FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

FSBDC at UCF’s Pauline Davis Recognized as 2013 ASBDC Florida Star of the Year

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FSBDCN State Office: The Florida SBDC Network is proud to announce that the Florida Star of the Year, Pauline Davis, was recognized recently at the 2013 Association of Small Business Development Center’s (ASBDC) national conference in Orlando, at a special event honoring winners from each state. Davis, a certified business consultant at the FSBDC at the University of Central Florida, was recognized for her outstanding commitment, performance and contributions to the small business community in the Central Florida region.

“We are proud of Pauline’s accomplishments and her contributions to small business,” said Michael Myhre, State Director (Interim) of the Florida SBDC Network. “Her 14 years of dedicated service to the network are greatly appreciated and highly valued.”

Davis joined the FSBDC at UCF in May of 1999 as a business consultant. As a previous small business owner, Davis understands the challenges and needs of small businesses. She consults with clients on a wide range of topics, including financial statement analysis, loan packaging, business plan analysis, budgeting, cash flow projections and marketing.

Davis’ clients appreciate her wide knowledge base and benefit from her business philosophy: “It’s not enough to start a business; you have to remain in business.”

“It is an honor to be recognized by the ASBDC for doing the work I enjoy so much,” said Davis. “It is a privilege to work with these business owners and help them to recognize their dreams and reach their full potential.”

Throughout her tenure with the FSBDC at UCF, Davis has helped her clients achieve an impressive level of economic impact. From 2000-2012, Davis’ clients have created 676 jobs; retained 309 jobs; started 255 businesses; increased sales by $51,260,785; secured $29,284,800 in capital; and obtained $2,600,000 in government contracts.

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. A statewide service network of 41 centers with 60 outreach locations, the FSBDC Network is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, hosted by the University of West Florida and accredited through the national Association of SBDCs. To learn more about the FSBDC Network or to find a SBDC near you, visit www.FloridaSBDC.org or call 1.866.737.7232.

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.

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

Florida Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

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FSBDCN State Office: The Florida SBDC Network is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting a sampling of its successful Hispanic-owned client businesses that are making history.  In 2013, there are a projected 3.16 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States. According to a recent study by Geoscape and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, from 2007 to 2013 the number of Hispanic-owned businesses has increased at an average rate of 6.66 percent as compared to non-Hispanic businesses increasing at 3.14 percent. Nationally, Hispanic-owned businesses are projected to bring in $468 billion in sales receipts in 2013.

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, Hispanic-owned businesses currently make up 22 percent of Florida’s businesses. Geoscape’s study predicts that this number in Florida will have doubled to 52 percent from 2007 to 2013. The Florida SBDC Network is committed to providing these Hispanic-owned businesses with the assistance they need to grow and succeed in their business ventures.

Over the last 10 years, the Florida SBDC Network served 23,935 Hispanic entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting, training and information, resulting in 14,908 jobs created and retained; $475.9 million in sales revenue growth; $1.1 billion in government contracts awarded; $192 million in capital accessed; and 1,234 new businesses created.

Roberto Torres, Luis Montañez and Christopher Findeisen created Black & Denim Apparel Company with business goals in mind – dressing comfortably, fashionably and manufacturing their products in the USA! With the help of the FSBDC at the University of South Florida, Black & Denim reached $100,000 in sales in 2012 with plans to double it by 2014. In the first half of 2013, they secured distribution through 90 Stein Mart stores across Florida, increased their retail outlets to 39 states including New York, Texas and California, are in conversations with high-end retailer Nordstrom, and are negotiating with Macy’s to have their products in 25 stores by spring 2014.

“The SBDC has been instrumental in helping us design a path for growth that is attainable and sustainable. The SBDC allows us to excel in those areas where we are not experts such as marketing and international trade. They have supported us from the beginning,” said Torres.

On August 29, 2013, the trio opened their first retail store in historic Ybor City. Along with Tampa’s Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Chief of Police Jane Castor, they cut a pair of Dungarees signaling the beginning of a new chapter for their business. Watch Video | Read Full Story

 

In 2009, Arnaldo and Yanet Herrero of Kings Service Solutions first approached the FSBDC at the University of Central Florida’s Jill Kaufman with interest in participating in their Advisory Board Council services.

“I felt the FSBDC at UCF was the right organization to pair up with to set our company’s vision on the right course. I wanted to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the company and have access to experts’ knowledge and ideas to develop our organization,” said Yanet.

Kings Service Solutions’ (KSS) biggest benefits from the Advisory Board were improved financial management, HR policies, quality control and risk management. When KSS approached the FSBDC at UCF in 2009, they had 6 full-time staff and 37 part-time employees. Three years later, their company had grown to 87 full-time employees and 162 part-time employees and annual revenue jumped 270 percent. Read Full Story

With the help of the FSBDC at the University of South Florida, Beatriz and Roberto Cardona followed their dreams and opened a Sign-a-Rama franchise in 2010.  In 2012, they purchased one of their suppliers, increasing their capacity of sign manufacturing and diversifying their customer base. They are now positioned to triple sales in 2013 with a team of 15 dedicated employees.

