FSBDC; UCF; Wess Stapp; Hunt Dawkins; Applied Contracting Services; ACS; SBA; Loan

Applied Contracting Services, Inc. Secures New Funding and Financial Flexibility

Florida SBDC at UCF Assists with Obtaining SBA Guaranteed Bank Loan

September 1, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL – Access to capital – any kind of capital – is one the greatest, if not THE greatest, challenges faced by small businesses today. Even successful, established businesses can have trouble finding the money they need to grow, especially money that comes with favorable terms and an attractive interest rate.  The challenge facing Wes Stapp, one of the three partners that own and manage Applied Contracting Services, Inc. (ACS) was how to raise the funding the company needed to take on more projects and increase revenue.

ACS is a full services design/build contractor that specializes in all types of home renovations, remodels and additions – everything from new kitchens to renovated bathrooms to full-on home additions – plus light commercial construction. Founded during the Great Recession, Stapp and his partners built their business using their own funds, with no outside financing. While “boot strapping” their growth had its advantages (the profits were all theirs), it was sometimes tough going and they never seemed to have the capital they needed to take the business to the next level.

Besides not having the working capital to grow the business the way they knew they could, there was an ill-fated foray into cabinet making that resulted in some painful losses. So there Stapp and ACS were: in need of capital to get the company past the damage inflicted  from cabinet making, wanting to refinance some of its high interest debt, and eager to obtain additional funding to pay for expansion of their contracting business.

It was about then that Stapp found the Florida SBDC at UCF. Having recently joined the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, he attended a Chamber meeting where the FSBDC consultant Hunt Dawkins was conducting one of his “Triage Tuesdays” – a program where Dawkins provides no-cost consulting  on an appointment basis to the members of the Chamber. Stapp and Dawkins started talking and new options started to appear for ACS.

Stapp had looked into U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans but hadn’t gotten very far. Dawkins was able to explain how these loans worked: that the SBA didn’t make loans directly, but instead it guaranteed loans made by financial institutions (banks, credit unions, etc.) that met defined lending criteria. Dawkins then proceed to lay out the process, identify what Stapp would need and the best strategy for approaching a bank participating in SBA loan programs.

To his credit, Stapp was savvy about finances. He followed Dawkins guidance and was able to work with his bank in such a way as to obtain more than $1 million in capital through a combination of a term loan and a line of credit funding structure that was tailored-made for ACS with terms and at interest rates extremely favorable to the company.

“It was outstanding to have an impartial expert, not financially involved in the deal and with extensive banking experience, on our side,” commented Stapp. “We took Hunt Dawkins’ advice, put things together as he recommended and produced a loan package that even our banker complimented us on. The Florida SBDC was a huge help to us. I wish I’d known about them sooner; the company would be in even better shape today if I had. Now I’m looking forward to participating in their Advisory Board Council program; my board is being formed as we speak.”

— 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.

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.

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

Daytona Diner; Van Canada; Linda Toffolon; FSBDC; Small Business Development Center

Daytona Diner Enjoying New Found Success in Daytona Beach Shores

Assistance from FSBDC at Daytona State College with Relocation and Financing Made All the Difference

August 22, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL – Founded on Beach Street in 1996, the Daytona Diner has grown to be a Daytona Beach institution over the years. Owner Linda Toffolon has worked ceaselessly – 7:00am – 3:00pm six days a week, year after year – to make sure her customers have a choice of the best breakfasts and lunches in town.

But as is often the case with a small business, the voyage hasn’t always been a smooth one and Toffolon has had to navigate challenges of all kinds. Fortunately, she found assistance from the Daytona State College sub-center of the Florida SBDC at UCF when she needed it most.

It was in 2012 that the bad news came. The Harley Davidson dealership in the same building and next to the Diner on Beach Street – a source of many loyal customers over the years — was not renewing its lease and closing its doors, which meant the Daytona Diner was losing its lease and needed to find a new home.

But where could Linda Toffolon turn for help? She needed to find a new location with the right demographics and city services. Economic development incentives and financing arrangements were both going to be key considerations. And Toffolon was intent upon preserving the Daytona Diner’s unique, family-friendly personality and heritage as a memorable Daytona Beach restaurant destination.

