FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

Florida SBDC at Daytona State College Guides Buffington’s Bar & Grill Through the Small Business Start-Up Maze

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May 1, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL – Starting a new business brings with it a wide range of challenges. But when that business is your dream, you do what it takes to make it work. For brothers Joshua and Chris Buffington, their dream was to open their own restaurant. Both Joshua and Chris had worked in the restaurant industry for many years, in virtually every facet of the business, and believed that they had the necessary knowledge to succeed.

Uncertain as to where to start their journey, Joshua and Chris came to the FSBDC at Daytona State College (FSBDC at DSC), a sub-center of the FSBDC at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF), in February 2013. They came with the questions most entrepreneurs who are looking to start a business have: what are the key steps in the start-up process, guidance about completing a business plan and ideas about possible financing sources.

Van Canada, a professionally certified business consultant at the FSBDC at DSC, sat down with the Buffington brothers and mapped out a plan. The three of them worked together on completing the business plan, making sure their prospective business was properly registered and licensed with all necessary agencies and Van contacted several banks to assess interest in restaurant lending.

At about the same time, the perfect location became available in Ormond Beach and the Buffington’s moved quickly to secure the site. They arranged owner financing and used their own resources to make it work. The upscale Irish pub restaurant, Buffington’s Bar & Grill, opened April 1, 2013 and Joshua and Chris haven’t looked back since.

The brothers are now a year in business and have enjoyed their new found success. They have been very creative in continuing to secure needed financing and have been marketing themselves by becoming intertwined in the Ormond Beach community. As Joshua stated “we have hosted, partnered, and contributed our time to numerous local charities and events over the last few months which we think has been a great way of bringing our name to the public while supporting our neighbors.”

The Buffingtons have shown the epitome of entrepreneurship in overcoming difficult situations with creative solutions and the FSBDC will continue working with them to assist in their growth and success. They credit the FSBDC for the valuable role it played in helping them open their doors and become successful, with Joshua saying “When we sought out to open a business of our own, we really had no idea what we were doing. It was certainly a learning process, but with the guidance and help of the Florida SBDC we were able to make our dream into a reality.”

— FSBDC —

About the FSBDC at UCF

With its main office in the National Entrepreneur Center located at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando, the 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 2012, the FSBDC at UCF served almost 6500 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 9,961 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.3 billion in sales growth; $50.4 million in capital formation; $104.6 million in government contract awards; and 108 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 2012, the Florida SBDCs served approximately 38,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 47,845 jobs created, retained and saved; $6.3 billion in sales growth; $235.2 million in capital accessed; $588.4 million in government contract awards; and 744 new businesses started. And, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC programing 2012, $40 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@bus.ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com

 

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

UCF’s College of Business Administration Students Honored by Small Business Institute®

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Two Student Teams Win SBI® Project of the Year Awards

March 18, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hal Thayer, Communications Director, FSBDC at UCF, 407.420.4850 or hthayer@bus.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 third prize in the 2014 ‘Graduate Comprehensive’ and ‘Graduate Specialized’ categories, respectively.

In competition with MBA teams from across the country, the UCF CBA team of graduate students William R. Wills and Matthew Wolfe produced a winning consulting project in the “Graduate Comprehensive’ category for a local firm, Advanced IT Concepts, and the team of Erin Brennan, Jasmin Evans and Jeremy Harris delivered a winning project in the ‘Graduate Specialized’ category for Orlando-based Barnett Murphy Direct Marketing.  Both teams were under the guidance of the UCF CBA SBI® Program Director Dr. Lloyd Fernald, Professor Emeritus at the UCF College of Business Administration.

The Florida SBDC at UCF (FSBDC) is the proud sponsor of the Small Business Institute®. 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 recently became a part of the UCF Office of Research & Commercialization (UCF ORC).

“The SBI® program is yet another important way that the FSBDC at UCF and UCF itself supports small businesses in Central Florida,” said Dr. Tom O’Neal, associate vice president of the UCF ORC. “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 2014 Project of the Year ‘Graduate Comprehensive’ competition, the UCF CBA student team worked with Advanced IT Concepts (AITC) which is in the business of assisting customers through the design and implementation of innovative IT solutions. AITC is an SBA 8(a) Certified IT Systems Integrator, Value-Add Reseller and Service Provider to government and private sectors. Working closely with AITC’s President Gabriel Ruiz, the student team’s consulting engagement and assignment was focused on reviewing the company’s financial situation and providing recommendations on tools and process to improve budgeting and financial management and provide guidance on industry-standard staffing.

