From the beginning, Tricycle Studios has had a specialty in medical device and diagnostics, biotech and pharmaceutical marketing. By 2007, the company had grown to 11 employees to meet the demands of their growing global client base; however, by 2008, revenues were falling. The founders returned to the SBDC at USF for survival assistance due to the recession.

The consultation we received from Jim Parrish at the SBDC at USF was priceless. If not for his expertise and recommendations, we wouldn’t be here today.

According to Tona, “the consultation we received from Jim Parrish at the SBDC at USF was priceless. If not for his expertise and recommendations, we wouldn’t be here today. He helped us through making tough decisions, focusing our efforts on the medical industry, and provided us the tools to not only survive, but also grow. Beginning in 2008, we met with Jim quarterly to discuss our progress. Since then, we have had a 30 percent increase in sales. We’ve also reached 15 employees.”

Today, Tricycle Studios continues to work with the SBDC at USF to grow and expand as a marketing communications agency by taking advantage of the center’s Growth Acceleration services. These services will assist them with positioning their company to achieve its growth objective of 30 percent per year for the next five years.

According to Growth Acceleration Services Coordinator and SBDC Certified Business Analyst Jim Parrish, “The SBDC at USF is performing a detailed business health assessment and a financial analysis of Tricycle Studios in order to assess its growth potential. Then, the SBDC at USF will work with them to develop and implement strategies to position the company to achieve its growth objectives.”

See if you quality for no-cost growth Acceleration consulting.

Joel’s mobile grooming idea sparked after working with unhappily caged clients at a pet grooming academy and grooming shop. He knew he had the answer. After purchasing a dog grooming vehicle, he came the Polk County SBDC to begin his new venture. Together, Joel and the SBDC developed his strategic marketing plan and began integrating Doggie Styles Grooming into the Lakeland Community.

“The SBDC gave me the tools and advice to make sound business decisions that have resulted in a successful business venture,” said Joel.

In the first six months, the mobile grooming center grew more than 25 percent. Now, its operating hours have extended to early mornings and late evenings. Look for the Doggie Styles Grooming van as it makes frequent stops all around Lakeland.
Want Doggie Styles to style your canine?

Contact Joel at joel@joelsdoggiestyles.com or 863-535-5169
The SBDC office in Polk Count has expanded. See schedule and contact details.

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

Greg’s prior industry & management experience combined with SBDC resources allowed him to run a successful pool construction business. Pool Works was established as a small home-based business, and grew rapidly. Greg reinvented Pool Works to adapt to the changing environment caused by the fall of the new home market in 2007 by deciding to expand into a larger market and offer more extensive services. Year 2 was busy for Greg, as he handled increasing sales & customer relations. By 2008, Greg was able to increase his business assets by $20,000, which included a new vehicle. He was granted a $20,000 Commercial (SBA) loan to assist in covering the costs of his expansion.

In early 2009, Greg worked with SBDC’s consultant, Jerry Karp, who currently assists businesses primarily in Pasco County. Jerry assisted Greg with re-examining his marketing strategy, and they worked collectively with several other SBDC consultants to evaluate additional marketing opportunities for Pool Works. Also in 2009, Jim Parrish, now SBDC director, financial expert, & SBDC Accelerated Growth Program Head, assisted Greg with business planning solutions. Like many small businesses, a major obstacle has always been capital. However, Greg was able to take several countermeasures to overcome this problem through the services offered to him by SBDC.

Greg has been working with SBDC consultants for over 3 years. “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 has also received internet marketing assistance from SBDC to advantage of marketing & sales opportunities in the current economy. “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.” He has been very successful in promoting his business & is developing a highly competitive internet strategy with the help of SBDC’s Internet consultant, Heather Bender. Find Pools Works online at: http://www.welcometopoolworks.com.

Besides marketing, he found the counseling for taxes to be an absolutely essential part of his business success.  He worked closely with Mario Iezzoni on a very popular small business topic – taxes. Mario helped him understand advantages of his entity selection from a small business tax perspective, and gave him the knowledge he needed to make positive pre-tax year decisions. Greg found comfort in the fact that,” Mario owned his own business & was there to provided unbiased encouragement & advice.” He attended SBDCs “Business Taxes” seminar to gain hands-on tax tips from a business analyst who is also a CPA. The SBDC currently has two on-site Certified Public Accountants to assist (for free!) businesses with entity selection, small business tax advice, budget help, & QuickBooks help. In addition, these certified analysts also teach low-cost, high-value seminars on similar subject matter. Current popular business accounting & tax courses from SBDC are as follows:

Business Taxes Class
Basic Bookkeeping Class
Understanding QuickBooks Class

Browse all Classes >>
The SBDC provides local small businesses with low cost seminars & workshops, plus free unlimited consulting o specific topics that individuals want to explore beyond the classroom. To schedule your free consultation with one of SBDC’s CPAs, simple complete the following request form or call 813-905-5800.

