FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

Performance Excellence Contributes to Business & Economic Prosperity

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®

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

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

Research Finds Florida SBDCs Continue to Have Substantial Impact on State’s Economy

Research Finds Florida SBDCs Continue to Have
Substantial Impact on State’s Economy

47,845 jobs created, retained & saved at a cost of $112 per job

 

Release Date: September 10, 2013
Contact: Cheryl.Kirby@FloridaSBDC.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FSBDCN State Office: Fostering entrepreneurship and growing small businesses are the foundation for job creation and our state’s economic vitality. As one of Florida’s most important economic contributors, small businesses employ over 42 percent of the Florida’s workforce and represent 98 percent of the state’s firms. New research on small businesses in Florida validates this claim.

According to an independent study conducted by the Haas Center, Economic Impact of the Florida SBDC Business Development Activities on the Florida Economy 2013, the Florida SBDC Network program helped entrepreneurs create, retain and save a total of 47,845 direct and indirect jobs across the state at a significantly low cost of $112 per job to the Florida taxpayer.

“The SBDC’s minimal per-job cost to the Florida taxpayer represents a significant departure from norm in an era when states and regions typically compete through their economic development organizations for jobs that cost the taxpayers several thousand dollars each,” said Dr. Rod Lewis, Director of the Haas Center. “The Florida SBDC Network provides invaluable services to small businesses across the state of Florida.”

These growing businesses increased sales by $6.3 billion, generated $215 million in state tax revenue, and contributed $3.9 billion to the state’s economy as a result of the work of the Florida SBDC Network.

“The return on investment in the FSBDC program is substantial. For every $1 invested in the program, $40 is returned to the state in tax revenue,” said Michael Myhre, State Director (Interim) of the Florida SBDC Network. “These results point to the importance of small businesses having access to the management and technical assistance they need to make sound business decisions.”

The research also found that small businesses assisted by the FSBDCs are growing at a much faster rate than the average Florida firm, and that the FSBDC helps create high-skill, high-wage jobs in the state. Established manufacturing firms, for example, that received business consulting from the FSBDC saw a job growth of 9.2% compared to 1.7% growth for the average Florida manufacturing firm.

As the state-designated principal provider of small business assistance, the Florida SBDC Network serves the complex and diverse needs of entrepreneurs and businesses through no-cost professional consulting, value-added business training, and access to business data and information. Since its inception, the FSBDCs have served over 1.1 million entrepreneurs and small business owners and is the only statewide organization capable of providing business assistance through all stages of their business growth.

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

SBDC at UCF Hosts Entrepreneur’s Law School

Aims to Help Business Owners Be Informed about Entrepreneurial Law and Reduce Their Risk

June 24, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL – On Thursday, June 27th the Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (SBDC at UCF) will once again host The Entrepreneur’s Law School, — a combination of seminars and workshops designed to educate small business owners about the latest developments in the legal landscape. In just one morning, legal professionals from the SBDC at UCF’s Small Business Resource Network (SBRN) will arm Central Florida area small business owners with information needed to both manage their business through important legal issues and reduce their risk and protect their businesses as they seek to grow them.  Small business owners will also have the opportunity to network with SBRN professionals with expertise in law, accounting, banking, and more.

“Because my practice has always been focused on assisting entrepreneurs and small businesses owners, I know where the legal risks and opportunities lie for their businesses. We have designed The Entrepreneur’s Law School to address these issues, and provide business owners with an understanding of how to manage their business from the legal perspective” said Ed Alexander, SBRN steering committee member and owner of the Entrepreneurship Law Firm, PL. “With business  law, what you don’t know CAN hurt you”.