It was at the Florida SBDC at Daytona State College where Toffolon found the expert consulting, business training seminars and market research tools she needed to successfully relocate and preserve the Daytona Diner’s special place in the community. Initially, she worked with Ned Harper, the now retired center director, in producing a business plan, creating a site selection plan and connecting with the city to determine what kind of economic development assistance it could provide.

After a number of false starts and failed negotiations, the new location at 2043 South Atlantic Avenue in Daytona Beach Shores was found. Now came the hard part: obtaining financing to make the move. Restaurants have a notoriously difficult time getting loans approved and this situation was going to be no different. That is when Van Canada, a consultant at the FSBDC at Daytona State and a former commercial banker, stepped in to help Linda Toffolon put together a loan application.

Toffolon and Canada partnered to finalize the Daytona Diner business plan, obtain all necessary documents and put all the financial information in order. Soon enough they had a very strong loan package and the hunt for a lender began.

Canada and the FSBDC were able to identify an interested lender and obtain a loan commitment and later the line of credit that was needed. “Looking back, I risked everything to relocate and re-open Daytona Diner,” remarked Ms. Toffolon. “And there was stress beyond measure while it was going on. There were times when it felt like everything was falling apart. But Van Canada and the FSBDC were there for me every time I needed help. Today I am glad I took the risk and that the Daytona Diner remains a part of the Daytona community. But I know for a fact that I couldn’t have done it without the FSBDC at Daytona State.”

“For any business owner out there looking for help with their company, I urge you to talk to the Florida SBDC. They can make what seems impossible possible,” concluded Ms. Toffolon. “They did for me what I couldn’t do for myself and they can do the same for you.”

— 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.

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.

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

 

Shaun Thornton of Murphy Business Named FSBDC at UCF Regional Volunteer of the Year

July 6, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL – The Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida has named Shaun Thornton, a Broker Associate at Murphy Business & Financial Corp., as its 2016 Regional Volunteer of the Year. Thornton has distinguished himself by his committed service to both the FSBDC’s award-winning Advisory Board Council (ABC) program and to the Small Business Resource Network (SBRN), an FSBDC affiliate.

Longtime Contributor to Advisory Board Council

The Advisory Board Council is a next-level, business support service, assisting established Central Florida busi-nesses by matching them with experienced professionals with a diverse range of skills who work together on a carefully selected, “custom-fit” advisory board. The program provides dynamic talent and expertise specially selected to address the needs of the client company so as to help it solve problems and create opportunities. And the ABC is at no-cost. All of the Advisors are volunteers who are interested in building relationships and improving the economic community in Central Florida. The operation of the program is funded by Orange County and supported by the generosity of our sponsors.

Shaun Thornton became an ABC volunteer in 2009 and has donated over 135 hours of pro-bono consulting services totaling more than $20,000 in reported market value. He has been a key contributor serving on seven Advisory Board Councils for diverse FSBDC clients: a $10 million waste management company; a $3 million civil engineering firm; a $9 million software engineering firm in the modeling and simulation industry; a $6 million security systems distributor and a $10 million construction company.

And Thornton’s contribution to his Boards has been universally praised by the leaders of the client companies. For example ABC client Paul Holmes, President of JK2 Construction and Scenic, declared, “His understanding of businesses in general and willingness to dive into the details of my particular business made him a valuable resource. Without Shaun’s unselfish dedication to helping JK2 Construction & Scenic, I doubt we would have achieved the double digit growth in revenues, profits and jobs created over the last three years.”

Active Member of Small Business Resource Network

In addition to being a valued volunteer in the ABC program, Thornton is an active member of the FSBDC- affiliated Small Business Resource Network. SBRN is a professional membership organization helping connect small businesses with for-fee professional expertise in the areas of accounting, banking and commercial lending, insurance, law and business consulting.

From Day One, Shaun Thornton has been actively engaged with the group sharing his ideas and expertise. Even at the new member orientation he provided several suggestions to improve the layout of the SBRN website and streamline the information with the FSBDC site.

Thornton attends most of the membership meetings and is a proponent of the network, spreading the value to his associates – some of whom are current prospective members. He willingly donates his time where needed and in April served as a panel member for SBRN’s Breakfast with the Experts series. During a workshop entitled, “Planning for the Future of Your Business: Exit Strategies,” he provided insights regarding valuations and negotiations. He is an exemplary member, always willing to help the clients of the FSBDC as well as his peers in the SBRN network.

