Small Business Development Center at USF
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Helping Small Businesses Start Grow and Succeed
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What We Do For Your Business...



marketing
Business Plans & Start Ups
business basics, start-up assistance, business plans
marketing
Marketing
& Sales
sales, marketing plans, revenue generation, internet strategies
web marketing
Web Marketing Strategies
Search Engine Optimization, Website Planning & Development
marketing
Government Contracting
government contracts, women & minority certifications, PTAC
accounting
Accounting & Taxes
business accounting, budgets, tax planning, filing taxes
marketing
Finance, Loans, Insurance
SBA loans, financial metrics, loan types & capabilities, insurance
marketing
International Business
international trade, international relations & competition, exporting
marketing
Operations Management
management & human resources, business process performance
disaster
Disaster Relief & Planning
disaster recovery, business continuity, risk, compliance, legal
Upcoming Training

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SBDC Success Stories and Testimonials

Sight-Unseen

Sight Unseen Saw it Coming When no One Else Did

Like many entrepreneurs, Robert Talley had a business vision and a goal. Unlike most entrepreneurs, Talley’s vision didn’t include sight.  Being blind from early childhood allowed him to develop an unwavering commitment to be independent and give back to the community. When he decided to start a first of its kind recreational rental company off the shore of Lake Verona, in Avon Park, he knew the idea was far more than a blind man’s muse.  The culmination of his long and challenging journey resulted in a $6,000 grant and strong partnerships with state and local government agencies. the solution »

I was involved with efforts a few years ago and received so much valuable information. May be looking for more info soon! (currently employed for Hillsborough County). Thanks for all you do!
— Dave Ramirez




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Latest Small Business Development Center Information


Maintaining Customer Service Under New Ownership

The maintenance light in my car came on about two weeks ago.  As usual, it took me a while to find time to get to my mechanic to get my oil changed, so I ignored it for a bit.  But I happened to be driving down Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa last Wednesday, and was very close to his shop, so I decided to drop in and see if he could squeeze me into his schedule.

I’ve been taking my cars to the same mechanic since 1985.  At first, Jim worked for a small shop that had been highly recommended.  So after a few years, when the two owners decided to close their shop, Jim chose to start his small business.  full story »


The Big Start-Up Business Mistake!

You’ve probably heard the alarming statistics saying that start-ups have failure rates of 80 percent and higher. While this statistic may be inflated, the truth is that many start-up companies do indeed fail. After working with hundreds of start-ups as a business consultant, I have identified the number one mistake causing most start-ups to founder is in the way they order the execution of the start-up process. Allow me to explain. When planning a start-up, burgeoning entrepreneurs usually think about the three main functional areas of a business in the following order: operations, finance and marketing. full story »

smallCoastBrothers

Transition from Fortune 500 to Florida Mid-Size

Transitioning from a multinational Fortune 500 company, to a Florida mid-size business is filled with challenges. When Steve Collins purchased Coast Brothers from the original owners in 2010, he took over the 13,000 square foot warehouse and its 10 employees and 8 account managers in Pinellas County. Keeping with the business’ all in the family tradition Stephen’s son, Patrick, joined the company. Now, Coast Brothers, which was established in 1988, is a multi-million dollar leading wholesale distributor providing over 1,000 items for the hospitality, healthcare, government, and commercial cleaning industry. full story »

Industry Highlights
government_contracting_series_SBDC

Government Contracting Series – Starts June 4th

You’ve heard of B2B* and B2C*, but have you thought about tapping into new profits through B2G*? Winning a government contract could expand your market potential. Attend this six-part series to learn the ins and outs of doing business with government agencies that are looking to buy your products and services.

* Business to Business, Business to Consumer, Business to Government

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Small Business Development Center at The University of South Florida

SBA ASBDC USF FSBDC
USF © 2010 Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida
Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the USF Small Business Development Center offers one-stop assistance to individuals and small businesses by providing a wide variety of information and guidance in central and easily accessible locations.