SBDC Consultants are Long-Term Business Resources

Welte regularly meets with the Small Business Development Center at Pinellas County Economic Development (SBDC at PCED) consultant Kurt Forster.  Over the past year, they’ve focused on gaining a national presence through developing the business’ strategic plan and tools for growth. Since opening three years ago, Stand Up Fitness has expanded to six employees and two locations, in the cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

“The company was doing most of the right things, but making marketing decisions felt completely disorganized,” Welte said. Forster explained that this feeling often happens to entrepreneurs because they are too busy to develop strategic plans on their own.  They need another person focused on moving the process forward.

“That’s what SBDC consulting is all about. We don’t tell clients what to do; we give them a framework for making the best decisions,” Forster said.

“That’s what SBDC consulting is all about. We don’t tell clients what to do; we give them a framework for making the best decisions,” Forster said. After implementing plans to prioritize decisions and organize the business, Stand Up Fitness was better equipped to launch its Paddle Fit certification to fitness trainers and shop owners around the United States.  Brody teaches dozens of seminars around the country to help others learn from his success as a fitness trainer and shop owner. Additionally, Brody has co-authored a video book or vook titled “Paddle Fit.” The vook continues to sell well at Amazon, itunes, and at Vooc.com.

Stand Up Fitness hosts local paddle events, eco tours and races that attract professional athletes from as far as California and Hawaii to the waters of Maderia Beach. With its YOLO mantra (You Only Live Once), the company  grew the nationally recognized Kalama Kamps  into the industry’s premier adventure vacation experience. Whether offering instruction from celebrity watermen in exotic locations around the world, or embarking on an adventure in Fort Desoto, this paddling business venture is poised for success.

Stand Up Fitness www.standupfitnessinc.com.

Brody Welte is a certified personal trainer that has trained alongside some of the top watermen in the world. His book and certification program “Paddle Fit,” has become the premier source of instructional information in the industry.

Kurt Forster, CBA, has assisted more than 10,000 businesses in his career. Want to make an appointment with him? Visit the SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development.

• 9 new contracts, totaling more than $1.35 million,  in 2011 alone
• 25 percent sales growth
• 12 new employees, since 2010
• Growth to 10 states

Growth Pours Funds into Florida’s Economy

Fred Tomlin, Sherrod Hunter and Les Leith, came to the Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida (SBDC at USF) to learn the strategy behind improving business operations for their comprehensive environmental consulting, waste removal and recycling firm. What began as a small, local company in 2007 grew to acquire Tampa Bay Trash in 2010. Now, Accelerated Waste Solutions operates in 10 Southern states from Florida to California.

Before the SBDC could play a crucial role in helping the company increase sales, hire employees and boost capital, it had to get to know the business on an in-depth level. SBDC CPA and consultant, Mario Iezzoni toured the facility, met employees and management. Together they determined the client’s key challenge was fostering growth. The team worked closely with SBDC consultant Wayne Brass to market the organization more efficiently. The development of Accelerated Waste Solution’s business plan allowed them to gain outside investments with national publically traded real estate investment entities.

“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,” said managing partner, Leith. “We’ll continue to excel under the mentorship and resources provided by the SBDC.”

On the Horizon: Technology to Support New Employees, Customers & Growth

Accelerated Waste Solutions decided to take a closer look at its online marketing strategies since eighteen percent of its revenue comes from outside the state. Since technology and innovation are central drivers of the company’s competitive edge, owners knew they’d gain valuable insights in exploring additional sales opportunities by meeting with SBDC Internet consultant Heather Bender. Accelerated Waste Solutions is unveiling a new mobile application this year to improve customer service and internal operations. Currently, the company is exploring franchising opportunities and additional financing possibilities.

Win-Win: Efforts Impact Economy & Environment

“We are motivated by the ability to make a Green Difference with our Environmentally Responsible Services. Success is measured by the people we help.”

The company’s innovative waste removal and convenient recycling services displaces challenges prohibiting recycling at apartments and commercial facilities.  By providing solutions to contamination, cost of service, and lack of available space, the company found a niche within the market. As a result, its revenue in this area increased 54 percent since 2010. It estimates generating more than $108,000 in net operating income for each property management group it serves.

