida’s Principal Provider of Business Assistance [§ 288.001, Fla. Stat.]

FSBDC Daytona State

Local Couple Launches Fishing Apparel and Gear Company With Assistance from the FSBDC at Daytona State College

“Fishballs” to Produce Environmentally Responsible Fishing Gear

February 12, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hal Thayer, Communications Director, FSBDC at UCF, 407.420.4850 or hthayer@ucf.edu
Art Zimmet, Consultant, FSBDC at Daytona State College, 386-506-3252 or zimmeta@daytonastate.edu

Daytona Beach – Eric Lund and Cindy Hutchings are working to reduce pollution the best way they know how – by hav-ing fun! Lund and Hutchings are co-founders of Fishballs, a fishing apparel and gear company dedicated to the environ-ment while retaining an element of “edginess.”

For decades, fishermen have used lead weights to the detriment and degradation of our rivers, lakes and oceans. Lund is in the process of developing a safer weight. His company is funding that pursuit by designing and selling fishing apparel under the trademark “Fishballs.”

The brand combines a humorously edgy tone with a respect for the waters and marine life that provide so many hours of fun for fishermen and fisherwomen. After conceiving several apparel designs in early 2014, Eric and Cindy sought the assistance of the Florida SBDC at Daytona State College, a sub-center of the FSBDC at UCF, to help them realize their dream of turning their ideas into a successful business.

Today the company manufactures and sells a complete line of apparel. As apparel sales increase, the duo continues to innovate. In addition to environmentally friendly fishing weights, the company is set to launch a new product for keeping sunglasses and other valuables afloat when they fall into the water. The floatation device is shaped in Fishballs’ trademarked image and boasts a provocative tagline.

Before starting Fishballs, Eric and Cindy operated a lawn care company. They had no apparel or retail business experi-ence. However, when Eric was injured in an accident and unable to continue his lawn care company, he knew it was time to embrace the ideas he had been generating for months about a fishing gear and apparel company.

By the time Cindy and Eric approached the Florida SBDC at Daytona State College for assistance in May 2014, they had amassed many questions. The FSBDC’s Certified Business Consultant Art Zimmet has been meeting and guiding them ever since on a bi-weekly basis to assist with strategy, branding, marketing communication and funding options.

Since they began working with the Florida SBDC, they have gone from being a couple with an idea to being the managers of a fully operational company producing and selling apparel that has found success in the creativity and then leveraging technology such as e-commerce and mobile payment systems to their advantage. They have overcome their lack of knowledge about business strategy and are now well positioned for sustainable growth.

“We believe that the assistance from Art Zimmet at the FSBDC has been vital to the success of our company. He kept and continues to keep us focused on the key ingredients for achieving our goals when we start to vary. He has helped us connect with other businesses to get advice and opinions on tools for our company. He is continuously finding and giv-ing us ways to succeed, i.e. a million cups program, crowd funding, tools to write a business plan, connections we never would have had without the help of the FSBDC.”

— FSBDC —

About the FSBDC at UCF
With its main office in the National Entrepreneur Center located at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando, the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) is part of the UCF Office of Research & Commercialization and the Florida SBDC Network (FSBDC Network). THE FSBDC at UCF provides business seminars and no-cost, one-on-one business consultation to emerging and established businesses. The FSBDC at UCF serves an eight-county area that includes Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties and maintains 10 service centers across Central Florida.

In 2013, the FSBDC at UCF served more than 7,200 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 7,507 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.0 billion in sales growth; $51.5 million in capital formation; $87.7 million in government contract awards; and 129 new businesses started.

About the FSBDC Network
The FSBDC at UCF is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide service network funded in part through cooperative agreements with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida and other private and public partners. The Florida SBDC Network is hosted by the University of West Florida and is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

For over 35 years, the FSBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations, dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with management and technical assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state. The FSBDC Network is a statewide service system of 41 centers with 60 outreach locations, including the FSBDC at UCF.

In 2013, the Florida SBDCs served over 34,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 39,536 jobs created, retained and saved; $5.5 billion in sales growth; $197.3 million in capital accessed; $602.2 million in government contract awards; and 685 new businesses started. And, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in FSBDC programing, $35 was returned to the state in tax revenue

FSBDC at UCF | 3201 E. Colonial Drive | Orlando, FL 32801 | p 407.420.4850 | f 407.420.4862

sbdc@ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com

Kissimmee Granite and Marble, SBDC, Business Consulting

Kissimmee Granite and Marble

Reviving a failing business and then leading it to new peaks of success are challenges that are not meant to be taken on alone and without assistance from multiple sources. Balouch “Aleem” Muhammad and Tariq Iqbal wisely recognized these important facts when, in 2012, they purchased Kissimmee Granite & Marble, Inc., a ten year old company that was temporarily shut-down and, shortly after taking it over, reopened with predecessor financing and mentor support. Their goal was simple: to establish Kissimmee Granite & Marble, Inc. as a premiere manufacturer of custom granite countertops for both residential & commercial markets in all of Central Florida.