“Most people aren’t familiar with every aspect associated with operating a new business or growing an existing one, but the SBDC was able to provide this expertise for free,” said Beatriz.

In 2013, their hard work and persistence paid off as they were recognized for their impressive growth at the 27th Annual Pasco Economic Development Council’s Awards Banquet, receiving the 2013 Manufacturing Industry of the Year Award. Read Full Story

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. A statewide service network of 41 centers with 60 outreach locations, the FSBDC Network is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, hosted by theUniversity of West Florida and accredited through the national Association of SBDCs. To learn more about the FSBDC Network or to find a SBDC near you, visit www.FloridaSBDC.org or call 1.866.737.7232.

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.

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

FSBDC at UCF Assists Haitian Quality Services Obtain Needed Capital Investment

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December 4, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL –    Meeting the needs of your community and building a successful business can sometimes be accomplished simultaneously, especially with assistance from the Florida Small Business Development Center at UCF (FSBDC at UCF).

Mr. Jacquelyn Daquin came to the FSBDC at UCF seeking assistance with refinancing the mortgage on his business property.  Mr. Daquin, the owner of Haitian Quality Services, provides a range of fee-based services for residents in the West Orlando community.  Services are provided in French, Creole, and Spanish, and include immigration, bail bond, divorce, document translation, language interpreting, tax preparation, business assistance, college and employment applications etc.

The business began because Mr. Daquin saw a need in the community: residents wanted to better their lives and take advantage of economic opportunities but were struggling with the language barrier and limited education.  Mr. Daquin, who obtained his Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida and is also a Certified Respiratory Therapist, started offering services in a limited capacity.  The business grew as the company’s reputation soared and his services were sought after.

With this in mind, Mr. Daquin decided to purchase a property to house the business, and use the revenue from the business to renovate and expand the facility.  Unfortunately, before the renovation was completed, he ran out of funds and was forced to accept a very high interest rate mortgage to complete the project.  He paid this mortgage for several years before deciding that, if he could substantially reduce the monthly payments, he could grow the business and possibly hire more people, hence the desire to refinance the mortgage.

Mr. Daquin applied to several banks and was denied. It was then that he was referred to Pauline Davis, a certified business analyst at the FSBDC at UCF.  She reviewed his information and assisted him with preparing a business plan, cash flow projections and accompanying financial documents to complete a revised loan package.  He was referred to the bank and was once again denied the loan.

At that juncture, the FSBDC at UCF’s Davis contacted the banker for an explanation of the denial, and was told Mr. Daquin had credit issues.  A further review of his credit records showed that there were errors and unexplained items on the report, and that he had a better credit history than represented by the report.  With that understood, he was referred to the Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF) for their specialized loan program.  The FSBDC and BBIF worked with the client to address his credit issues and business needs, and BBIF finally refinance the property.

Mr. Daquin is so grateful for the assistance and states, “There was no way I could have gotten the loan without Pauline Davis at the FSBDC.  I could not understand why I was being denied; she patiently assisted me with the business plan and through the process.  She is truly a “STAR” and my business and the community will be eternally grateful.”  He is very optimistic about his future and growing the business.

— 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

Sterling Building Services, Inc.: The American Dream In Progress

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FSBDC at UCF’s Growth Acceleration Services at Work

November 26, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL – Achieving the “American Dream” demands, in equal measures: hard work, passion, subject matter expertise, patient and caring leadership; characteristics that accurately describe Cesar and Yazmin Bermudez, founders and co-owners of Sterling Building Services, Inc.

Following immigration to the United States in 1989 with a professional background in financial management, Cesar Bermudez earned his stripes as a part time employee of ABM Janitorial Building Services where he rose from building supervisor to Assistant Branch Manager to Branch Manager of Central Florida. He then joined D&A Building Services as Vice President of Operations, transforming an emerging company with $2.5 million in sales and 200 employees to a mature entity with sales ranging exceeding) the $15 to $20 million a year and about 1,100 employees.

Motivated by the goal of sustainable financial independence, Cesar and Yazmin Bermudez leveraged their experience and industry relationships to open Sterling Building Services, Inc. in 2007. The firm provides interior and exterior cleaning and maintenance services to property managers, owners and commercial clients.  As a Minority Owned Enterprise the company achieved 8(a) certification in 2008.

The business gained serious traction in 2011 followed by an impressive 34% growth rate in 2012. The company is on track to double in size in 2013 with sales projected to increase 113%.

Faced with the challenge of rapid growth, Cesar and Yazmin began working with the FSBDC at UCF’s certified business analyst Roger Greenwald to help devise plans to manage and accelerate future growth.