Brings Extensive Business Experience to His Volunteer Work

By way of background, Shaun Thornton is an accomplished negotiator and an articulate team leader with a proven ability to recruit, train, motivate, and develop successful groups of highly skilled specialists. With decades of leadership experience in the engineering industry, Thornton has served in positions such as Vice President and General Manager of SMS Demag – one of the world’s foremost suppliers of equipment to the metals industry; as Associate Director at Davey International; and as a Sales Manager at Voest Alpine Industries in both Great Britain and the United States. His educational background is in electrical engineering which, when coupled with proven sales and management expertise, has resulted in a successful career in marketing and selling capital equipment in the United States, United Kingdom, and other world markets.

Since January of 2004, Thornton has worked as a Broker Associate at Murphy Business & Financial Corporation, a leading Central Florida business brokerage firm specializing in the buying and selling of businesses and franchises. He is currently a Certified M&A Intermediary, as well as a Certified Business Intermediary by the International Business Brokers Association.

— 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 2014, the FSBDC at UCF served more than 8,200 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 12,387 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.70 billion in sales growth; $26.1 million in capital formation; $39.7 million in government contract awards; and 105 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 2014, the Florida SBDCs served almost 30,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 42,644 jobs created, retained or saved; $5.8 billion in sales growth; $142.5 million in capital accessed; $210.2 million in government contract awards; and 486 new businesses started.

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

sbdc@ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com

National Small Business Week Celebrated by FSBDC at UCF

Three FSBDC at UCF Clients Honored as SBA Award Winners

Florida SBDC at the University Central Florida

May 2, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL – In recognition of the immense contribution to a healthy economy made by the entrepreneurs and small business owners of Central Florida and the nation, the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) is celebrating the US Small Business Administration’s (SBA) National Small Business Week with a luncheon and awards ceremony recognizing local SBA award winners.

The FSBDC at UCF’s National Small Business Week celebration will occur on Tuesday May 19th at the 2016 Small Business Awards Luncheon, an invitation-only event being held at the Citrus Club in downtown Orlando. Eunice Choi, Regional Director at the SBDC at UCF, is hosting the luncheon which will feature remarks by representatives from the Small Business Administration who will present the following awards to local state and district SBA awards recipients in attendance:

  • Woman-Owned Small Business Person of the Year
    State of Florida and North Florida District Winner
    Sarah Blake, President of Elipsis Engineering & Consulting – Winter Garden
  • Minority-Owned Small Business Person of the Year
    North Florida District Winner
    Gabriel Ruiz, LTC, USA (Ret.), President and CEO, Advanced IT Concepts, Inc. – Winter Springs

“It is a great pleasure to participate in the recognition of our valued clients by the Small Business Administration as part of its Small Business Week,” remarked Eunice Choi of the Florida SBDC at UCF. “These individuals and their companies have distinguished themselves by their hard won success, contribution to our local economy and community service.  We at the FSBDC at UCF are gratified to have assisted them in their achievements in some small way.“

“National Small Business Week is a chance to honor the more than 2.3 million small businesses in Florida who have helped drive down one of the nation’s highest unemployment rates to one of the best we enjoy today,” said Michael Myhre, Florida SBDC CEO and Network State Director. “Congratulations to this year’s Small Business Week winners. This honor serves as a testament to their hard work, efforts, and dedication to their local, regional, and state economies.”

National Small Business Week is proclaimed by the President of the United States to recognize the critical contributions made by America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs to our economy. This year’s week-long celebration is scheduled to run May 1-7 with events being held in multiple cities from coast-to-coast that are designed to help small businesses start, grow and succeed. The week’s events culminate in Washington, DC, where finalists for the National Small Business Person of the Year will be invited to a recognition ceremony at the White House.

— 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

Lee Goldring, John Lindsay, Eye On Ball, FSBDC

Eye on Ball, Inc.’s Vector Training Baseball Ready for Market with Assist from the FSBDC at Seminole State College

Vision Training Invention Helps Young Ballplayers Keep Their Eye on the Ball to be Better Hitters

March 23, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL – Everyone has heard the story of the inventor who comes up with a new idea or new product, makes a prototype and then…Presto!…the product is on the shelves and the inventor is on his new yacht sailing into his billion dollar future.