From the start, the Aleem and Tariq took action to get as much assistance as they could find and, in an effort to be proactive business owner(s), they decided to stop by the Kissimmee / Osceola Chamber of Commerce looking for strategies to help with growth and expansion of their countertop business.  Upon arrival, they were quickly plugged-in to the Florida SBDC at UCF Kissimmee office. There they took advantage of the business training, “no-cost” consulting sessions, and business data and information resources available from the FSBDC.

Almost immediately, the FSBDC consultant Rafael Martinez-Pratt started to work with Aleem and Tariq to expand the operations of the business from a 2,000 square feet facility to over a 13,000 SF facility near Kissimmee Gateway Airport.  In particular, the FSBDC at UCF Kissimmee office helped Kissimmee Granite & Marble access several economic development incentives from both the City of Kissimmee and Osceola County.  As a result, not only did Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) provide and install a much needed high voltage transformer, but also Osceola County Economic Development provided additional machine and equipment incentives for capital equipment improvements.

“The FSBDC at UCF partnered with us and helped us in so many ways, including visiting our facilities on different occasions and providing us with insights into a variety of pressing issues throughout the year. The list is endless:  a cost/benefit analysis, industry market research, human resources support, aid in securing an additional capital equipment loan, and guiding a new product expansion,” Aleem stated.

As a direct result of the FSBDC’s assistance, an additional $42,000 capital injection occurred which puts the company in a position to post strong revenue growth and make projections that the company will reach the $1 million revenue mark by end of 2014, a 275% sales increase from the previous year.

Today, Aleem and Tariq look back at what seemed to be the insurmountable obstacles they faced together, the early financial insecurities, long hours invested and hard work, as the price to pay to enjoy their current success.  And they appreciate those that assisted them, saying “thanks to the FSBDC at UCF for their continued support and unwavering commitment in helping us grow our small business.”

Ray Peter, FSBDC, Palm Coast, Business Consultant

Raymond A. Peter Named Area Manager of the Florida SBDC at UCF in Palm Coast

January 26, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hal Thayer, Communications Director, FSBDC at UCF, 407.420.4850 or hthayer@ucf.edu

Orlando, FL – The Florida SBDC at University of Central Florida (SFBDC at UCF) today announced that it has named Raymond A. Peter as Area Manager of the FSBDC at UCF’s Palm Coast office. He will be responsible for managing the FSBDC’s activities in Flagler County and providing counseling services, seminars and workshops aimed at assisting FSBDC at UCF clients start new businesses and then grow them into successful small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In addition, Peter will be active in guiding the Palm Coast Business Assistance Center (BAC) which houses the FSBDC and contributes significantly to the economic development of the area.

Peter, age 68, is currently a consultant and certified business consultant for the Florida SBDC at UCF’s satellite office in Palm Coast. He joined the FSBDC after an accomplished career in marketing, sales, partner relationship management and IT consulting with over 30 years at International Business Machine (IBM). In addition, he is an active entrepreneur and co-owner with his wife of a small business, Designs By Kathryn Inc. Prior to joining IBM, Peter, a Vietnam Veteran, served in the US Army, reaching the rank of First Lieutenant in military intelligence

“Ray brings a great mix of skills to the Florida SBDC at UCF in Palm Coast” commented Eunice Choi, FSBDC Regional Di-rector for Central Florida. “His combination of sales and marketing experience, hands-on familiarity with running a small business and the excellent work he has done as a consultant for the FSBDC make him the right fellow to lead our Palm Coast satellite office and assist the FSBDC’s clients with growing their businesses.”

Peter succeeds Joy Roy who will remain with the FSBDC in a reduced capacity. Roy will dedicate his time to training, working with a few larger size businesses, development of the 2015 Palm Coast Business Expo, now in its 4th year, and will contribute to the FSBDC’s overall strategy for Palm Coast.

Peter earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology and an MBA from Queens University. In addition, he studied at the IBM Management School and Harvard Business Leadership Academy. He resides in Palm Coast with his wife Kathryn Teiro-Peter. In his spare time, Ray assists his wife with her residential interior business and enjoys swimming, playing golf and having the six grandchildren come to visit.