The student team that took the third place award for the SBI®’s 2014 Project of the Year ‘Graduate Specialized’ competition worked with Chuck Barnett, chief executive officer of Barnett Murphy Direct Marketing (BMDM). As the name suggests, Barnett Murphy Direct Marketing is an Orlando-based direct marketing agency that specializes in response-provoking personalized marketing. Its services include creative, data, custom web development, digital communications, variable digital print and direct mail. The student team’s consulting engagement and assignment concentrated on preparing a target market analysis in connection with a new product launch.

Under the guidance of SBI® Program Director Dr. Lloyd Fernald, the student teams oversaw and implemented extensive research and analysis to determine industry best practices; met weekly 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.

“Congratulations to each of these worthy UCF College of Business Administration students,” said Dr. Paul Jarley, dean of the UCF CBA. “I applaud their efforts. I also want to recognize 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 MBA students with hands-on experience that will make them successful in a today’s job market.”

“We salute our Small Business Institute® team from UCF,” said Gabriel Ruiz of Advanced IT Concepts.  “Their work has helped us shore up our financial management and budgeting processes, and in so doing made us a stronger company better able to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations.  This experience was very beneficial for us; it was yet one more example of the fantastic support provided by the Florida SBDC at UCF and the 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. 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 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 2012, the FSBDC at UCF served almost 6500 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 9,961 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.3 billion in sales growth; $50.4 million in capital formation; $104.6 million in government contract awards; and 108 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 2012, the Florida SBDCs served approximately 38,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 47,845 jobs created, retained and saved; $6.3 billion in sales growth; $235.2 million in capital accessed; $588.4 million in government contract awards; and 744 new businesses started. And, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC programing 2012, $40 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@bus.ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

Florida SBDC at UCF Lake County Mentors American Backflow Testing, Inc.’s Growth

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Assists Company in Obtaining Capital and Customers

March 5, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL –  Like many business owners, Gary Gamache, the president and CEO of American Backflow Testing, Inc., was looking for ways to grow his business. He understood that growth costs money and sought out the Florida SBDC at UCF (FSBDC) in Lake County for assistance in securing bank financing. His goal was to obtain a $50,000 line of credit to better manage the cash flow in his business and have funds to expand the business into additional business opportunities.

Gary first came to SBDC in January 2013 when he attended the Business Plan Writing Made Easy class taught by Stan Austin, a certified business consultant at the FSBDC in Lake County.  Shortly after the seminar, Stan started working with Gary to put together the business plan he would need to win approval of his bank loan application.

Through the summer Stan and Gary revised multiple iterations of his business plan.  By early fall, Gary was ready for a final printing.  The plan was printed for him in the FSBDC in Lake County’s office and bound with a comb binder.  Gary then approached several banks seeking a line of credit for his business.  Gary obtained a $50,000 line of credit with a bank in December 2013.

At the same time Gary was preparing his business plan, he began looking for new customers. One of the areas Gary has had business success is with local cities that need backflow testing done on a scheduled basis.  Stan introduced Gary to Derek Hudson, a CBA and member of the FSBDC’s Government Contracting unit [formerly its Procurement Technical Assistance Center – (PTAC)].  Gary attended all the Government Contracting classes available to better understand the “ins and outs” of working with government entities.  He immediately put to use what he had learned by winning business at another city by “piggy backing” on an already in place municipal contract he had with a city in the same area.

So it was that, once Gary had his credit line in hand, he was in a position to finance servicing new customers and better manage his cash flow. In Gary’s business, managing the payroll can put a strain on cash flow.  He must pay his employees for the tests they perform immediately, even though there is a lag in time before Gary is paid by his clients.  In addition, if Gary is to capitalize on the growth opportunities his national account clients are offering him, he needed operating capital to set up a larger support organization to manage the additional backflow testing calls.  The additional workload also would require him to add personnel in the office to manage the necessary paperwork for billing the clients, paying the subcontractors and recording the information regarding the backflow tests with the correct water authorities in each local municipality.

With the credit line in place, Gary was able to grow his business with a few major accounts and with local municipalities.  Gary has transitioned his personnel from using 3 subcontractors in 2013 to adding permanent employees in 2014.  He now has two permanent office administrators and three employees conducting backflow tests.  In May, he projects hiring one more field employee.