Sorry to say, but that’s not how it really works. In fact, it’s a long, hard road from an idea to a market launch. That was John Lindsay’s experience. He had an idea for a product that would help train young baseball players to keep their eye on the ball, but lacked the necessary business skills to turn that idea into a product.

And so was born Eye on Ball, Inc., a company that today produces the Vector Training Baseball which is a vision training tool designed to help young ballplayers track the ball and, thereby, become better hitters.

Eye on the Ball, Inc. did not happen overnight however. There were long slogs through multiple stages of development, from engineering to financial to business. And each stage had its own set of challenges. Take the engineering stage, for instance. John and his partner Scott Rix took his idea and documented it, then experimented and analyzed the results. From there they produced a lab prototype, applied design refinements and conducted validation testing. With a working prototype in hand, they set about to protect the intellectual property that was part of their invention and applied for patents; 4 to date with one already approved.

During this process, John was not alone. Besides his partner, he sought out professional assistance. “I had the experience, knowledge and education to manage a lot of the many steps that needed to be taken, but also knew I wanted professional help for parts of the process that I hadn’t done before,” remarked John. “You might say that I knew what I knew and was fortunate enough to know what I didn’t know.”

It was about this time that John turned to the Florida SBDC at Seminole State College, a sub-center of the FSBDC at UCF, and Lee Goldring, one of the FSBDC’s consultants. John took advantage of the no-cost, expert one-on-one consulting offered by the FSBDC to get some of his questions answered, find some of the outside resources he needed and benefit from expert counseling and mentoring from Lee, who has an extensive background in product development and commercialization.

As John pressed ahead with completing the engineering and juggling all the issues that arose during the production prototype engineering, model testing and manufacturing stages, Lee assisted on the business plan, marketing plan and distribution strategy.

And so, some five years after John got the idea in his head, he has received his first shipment of Vector Training Baseball and they are ready to initiate a pilot sales program on Amazon in the near future.

“This has been a long process,” commented John. “Longer than I expected, frankly. Thanks to the help of Lee and the FSBDC, it’s been a pretty darn good experience. Their assistance, guidance and referrals to local professionals gave me the opportunity to get educated and get things done right, and that was invaluable. I am excited about the future of Eye On Ball, Inc. and the Vector Training Baseball.”

— 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 2014, the FSBDC at UCF served more than 8,200 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 12,387 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.70 billion in sales growth; $26.1 million in capital formation; $39.7 million in government contract awards; and 105 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 2014, the Florida SBDCs served almost 30,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 42,644 jobs created, retained or saved; $5.8 billion in sales growth; $142.5 million in capital accessed; $210.2 million in government contract awards; and 486 new businesses started.

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

Small Business Institute, SBI

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

Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida

March 21, 2016

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 in its annual Project of the Year (POY) competition, taking second place in the 2016 ‘Graduate Comprehensive’ division and Honorable Mention in the 2016  ‘Graduate Specialized’ division, respectively.

In competition with MBA teams from across the country, the UCF CBA team of students John Dovas, Kiara Dyson and Susan Gaines produced a second-place consulting project in the “Graduate Comprehensive’ category for a local company, SuperSlow Zone, Inc. The company, a professional service provider of one-on-one personal training instruction, requested the team’s assistance in an analysis of their franchises with regard to marketing and overhead.

And the team of Robert O’Dowd, Bianca Duffield Ashley Monard and Katrina Green were awarded an Honorable Mention in the ‘Graduate Specialized’ category for their consulting work for Winter Springs-based PowerGrid Engineering, LLC.  The team produced an internal stakeholder analysis, a competitive analysis of their market segment, as well as an actionable Market Intelligence report. Both teams worked with faculty advisor Dr. Carl Blencke, an instructor for the UCF CBA’s Department of Management, as part of a management class.

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 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 the UCF students who won this prestigious recognition,” said Eunice Choi, Regional Director for the FSBDC at UCF. “The SBI® program is yet another avenue for the FSBDC at UCF and UCF itself to support small businesses in Central Florida while also introducing UCF students to the world of business consulting. It demonstrates UCF’s commitment to our community and to growing the local economy.”

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.

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 2014, the FSBDC at UCF served more than 8,200 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 12,387 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.70 billion in sales growth; $26.1 million in capital formation; $39.7 million in government contract awards; and 105 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 2014, the Florida SBDCs served almost 30,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 42,644 jobs created, retained or saved; $5.8 billion in sales growth; $142.5 million in capital accessed; $210.2 million in government contract awards; and 486 new businesses started.