Accelerated Waste Solutions’ features include Apartment Doorstep Recycling and Trash Pick-up, Property Preservation for Bank-Owned Special Assets and Junk Removal.  The do-it-yourself option allows individuals to rent a dump trailers for small projects like cleaning out a garage. The full-service junk removal option caters to those who would rather have a crew pick up materials rather than an on-location dumpster. Seventy percent of all collected materials are properly recycled.

Extensive customer base of well-known clients, including:

Associa, Century21, Coldwell Banker, Prudential, First Bank, Bank of America, Greater Tampa Association of Realtors (GTAR), Freddie Mac, CNC Investments, Remax, Chase, Wells Fargo, Fannie Mae, Greystar, Pilot Bank, Bell Partners, to name a few.

You can learn more about this exciting example of an “accelerated growth” company by visiting AWS’s website at www.acceleratedwaste.com & join them on their AWS Facebook Page or Twitter for examples of their work & exclusive discounts.

If you are experiencing or seeking growth with your small business, visit www.SBDCtampabay.com to learn more about quality business training, confidential consulting and resources from your local SBDC.

Where it all Began

After Brian Donley spent 22 years working with a multi-national truck leasing company, he and his wife, Elizabeth, decided to leverage their specialized expertise to open Global Used Truck Sales, LLC. Their journey at the SBDC began as a referral from the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund as they sought financial projection assistance. Since their first visit, they’ve spent more than 35 hours with seven SBDC Certified Business Analysts across various specialties.

“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.”

SBDC industry experts steered the couple in the right direction as they prepared their balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements and other items required when pursuing financing. The financial projection component can be like learning an entirely new language or trade, even for those, like the Donley’s, who are highly educated and have experienced working with finances, budgets and sales.

Another aspect of business that’s like learning a new language is the world of importing and exporting (which actually does have a universal code-like language of its own — Incoterms). Their international objective prompted meetings with the SBDC’s international trade specialist, Maria Yepes, who shared her knowledge of tariffs, Free Trade Agreements, and databases commonly utilized to explore foreign market opportunities. Soon Elizabeth Donley completed the SBDC’s International Trade Certificate Program, which helped her pass the Certified Global Business Professional Exam — an essential certification when expanding into foreign markets.

What’s Next?

Over a year ago, on July 6, 2010, Global Used Truck Sales, LLC became reality. However, the business assistance didn’t stop just because the company secured capital, created new jobs and acquired inventory. It was necessary to develop a solid bookkeeping system utilizing QuickBooks software. Their interest in this area sparked upon needing to accrue and assign inventory costs to specific vehicles.

Iezzoni said that the cost of hiring an accountant for the advice and training hours they spent designing an appropriate bookkeeping system and reconciling bank accounts would have been quite significant. Yet, knowing the profit margin on each truck is an important piece of information to know when selling individual unit.

“I can’t begin to express what a tremendous help the SBDC has been for us,” said Elizabeth Donley. “It’s a great organization for small business owners who need a lot of advice when it comes to building a business.” Iezzoni added to her statement by asking “Where else can you access a collection of diverse expertise where the cost is your time?”
SBDC consultants express much confidence in that the young company will continue to grow and create additional jobs. What’s truly great is that they are setting their eyes not only in the United States but all over the world. As an exporter, there’s no doubt Florida will benefit from their efforts.

Watch WTSP 10 News featuring the Donley’s insight and SBDCs questions to ask before starting a business. Is growing a small business for you? The Donley’s said they have no regrets about leaving corporate America. Business ownership was a goal they set a long time ago. “Quite honestly, I wish we would have done it sooner,” said Mr. Donley.

Global Used Truck Sales: The right trucks at the right price.
4182 E. Hillsborough Avenue
813-333-2219
http://www.globalusedtrucksales.com

Proud Member of the Florida & National Association of SBDC Networks

State Designated as Florida’s Principal Provider of Business Assistance, the Florida Small Business Development Center Network has more than 30 locations from Pensacola to Key West. The SBDC at USF region spans a 10-county area providing free, one-on-one consulting and offering more than 300 entrepreneurial programs each year. Its Certified Business Analysts are specialized in industry-specific sectors to help small businesses make sound decisions in a complex and ever-changing marketplace.

The Florida SBDC Network is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration www.sba.gov.

Since then, she hired four full-time employees and partnered with the Early Learning Coalition of the Florida’s Heartland.  Little People Big Learning Center is now undergoing building expansions, offering morning and noon voluntary prekindergarten (VPK) sessions and providing a Child Care Food Program were students no longer have to bring their lunch.