The topics for the day are wide ranging, covering a myriad of legal questions, everything from mergers & acquisitions and succession planning to employment law, franchise law and contracts. The agenda for the June 27th event is as follows:

The Entrepreneur’s Law School 

Session I – Finding Growth Capital for Your Business

Session II – Small Business Resource Network Professionals Expo

Session III – Legal Panel Discussion

  • Business Succession Planning
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Trademark, Copyright, and Intellectual Property
  • Technology Law

Session IV – Legal Panel Discussion

  • Employment Law
  • Franchise Law
  • Contracts

For more information or to register, visit www.sbdcorlando.com or call 407.420.4850

–UCF–

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

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

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

SBDC at UCF Celebrates SBA’s National Small Business Award Winners

Three SBDC at UCF Clients and a Partner Being Honored as SBA Award Winners

May 20, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL – In a salute to the small businesses of Central Florida and the nation that are so important to job creation and the country’s economic wellbeing – the veritable heroes of our economy—the Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (SBDC at UCF) is celebrating the US Small Business Administration’s (SBA) National Small Business Week (June 17 – 21) in advance with a luncheon and awards ceremony recognizing local SBA award winners and champions.

The SBDC at UCF’s National Small Business Week celebration will occur on Tuesday May 21st at the 2013 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 Veronica Wallace, Lender Relations Specialist, U.S. SBA, and who will present the following awards to local SBA awards recipients in attendance:

  • 2013 Small Business Person of the Year
    North Florida District Winner
    Andre Uribe, Power Grid Engineering, LLC, Winter Springs
  • 2013 Small Business Exporter of the Year
    Regional, State and North Florida District Winner
    Harry Arnon, Hernon Manufacturing, Inc., Sanford
  • 2013 Woman Owned Small Business Person of the Year
    State and North Florida District Winner
    Elizabeth Burch, Dignitas Technologies, Inc., Orlando
  • 2013 Small Business Financial Services Champion of the Year
    State and North Florida District Winner
    Christopher Hurn, Merchantile Capital Corporation, Orlando

“We at the SBDC at UCF are so proud that our valued clients have been honored for their accomplishments and success by the Small Business Administration as part of its Small Business Week,” remarked Eunice Choi of the SBDC at UCF. “Their diligence and perseverance, and resulting business success, is indeed worthy of this recognition. It is gratifying to the SBDC that we assisted them in their achievements in some small way.”

“It’s an honor to recognize these extremely talented small business leaders and champions for their inspiring entrepreneurial spirit,” said Michael Myhre, Interim State Director of the Florida SBDC Network. “These innovative risk takers play a key role in driving job creation and economic growth. We are pleased that the services and support provided to Florida’s small businesses by our SBDC professionals is acknowledged in such a tangible way.”
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of this signature event, National Small Business Week is proclaimed by the President of the United States to recognize the critical contributions of America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. Traditionally held in May, this year the week-long celebration is scheduled to run June 17-21 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 the national winner will be announced.
The SBDC at UCF’s celebration of the SBA’s 2013 National Small Business Week Award winners is not only a salute to small business leaders and partners, the heroes of our economy, but works to open doors to new business opportunities for those self-same small business heroes.

–UCF–

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

 

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

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

SBDC at UCF’s CEO XChange Program Connects Executives, Cultivates Leaders, Improves Results

image (2)Being a small business owner or leader can have many rewards — professional independence, individual accomplishment, financial success to name a few. But it also has many challenges, including limited opportunities for skill development, a circumstantially-narrowed business perspective and the isolation that comes from being alone at the top — all of which can negatively affect the business results and success of the small business entrepreneur.

Building on a growing body of research that has shown the value that peer group coaching brings to developing the skills and effectiveness of entrepreneur business leaders, in 2010 the Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida (SBDC at UCF) launched the CEO XChange program, a monthly executive roundtable serving progressive chief executives and business owners that offers a confidential setting for top executives to discuss vital business issues, opportunities and trends with a group of peers. Designed for those at established, second stage companies, CEO XChange brings together successful entrepreneurs eager to increase their effectiveness as leaders and grow their companies. It offers top executives the opportunity to broaden their perspective and gain new knowledge by engaging in collaborative thinking and problem-solving – giving them the ability to more effective lead their companies.