The Growth Acceleration Services offered by the FSBDC at UCF are designed to provide in-depth professional business consulting, at no cost, to qualified emerging and growth businesses in Florida by delivering the counseling, strategies and expertise businesses need to hasten the growth and success of their business. The Growth Acceleration consultant provides an in-depth financial analysis of the business and identifies key performance indicators to monitor performance, as well as identifying strategies for new business development.

In Cesar Bermudez’s words, “We are fortunate to have a growing business, but the challenges that come with growth are sometimes enormous. The advice and counsel we received from the Florida Small Business Development Center at UCF’s Growth Acceleration consultant, Roger Greenwald, has been very helpful enabling us to adjust to growth, keeping our cash flow in check, aligning our management structure with strategic goals and assisting in defining our need for and obtaining working capital.”

At the same time, Cesar and Yazmin launched an ambitious business development plan and made three key management assignments. Andrea Vargas was promoted to General Manager, Janitorial and Window Cleaning Divisions. Industry veteran Jerry Garner was named General Manager of the company’s new Facilities Services Division and Sonny Acevedo was hired as Director of Business Development.

This management structure synergy and the new business development initiatives in all three divisions have created a pipeline that will ensure continuation of dramatic growth in 2014 and beyond.

Cesar and Yazmin take pride in their journey to achieve the American Dream, not only for themselves and their family, but for their employees as well. Their dedication to their employees’ success by providing meaningful employment and career opportunities is a central tenet of their business model.

The Florida SBDC’s no-cost Growth Acceleration services are available to companies throughout the state. To qualify for the services, the company must have growth as a goal, be in operation for at least three years, have annual revenues ranging from $500,000 to $10 million, and employ five or more workers. Florida SBDC Growth Acceleration consultants are available statewide to provide assistance to qualified emerging and growth business who are looking to advance. Specifically, the SBDC at UCF Growth Acceleration services consultants will provide high level consulting of 50 – 100 hours (fair market value of over $10,000) to help qualified SMEs develop sustainable growth strategies.

For more information about the SBDC’s Growth Acceleration services, contact FSBDC at UCF Regional Director Eunice Choi at 407-420-4850 or echoi@bus.ucf.edu.

— 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

Local Star A.M. Metal Finishing, Inc. Prospering With an Assist from FSBDC at UCF’s Growth Acceleration Services

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November 13, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL – Ambitious business owners speak regularly about finding ways to take their company “to the next level” of revenue growth, of profitability, of success. A. M. Metal Finishing, Inc.’s owner Rick Hunter had built his company into a respected, multi-product business but wanted to take his success up a notch…a big notch. For assistance, he turned to the Florida SBDC at UCF’s Growth Acceleration Services program.

With over 29 years of experience, A.M. Metal Finishing, Inc. is providing premier metal finishing services for companies throughout the state of Florida. A.M. Metal’s dedication to providing the highest level of quality has been recognized by industry leaders and resulted in metal finishing projects in many industries including aerospace, defense and theme parks.  A.M. Metal provided corrosion protection for the platform for Winter the Tailless Dolphin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and anodized the bleachers in the “Splash Zone” at Sea World’s Shamu Stadium. A.M. Metal also donated the anodized aluminum panels for the Maderia Beach 911 Memorial and hard-coat anodized the parts on the U.C.F. solar car.

A.M. Metal’s high quality workmanship earned them numerous awards including from the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida as the “Small Manufacturer of the Year” and “Best of Business Award” by the Small Business Commerce Association for its Anodizing (plating) of metals. The company provides an extensive array of metal finishing services including anodizing, powder coating, electro polishing, Teflon coating, laser engraving and many more, enabling it to meet the diverse needs of all its customers.

In November 2012, owner Rick Hunter was eager to leverage the company’s diverse offerings to grow further.  Rick met with FSBDC at UCF Growth Acceleration Consultant, Jill McLaughlin, to discuss strategies to take their business up to the next level of revenue and growth profitability. Jill performed an in-depth business assessment including a detailed financial, sales and marketing analysis.  Jill then recommended specific financial tools and marketing strategies to help grow the business. Hunter said, “Jill McLaughlin has been extremely helpful in providing us information and opportunities that will help our company grow while still meeting our goals and mission statement.  The advice and services she has provided has helped our company set a marketing strategy and sales approach that promise to give us the conversion rate we are looking for.”

As a result of Rick and his team’s dedication to quality and service, in May 2013, A.M. Metal received a distinguished award from one of the premier aerospace manufacturers in the U.S. and they have been voted “Supplier of the Year” by three of their largest customers.  Hunter said, “If you are interested in growing your company then I highly recommend Jill McLaughlin and the FSBDC at UCF’s Growth Acceleration Services Program because she will help you research, set and achieve the success you are looking for.”

Through the Florida SBDC’s no-cost Growth Acceleration Services, companies can develop sustainable growth strategies in key business areas, including marketing and business development, cash flow management, strategic planning, market/industry research, as well as capital access. To qualify for the services the company must have growth as a goal, be operating for at least three years, have annual revenues ranging from $500,000 to $10 million, and employ five or more workers. Florida SBDC Growth Acceleration Consultants are readily available statewide to provide assistance to qualified emerging and growth businesses that are looking to advance. For more information about the SBDC’s Growth Acceleration Services, contact SBDC at UCF Regional Director Eunice Choi at 407-420-4850 or echoi@bus.ucf.edu.