Two of his major accounts are now asking Gary to expand his testing operations to states other than Florida.  In addition, now that he has a solid working model for managing major accounts, he is actively pursuing additional major accounts with multiple locations.

Over the past year, Gary and Stan have enjoyed building a professional and personal relationship.  Gary counts on him and Derek Hudson personally to help him as he continues to grow his business.  He is also relying on Stan to continue to direct him to other resources within Florida SBDC when need be. “The FSBDC in Lake County has been an invaluable resource to me and my business,’ says Gary. “They have mentored and coached me on how to better manage and grow my business. Companies in Lake County are making a mistake not to take advantage of their amazing, no-cost consulting, training and support.”

— FSBDC —

About the FSBDC at UCF

With its main office in the National Entrepreneur Center located at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando, the 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 2012, the FSBDC at UCF served almost 6500 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 9,961 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.3 billion in sales growth; $50.4 million in capital formation; $104.6 million in government contract awards; and 108 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 2012, the Florida SBDCs served approximately 38,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 47,845 jobs created, retained and saved; $6.3 billion in sales growth; $235.2 million in capital accessed; $588.4 million in government contract awards; and 744 new businesses started. And, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC programing 2012, $40 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@bus.ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

Florida SBDC at UCF’s CEO XChange Assists Local Firm Meet the Challenges of the Great Recession

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Architectural Aluminum Techniques Survives Downturn to Prosper

February 17, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL –  The Great Recession of the last decade took a severe toll on the construction industry in Florida. It forced many construction companies and those that supplied them out of business. It took courage and foresight, and a certain white-knuckle fearlessness, to weather the storm and come out whole on the other side. But for those that did survive, and were able to keep their core intact and maintain their reputation, there has been significant opportunity in recent years.

Architectural Aluminum Techniques (AAT) and its CEO and owner Sunil Tarneja weathered just such a storm and, with the help of his wife and CFO Sujata, key members of his management team and a group of CEOs brought together by the Florida SBDC at UCF in its CEO XChange program, he navigated the company through the Great Recession and on to a record year in 2013 when it recorded a 200% increase in revenues.

AAT is a sub-contractor to construction companies. It supplies architectural aluminum and steel engineered glazing systems that are often integral to the architectural style of an office building. They also often produce the materials that make up the unique architectural elements that make a building distinctive and memorable, such as the a 10,000 square foot outdoor balcony structure that juts from the Amway Center toward I-4 in Orlando, Florida, the Center’s 20,000 square foot glass entrance atrium facing Church Street or the modern glass and aluminum of the iconic UCF College of Medicine building. Architectural Aluminum Techniques had a hand in the construction of each of those remarkable buildings.

Founded in 1992 when Sunil and Sujata moved to Orlando from Toronto, Canada, AAT was built from a standing start, competitive bid by competitive bid. The company achieved break even in 1996 and enjoyed positive growth and profitability in the following years. They grew to be a multi-million dollar business with upward to 90 employees by 2009.

AAT was a success story indeed. Until the Great Recession hit, that is. Commercial construction tends to lag residential construction and when Sunil saw the dramatic decline in residential building activity in 2009, he knew there was trouble around the corner. Having felt the pain of the 1990 recession in Canada, he was prepared to do what was needed to save his company. In 2010 he slowly began downsizing the company, releasing good people because there was no work. 2011 was no better for AAT and the downsizing continued.

By 2012, Architectural Aluminum Techniques was down to its core team of 20 employees. For many of them, there was no work. Revenues had fallen precipitously to the point where they did not cover payroll. The times were dark and the future looked bleak.

Fortunately, Sunil had learned from his experience during the Canadian recession, and had always run AAT very conservatively, making sure that it was financially strong with adequate cash on hand at all times. During 2012 he had to use some of those cash resources to make payroll. And he led an “all hands on deck” sales effort during the down times, having all of his employees calling clients and bidding on almost any deal they found.

It was during these difficult times in mid-2012 that Sunil brought his challenges to the Florida SBDC at UCF’s CEO XChange program. An executive roundtable program serving progressive chief executives and business owners, CEO XChange offers a confidential setting to discuss vital business issues, opportunities and trends with a group of peers and benefit from their experience and counsel.

 

At the CEO XChange meeting, Sunil laid out his issues; he had battened down the hatches, cut overhead, downsized to his core employees but was still bleeding money. His inclination was to hold on for as long as was necessary, but he wanted to hear from his peers about what they thought. An intense discussion ensued. Hard questions were asked. Painful experiences were shared. In the end, the group’s consensus was that Sunil should follow his instincts and experience, hold onto his core people and ride out the storm.