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

Elegance by EV, FSBDC at UCF

ELEGANCE by EV Launches with Assistance from FSBDC at UCF in Kissimmee

What Started as Online Jewelry Concept Evolves into Woman’s Fashion Boutique

Mar 14, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL –    Entrepreneurs often don’t end up where they expected to.  Often the original plan evolves and the business they thought they were inventing transforms into something different. That was the case for Evie and Jack Valerio; what started as a hobby has evolved into a full-scale business, and they couldn’t be happier and more excited about their future.

Evie is an artist. She creates amazing polymer clay jewelry. She started crafting necklaces and other pieces in her home. And then she claimed the spare bedroom and an artist’s studio was born. While friends and relatives craved her work and eagerly purchased her creations, over time they grew in number and she began to consider how to make her jewelry available to a larger audience.

The original idea was to launch an online business. That evolved into a desire to “take the show on the road” and sell at craft fairs once a month. Then the idea of a retail store popped up. The evolution of the business from part-time, online venture to a full-blown retail store was moving very fast, in fact a little too fast for her husband Jack’s comfort.

Jack will be the first one to tell you he is a very cautious person. He makes sure to do as much research as he can before he moves ahead with something, especially something as massive as opening a retail store. In this case, he started out by asking around to see where he could get help. As a career school administrator, he felt out of his element in the world of business and wanted to find professionals who had been successful owning and running a retail store.

Initially, Jack turned to the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce, his local chamber, where he found valuable resources. Perhaps most valuable, however, was their referral of Evie and Jack to the Florida SBDC at UCF office in Kissimmee.

At the FSBDC, they found business training and no-cost, confidential, expert, one-on-one consulting assistance. They learned the mechanics of starting a business, how to write a business plan, the basics of bookkeeping and more. Chuck Wheeler, an FSBDC consultant based in the Kissimmee office, worked with them, answered Jack’s questions and helped guide them through the steps to opening their business.

And open a business they did, just nine months after starting with the FSBDC. ELEGANCE by EV, a charming boutique featuring women’s fashions and accessories and, of course, Evie’s wonderful jewelry, launched at the beginning of 2016 in Historic Cocoa Village, one of Cocoa Beach’s most popular destinations. They are off to a good start and Evie is already planning the expansion of their business.

“My advice to other entrepreneurs is to use the FSBDC and all the consulting and training they offer,” says Evie. ”It’s invaluable. And do it first, before you jump into being in business.” “Don’t wait until you have problems,” continued Jack. “Do a pre-emptive strike and learn from the FSBDC before the challenges of running a business come at you.”

— 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 2014, the FSBDC at UCF served more than 8,200 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 12,387 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.70 billion in sales growth; $26.1 million in capital formation; $39.7 million in government contract awards; and 105 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 2014, the Florida SBDCs served almost 30,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 42,644 jobs created, retained or saved; $5.8 billion in sales growth; $142.5 million in capital accessed; $210.2 million in government contract awards; and 486 new businesses started.

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 at UCF, Orlando, Business Consulting

FSBDC at UCF Consultants Earn Economic Development Certification

Adds to Capabilities to Help Business Grow and Succeed.

March 8, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando –  On January 29, 2016 , Hunt Dawkins, Associate Director, and Rafael E.M. Pratts, Area Manager for Kissimmee/Osceola County, both consultants at the Florida SBDC at UCF, received certification as Economic Development Finance Professionals with emphasis in Business Credit Analysis (EDFP-BCA) from the National Development Council (NDC).

The EDFP-BCA Certification is a designation given to individuals who successfully pass a comprehensive written examination after completing an intensive economic development finance training series that is conducted by the National Development Council (NDC).  The courses provide individuals working in the field of economic development with training in credit analysis, loan packaging, deal structuring and negotiating and the creation and implementation of development programs.

Dawkins and Pratts are consultants at the FSBDC, working with clients daily to help their businesses grow and succeed. This certification augments their already rich business knowledge and experience, and will be invaluable as they assist Central Florida entrepreneurs and business owners who are working to build and grow their businesses.