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.

In 2012, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC program, $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

Hunt Dawkins Named Associate Director For FSBDC at UCF

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Seasoned Banker and Team Leader to Serve Central Florida Business Community

November 7, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

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Orlando, FL –   The Florida Small Business Development Center at University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) today announced that it has named G. Hunt Dawkins as Associate Director of the FSBDC at UCF. He will be responsible for staff development and management,

directing and overseeing the FSBDC’s entrepreneurial development programs, provide leadership and direction in policy development, and assist in preparing and administering the annual work plan and strategic plan. In addition, he will develop and lead community and stakeholder relations activities to further enhance the visibility and mission of the FSBDC.

“Hunt is an exceptional coach, manager and servant leader who will strengthen our team here at the FSBDC in important ways,” commented Eunice Choi, Regional Director of the FSBDC at UCF. “His many years of banking experience in Central Florida serving businesses big and small, working effectively with clients and colleagues and contributing to the communities in which he works and lives make him an outstanding choice to assist the FSBDC and its clients and team members achieve their goals.”

Dawkins joins the FSBDC at UCF after an impressive career in banking where he gained extensive experience in sales leadership, business lending, 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, Retail Banking 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 positions at Suntrust Bank and Southtrust Bank. Dawkins earned a BS in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida and is a alumnus of the Graduate School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University.

For more information about the FSBDC at UCF, contact Hal Thayer at hthayer@bus.ucf.edu or call 407.420.4850.

— 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.

In 2012, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC program, $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

Bright Side Services, Inc. Finds Business Solutions With Help from FSBDC at UCF – Lake County

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November 5, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL – Small businesses in Central Florida face challenges big and small every day. Too often they don’t know where to turn for assistance. In the case of Lake County’s Bright Side Services, Inc. the risk of not protecting and losing valued employees; paying outsized insurance premiums, if they could even obtain the insurance; and carrying major liability for major long-term employee disability payments all led its founders and owners to the Florida Small Business Development Center – Lake County and its Small Business Resource Network.

Michelle and Mike Krueger started Bright Side Services, Inc., a residential “window washing” business, in Tavares in Central Florida. Michelle worked in the business, while Mike was still working full time. They started as a residential “Window Washing” business, but over the years, the business has grown to include residential detail cleans, move in / move out cleans, house watching, weeding / mulching and exterior home maintenance. It didn’t take long at all until Mike was able to transition full time into working with Michelle in the business.

Central Florida, and especially Lake County, has a large retirement population. Michelle enjoys the opportunity to focus her business in the “active adult” communities, providing many of the services their clients’ families would provide if they had family living close to them. While window washing is still the largest portion of their business, the personal relationships they build with each of their clients brings about “odd jobs” from climbing ladders to change smoke detector batteries, to replacing broken sprinkler heads in the lawn.

As the business has grown, the Krueger’s now have 4 employees working with them. Unfortunately, one of their employees recently fell and broke her arm in a customer’s home. The employee went to the hospital and, to everyone’s relief, in the long run recovered completely from the accident. All was not well however; when the Krueger’s’ went to check on insurance coverage for their employee, they discovered they did not have Worker’s Compensation insurance as a part of their company insurance policy. Prior to the accident the Krueger’s were operating under the false assumption their insurance policy covered such accidents.

While their employee did have their own health insurance, the Kruegers knew it was not the right thing to do to ask her to take responsibility for something that happened on their job. At the same time, the Krueger’s knew if the employee sued the homeowner, or asked them to pay the expenses through their homeowner’s policy, the “word would spread like wildfire and it would be VERY detrimental to our business”! Michelle and Mike made the decision to pay the $4,200.00+ for the hospital expenses themselves.

Over the next thirty days Michelle contacted their insurance agency and many others trying to obtain Worker’s Compensation Insurance for their company. She even took to a letter writing campaign to her state congressman bringing the plight of Worker’s Compensation insurance needs of the small business owner to their attention. As the accident made them painfully aware, the nature of their business (climbing ladders, wet floors etc.) could expose their employees to an even greater accident than a broken arm. A fall, causing a head injury, could cause long-term disability and that could mean a major long-term liability for the company.

When the Krueger’s showed up at Small Business Development Center at UCF’s Lake County offices in Eustis, they were frustrated and “at wits end” trying to solve the dilemma of obtaining affordable Worker’s Compensation Insurance. After explaining their plight in a no-cost, one-on-one consulting session with the FSBDC consultant Stan Austin, he suggested they may want to consider handling their payroll through a Professional Employment Organization (PEO). This would allow their employees to be part of a larger group and hopefully provide them Worker’s Compensation insurance at an affordable rate. At the same time, it would free them up from taking care of the payroll tasks themselves, allowing them to continue to focus on growing their business through marketing and networking, as opposed to performing business administrative tasks.