 

Buoyed by this vote of confidence,  Sunil determined to stay the course. He retained his core team and continued to have everyone in the company pursue sales opportunities. Several months later, the construction market turned the corner. The Presidential elections seemed to be a turning point, as suddenly money for construction projects began to pour into the market. Architectural Aluminum Techniques began to win bids. They found that their strong reputation for quality products, the industry’s familiarity with AAT and its people and its financial staying power combined to help the company win business, even though theirs was not always the low bid. As a result, while the company endured a loss for 2012, it experienced a dramatic increase in revenues for 2013 which has turned into one of the company’s best years yet.

 

While Sunil recognizes that there were many factors that got him and Architectural Aluminum Techniques through the Great Recession, he acknowledges his CEO XChange experience as having made an important contribution. “The CEO XChange was of great value to me when I needed it. The other executives shared their experiences – good and bad, provided clear-eyed analysis of the problem and offered honest feedback and suggestions.  They didn’t tell me what I wanted to hear the way an employee might and didn’t bring their self-interest to the problem. My company and I benefited greatly from the input of the CEO XChange members,” Sunil said.

 

— FSBDC —

About the FSBDC at UCF

With its main office in the National Entrepreneur Center located at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando, the 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 2012, the FSBDC at UCF served almost 6500 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 9,961 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.3 billion in sales growth; $50.4 million in capital formation; $104.6 million in government contract awards; and 108 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 2012, the Florida SBDCs served approximately 38,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 47,845 jobs created, retained and saved; $6.3 billion in sales growth; $235.2 million in capital accessed; $588.4 million in government contract awards; and 744 new businesses started. And, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC programing 2012, $40 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@bus.ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

Florida SBDC at UCF in Lake County Helps Local Realtors Realize their Dream

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Local Couple Assisted in Purchasing Coldwell Banker Camelot Realty

February 11, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

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Orlando, FL –    Florida residential real estate has been a tricky proposition since the end of the last decade’s great recession, and its reduced property values has affected all aspects of the industry, including depressing values in the real estate brokerage business.  For some, however, the diminished values of brokerages and the uncertainty around the recovery of the Florida real estate market represented an opportunity if the pieces of an investment could be pulled together in time to take advantage of an unpredictable market and ambiguous future.

Karen and Ray Levy were just such people. Having been successful Real Estate Professionals in the Lake County Area for 7+ years, they knew the industry.  And with a sales team of four individuals working as representatives of Coldwell Banker Camelot Realty in Mount Dora, Florida, they had an ear to the market that told them there were opportunities to be had in the future as a full service brokerage office.

By early spring 2013, Karen and Ray had decided to move on the opportunities they saw and visited the office of the Florida SBDC at UCF in Eustis, Florida (Lake County).  Their goal was to acquire Coldwell Banker Camelot Realty by year end 2013.  While they are both astute Real Estate professionals, they were in need of guidance on how to build a plan to acquire the brokerage business and its related commercial property.  In addition they weren’t sure how to evaluate the selling price for the business.  Finally, they knew they needed a robust Business Plan to convince potential investors to help them make their dream a reality.

Stan Austin, Area Manager for the FSBDC at UCF in Lake County, was uniquely suited to assist the Levy’s and welcomed the chance to work with them by providing them with the expert, no-cost consulting the FSBDC at UCF is known for.  The FSBDC services like no-cost consulting, training seminars and data base research resources, are an integral part of the three Business Opportunity Centers (BOC’s) in Lake County, Florida.  The Business Opportunity Centers offer incubation services along with the training and consulting services provided by the Florida SBDC at UCF team in Lake County.

Being a Business Broker in a prior life, Stan helped the Levy’s re-cast the current owner’s financial information to estimate the value of the business portion of the transaction.  In addition Stan recommended they obtain a certified commercial appraisal on the business property.  That would give them the pieces of the puzzle necessary to begin negotiating a sales price that would be fair to all parties concerned.

In the meantime, Karen and Ray availed themselves of the training offered by FSBDC at UCF in Lake County.  They attended the “Start-Up Basics” and “Business Plan Writing Made Easy” seminars to better acquaint themselves with the best practices of both.  After the Business Plan class, Ray began working in earnest to put together their own business plan.  After multiple iterations it was decided it would be necessary to recast the current owner’s financial information in light of the operational changes the Levy’s desired to make to the business (when they owned it).  Stan worked with them to document the changes and reflect the savings in the Profit and Loss statements as if the changes had already been made.  The savings were substantial.