Hunt Dawkins joined the FSBDC at UCF as the Associate Director in 2013 after a 30 year career in commercial banking where he gained extensive experience in business lending, sales leadership, training, human resources and operations. He has specialized in retail, commercial and small business development and client relationship management most recently at Hancock Bank as Senior Vice President, Regional Retail Banking Manager. Prior to that, he was Executive Vice President, Regional Retail Banking Executive at Colonial Bank where directed regional and retail banking initiatives, including business banking, across 11 counties and 62 branch locations in Central Florida. He also held executive commercial lending positions at Suntrust Bank and Southtrust Bank. Hunt earned a BS in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida and is an alumnus of the Graduate School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University.  Hunt has actively served his community through organizations such as Rotary, The Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools, Heart of Florida United Way, Boys & Girls Clubs of Seminole County, and Leadership Seminole.

Mr. Pratts joined the FSBDC at UCF after an extensive career in business-to-business marketing management, business analysis and development, digital marketing, market research, marketing strategy, and international business, most recently served as a marketing executive at Control Micro Systems in Winter Park, FL. In addition, he has been an educator and course director at Full Sail University and a member of the adjunct business faculty at Polytechnic University specializing in information technology and management.  Pratts earned a BBA in International Business from Florida International University and a MBA in Marketing from Regent University.  He holds additional professional certifications: Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) and Certified Business Consutlant.  Lastly, he is a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran and recipient of the Good Conduct and National Defense Service Medals.

The New York based National Development Council was established in 1972 and is a private non-profit corporation, which specializes, in economic/housing development training and technical assistance for economic/housing development.  NDC has provided training to approximately 50,000 development people working in the field of economic and housing development.  Participants come from many diverse groups:  city and state governments, public agencies, community-based organizations, professional organizations, bankers, etc.

— 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 2014, the FSBDC at UCF served more than 8,200 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 12,387 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.70 billion in sales growth; $26.1 million in capital formation; $39.7 million in government contract awards; and 105 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 2014, the Florida SBDCs served almost 30,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 42,644 jobs created, retained or saved; $5.8 billion in sales growth; $142.5 million in capital accessed; $210.2 million in government contract awards; and 486 new businesses started.

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

sbdc@ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com

Harvey Cohen; Cohen Grossman; Jill Kaufman; ABC; Advisory Board Council; FSBDC; UCF

Florida SBDC at UCF’s Advisory Board Council Makes Important Contribution to Growth of Cohen Grossman Attorneys at Law

Custom Selected Board of Volunteers
Make a Difference at No-Cost

Monday, February 22, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL –    Law firms are more than a group of lawyers coming together to practice the law. In fact, they are businesses that face many of the same challenges as other kinds of businesses; how to manage growth, deal with human resources issues, improve financial performance, drive marketing effectiveness and more.

Cohen Grossman Attorneys at Law is precisely that kind of law firm: a business entity comprised of a group of lawyers engaging in the practice of law. Led by founder and owner Harvey Cohen, the firm has practices across multiple legal specialties, including insurance claims, personal injury, criminal law, family law, wrongful death, renters’ rights and the list goes on.

Cohen Grossman is a successful firm and was becoming more successful every day.  And that success was demanding that more and more of Harvey Cohen’s time be spent managing the daily operations of the company. As he became more businessman than attorney, Cohen started to ask himself how he could make himself the best business owner possible.

Through networking and a friend, he was referred to the Florida SBDC at UCF and its Advisory Board Council (ABC) program. “My friend told me she’d really enjoyed her Advisory Board and that it had helped her business tremendously,” remarked Atty. Cohen. “I was intrigued and my friend put me in touch with Jill Kaufman, a consultant at the FSBDC as well as the program manager of the ABC program.

The Advisory Board Council is a no-cost board of experts providing advice and council to help businesses grow.  It acts as a matchmaker between established local businesses and area professionals who volunteer their expertise as members of an advisory board, with the volunteers selected to address the specific needs of the FSBDC client.

“Jill Kaufman put a great board together for me,” says Atty. Cohen, “and we had our first meeting in July of 2013. Since then, my Board has been an invaluable resource and gets some of the credit for our ongoing success. We’ve been growing rapidly: we have seen a 167% revenue increase from 2012 to 2015; our employee base has grown more than 160% over the period; and very recently we moved our firm into our own, 33,000 sq. ft. building.”