— FSBDC —

About the FSBDC at UCF
With its main office in the National Entrepreneur Center located at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando, the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) is part of the UCF Office of Research & Commercialization and the Florida SBDC Network (FSBDC Network). THE FSBDC at UCF provides business seminars and no-cost, one-on-one business consultation to emerging and established businesses. The FSBDC at UCF serves an eight-county area that includes Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties and maintains 10 service centers across Central Florida.

In 2013, the FSBDC at UCF served more than 7,200 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 7,507 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.0 billion in sales growth; $51.5 million in capital formation; $87.7 million in government contract awards; and 129 new businesses started.

About the FSBDC Network
The FSBDC at UCF is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide service network funded in part through cooperative agreements with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida and other private and public partners. The Florida SBDC Network is hosted by the University of West Florida and is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

For over 35 years, the FSBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations, dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with management and technical assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state. The FSBDC Network is a statewide service system of 41 centers with 60 outreach locations, including the FSBDC at UCF.

In 2013, the Florida SBDCs served over 34,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 39,536 jobs created, retained and saved; $5.5 billion in sales growth; $197.3 million in capital accessed; $602.2 million in government contract awards; and 685 new businesses started. And, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in FSBDC programming, $35 was returned to the state in tax revenue

FSBDC at UCF | 3201 E. Colonial Drive | Orlando, FL 32801 | p 407.420.4850 | f 407.420.4862 sbdc@ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com

FSBDC Daytona State

FSBDC at Daytona State College’s CEO XChange Program Benefits Daytona Beach Company

Mid Florida Sportswear leverages CEO Peer-to-Peer Coaching to Advantage

January 21, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hal Thayer, Communications Director, FSBDC at UCF, 407.420.4850 or hthayer@ucf.edu

Orlando, FL –    John Koberg had an opportunity and wanted input on how to take advantage of it. As CEO of Mid Florida Sportswear, he had worked hard to become an approved vendor with Sam’s Club several years ago.  The company was initially brought in as a supplier of officially licensed Daytona Bike Week shirts.  Over the years, Mid Florida Sportswear had grown its relationship with Sam’s Club by expanding the number of clubs that carry Daytona Bike Week shirts as well as securing licenses with other rallies such as Sturgis and Myrtle Beach to grow into other Sam’s Club markets.

During that time, by working closely with the local Sam’s Club manager, Mike Mitchener, Mr. Koberg had been trying to develop an apparel line that would appeal to more than just the clubs surrounding the area of the rally. In fact, over the past three years Mid Florida had tried several different design approaches, but none of them took off.  Mr. Koberg knew he had to do something that would get the attention of customers nation-wide, but just could not find success.

In September of 2013, John Koberg joined the Florida SBDC at Daytona State College’s CEO XChange, an executive roundtable program offering a confidential setting for top executives to discuss vital business issues, opportunities and trends with a group of peers.  Coincidentally, he and the local Sam’s club manager had been discussing a possible new direction to take to increase Mid Florida Sportswear’s exposure in Sam’s Club.

Looking to take advantage of the brainpower of the members of CEO XChange, the opportunity to grow his business with Sam’s Club became a topic of discussion at one of the monthly CEO XChange meetings. The group began bouncing ideas around.  The CEO XChange members focused on what would make Mid Florida’s product unique and saleable.  Several parameters were agreed to: it had to be entirely made and designed in the USA on an American made t-shirt; it had to be a soft style comfortable t-shirt; the designs had to be branded and trademarked with pride from the Daytona Beach area, yet appeal to a larger audience; and it had to have an eye-catching hang tag capturing that pride.

The CEO XChange group offered input on all of those items and more.   One item directly attributable to the group, with unanimous agreement, was to make use of the Daytona Beach brand.  Everyone agreed that Daytona Beach is an underappreciated brand that is widely known outside of Florida and the United States.  After bouncing around several ideas, they settled on the name “Authentic Beachstyle Daytona”.

With the final samples in hand, it was off to Bentonville that Mr. Koberg and Mr. Michener went.  In July Mid Florida received notification that Sam’s Club was going to run a test order on its Authentic Beachstyle Daytona made in America soft style T-shirt line; it was one of the single largest orders in the company’s history.  In September 2014, one year after joining the CEO XChange, Mid Florida Sportswear began shipping the order and currently its new line is in virtually every Sam’s Club in Florida. Mr. Koberg credits much of this success to the close working relationship with the local Sam’s club manager and the significant guidance and input from the FSBDC at Daytona State College’s CEO XChange group.