During the summer of 2013, as work continued on the business plan, the Levy’s obtained the appraisal for the commercial property and began “floating trial balloons” with potential private investors and financial institutions.  The intent was to test the feasibility of obtaining financing to purchase Coldwell Banker Camelot Realty.

As the year went on, Stan re-worked the financial information multiple times with the passing of each quarter.  The good news is the real estate market in the area, as the Levys had foreseen, also began to rebound some as well.  The financial picture and projections became more and more positive!  As we approached the end of the year, it became easier to project the year-end financial picture, as well as project 2014.

Late in the summer, the Levy’s obtained a loan commitment from United Southern Bank to finance the commercial property.  Around the same time, they were able to line up financing for the remaining amount needed to buy the business portion of the acquisition.  The financing consisted of a private investor, seller financing and an equity position by the Levy’s.

On December 27, 2013, the Levy’s closed on the transaction and met their goal to acquire the business prior to January, 2014!  They have already added five full employees and are well on their way to implementing the operational changes they stated in the business plan!

Ray Levy summarized his feeling by saying, “There are a lot of people out there that have good ideas, but they don’t have the expertise of business consultants,” said Ray Levy. “The FSBDC at UCF in Lake County and the BOC really moved the needle forward for us.”

— FSBDC —

About the FSBDC at UCF

With its main office in the National Entrepreneur Center located at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando, the 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 2012, the FSBDC at UCF served almost 6500 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 9,961 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.3 billion in sales growth; $50.4 million in capital formation; $104.6 million in government contract awards; and 108 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 2012, the Florida SBDCs served approximately 38,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 47,845 jobs created, retained and saved; $6.3 billion in sales growth; $235.2 million in capital accessed; $588.4 million in government contract awards; and 744 new businesses started. And, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC programing 2012, $40 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@bus.ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

Furry Tails Pet Grooming Benefits from Assistance by FSBDC at UCF in Osceola County

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Co-Founders Follow Their Passion
with FSBDC’s Help

January 7, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL –    Making your passion your life’s work sounds like a good plan but often is filled with challenges and obstacles. For Carlos Hernandez and Lesly Miranda, co-founders and owners of Furry Tails Pet Grooming LLC, located in the heart of Poinciana, Florida, that was certainly the case, particularly when they wanted to grow their business.

Established in 2008, Furry Tails Pet Grooming is an independent, full-service grooming salon that caters to all breeds of dogs and cats and emphasizes convenience for the dog owner. The owners started the business after being professionally trained at the Florida Institute of Animal Arts in Winter Park.  They complement their business background with a strong retail, customer service experience, and with membership in the National Dog Groomers Association.  However, as they reflect back in their journey they confessed “it all started with a deep sense of passion towards animals…dogs in particular!  We love animals and thought pet grooming would be an ideal business venture to go into.  It was that simple for us…and family support was key.” But how do you turn a passion for animals into a sustainable business?  There is not an easy answer especially when their unique story is filled with challenges from raising enough capital for running operations, limited square footage space, and gaining pet owner’s trust.

Earlier this year, they decided assistance was needed to expand their pet grooming business in Osceola County.  Fortunately they had heard of the FSBDC at UCF thru a local newspaper.  They met with FSBDC at UCF and started to proactively work with the trials of surviving and thriving in a tough economic climate.  The FSBDC’s Certified Business Analyst Rafael Pratts assisted and guided them to refocus on marketing; redefine their target market, look for complimentary product/services to offer, invest marketing dollars wisely, and helped identify effective ways to keep in touch with current and past customer. Equally important, he provided insights into how to properly secure additional working capital for our business operations! “The key to their success will likely be in continuing to offer exceptional high quality service, paying attention to the overall retail image and in being proactive business owners,” commented Rafael Pratts of the FSBDC at UCF.

With that said, “Furry Tails Pet Grooming expects to reach 20% projected sales growth by end of 2014,” according to the owners. They are more excited than ever about their efforts with the assistance of the FSBDC at UCF to increase overall retail space by 300% and at the same time lowering total retail square footage cost by 30% with new services like washing stations, day care services, and boarding.  “We are very grateful to the FSBDC at UCF because they are helping with the expansion of the business.” Best of all, they will strive to expand their commitment to the local charities in Poinciana in more than one way like providing prizes, gift certificates, and dog food for a wide range of different non-profits.  Together with this, they even help animals find a new home!  Furry Tails Pet Grooming, “where belly rubs are always free.”