The course prepared me for the many ‘what ifs’ in relation to overhead costs, insurance regulations and the changing economy.

Clarke began her journey through the SBDC’s 12-week REAL program focused on researching and formulating components needed to make a viable endeavor. The course, which stands for Rural Entrepreneurship through Action and Active Learning,  was developed and presented by SBDC Certified Business Analysts (CBAs) to assist aspiring business entrepreneurs like Clarke from 2007- 2009. It was supported through grant funding from Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board and a partnership between Heartland Workforce and South Florida Community College.

“The course prepared me for the many ‘what ifs’ in relation to overhead costs, insurance regulations and the changing economy,” said Clarke.

Even after the program concluded, she continued to work on the objectives she set in class while working with SBDC CBAs Bill McKown and David Noel. She studied site locations, determined cost and pricing factors, completed a business plan and received approval for a $150,000 commercial loan to purchase property and outfit her center in Avon Park, Fla. “The SBDC is like having a lifeguard,” said Clarke. “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.”

To cement the center’s formation, Clarke continued to see McKown and Noel to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the legal entities available for her business. After determining she should focus on a S-Corp or LLC, they recommended that she see an attorney to make the final selection and set the foundation of the new company.

The SBDC is like having a lifeguard,” said Clarke. “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.

Clarke told the SBDC that talking it through with its consultants helped her make an informed final decision. The center is still bustling, maintains its four employees and continues its programs despite the region’s double digit unemployment.

Read Little People Big Learning Center’s story recently featured in Highlands Today’s Business Profile and visit the Little People Big Learning Facebook page.

Little People Big Learning Center, LLC

199 N. Anoka Ave., Avon Park

863-657-2050

Office Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday

Owners:  Michael and Belinda Clarke

“It is always encouraging seeing people with the ambition and drive to start a company, especially when the climate for small businesses is so challenging,” said Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Palm Harbor). “I also am encouraged by the Small Business Development Center’s dedication and commitment to local job creators. With their expertise, counseling and seminars, they are playing an active role in helping Tampa Bay’s innovators and businesses.”

“Mr. Reed’s story is a powerful testimonial to the incredible work done at the USF Small Business Development Center. The tools offered at the SBDC give Tampa Bay businesses a competitive edge and it makes me proud to have such a wonderful asset in our community. I hope more people follow Mr. Reed’s lead and utilize the resources available to be successful.” – Representative Grant, 47th District

Florida House Representative James Grant, 47th District, had a similar response to Boxes on Wheels’ growth. He said Reed’s story is a powerful testimonial to the incredible work that’s done through the SBDC as a tool to give Tampa Bay businesses a competitive edge. Grant said he continuously shares with business leaders his hopes of more businesses following Reed’s lead in utilizing the resources available to be successful.

Mixing it up with marketing, cash infusion, and Quickbooks

In November 2010, Reed met with SBDC marketing specialist Bill McKown to discuss improving his point-of-sale materials and evaluating two market segments. They worked together to determine how to best control inventory and assess ways to make the store-door-delivery process more efficient. After multiple sessions over the next few months, Reed was able to focus on his most promising market segment. This enabled him to cement an agreement with one of Florida’s leading storage management companies. Landing this new account’s 30 locations pushed Reed’s dealer outlet count to over 100 locations across the Tampa Bay area. “It’s like having an expert advisory board for your company,” said Reed. “And, I don’t suggest going into business without having the proper mentorship and guidance — from startup to successfully growing a business.”

During this time, Reed met concurrently with SBDC finance expert Marty Zients. He needed an infusion of cash to handle the additional inventory purchases required to secure the ever-growing list of dealers. Zients walked Reed through every detail of creating a winning loan package and assisted him in securing a $25,000 SBA loan in March 2011.

It’s like having an expert advisory board for your company. And, I don’t suggest going into business without having the proper mentorship and guidance — from startup to successfully growing a business.

Reed attended additional consulting sessions with SBDC Certified Public Accountant Mario Iezzoni, who worked with him on setting up QuickBooks to capture and measure inventory, and utilize its invoicing component.

Reed attended additional consulting sessions with SBDC Certified Public Accountant Mario Iezzoni, who worked with him on setting up QuickBooks to capture and measure inventory, and utilize its invoicing component.

Reed is a strong supporter of the SBDC. He said the SBDC provides a balance of expertise and knowledge from different business analysts who have started and sold successful businesses. His business has taken a positive direction in a slow economy because of his persistence to never give up and dedication to continue taking advantage of the SBDC free counseling services to help grow the company.
“Reed is the epitome of an entrepreneur,” said McKown. “His passion and can-do attitude is infectious. He is a hard worker who is constantly looking for ways to improve his business and is not afraid to seek knowledge and experience.”