Austin introduced the Krueger’s to the Small Business Resource Network (SBRN), explaining it was made up of a group of Bankers, Insurance, Accountants, Lawyers and Marketing / Consulting companies that had been pre-screened and are focused on helping small businesses like theirs. Through this process they were connected with a PEO and were to receive a proposal for their services within 24 hours of the Krueger’s initial meeting with the SBDC.

The Krueger’s were extremely pleased with the efforts, resources and willingness of the connections to be of assistance. Michelle sent an email to Stan Austin the afternoon of that initial consulting session in which she said:

“More has been accomplished in 6 hours since we met with you today than in the past 30 days with independent insurance agents and senators! What an amazing resource your office is! Thank you for what you do.”

“Let’s back up a bit to Friday…when I called Theresa in your office at the end of a frustrating day. It was practically 5pm and she was ready to leave to get her computer fixed. Instead, she patiently and professionally took my call, listened to my concerns, re-started her computer and took the time to book the appointment for me and give me some background information on the SBRN. Working with your organization has been an unexpectedly refreshing and motivating experience. Thank you so much! ” Michelle Krueger continued. “I wish I would have found this valuable resource sooner – very helpful to see other options! Encouraging, positive, motivating!” she commented on her evaluation after her initial consulting session.

The SBRN is a professional membership organization helping connect small businesses with professional expertise in the areas of accounting, banking and commercial lending, insurance, law and business consulting. Members meet monthly. Meeting details and information about other events can be found on our calendar at www.sbrn.org or by contacting the Program Manager Susan Carey at slcarey@bus.ucf.edu or 407-420-4850.

— 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.

In 2012, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC program, $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

Employment Technologies Corporation Achieving Continuous Success

in ,

Deploys FSBDC at UCF ABC and SBI Programs to Full Advantage 

October 29, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL – Ask almost any business executive: “what’s the toughest part of your job?” Nine out of ten will tell you that it’s finding, hiring and keeping good people. It’s an age-old problem that Joseph and Eugenia Sefcik, the co-founders of Employment Technologies Corporation (ETC), saw as an opportunity. With Joe’s background in employee sourcing and human resources, and Eugenia’s hands-on experience building branch banking teams, they had the business experience to know that offering easy and effective employee testing and development tools would be the solution to a major challenge faced by the business community. They were both passionate about the potential they saw in their solution and about the opportunity it represented for them and for their future customers.

And so off they charged. Joe had watched employee training evolve from live role playing to computer-based automation. And in the back of his mind he knew that he had felt a yearning since childhood to own his own business. Then an opportune change in management gave Joe and Eugenia the opening they had hoped for.  In 1995, through a spin-off from Joe’s previous employer, the Sefciks launched ETC.

Since then, ETC has established itself as a pioneer and world’s #1 developer of employment simulations.  ETC’s signature line of EASy Simulations® improves hiring, accelerates employee performance, and inspires success.

ETC has evolved employment testing into the realm of simulation and, in so doing, has produced a solution that is more robust, accurate and fair than anything that came before.  The company’s award-winning line of EASy Simulations offers significant time and cost savings to its clients while delivering proven bottom-line results, including substantial reductions in training time, absenteeism, and turnover—and dramatic increases in employee performance and productivity.

Over the years, Joe and Eugenia have focused on continuous improvement and have availed themselves to a variety of resources available to Central Florida entrepreneurs as they worked to grow ETC. One of the important and valuable programs they have participated in to great advantage is the Florida SBDC at UCF’s Advisory Board Council (ABC), an economic development program that operates within the Florida Small Business Development Center at UCF and is funded by Orange County Government. The program is a no-cost professional advisory service for local companies. By acting as a matchmaker between businesses and volunteer advisors, all of whom are professionals in our community, the Advisory Board Council program acts to positively impact Orange County businesses through revenue growth and job creation.  Businesses also benefit by improved operations, marketing, financial management, reduced costs, leadership development and succession planning.

In the case of ETC, their Advisory Board contributes regularly to their financial management expertise, sales activities and marketing. The Board, which includes SBDC at UCF’s certified business analyst Roger Greenwald and ABC program manager Jill Kaufman along with four additional outside advisors, meets quarterly to assist ETC.

“Our Advisory Board from the SBDC at UCF has been invaluable,” said Joe Sefcik. “Their input, consulting and coaching have helped us make important decisions and chart the direction of the company. Having these objective, external experts put 100% of their focus on our business allows us to better benchmark our performance and guide our thinking. We are grateful for the support we have received from our Advisory Board.”

Another Florida SBDC at UCF program that ETC has taken advantage of is the SBDC’s award winning Small Business Institute® (SBI®) program. SBI® connects local small businesses like ETC to the resources and management expertise of UCF’s College of Business Administration (UCF CBA) and the SBDC at UCF by providing confidential and professional management assistance through consulting projects performed by UCF CBA students. In the case of ETC, the Small Business Institute® team assisted in producing and evaluating valuable market research that helped the company make new product decisions.