— 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 Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) is part of the UCF Office of Research & Commercialization and the Florida Small Business Development Center 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 2012, the FSBDC at UCF served almost 6500 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 9,961 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.3 billion in sales growth; $50.4 million in capital formation; $104.6 million in government contract awards; and 108 new businesses started.

About the FSBDC Network

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 2012, the Florida SBDCs served approximately 38,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 47,845 jobs created, retained and saved; $6.3 billion in sales growth; $235.2 million in capital accessed; $588.4 million in government contract awards; and 744 new businesses started. And, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC programing 2012, $40 was returned to the state in tax revenue.

The FSBDC at UCF and the FSBDC Network are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

FSBDC at Daytona State College Guides Loads of Smiles, LLC to Happy Place

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January 2, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL – Christine Belz, like many entrepreneurs, identified an underserved market and she wanted to be the one to create the business that would meet its needs. Her challenge was that she had never run her own business, and certainly hadn’t started one from scratch.

Christine had worked in the health care industry and had an extensive background in nursing and healthcare administration.  Christine also had a severely disabled child and realized there was a significant need for daycare for her child and for others with similar disabilities.  This need led to extensive research and her ultimate desire to open a Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Facility.

Looking for assistance with realizing her vision, Christine first came to the Florida Small Business Development Center at UCF (FSBDC at UCF) sub-center at Daytona State College (FSBDC at DSC) in August of 2012.  She had been referred by SCORE and the local Chamber of Commerce for assistance with the business startup process, the completion of her business plan and the financing her project.    Van Canada, the FSBDC at DSC consultant that worked with Christine by supplying no-cost, one-on-one counseling and advice, recognized Christine’s business potential immediately, and said at the time, “When I first met Christine, it became obvious that her background, personal situation, passion and dedication were going to make this project successful.”

Van worked with Christine on completing her business plan and developing financial projections.  Christine was working with her own bank and the FSBDC at DSC’s Canada also contacted several banks, all of which were interested in funding her business.  Working together, loan packages were submitted, offers were reviewed, a bank was selected and “Loads of Smiles, LLC” was born.

Christine opened in early 2013 with incredible success.  She says that the FSBDC at DSC played a critical role in developing Loads of Smiles, LLC.  “Mr. Canada was instrumental in the development of our business plan and guiding us in arranging financial assistance,” she said.   She further expressed that she is fortunate to now be able to consider expanding Loads of Smiles and looks forward to working with the FSBDC in their future expansions.

Thanks to Christine’s passion, dedication and drive, and to the FSBDC at DSC’s guidance, Loads of Smiles, LLC is meeting the needs of an important market. Her original facility is at capacity and she is now working on a second facility in Flagler County.

— 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 Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) is part of the UCF Office of Research & Commercialization and the Florida Small Business Development Center 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 2012, the FSBDC at UCF served almost 6500 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 9,961 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.3 billion in sales growth; $50.4 million in capital formation; $104.6 million in government contract awards; and 108 new businesses started.

About the FSBDC Network

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 2012, the Florida SBDCs served approximately 38,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 47,845 jobs created, retained and saved; $6.3 billion in sales growth; $235.2 million in capital accessed; $588.4 million in government contract awards; and 744 new businesses started. And, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC programing 2012, $40 was returned to the state in tax revenue.

The FSBDC at UCF and the FSBDC Network are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

FSBDC at UCF – Palm Coast Assists Bio Shield Tech Build a Growth Strategy

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Founder’s Transformation of His Company and His Role Bring Strong Results

December 10, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL –   Like a lot of small business entrepreneurs, Jeff Drucker had his hands full. As the founder and sole proprietor of Bio Shield Tech, a distributor and technology consultant for antimicrobial products, coatings, and equipment, Jeff was what so many small business owners are: the CEO — when that acronym stands for “Chief Everything Officer.”

Being that chief-everything-kind of CEO had Jeff concerned. He was smart enough to know what he didn’t know and had questions about the company’s legal structure, sales growth, and operating costs. To help him address these issues, Jeff visited the Florida Small Business Development Center at UCF’s office in Palm Coast in October 2012.