Boxes on Wheels
Boxes on Wheels is a minority-owned enterprise that sells recycled, over-run and misprinted boxes at a discount. Since Reed only accepts inventory with superficial “flaws,” he is afforded an opportunity to offer top quality boxes at substantially reduced prices to moving companies, storage companies and retail stores. This discount is ultimately passed along to consumers who take advantage of these low-priced moving boxes and storage boxes. Reed’s idea of providing an outlet for these imperfect boxes is a win for the box manufacturer, a win for the storage company, a win for the consumer and a win for the environment. Go to www.boxesonwheels.com for more information about Al Reed’s business.

The Cardonas first came to the Small Business Development Center in April 2010 as attendees in the minority and women-owned business certification seminar. By September 2010 they were fully equipped to fulfill their vision of running a successful business.

“I had very specific questions in regards to structuring my company in the areas of business taxes, payroll responsibilities, marketing and financing,” said Beatriz.  “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.”

Prior to becoming fully operational, Beatriz and Roberto spent many hours analyzing different franchise opportunities and conducting multiple feasibility studies.

I had very specific questions in regards to structuring my company in the areas of business taxes, payroll responsibilities, marketing and financing. 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.

They worked with SBDC Certified Business Analyst Maria Yepes to navigate the process of becoming certified as a minority-owned business. They are able to use the certification to gain a competitive advantage when bidding on projects for state and local government contracts and private companies.

“Obtaining a certification as a minority business isn’t as simple as some might think,” said Maria. “First the business owner has to make strategic decisions in choosing which certification(s) to obtain and then go through a very detail-oriented process to obtain the certification.”

Maria conducted site visits and reviewed the couple’s certification packets and vendor registrations to agencies like My Florida Marketplace.  At the same time, Beatriz also worked with SBDC Certified Business Analyst and Certified Public Accountant Mario Iezzoni for guidance on taxation and payroll liabilities.

“It was a joy to assist Beatriz through the process.  I enjoy seeing my clients succeed and look forward to working with her in the future,” said Maria.

Beatriz explains that the SBDC’s expertise and experience guides small business owners throughout every step of business. The Cardona’s will continue to seek support from the SBDC to strengthen the longevity of their business through more advanced consulting topics in growth financing, strategic marketing and website search engine optimization.

Their Sign-a-Rama new hires include representatives for customer service, sales and a printing designer. The Sign-a-Rama of New Tampa is located in the corner of HWY 56 and Bruce B. Downs. It’s a full-service sign center designed to be a one-stop shop for all advertising and promotional needs. Their services include a full range of offerings from design to installation in products such as outdoor and indoor signs and banners, full car wrappers and more.  They can be contacted online at www.signarama-newtampa.com or by phone at (813) 994-0101.

“I attribute our success in becoming certified and obtaining numerous contracts to the SBDC as its knowledge of government contracting procedures was instrumental in my ability to comprehend the process— without its assistance, we would not be where we are today,” said Ricke.

Certified Business Analyst and PTAC Counselor, Charlene Bostic, worked with Ricke and other FCC key players in certifying the company as a Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and HUBZone vendor so it could be eligible for government set-asides.  Bostic also facilitated FCC’s ability to acquire GSA contracts and is currently assisting them through the 8(a) certification process.

Using the information learned from PTAC, FCC moved into other contracts and are an awarded vendor with National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA), a governmental agency that provides numerous competitively bid contract opportunities for non-federal agencies.  These certifications and contract platforms help in ‘keeping government purchasing simple,’ which is FCC’s motto.

FCC management still participates in PTAC workshops, conferences, and counseling as it’s an integral part of their strategy to reach business goals.

FCC’s contracts awarded as a result of working with the SBDC at USF:
• Miami/Dade County, FL – Purchase of two Grove TM500E Cranes using the NJPA Contract.
• City of Tampa, FL – Purchase of several trailers and an AmeriPump dewatering pump using the NJPA Contract.
• Fort Drum, TX – Both direct purchase, long-term rental and repair of a variety of heavy equipment solutions, totaling more than $1.4 million.
• Ft Drum, NY – Purchase of approximately $1.5 million in heavy equipment during the past two years using SB set-aside contracting opportunities.

Federal Contracts Corp.
13797 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, Fl 33613-3300
(813) 631-0000

http://federalcontractscorp.com/cms/index.php