Thanks to the Sefciks’ leadership, the dedication and hard work of their team and support from resources like the SBDC at UCF, the results at ETC have been outstanding.  Their products have won myriad awards, including being a five-time winner of the prestigious Human Resources Executive, “Top HR Product of the Year” award.  Most recently, the company received the highly-regarded William C. Schwartz Innovation Award for their innovative practices and exceptional impact on Central Florida. The company has grown from four to 20 employees, and revenues have increased steadily. In fact, over the past three years they have worked with their SBDC at UCF Advisory Board, ETC has seen revenues increase 40%.

Importantly for Joe and Eugenia and their team at ETC, they have been able to use their success to help their community. They are an active supporter of the University of Central Florida, having donated a psychology laboratory to the school and employed interns and students from the school. One-third of current ETC employees are UCF graduates, most of whom came into the company through this route. Eugenia has taken a leadership role in supporting Kids Across America; in recent years her work has provided more than 250 scholarships for inner city teens to attend a summer camp designed to encourage, equip and empower urban youth and their mentors through camping and education.

The combination of providing pioneering employment simulation solutions for its customers, being a growing Central Florida business for its employees and staying a meaningful contributor for its community makes Employment Technologies Corporation a success story indeed.

— 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.

In 2012, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC program, $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

Performance Excellence Contributes to Business & Economic Prosperity

in ,

Release Date: October 17, 2013
Contact: Cheryl.Kirby@FloridaSBDC.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FSBDCN State Office: In September, over one hundred Florida SBDC Network members gathered to recognize and thank colleagues, volunteers and partners who contributed above the norm in the success of the FSBDC’s mission to help businesses grow and succeed, create positive impact for the economy, and provide value to its stakeholders. The awards were presented by Michael Myhre, State Director (Interim), at a special celebration held during the America’s SBDC Network National Conference in Orlando, Florida.

“It is an honor to recognize the dedication and commitment of our employees and partners,” said Myhre. “They are the best of the best and our record success is a tribute to their passion to ensure that Florida businesses receive the knowledge resources they need to contribute to our state’s continued growth and prosperity.”

Florida Awards

The Florida Star of the Year, Pauline Davis, Certified Business Analyst at the FSBDC at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF), was selected as the employee whose contributions were exemplary for new program development, innovative special projects, client impact and overall Network performance. Throughout her tenure with the FSBDC at UCF, Davis has helped her clients achieve an impressive level of economic impact. From 2000-2012, Davis’ clients have created 676 jobs; retained 309 jobs; started 255 businesses; increased sales by $51.3 million; secured $29.3 million in capital; and obtained $2.6 million in government contracts. Davis was also recognized at the national level as the America’s SBDC Network State Star for Florida.

The Florida Outstanding Resource Partners of the Year, Dr. Rick Harper, Executive Director of the Office of Economic Development and Engagement at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, and Janice Perkins-Gilley, Assistant Vice President of Government and Community Relations at UWF, were selected for their collective energies and efforts in the passage of new legislation on behalf of the Florida SBDC Network. The new law, Florida Statute 288.001, enhances the Florida SBDC Network position as “the principal business assistance organization for small businesses in the state.” Their hard work contributed to new performance-based investments for the Florida SBDC Network to expand business development services and support small business growth.

The following Florida Award recipients were selected as the individuals that made the greatest contribution as per the Regional Award categories:

The Florida Volunteer of the Year is Barbara Melvin, nominated by the FSBDC at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers. Melvin is the Vice President of Business Lending at Wells Fargo Bank. In 2012, Melvin volunteered more than 100 hours with the FSBDC at FGCU. She also served as a guest lecturer, member of the FSBDC at FGCU Advisory Board, president and member of the Small Business Resource Network’s SW Florida Chapter, and she facilitated assistance with financial support from Wells Fargo Foundation.

The Florida Certified Business Analyst (CBA) of the Year is Nerine Elattar, Certified Business Analyst and international trade specialist with the FSBDC at UCF in Orlando. In 2012, Elattar provided 966 consulting hours to over 147 businesses, resulting in her client businesses creating and retaining 166 jobs, accessing $1.9 million in capital and increasing sales by $7.4 million. Elattar completed an Executive Certificate in Global Finance by the Thunderbird School of Global Management and became a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) through the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators, scoring in the top 7% nationwide. She also enthusiastically assumed a leadership role in establishing the FSBDCN’s Export Marketing Plan Services.

The Florida Employee of the Year is Dr. Cheryl Kirby, Associate State Director of Marketing and Development at the FSBDCN State Office in Pensacola. Since joining the FSBDCN two years ago, Kirby implemented a network-wide human capital reward and recognition campaign; led the development and implementation of the state level social media strategy and programming; led the development of the FSBDCN’s dynamic Intranet site; directed the development and launch of the network’s online orientation program; and instituted a new monthly marketing strategy system. During this time, Kirby finished her dissertation, defended it and graduated earning a PhD in Human Capital Development.