The monthly CEO XChange meeting is organized and run by L. Harrison ‘Hal’ Thayer, a professional facilitator with extensive business and small business consulting experience. With a BA from Amherst, an MBA from Columbia Business School and facilitation training at General Electric’s Crotonville, NY executive training center, Thayer is a marketing professional who has held corporate positions at Time Warner, GE and Liberty Mutual. More recently, he has worked as a general manager for and consulted to small business. Beyond strong facilitation skills, he has a breadth and depth of business experience and knowledge that enables him to add value in many ways to the CEO XChange conversation and process.

Collective Problem Solving and Knowledge Expansion

The CEO XChange process is straight forward, and is strengthened by its simplicity. A group of CEO XChange’s chief executives come together for a presentation of an issue, challenge or opportunity facing one of their peers. Over the course of the meeting, all of the attendees contribute by brainstorming and problem solving together, all with a goal of solution identification. Over the course of the meeting, and as a result of the diverse points of view around the table, there is an inevitable expansion of member’s knowledge and understanding. Everyone benefits from leveraging the experiences of other CEO XChange members and having a multi-talented sounding board to bounce ideas off of. Freed of their own day-to-day concerns, the leaders avail themselves of the opportunity to think outside their box and engage in an often rewarding creative thought and analysis process.

As one CEO XChange member, the president of a hi-tech, multi-million dollar security firm commented recently about the knowledge gained in the meetings, “The CEO XChange aggregates decades of professional experience into a single, dynamic resource.   The safe environment promotes both relationship and rather candid discussion, so the movement from issue to solution is catalyzed dramatically.  The healthy group setting is cathartic for peers and, regardless of our respective ability to teach around an issue, we always learn”. 

Another CEO XChange member, the president of a multi-million dollar educational services company who has been recognized by the Small Business Administration as the Regional (8-state southern region) Winner of the 2012  Entrepreneurial Success Award, focused on the problem solving assistance he gains from the CEO XChange program when he said, “Many times I’ve been able to share challenges faced by my companies with the CEO XChange, and I’ve always received real world peer feedback from members that has revealed the solutions needed for my companies to grow so quickly.” 

Camaraderie and Decision-making Confidence

Beyond the benefits of collaborative problem solving and knowledge expansion, members of the CEO XChange also profit from the camaraderie and mutual support that comes from the relationships and network that evolve over time in the meetings. They learn that they are not alone in the challenges they face. This in turn has contributed to building the executives’ confidence in their decision making and validation of their strategies. As one member, president of training company has said about the CEO XChange, “It’s given me a wider perspective about the issues facing not just me, but the small business community in general.  It’s also given me confidence and some new business connections.” Or, as another member, the owner of a product assembly and manufacturing company, has said of the CEO XChange, When I first started out a few years back I was very apprehensive that the decisions I was making were really going to get our business somewhere.   To know that you’re on the right track really is a load off your back”.

Better Business Results

By helping small business owners and leaders solve problems, broaden their perspectives and build confidence in their decision making, the CEO XChange program has helped its members better manage their companies and optimize their business results. For FY 2011, the 16 member companies in the CEO XChange saw their revenues increase by more than $10.5 million, created and/or retained 24 jobs, raised almost $3.4 million in capital and won more than $6.8 million in government contracts. For FY 2012, member companies saw their revenues increase by more than $8.9 million, created and/or retained 1121 jobs, raised almost $4.9 million in capital and won more than $9.7 million in government contracts.

The SBDC at UCF’s CEO XChange program does indeed connect executives, cultivate leaders and help its members improve business results. A further, significant indication of the value its members place in the CEO XChange is the almost 90% of members who renew with the program year-over-year.

The CEO XChange program currently has memberships available and welcomes applications. For information about qualifications for the program and administrative details, please visit our website at www.sbdcorlando.com/CEOXchange. For questions, please feel free to contact Hal Thayer, CEO XChange program manager, at 407.420.4850 or email at hthayer@bus.ucf.edu.