— FSBDC —

About the FSBDC at UCF

With its main office in the National Entrepreneur Center located at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando, the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) is part of the UCF Office of Research & Commercialization and the Florida SBDC Network (FSBDC Network). THE FSBDC at UCF provides business seminars and no-cost, one-on-one business consultation to emerging and established businesses. The FSBDC at UCF serves an eight-county area that includes Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties and maintains 10 service centers across Central Florida.

In 2013, the FSBDC at UCF served more than 7,200 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 7,507 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.0 billion in sales growth; $51.5 million in capital formation; $87.7 million in government contract awards; and 129 new businesses started.

About the FSBDC Network

The FSBDC at UCF is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide service network funded in part through cooperative agreements with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida and other private and public partners. The Florida SBDC Network is hosted by the University of West Florida and is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

For over 35 years, the FSBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations, dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with management and technical assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state. The FSBDC Network is a statewide service system of 41 centers with 60 outreach locations, including the FSBDC at UCF.

In 2013, the Florida SBDCs served over 34,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 39,536 jobs created, retained and saved; $5.5 billion in sales growth; $197.3 million in capital accessed; $602.2 million in government contract awards; and 685 new businesses started. And, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in FSBDC programing, $35 was returned to the state in tax revenue

FSBDC at UCF | 3201 E. Colonial Drive | Orlando, FL 32801 | p 407.420.4850 | f 407.420.4862
sbdc@ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com

Go Global, International Trade Services, Export Marketing

Exporting for Business Growth Workshop Being Hosted By SBDC at UCF on January 16th

Attendees to gain valuable tools, insights and knowledge for expanding internationally

8 January 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hal Thayer, Communications Director, FSBDC at UCF, 407.420.4850 or hthayer@ucf.edu

Orlando, FL – More and more Florida-based companies are expanding overseas. We at the Florida SBDC at UCF know that expanding into international markets can seem daunting. To help overcome that trepidation and assist companies interested in exporting, we have produced an interactive workshop to help attendees find out how the Florida SBDC at UCF can help you prepare your business for globalization. Participants will leave with a new perspective, better understanding and command of best practices to help your small business earn a share of this growing profit opportunity. This workshop followed by direct, no-cost, one-on-one consulting assistance from the FSBDC at UCF will guide you through the complexities of international expansion strategies toward new markets and new revenues.

This important event, “Go Global: Exporting for Business Growth” is scheduled for Friday, January 16th from 9:00 am – 12:00 Noon at the Florida SBDC at UCF located at the National Entrepreneur Center, 3201 E. Colonial Drive, Suite A20, Orlando, FL 32803 (Inside the Orlando Fashion Square Mall).

Many ask the FSBDC at UCF: Why Export? The reasons why tell a compelling and attractive story:

  • Over 70% of the world’s purchasing power is outside the United States.
  • Over 95% of the world’s customers are located beyond U.S. borders.
  • 98% of goods exporting companies in the U.S. are small to medium sized businesses.
  • Companies that export, on average, grow 15% faster, pay 15% higher wages and are 12% more profitable than non-exporters.
  • Most companies that export have an easier time riding out fluctuations in the U.S. economy and are more likely to stay in business.

The agenda for the workshop covers the full range of topics important to those considering selling abroad, including:

  • Why Export
  • Export Readiness Assessment
  • Developing an Export Marketing Plan
  • Market Research & Selection
  • Assessing Competition
  • Export Compliance Overview
  • Cost & Pricing Considerations
  • Market Entry Strategies
  • Overseas Opportunities
  • Resources

Leading this interactive discussion are international trade specialists, including two Certified Global Business Professionals (CGBP) from the FSBDC at UCF and the Director of the U.S. Orlando Export Assistance Center.

Partnering with the Florida SBDC at UCF in producing this event are Enterprise Florida, the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida, the Central Florida International Trade Office and the U.S. Commercial Service of the United States of America Department of Commerce.

— FSBDC —

About the FSBDC at UCF
With its main office in the National Entrepreneur Center located at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando, the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) is part of the UCF Office of Research & Commercialization and the Florida SBDC Network (FSBDC Network). THE FSBDC at UCF provides business seminars and no-cost, one-on-one business consultation to emerging and established businesses. The FSBDC at UCF serves an eight-county area that includes Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties and maintains 10 service centers across Central Florida.

