Testimonials

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What People are Saying About SBDC…

I was 18 when i first went to SBDC to further educate myself in business. Everything from accounting to business plan and goverment conctracting. I noticed they gave me more attention. They have watch me grow little by little making my dream true. Three years later, i accomlished by biggest goal. When you are down they help you to see the light again. Thanks to all the staff that has helped me.
— Carlos Mario Ramirez, Tampa

SBDC was one of my first stops when I started LocalShops1.com. I'm impressed with the amazing resources available and look forward to using your services and attending seminars as our business grows.
— Ester Venouziou

I am starting a visiting nursing business. I have attended several classes in Tampa & also worked with Wayne one to one several times to focus my time & energy. Invaluable resource
— Kelly Irvine Kangaloo

IF you are just getting started or you have been in Business for a while this is a great and valuable local resource that can help us all achieve more in this challenging economy
— Bharat Patel

SBDC at USF is a resource that addresses the full spectrum of new,developing, and small businesses. We, The Captain's Seafood Market, Inc., have received a bona fide college level business education, FREE!
— Jerry Nealy

We have found many benefits in the relationship we are cultivating with the SBDC. Not only have we attended classes and seminars directed towards optimizing your business but have met with counselors that have guided us to positive growth. As a member of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce we have had the opportunity to work more closely with the SBDC and become more aware of programs that are offered. The SBDC has really gone above and beyond with the opportunities they offer and the personalized services available. We will continue to take advantage of all that the SBDC has to offer which will help our business to grow and continue in a successful path!
— Julie Tylicki

SBDC is the resource I continually use. Creating and growing a business is not an easy task and not for the weak of heart. My business (Wagner Credit Repair) has been able to grow consistently due to the wonderful resources made available to me through SBDC. Top of my mind are the Business Planning and Marketing segments that I often refer to. The staff at SBDC is phenomenal and extremely knowledgable. As part of a growing network of business owners I always refer businesses to SBDC whether they are a start up or existing business for continued education. If you plan to start or grow your business make sure that you are in the loop with SBDC they will help you, guide you and teach you things that you never even considered. They are the experts so that you can achieve business success.
— Jeanette Acevedo

SBDC helped us with improving our Public Relations and Marketing efforts !!
— Dan Madigan

SBDC rocks. Under SBDC direction, we have diversified our household goods moving and storage business to include high-value products. We underwent safety and security certifification through the Department of Defense, and are currently awaiting TSA IAC certification. SBDC has a wonderful team of counselors. Each one is passionate about their role in leading the small business owner to success. We continue to look to SBDC for guidance and are most grateful to their team.
— Christy Wonnacott

“The SBDC has really helped my business to excel, despite the economy. I couldn’t have gotten such valuable advice anywhere else!”
— Greg John, Florida

The SBDC is a fantastic resource for those interested in launching a small business. Staff members are professional, courteous, well-informed, and overall incredibly helpful. Consultations are free and you'll leave with a much better sense of what critical steps you'll need to take to make sure your business is a success.
— Jessica, Tampa

I attended a small business seminar 5 years ago for my staging business and I am now using some of the same info for my new business, Engagement Matters. This business has a good chance for success because of the assistance I received and will continue to receive. You must avail yourself to the assistance to make it pay off for you. We are blessed to have this program in our midst. Cindy Taylor
— Engagement Matters

Most importantly the advice they gave me was how to help budget my business. There always giving great advice.
— Cornetta Grimes

From market research to developing a business plan, SBDC helped me a lot. I highly recommend the counselors there, and the seminars. You can never learn too much! Did you know those strips of wires on the road we drive over will measure traffic flow for market research? Who knew?!
— Debra Whitney Cole

Before deciding to get into business I attended almost all of the business courses available, Eileen Rodriguez was exceptionally helpful in the Minority certification program and guidance. I have attended classes in the USF, Channelside, 56th Street and the Library and still continue look at new and revised classes. These times require you to have a backup plan or an additional source to rely on. The SBDC has always been helpful regarding questions I may have or needed advise. I am very grateful for their expertise in the variious educational programs and experienced counselors. I have referred many potential and active small business owners to their centers for education and/or guidance. Thank you for helping us the small business owners with enormous dreams.
— Sara Trigo

I am semi-retired and run a small marketing biz and look forward in expanding my business to help others to become independant by working for themselves. Why wait for the Goverment, the privite sector like us will do it! Thanks SBDC for the assist.
— Ivan Bernier