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

Kings Service Solutions Gains From SBDC at UCF’s Advisory Board Council

imageBecomes a Local Job Creation Success Story

April 9, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL – In late 2009 President Yanet Herrero and Vice President Arnaldo Herrero of Kings Service Solutions, a fast growing Central Florida building maintenance company,  first approached the Small Business Development Center at UCF (SBDC at UCF) Advisory Board Council Program Manager Jill Kaufman about their interest in becoming a client of the program.  At their first meeting, Arnaldo laid out his goal, “We want to begin taking the proper steps to become your next success story.”

It took them just three years to achieve this milestone.  In that time their janitorial and commercial maintenance company has made a dramatic transformation and experienced extraordinary growth.  According to Yanet, “I felt the SBDC 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.”

In 2010, Kings Service Solutions (KSS) was accepted into the SBDC at UCF’s Advisory Board Council (ABC) program and an advisory board was formed to address the company’s needs.  Experts in human resources, accounting, strategic marketing, business development and law comprised their board.   “We had the best of the best on our advisory board team,” remarked Yanet.

Kings Service Solutions acted immediately on what they learned from their advisory board. The board helped them put in place an organizational structure, systems and processes to better manage the company and facilitate their growth.  “We learned how to make the organization’s mission and vision come alive and become part of the company culture,” explained Yanet.  Among the biggest benefits coming out of the board’s recommendations included improved financial management, HR policies, quality control and risk management.   “I started with an idea for what my business could be and by the end of the term in the ABC program it was so much more than I expected,” said Yanet.  “The Advisory Board Council program gave me the tools to attain what I wanted for our company.”

Beginning with the simple idea of providing high quality and reliable commercial cleaning and facility maintenance services, KSS has grown to serve industry leading companies throughout the state of Florida such as Trustco Bank, Florida’s Blood Centers, and Lamm and Company Partners.   KSS has instituted innovative business processes and the latest janitorial management software to increase their organization’s efficiency and quality control.  In fact, KSS was recently chosen to be featured by MSNBC in a television segment on how technology is helping small companies.

When KSS became a client of the Advisory Board Council in early 2010, the firm had a staff of 6 full time and 37 part time employees and leased a 1,700 sq. ft. office.  Just three years later KSS has grown to be a company of 87 full time and 162 part time employees.  Annual revenue jumped 270% from 2010 to 2012 and the company now owns its 3,500 sq. ft. office and warehouse suite.   Importantly, Arnaldo and Yanet also strongly believe in giving back to the community and KSS is a devoted supporter of a number of worthy organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida.

On the strength of its founders’ determination and the external assistance they were savvy enough to bring in, including from SBDC at UCF’s Advisory Board Council program, Kings Service Solutions is now that “next success story”  that they wanted to be. “I would recommend the Advisory Board Council to any entrepreneur that is ready to realize their vision,” remarked Yanet.  “The process will transform your business culture and inevitably your business success.”

–UCF–

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

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

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

Advanced IT Concepts: A Small Business Success Story

imageSBDC at UCF Programs Support Rapid Growth

March 28, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL – For most small businesses, their greatest challenge is stable and continuous growth, and the faster they can achieve that growth, the better. Advanced IT Concepts, Inc. is a central Florida company that has, on the strength of its founders diligence and hard work, and  with the help of the Small Business Development Center at UCF (SBDC at UCF), turned their company into a small business success story.

Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel (Gabe) Ruiz retired from the U.S. Army in 2006. Since then he has leveraged a military career in information technology and an entrepreneurial spirit as owner and CEO of Advanced IT Concepts, Inc., which provides IT consulting services and value added resale of computer hardware and peripherals to both the government and private sectors, into a fast growing small business.

AITC, Inc. was not an overnight success, however; Mr. Ruiz spent four years as a consultant assisting telecommunications companies do business with the DOD, and concurrently engaged with CDW (an $8 billion business-to- business technology infrastructure and computer resale enterprise).

Blending his military, consulting and corporate experiences, Gabe and his wife Sandra founded AITC, Inc. in 2010; AITC, Inc. is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business and has recently earned its 8(a) certification.