In 2013, the FSBDC at UCF served more than 7,200 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 7,507 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.0 billion in sales growth; $51.5 million in capital formation; $87.7 million in government contract awards; and 129 new businesses started.

About the FSBDC Network
The FSBDC at UCF is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide service network funded in part through cooperative agreements with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida and other private and public partners. The Florida SBDC Network is hosted by the University of West Florida and is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

For over 35 years, the FSBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations, dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with management and technical assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state. The FSBDC Network is a statewide service system of 41 centers with 60 outreach locations, including the FSBDC at UCF.

In 2013, the Florida SBDCs served over 34,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 39,536 jobs created, retained and saved; $5.5 billion in sales growth; $197.3 million in capital accessed; $602.2 million in government contract awards; and 685 new businesses started. And, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in FSBDC programing, $35 was returned to the state in tax revenue

FSBDC at UCF | 3201 E. Colonial Drive | Orlando, FL 32801 | p 407.420.4850 | f 407.420.4862

sbdc@ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com

Hispanic Appreciation: Kings Service Solutions

Drive Solutions, FSBDC, Business Consulting

Drive Solutions

Drive Solutions Inc., a Central Florida business based in Clermont, FL is a manufacturer’s representative company in the bearing and power transmission segment selling products used in the mining, forestry, air handling and pumping industries.

Fred Louwersheimer, CEO and owner, identified an opportunity to significantly grow the business by entering the manufacturing arena producing customized small-size couplings that complement the core business, provide fast turnaround for customers and create a significant point of differentiation from competitors.

This growth initiative required “capital” in a difficult environment.

“Our bank recommended we get help from the SBDC which was the best advice that they could have given us. The SBDC Growth Acceleration consultant, Roger Greenwald command of business growth concepts and financial analysis guided us in producing an expansion plan and loan request package that greatly enhanced our understanding of the entire financial picture that impressed the bankers and helped us attain the financing we needed”; said Fred Louwersheimer, CEO and owner.

On the strength of a nearly quarter million dollar SBA Express loan form Regions Bank Drive Solutions expects to double its 2010 revenue to nearly $2,000,000 in 2012, adding 5 new jobs over the next 18 months.

Certified Slings

Certified Slings & Supply, Supplying the World

Certified Slings & Supply has a strong tradition of innovation and service led by the Worswick family since 1978.  The company’s current leadership is made up of dedicated second and third generation family members with a combined 67 years of experience in the rigging, overhead lifting, load securement, and contractor supplies industry.  Certified Slings and Supply is headquartered in Casselberry, Florida, employs 95 full-time staff members and operates independent Rigging and Contractor Supply divisions located throughout Florida:  West Palm Beach, Miami, Tampa, Ft. Myers, and Ocala. The core business of each branch is the distribution, sale and manufacture of a variety of marine, mining, industrial and general contractor supplies.

Juan Lopez, the International Sales Director for Certified Slings & Supply approached the Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (SBDC at UCF) with a goal of growing the company by increasing export sales. He had previously attended the Export 101: An Introduction to Exporting workshop in 2011 and heard about the Export Marketing Plan Services, a new program awarded through the State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant by the U.S. Small Business Administration.  It is offered in partnership with Enterprise Florida, Inc., and the U.S. Commercial Service to assist new-to-export manufacturers in developing their international growth strategy.  SBDC at UCF’s International Trade Specialist met with Mr. Lopez and Certified Slings’ upper management in order to gather information and understand the company’s short- and long-term international trade goals.  A customized export marketing plan was crafted for the company that included industry and customer analyses along with recommended target markets, overseas trade opportunities and an action plan.

In addition to the plan, the company received a $1,500 scholarship to be used towards a trade mission, trade show or standalone Gold Key Matching Service to connect the company with potential buyers overseas.  Certified Slings & Supply will continue expanding in Central and South America and the Caribbean, and recently traveled to Trinidad and Tobago with the Export Sales Mission.  As a result of this, the company expects an increase of $120,000 in export sales over the next 24 months.  The SBDC at UCF will continue to work closely with Certified Slings to assist in implementing the recommendations from the plan.

“If your company is thinking about exporting products or services abroad, the first thing you should do is meet with a member of the SBDC.  No matter how large or small your company is, a UCF International Trade Specialist will be able to lay out a customized export marketing program personally designed for your company.  It will be filled with data, statistics and facts targeting any region your company wishes to do business with.  This is the best investment any company could make if looking for help with an international marketing program.”   -Juan Jose Lopez, International Sales Director, Certified Slings and Supply