I've attended numerous classes during the past few years that have made me an informed business owner. The SBDC is my source for ALL things related to business development. Thanks to all of you for your support and guidance.
— Colette Glover-Hannah

The SBDC is like having a lifeguard. The information I learned from its business analysts helped me prepare for the bank. I always tell friends they should visit the SBDC to help sort out their business needs. The course (SBDC’s 12-week REAL program focused on researching & formulating components needed to make a viable endeavor) prepared me for the many ‘what ifs’ in relation to overhead costs, insurance regulations and the changing economy
— Clarke, Little People Big Learning Center, Pinellas

Because the SBDC took a personal interest in our business, it broadened our horizons and we grew into the people we needed to be in order to grow our business. We’ll continue to excel under the mentorship and resources provided by the SBDC.
— Accelerated Waste Solutions, Florida

For us, the largest obstacle has been sales. I now feel that nothing is as important as sales. Luckily, I found SBDC earlier on and they have helped me with marketing, especially internet marketing.
— Greg John, Pool Works, Florida

I have learned so much from the fabulous professionals at SBDC! Alejandro has been so supportive and available to answer my endless questions. The SBDC got my business off to the best start possible! My humble thanks guys:)
— Kerry Travilla-Bown

When I approached SBDC, I was a surprised to see that the center has services for all levels of business expertise. I have received diligent orientation on how to network with other professionals in the Tampa area, how and where to survey my target audience, and how to build my own website (which I recently launched). Soon I will begin the process to become authorized for Government contracting. The amount of resources is extraordinary and the continuous training and published information keep me updated on issues pertaining to small business owners. I would recommend SBDC to anyone who wants to pursue a business or has established a business but need financial, marketing, or managerial consulting.
— Jacqueline B. Saldana

One of the best-kept secrets -- it shouldn't be -- is the series of monthly breakfast presentations on the St. Pete campus. Great networking, great speakers!
— Meetings Afloat

I visited SBDC when I was about to start my business. They walked me through everything. I was shown where I was about to make mistakes and then how to correct them. I am grateful for the resources they made available to me, here I am three years later still growing and using the wonderful resources...GREAT for BUINESS!!!
— Scott Robinson

We view a relationship with the counselors at the SBDC Tampa Bay a valuable asset to any small business. They take a personal interest in you and make suggestions and offer courses to broaden your horizons and along the way, you grow into the person you need to be to grow your business. The SBDC Tampa Bay assisted AWS in staying focused and obtaining additional services that aided in achieving continual growth. We will continue to excel under the mentorship and resources provided to us by the SBDC Tampa Bay.
— Accelerated Waste Solutions Apartment Valet Trash Recycling

First time at this location, am amazed with how many specialists are available.
— Rob Bowman

Great info to start any business, especially in "red tape" Tampa! With their help... Luv Ums TROPICAL Ices, 7921 N. Armenia Ave, Tampa, Fl 33604 will open it's doors on Thursday, May 4th. Thank U , SBDC!
— Ziggy Gonzalez

USF SBDC Highly Recommend The SBDC is a tremendous resource for small and medium size businesses in the Tampa area. Their business advisors are experts in the respective fields and provide free consultation to business owners. Highly recommend ! Also, their seminar and training programs are top notch. Brian French CEO, FloridaWebsiteMarketing.com
— Brian French CEO, Tampa area

The advice that I received in how to structure my business was essential in our getting started. The contacts we have made at your Expo's have assisted us in getting additional business. However, the most important benefit is knowing you have a resource that can answer any question you may have and point you in the right direction.
— Kenneth Stewart

SBIC has played a vast role in directing our business to the proper channels and resources that we require at the different intervals of our business growth. I don't know what we would do without them! Thank you so much SBIC. A Home Maid Clean, Inc.
— Lucinda Ryan

SBDC was instrumental in starting my business Strictly Entertainment, Inc 27 years ago. I still am grateful for all the advice I have received along the way which allows me to continue to thrive. Thumbs UP for SBDC
— Pat Fenda

We have attended several seminars by SBDC and found the information very useful. We frequently refer new businesses to SBDC, SBIC, and SCORE as all three offer valuable resources with little cost.
— Lori Libhart