Since incorporation the company has achieved outstanding results with sales exceeding $1.5 million in the first fiscal year. Year two was a breakout year which saw sales nearly double with a net profit margin exceeding 12.5%. Sales in this current year will again double exceeding the $5 million milestone. In the three year period (2010-2012) the company has added 11 full time employees reaffirming the fact that “small business” is this country’s economic engine.

The company’s rapid growth has been accompanied with business challenges and Mr. Ruiz turned to the Small Business Development Center at UCF, in particular its Growth Acceleration Services program and its Advisory Board Council program.

In Mr. Ruiz’s words; “The SBDC at UCF has been a true and invaluable partner to AITC. From our first meeting with Growth Acceleration Services consultant Roger Greenwald who showed a true caring attitude and superb business knowledge we have received expert advice in areas such as Marketing, Business Development, Budgeting and Forecasting, Operational Effectiveness and more. Additionally, the SBDC at UCF has facilitated AITC’s participation in the SBDC’s Advisory Board Council program which has provided a team of senior business experts that provide guidance in all business areas. Today, we are a much improved, stronger and better positioned company due in great part to the outstanding support and guidance provided by the SBDC at UCF”.

The Small Business Development Center at UCF’s (SBDC at UCF) signature Growth Acceleration Services program is designed to do just that: accelerate business growth for emerging and growth businesses. In the program, professional business consultants deliver the tools, strategies and expertise businesses need to move ahead and grow.

Applying proven methodology, the SBDC’s Growth Acceleration consultants help businesses understand their market and uncover new opportunities; assess their cost structure, budgets and financial situation; uncover hidden profits; and recognize the issues necessary to create sustainable growth and access capital. Then, after producing results-driven recommendations, they work with the business to implement detailed parts of the business plan. All at no cost to the business.

In addition, Advance IT Concepts participated in the SBDC at UCF’s award-winning program, the Advisory Board Council. The Advisory Board Council aims to facilitate business growth through the use of advisory boards for established Orange County companies. The program acts as a matchmaker between established businesses and professionals who volunteer their expertise as members of a ‘custom-fit’ advisory board.  Founded in 2003, the SBDC at UCF’s Advisory Board Council is an economic development program funded by Orange County Government. Since its inception, the program has assisted 125 companies and has had more than 450 area professional volunteers.

–UCF–

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

 

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

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

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

Small Business Institute® Honors UCF’s College of Business Administration Students and Faculty

imageMarch 14, 2013

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

Orlando, FL – The Small Business Institute® (SBI®), the premier professional association of small business / entrepreneurship educators and researchers involved in student analysis projects, recently announced that a student team from the University of Central Florida’s College of Business Administration (UCF CBA) under the supervision of faculty and staff was a winner of its annual Project of the Year (POY) competition, taking third prize in the 2013 ‘Graduate Business Plan’ category. The UCF CBA team of graduate students Shannon Corrigan, Brett Penta and Lindsey Powers, under the guidance of the UCF CBA SBI® Program Director Dr. Lloyd Fernald and Faculty Supervisor Kathie Holland, produced a winning business plan for their client, Electronic Creations, in competition with MBA teams from across the country.

In addition, the SBI® announced that the UCF CBA’s Small Business Institute® program has been named the winner of the 2013 SBI® Showcase Award. The award is made annually to the SBI program and its Director in recognition for innovative development or management, or because their SBI® efforts contributed to a true small business client success story.

“It’s another great day for UCF’s College of Business Administration’s students and faculty,” said Dr. Paul Jarley, dean of the UCF CBA. “Even as we celebrate the College of Business Administration’s 50th Anniversary, we are looking ahead to make the changes we must so our school and our students stay relevant to our communities and our stakeholders. The SBI® program is a continuing step in that direction; it’s emphasis on experiential learning working with local businesses demonstrates not only our commitment to our community but also to preparing our MBA students with hands-on experience that will make them successful in a tough job market.”