The Florida Innovative Service and Best Practice of the Year is the CEO XChange, nominated by the FSBDC at UCF. Led by Regional Director Eunice Choi, the CEO XChange was developed and launched in 2010 to provide peer coaching and advising support to the leaders of established second-stage companies. Taken from the educational approach of leading graduate business schools such as Harvard, Stanford and Columbia, the CEO XChange enables its members to solve real world, major business issues together based on actual facts, figures and circumstances. In 2012, the CEO XChange helped 13 client companies generate $8.9 million in revenue growth, create and retain 663 jobs, access $5.8 million in capital, and secure $9.9 million in government contracts.

Regional Awards

Regional Outstanding Resource Partners, recognized for outstanding contributions to the regional FSBDC with respect to advocacy, financial support, partnership building and/or advising, are Mayor Jon Netts, City of Palm Coast, nominated by the FSBDC at UCF, Orlando and Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance, FSBDC at USF, Tampa.

Regional Volunteers of the Year, recognized for the greatest contribution to the regional FSBDC with respect to advocacy, consulting, training, program development and/or special projects, are Kolleen Chesley of Northwest Mutual, nominated by the FSBDC at UWF, Pensacola; Linda Hosey of USA General Service Administration, FSBDC at UNF, Jacksonville; Edward Alexander, ESQ. of Entrepreneurship Law Firm, FSBDC at UCF, Orlando; Walter McKnight of Shim Enterprise, Inc., FSBDC at USF, Tampa; and Barbara Melvin of Wells Fargo Bank, FSBDC at FGCU, Fort Myers.

Regional CBAs of the Year, recognized for demonstrating the greatest enhancement of scope, quality and/or impact of consulting services to the regional FSBDC, are John Miller, FSBDC at GCSC, Panama City; Christine Urban, FSBDC at FAMU, Tallahassee; Cathy Hagan, FSBDC at UNF, Jacksonville; Nerine Elattar, FSBDC at UCF, Orlando; Martin Zients, FSBDC at USF, Tampa; Cathy Haworth, FSBDC at FGCU, Fort Myers; Phil Scruton, FSBDC at PBSC, Boca Raton; and George Gadson, FSBDC Broward, Fort Lauderdale.

Regional/State Office Employees of the Year, recognized for the greatest contribution to operations and/or special projects of the regional FSBDC/State Office, are Angela Grant, FSBDC at UWF, Fort Walton Beach; Len Eichler, FSBDC at GCSC, Panama City; Constance Thomas, FSBDC at FAMU, Tallahassee; Cheryl Lynch, FSBDC at UNF, Palatka; Nancy Franssen, FSBDC at DSC, Daytona Beach; Rick Janson, FSBDC at Hillsborough County, Tampa; Darina Nikolov, FSBDC at FGCU, Fort Myers; Natasha Salley, FSBDC at IRSC, Fort Pierce;Debbie Lanford, FSBDC at PBSC, Boca Raton; Anil Chang, FSBDC Broward, Fort Lauderdale; and Cheryl Kirby, FSBDCN State Office, Pensacola.

Service Awards

Florida SBDC Network members reaching continuous yearly service milestones were also recognized for their dedication and loyalty.

25 Years Thawanna Keaton, FSBDC at UWF, Pensacola

20 Years Cathy Hagan, FSBDC at UNF, Jacksonville; Teri Takahashi, FSBDC Broward, Fort Lauderdale; Kelly McLeod, FSBDCN State Office, Pensacola

15 Years Eunice Choi, FSBDC at UCF, Orlando; Eileen Rodriguez, FSBDC at USF, Tampa; Lucy Davison, FSBDCN State Office, Pensacola

10 Years Kilty Spoke, FSBDC at UWF, Pensacola; Dawn Taylor, FSBDC at FAMU, Perry; Millie Class, FSBDC at FGCU, Fort Myers; Dan Telep, FSBDC at FGCU, Fort Myers; Connie Gifford, FSBDC at IRSC, Fort Pierce; Ted Kramer, FSBDC at PBSC, Boca Raton; Jackie Rule, FSBDC at PBSC, Boca Raton; and Dr. Dianne Barlar, FSBDCN State Office, Pensacola

5 Years Brent Peacock, FSBDC at GCSC, Panama City; Nina Gonzalez, FSBDC at UCF, Orlando; and Bob Keltie, FSBDC at PBSC, Boca Raton

About the FSBDC Network

For over 35 years, the Florida SBDC 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.

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 at a significantly low cost of $112 per job; $6.3 billion in sales growth; $235.2 million in capital accessed; $588.4 million in government contract awards; and 744 new businesses started. For every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC program, $40 was returned to the state in tax revenue.

A statewide service network of 41 centers with 60 outreach locations, the FSBDC Network is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, hosted by the University of West Florida and nationally accredited through the Association of SBDCs.