Joe Roy, Area Manager for the FSBDC in Palm Coast recalls meeting Jeff for the first time. Said Roy, “Jeff was an exceptional sales person but there was not enough time in the day for Jeff to be the Sales Executive and the Business CEO”.  After conducting an initial assessment of the challenges facing Bio Shield Tech with Joe, Jeff agreed to develop a strategic plan including sales, marketing, and operating expenses.

In building a growth plan for Bio Shield Tech, and challenging the plan assumptions with his FSBDC consultant, Jeff realized that adding a sales office in California and one in Pennsylvania would allow the company to be more competitive in important markets.  And Jeff went right ahead and recently opened sales offices in California and Pennsylvania, and went a step further by obtaining approval to sell products on the GSA website.

Today, Bio Shield Tech sells products nationally and exports to South Korea, Kuwait, Trinidad, Philippines, India, and Canada.  And Jeff Drucker credits the FSBDC at UCF in Palm Coast for assistance getting there: “The FSBDC has helped us to strategize and focus on what we do best to continue to grow our company at double digit growth rates” said Drucker. “Anyone even remotely thinking about starting or moving a business should consider making the FSBDC their first stop”.

Business results bear out Jeff’s decisions. Comparing 2013 sales through October, Bio Shield Tech is running 42% ahead of 2012 year-end sales. “Jeff has transitioned this year toward becoming a true CEO although his heart is still in sales” said Joe Roy. “I know how difficult this was for him but the results Jeff has achieved are indicative of the supreme effort that he put in”.

Today, you will find the antimicrobial products, coatings, and equipment that Bio Shield Tech  distributes and consultants on being used by ambulance original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), commercial HVAC Systems and Ductwork, Medical Device OEMs, Hospitals, Assisted Living Facilities, Veterinary Practices, and Government Facilities. Customers using these products include JFK International Airport, Bucknell University, the FAA Tracon at McCarron International Airport in Las Vegas, and the Jack Daniels manufacturing facility in Alabama.

And you will also find that Jeff Drucker is no longer the “Chief Everything Officer” at Bio Shield Tech; today he is a true Chief Executive Officer.

— 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 Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) is part of the UCF Office of Research & Commercialization and the Florida Small Business Development Center 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 2012, the FSBDC at UCF served almost 6500 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 9,961 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.3 billion in sales growth; $50.4 million in capital formation; $104.6 million in government contract awards; and 108 new businesses started.

About the FSBDC Network

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 2012, the Florida SBDCs served approximately 38,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 47,845 jobs created, retained and saved; $6.3 billion in sales growth; $235.2 million in capital accessed; $588.4 million in government contract awards; and 744 new businesses started. And, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC programing 2012, $40 was returned to the state in tax revenue.

The FSBDC at UCF and the FSBDC Network are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

SBDC at UCF Fuels Hernon Manufacturing’s International Expansion

in ,

imageFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL – Exporting has been part of the business plan at Hernon Manufacturing, a custom formulator of adhesives, sealants, and precision dispensing and curing systems, since 1999. The company’s president, Harry Arnon, has long believed there was unrealized potential in international markets but didn’t have the resources available to test his belief. When presented with a new program focused on exporting offered by the Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (SBDC at UCF) however, Mr. Arnon made the decision recently to refocus company efforts and make exporting a top priority for Hernon’s growth strategy.

To find and effectively enter the right foreign markets, Mr. Arnon turned to the SBDC at UCF and was matched with an opportunity to participate in the Export Marketing Plan Services which offered his company assistance with an aggressive international growth strategy. Launched in September 2011, due in large part to the State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant that was awarded to Enterprise Florida, Inc. by the U.S. Small Business Administration,  Export Marketing Plan Services  is a partnership between the SBDC at UCF and Enterprise Florida to offer customized export marketing plans to Florida manufacturers and professional service providers.

After meeting with SBDC at UCF’s International Trade Specialist, Nerine Elattar, planning commenced immediately, and soon after the export marketing plan was delivered to Mr. Arnon.  The plan provided the full gamut of necessary information for successful international market entry: a thorough export readiness assessment, an industry analysis, a market analysis with target market recommendations for Hernon’s products, a review of overseas trade opportunities, and an action plan. “The FSBDC export marketing plan has been instrumental in the success of Hernon Manufacturing. Small business has neither the budget nor the experience that the Export Marketing Plan and SBDC can offer. For Hernon Manufacturing the export marketing plan laid out the road map for achieving the best return on investment by concentrating where more business potential is available for our products,” commented Mr. Arnon.