In the SBI®’s 2013 Project of the Year competition, the UCF CBA students worked with Orlando-based Electronic Creations (EC), a company engaged in the installation of automation systems, home theatres, audio systems, appliance controls, security systems and a variety of technological improvements to homes and commercial businesses. Working closely with EC’s President Robert Levy and Vice President Robert Foust, the student team’s consulting engagement and assignment was focused on preparing a business plan for the launch of a new subsidiary aimed at serving the rapidly growing age population of individuals over 65.

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 oversaw and implemented extensive research and analysis to determine industry best practices; met weekly to understand company processes and procedures; and performed wide-ranging analysis of business and industry strategies and performance. As a result of their efforts, the students were able to provide a comprehensive business plan comprised of both a short- and long-term strategic analysis and set of recommendations.

“Thanks to our Small Business Institute® team from UCF, we have a much better understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the subsidiary we envision,“ said Electronic Creations’ President Robert Levy. “This was a real value-added experience for us, and I am pleased that the national SBI® chose to recognize these students and the UCF CBA SBI® program for their achievement.”

The Small Business Development Center at UCF in conjunction with the UCF College of Business Administration manages the SBI® program locally. 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 within. 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.

–UCF–

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

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

FSBDC, UCF, Business Consulting

SBDC at UCF in Palm Coast Helps Benchmark Glass and Mirror Grow

imageSmall Business Development Center at UCF

January 29, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orlando, FL – The decision to start a business was an easy one for Tom Bird, an experienced installer of shower glass, decorative glass, sliding doors and mirrors. Finding customers proved more challenging.

By the time Bird visited the Small Business Development Center at University of Central Florida’s office (SBDC At UCF) in Palm Coast last May, he was feeling discouraged about the future of his business, Benchmark Glass and Mirror. “Nothing seemed to be working in finding customers, so I thought it couldn’t hurt to seek another point of view,” Bird said.

“Tom was questioning his own commitment to his business and was having difficulty finding customers, and by the end of our session, Tom seemed overwhelmed by the tasks at hand,” said Joe Roy, area manager of both the SBDC at UCF and the Palm Coast Business Assistance Center (BAC), of their first meeting.

Benchmark Glass and Mirror’s problem was not one of growth, but rather one of survival. That day, Roy outlined the steps Bird needed to take. Six weeks later, Bird returned to the SBDC at UCF with more information. Benchmark Glass and Mirror was having some difficulty understanding job costing, selling strategies and value for service. It was clear Bird was offering a quality product and service, Roy said; hence, “there was a good foundation on which to build this business.”

By early July 2012, Bird returned again to the SBDC at UCF, now fully convinced his strategy of building his business by providing quality products and service at affordable pricing was the right one. Bird began to understand how his costs affected his selling price. Rather than raise prices, Bird found ways to reduce his costs while increasing his productivity – allowing him to keep his selling price very competitive.

Working with the SBDC at UCF, Bird created a sales strategy to increase his success rate of quotes provided to customers. Now better equipped to understand his costs, Bird increased his customer quote success rate from 3 per 10 quotes to 6 per 10 quotes – a 100-percent increase.

Benchmark Glass and Mirror has added one part-time position and is on track to grow sales revenues by 50 percent compared to 2011. Since meeting with the SDBC at UCF, Benchmark Glass and Mirror has developed a business plan including a marketing and sales strategy.

“I’m now better equipped to grow my business,” said Bird. “I’m far more focused on my costs and my customers than at any time in my business. I can’t believe how much working with the SBDC at UCF has changed my outlook on daily operations.”

Benchmark Glass and Mirror represents both the challenges and opportunities faced by the small business community in Palm Coast, said Roy. “Tom has turned a corner and is now growing a competitive business providing exceptional quality products and service. You can see the passion in his eyes and it’s translating into a great customer experience at very competitive pricing,” he said.

If you have a question about your business, stop by the SBDC at UCF and meet with Joe Roy. Like Benchmark Glass and Mirror, your “Journey to Business Excellence” begins at the Palm Coast BAC and the SBDC at UCF.

–UCF–

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

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