“For me, one of the best benefits of my ABC was that it forced me to focus time on my business. Anyone who manages a business knows how hard it is to take time away from dealing with day-to-day operations, away from working in the business,” said Atty. Cohen. “My ABC made me take the time, with their help, to evaluate myself and my performance while sharing exemplary ideas to help the firm’s business. The Board’s different perspectives and experiences contributed significantly to how I run the firm today and how I will run it even better in the future.”

“I would recommend the Advisory Board Council to everyone, and I have. It can only help you. I can’t imagine where we’d be without it,” concluded Atty. Cohen. “I think it is such a valuable resource for small businesses that I have even gone a step further and become an ABC volunteer advisor myself.”

— 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 2014, the FSBDC at UCF served more than 8,200 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 12,387 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.70 billion in sales growth; $26.1 million in capital formation; $39.7 million in government contract awards; and 105 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 2014, the Florida SBDCs served almost 30,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 42,644 jobs created, retained or saved; $5.8 billion in sales growth; $142.5 million in capital accessed; $210.2 million in government contract awards; and 486 new businesses started.

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

Jones Brothers, FSBDC, SBDC, Lake County, Tavares

Jones Brothers & Co. Air and Seaplane Adventures Growing with Assistance from FSBDC at UCF’s Lake County Office

Company Gains New Revenues, New Profits and New Ownership

February 16, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL –    Tavares, Florida is called “America’s Seaplane City,” and for good reason. The city has made a significant commitment to the seaplane businesses that call the waters of Lake Dora home, including opening the Tavares Pavilion on the Lake, a magnificent wedding and conference facility, and the Tavares Seaplane Base.

Rob Galloway, owner and operator of Jones Brothers & Co. Air and Seaplane Adventures, saw opportunity in Tavares’ expanded aviation presence. Since 2010, Jones Brothers has been offering seaplane sightseeing trips of Florida and environs. More recently, it has added to its services one-way and round-trip charters, including fly-in guided fishing and hunting expeditions to the Everglades and romantic getaways to the Bahamas, as well as seaplane flight instruction and training.

When he joined Jones Brothers, Rob was its day-to-day operations manager. In that role, he often felt like he was “flying blind” because the company did not have a bone fide business plan. From his prior successful career in publishing, Rob knew a business plan would offer him important advantages in terms of process management, financial planning and growth for Jones Brothers.

At the suggestion of John Drury, City Administrator for Tavares, Rob turned to the Florida SBDC at UCF’s Lake County satellite office. There he attended training in business plan writing and took advantage of the FSBDC’s no-cost, expert, one-on-one consulting by working with Stan Austin, an FSBDC consultant and the local area manager. Together, they crafted a business plan for Jones Brothers that was actionable, measurable and information rich – just the tool Rob needed.

Over the next few years, Rob continued to call upon Stan and the FSBDC when he needed assistance, whether it was about developing marketing and growth strategies, overcoming barriers and roadblocks or identifying new revenue opportunities. The company prospered as it added services, added a new location in Mt. Dora and positioned itself to compete for government contracts.

Most recently, Rob set about to purchase Jones Brothers and become the sole owner. The FSBDC helped him update and strengthen the company’s business plan in preparation for obtaining the financing needed for the purchase. He also relied on the FSBDC’s Stan Austin to guide him about financing alternatives, business purchase best practices and negotiating strategies and tactics. All the work resulted in a very successful outcome: Rob became the sole owner and operator of Jones Brothers & Co. Air and Seaplane Adventures in December 2015.

“I can’t describe how helpful Stan and the FSBDC have been for me. I would recommend them to any business owner,” remarked Rob. “Thanks to the FSBDC, I was able to focus on what was important and make wiser decisions. And the results speak for themselves: last year Jones Brothers & Co. Air and Seaplane Adventures’ revenues grew by close to 20%, achieved its first profitable year and, on the strength of that performance, I was able to secure the financing to buy the company. Win-win-win.”

— 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 2014, the FSBDC at UCF served more than 8,200 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 12,387 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.70 billion in sales growth; $26.1 million in capital formation; $39.7 million in government contract awards; and 105 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 2014, the Florida SBDCs served almost 30,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 42,644 jobs created, retained or saved; $5.8 billion in sales growth; $142.5 million in capital accessed; $210.2 million in government contract awards; and 486 new businesses started.

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