Along with the plan, the company was eligible to receive a grant for a single standalone Gold Key with the U.S. Commercial Service.  The company decided to utilize the Gold Key in Italy and also added France, two recommended markets from the plan, and in early 2013 traveled to those countries for one-on-one meetings with pre-screened, qualified buyers.  The company reported $1.37 million in export sales worldwide as a result of the Gold Key Matching Service.  “The Gold Key offered us opportunities that would not otherwise materialize for Hernon Manufacturing Inc.  We would not have participated without the grant.  We met with 2 companies in France and 6 companies in Italy.  The consulates were immensely helpful in selecting suitable companies that match up well with us and with setting up appointments and simple translation services.  Sales in these 2 countries can increase our production staff significantly,” commented Mr. Arnon.  Hernon anticipates total export sales through the next 24 months to be $3.226 million.  Hernon’s products are now found in over 27 countries worldwide and the company has been recognized for its exporting efforts, most recently winning the 2013 SBA Small Business Exporter of the Year Award and the 2012 Exporter of the Year award by ThinkGlobal, Inc.  Mr. Arnon looks forward to continuing to work with the SBDC at UCF to further expand internationally.

For more information about the SBDC at UCF’s Export Marketing Plan Services, please visitwww.sbdcorlando.com/exportmarketing.

–UCF–

With its main office in the National Entrepreneur Center (formerly the Disney Entrepreneur Center) now located at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando, the Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (SBDC at UCF) is part of the UCF College of Business Administration and the Florida Small Business Development Center Network, providing business seminars and no-cost, one-on-one business consultation to small business owners. The SBDC at UCF serves an eight-county area that includes Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties and maintains seven satellite service centers. In 2011, the SBDC at UCF helped entrepreneurs create or retain 1,517 jobs, win contract awards worth $28.9 million, acquire $17.7 million in capital formation, and increase sales by $51.9 million. The SBDC at UCF is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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

sbdc@bus.ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

FSBDC at UCF Hosts Strategy Workshops for Growing Business

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Seminars Focus on Improving Local Businesses’ Sales Strategies and E-Marketing & Social Media

Orlando, FL – Helping local entrepreneurs at businesses large and small obtain better results from their sales efforts and their e-marketing & social media activities are the goals of two workshops being announced by the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF). Both workshops are part of the FSBDC’s Strategic Tools Workshop Series, a comprehensive set of seminars focused on the topics of greatest interest and value to small- and medium-sized business in Central Florida. The Series, sponsored once again by Orange County Government, is in its 11th year.

On Tuesday August 27th, the FSBDC at UCF will present Sales Strategies for Growing Business, a one-day intensive workshop  focusing on proven methods for effective prospecting, the power of the 7-Step Selling Process, advanced techniques in communication, relationship building and more.

Then, on Wednesday September 4th the FSBDC will present E-Marketing & Social Media Strategies for Growing Business, another one-day intensive workshop that will build on past FSBDC e-marketing seminars to acquaint entrepreneurs with best practices in search engine optimization , paid search and metrics, as well as the latest trends  in mobile marketing, social media marketing and additional web-design strategies.

The workshops will be led again this year by the popular Robert Cascio, Ph.D., an academic researcher and adjunct faculty member in the College of Business Administration at the University of Central Florida. Past workshop classes have universally applauded the quality of his teaching and the many real world applications they left the workshop with. Before returning to work on his Doctorate, Robert worked domestically and internationally in corporate advertising and sales and he is also a Licensed Real Estate Broker, where he applies his sales, e-marketing social media expertise with great success. Robert’s research interests include marketing strategy,  market signaling and sales force effectiveness.

These two workshops have been extremely popular in past years. For the sales strategies workshops, attendees have included CEOs, sales leaders, sales teams and marketing staff as well as solo entrepreneurs who have commented on the value they gained in terms of improving their sales in the immediate future. Participants in past E-Marketing & Social Media workshops have included marketing leaders, and managers, individual entrepreneurs and technologists who have gained new insights into the latest trends in marketing on the web and in social media.

–UCF–

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 the UCF College of Business Administration and the Florida Small Business Development Center Network, providing business seminars and no-cost, one-on-one business consultation to small business owners. The FSBDC at UCF serves an eight-county area that includes Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties and maintains seven satellite service centers. In 2012, the FSBDC at UCF helped entrepreneurs create or retain 2,350 jobs, win contract awards worth $104.6 million, acquire $50.5 million in capital formation, and increase sales by $95.1 million. The FSBDC at UCF is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

 

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

sbdc@bus.ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com