I can’t begin to express what a tremendous help the SBDC has been for us. It’s a great organization for small business owners who need a lot of advice when it comes to building a business.
— Elizabeth Donley, Global Used Trucks, Tampa

I wanted to start my own Private Investigations business and had no idea where to begin, I have all the knowledge and experience to investigate etc..., I took a free class along a couple other inexpensive classes and got everything I needed. SBDC helped me with every step along the way and assisted me in many decisions I had to make along the way. They have been very helpful and always made me feel like I was important to them and no question was a "stupid" question. Thanks SBDC
— Darren Cockeram

***** I have attended two small business seminars a few years ago for my Legal Nursing business. The speaker/teachers are very informed,experienced and approachable who WANT you to succeed. The cost is reasonable and parking available. I received very helpful information and would recommend it to everyone. They are small classes and give you plenty of time for questions and plenty of material to take home and reread. I plan on attending more in the future.
— Gail G Rineer

The company was doing most of the right things, but making marketing decisions felt completely disorganized
— Brody Welte, Stand up Fitness, Pinellas

Mario owned his own business & was there to provided unbiased encouragement & advice.
— Greg John, Pool Works, Florida

The SBDC is a great resource for new and existing businesses. The staff is knowledgeable and the services are free. What a wonderful asset to have in our community.
— Mary Jane Stanley

Two years ago I restarted my seafood business Florida Fresh Stone Crab.com and started taking many of the free and low cost seminars provided by SBDC. Not only were the courses great information but also the great networking with other small business owners. The counslers are very professional and have been a great source of information. I will continue to take advantage of the services of SBDC.
— Charlie Raines

I have attended multiple events hosted by the SBDC. They are doing tremendous work to help the local small businesses.
— Larry Davis

The seminars and counseling got the Fulmer Safety Institute off the ground and I plan to utilize the SBDC for the future of our business. I have taken a majority of the SBDC classes and feel confident in the information provided and in that of the counseling I have received. I truly feel that the SBDC will help us succeed in the future and I will stay in close contact with them. SBDC’s participation in this EXPO is just another example of how they are helping business owners. Thanks!
— Michelle Fulmer

SBDC was a great tool for me as I started my business. The courses they offered really helped to develop my sense of understanding. The staff were helpful and eased the anxiety I would get when confronted with an issue I was not expecting.
— Danielle Wright Kimble

Before my wife and I opened our pet sitting business 2 years ago, we attended How to Start A Business and The Ultimate Business Plan. Both classes helped us get off to a quicker start!
— Glen Hatchell

Excellent resource!!! Just attended the Operatiing Sustainable Health Care Practice meeting. Good information and good discussion. GO BULLS!!!!! September 3rd Notre Dame!!! Make the trip!
— Rick Roman

Entrepreneurs increase their chances for success when they ask for help and mentoring. SBDC is there to provide experience, advice and wisdom for those who ask. I've referred many small business owners to this very available and affordable (free!) resource.
— Lorraine Lane

I'm most impressed by how helpful the one-on-one advice is. There's no feeling that one is being talked down to, even if the questions no doubt are elementary at times.
— Jeff Karon

The SBDC is a hub of great advice with great consultants. Heather Bender was my consultant and she was amazing in assisting me with my online business. I recommend making an appointment with her because she knows what she's talking about. Thanks Heather!!!
— Kris Stubbs, Tampa

“The counselors we have worked with have given us a great understanding of the subjects. This allows us to do important work in-house, and it makes me, as the owner, much more comfortable because I understand the inner workings of these subjects. I have come to believe that as an owner you need to have this basic knowledge and feel blessed to have a source like SBDC that is there to give advice that is not profit driven.“
— Greg John, Florida

SBDC is more than stuffed shirts issuing orders. These experienced professionals took the time to understand my unique business plan and suggested concrete, actionable steps to making myBike a reality. Thank you for all you do!
— Andrew Blikken

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

I am just starting my business and have already learned a lot from SBDC! I truely appreciate all of the advise and knowledge that the advisors give to me. I have previously resorted to doing all of my research online, but feel way more confident with the answers from experienced business professionals. I'm looking forward to a great year and hope to really kick things off with the help of SBDC!!
— Rebecca Coulter

SBDC is an invaluable resource for me. The resources available for researching my market, business planning tools, and entrepreneurship classes for women is preparing me to hit the ground running. I feel confident, with their assistance, that my venture will be successful!
— Nekiah Clark