To learn more about the Florida SBDC Network or to find a FSBDC near you, visit www.FloridaSBDC.org.

Proudly Recognizing Our 2013 Professional Development Awards Reception Sponsor & Partner in Business

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

Seven Local Companies Team With FSBDC at UCF’s Small Business Institute®

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UCF College of Business Administration Students to Deliver Consulting Projects
Designed to Accelerate Growth of High Potential Companies

September 19, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL – The Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) today announced that seven (7) local Central Florida companies had been selected to participate in the Small Business Institute® (SBI®), a program connecting local small businesses to the resources and management expertise of UCF’s College of Business Administration (UCF’s CBA) and the FSBDC at UCF. Part of a nationwide small business program, the local SBI® provides confidential and professional management assistance to small businesses through consulting projects performed by MBA students.

For the fall 2013 semester, students from UCF’s CBA will work in teams conducting business analyses for seven (7) high potential Central Florida companies, including these that applied and were accepted to participate in the award winning Small Business Institute® program.

  • Air Tech of Central Florida, Inc. has earned its reputation for quality workmanship through years of providing excellent air conditioning and heating products, and plumbing services. It is a family owned and operated company familiar with the climate concerns of Central Florida. Their technicians are NATE certified and some of the most qualified people in the business servicing and installing air conditioning equipment. For more information visit www.airtechcfl.com.
  • A.M. Metal Finishing, Inc. is a premier metal finishing supplier with over 29 years of experience. The company is an approved vendor for many of Orlando’s industrial, commercial and aerospace/defense companies including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, NASA, and Walt Disney World Co. An award-winning finishing company A.M. Metal Finishing, Inc. is recognized by the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida as the “Small Manufacturer of the Year” for 2008; and in 2001 for our “Exceptional Growth.” For more information visit www.ammetal.com.
  • Computer Business Consultants, Inc. is an innovative information technology services provider specializing in a comprehensive range of services for businesses both large and small.  The company specializes in IT Managed Services which include monitoring and management of client IT networks, storage, backup, software maintenance, and security.  Founded in 1996, the company has offices in Oakland, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia, and services clients throughout the world.  For more information visit www.ComputerBusiness.com
  • Diamond Systems is a Veteran Owned and HUBZONE verified distributor of a wide variety of technical equipment for air, clinical, environmental, hazardous, landfill, toxic gas, water applications and safety equipment. For more information visit www.diamondsci.com.
  • Dredging & Marine Consultants, LLC is a multidisciplinary engineering and environmental company that provides services in planning, engineering, environmental assessments, permitting and construction inspection for both upland and waterfront related design projects.  The company has transportation, structural, water resources engineers and environmental staff that specialize in site storm water and drainage, parks, docks, piers marinas, seawalls, boat ramps, shoreline protection and sediment removal options.  The company’s true business and reason for being is to utilize its technical and managerial forte in innovatively and cost-effectively designing and solving engineering and environmental issues that face its clients and share in the joy of knowing that the company has responsibly benefited the public and communities it serves. For more information visit www.dmces.com.
  • Elipsis Engineering & Consulting, LLC is an established engineering and consulting firm serving Central Florida and surrounding areas. The company provides engineering services in the fields of Construction Materials Testing including laboratory testing services, Threshold Inspection, Structural Steel inspections and Drilled Shaft Inspections. Elipsis also provides Project, Contract Management services and Construction Engineering Inspection (CEI) services. For more information visit www.elipsisec.com.
  • JCA Solutions is a consulting company, specializing in Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) and e-learning technologies. The company strives to meet the needs of each and every customer on a personal level. . JCA Solutions is process-oriented and prides itself in its attention to detail. The company’s focus is on SCORM and its goal is to create value for its customers by providing consultants to support its client’s courseware development process or provide tools to streamline SCORM conformance. JCA Solutions facilitates greater e-learning content functionality, reusability, accessibility, and easier deployment to clients’ target Learning Management System. For more information visit www.jcasolutions.com.

Under the guidance of their UCF CBA SBI® Program Director Dr. Lloyd Fernald, Professor Emeritus at the UCF College of Business Administration, the student team will oversee and implement extensive research and analysis to determine industry best practices; will meet regularly to understand company processes and procedures; and perform a wide-ranging analysis of business and industry strategies and performance. As a result of their efforts, the students will be able to deliver a comprehensive business examination and provide a short- and long-term strategic analysis and set of recommendations to grow and strengthen the client company.

The SBDC at UCF’s Small Business Institute® program has won many national awards for its high quality projects and innovative program management, including:

  • 2013 – 3rd Prize in Graduate Business Plan Category
  • 2013 – SBI® Showcase Award
  • 2012 – 2nd Place in the Graduate Specialized Category in the 2012 Project of the Year Awards
  • 2010 – 1st Place in Graduate Specialized Category in Project of the Year National Competition

>>> 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.

For every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC program during 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