Florida Small Business Development Center at The University of South Florida

Business Training Seminars in Tampa this week

Tampa Training Classes to help your Small Business

Small business training seminars are taught by Business Consultants in Tampa that have been certified by the Florida Small Business Development Center Network one of eight original SBDC pilot programs funded by the SBA.  Most of the Tampa Business Consultants have been in business for themselves. Here are the classes being taught this week at the USF Small Business Development Center:

Please visit the training calendar for more information and to register online today! You can also learn more about the Consultants of the SBDC that teach these Business Training Seminars.

ASTE Trade International – A Hillsborough County Success Story

Tampa Company Exports to Turkey, Iraq and Afghanistan

In its first year of existence, ASTE Trade International, LLC has experienced amazing growth and success. In just 12 months, the company has done more than 60 export transactions and has established ongoing relationships with at least 9 clients in Turkey, Iraq and Afghanistan. ASTE has exported construction materials, tools and equipment, computer equipment, and chemicals. Its clients are primarily private contractors who currently serve the U.S. government overseas.

Positive International Trade News for Florida

Florida to rank 4th among all U.S. states in state origin exports

According to recent statistics Florida’s international trade industry is experiencing healthy growth. Statistics for April 2009 – April 2010 show merchandise exports are up 15.4% and imports are up by 27.5%. In 2009, Florida’s merchandise trade totaled $103 million. Florida is also a leader in service exports, with an estimated value of $25-30 billion annually.

New Products – Success or Failure

New products continue to be introduced, some with greater success than others.  Where do new products originate and what makes some introductions more successful than others?

Most New Products Originations are not New

It is estimated that only 10% of new products are major new innovations followed by minor modifications of existing products create about 20%.  Therefore, the remaining 70% are modifications of existing and older products.

Business Training Seminars in Tampa this week

Tampa Training Classes to help your Small Business

Small business training seminars are taught by Business Consultants in Tampa that have been certified by the Florida Small Business Development Center Network one of eight original SBDC pilot programs funded by the SBA.  Most of the Tampa Business Consultants have been in business for themselves. Here are the classes being taught this week at the USF Small Business Development Center:

Please visit the training calendar for more information and to register online today! You can also learn more about the Consultants of the SBDC that teach these Business Training Seminars.

PLEASE NOTE: All Classes will be in Room 111 Downstairs

Small Businesses Turn to SBDC for Help

Training Seminars and Consulting Services Provide Assistance to Start or Grow a Business

Tampa Bay SBA 7(a) Loans plummets by 73%

Who is still doing SBA 7(a) loans?

In June, the number of business loans in the Tampa Bay area guaranteed by the Small Business Administration in its 7(a) loan program fell by 73% dropping to 12 loans from the 44 loans in May. Many lenders attribute the decline due to the failure of Congress to extend the stimulus package which increased SBA’s guaranty to 90 percent from 75 percent.

Tampa Business Startup – Contest for $23,000 in Business Services

Contest Ends July 30th

This is a Golden Opportunity for a Business Owner that has a great small business idea, but just doesn’t have enough resources. Please see the Tampa Bay Small Business Jumpstart website for all the details and the application package.

SBA Loans Fall in June

Number of SBA 7(a) Loans Fall by 49% Nationwide

Small Business Stimulus Package Not Yet Renewed by Congress

In June, the number of business loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration in its 7(a) loan program fell by 49% dropping to 2,758 loans from the 5,388 loans in May. Many bankers attribute the decline due to the failure of Congress to extend the stimulus package which increased SBA’s guaranty to 90 percent from 75 percent.

Doing Business with the Government?

Set Asides for Small Business to Obtain Government Contracts

The government spends billions of dollars each year on products and services from large and small businesses.  In many cases the government set aside a percentage of procurement opportunities for small business, including veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, hub zone, small disadvantaged, and women-owned small business concerns.

The Federal spending for FY 2010 year-to-date is over $290 billion dollars.  How your business can get a piece of the pie?  If you are committed to doing business with the government and are willing to do some work your business could be in a position to start winning federal government contracts.

SBDC Consultant Provides Training for Medical Practices in Tampa

Health Care Practice Management Center of Excellence Continues to Expand Presence

Mario Iezzoni, CPA MBA and health care business assistance consultant at the USF Small Business Development Center recently presented at two health care venues. Mario presentation covered two new topics:  The Nuances of Fees Schedules presented to Suncoast Healthcare Executives and The Entrepreneurial Nurse Practitioner presented to Florida Nurse Practitioners Annual Clinical Conference.

“As the cost of health care increases,” says Mario. “Providers must pay greater attention to their business processes, particularly fee schedules, Third-Party contract negotiations and Payer mix. All three are critical to a practices success.”

Business Training Seminars in Tampa this week

Tampa Training Classes to help your Small Business

Small business training seminars are taught by Business Consultants in Tampa that have been certified by the Florida Small Business Development Center Network one of eight original SBDC pilot programs funded by the SBA.  Most of the Tampa Business Consultants have been in business for themselves. Here are the classes being taught this week at the USF Small Business Development Center:

Please visit the training calendar for more information and to register online today! You can also learn more about the Consultants of the SBDC that teach these Business Training Seminars.

PLEASE NOTE: All Classes will be in Room 111 Downstairs

SBDC at USF Contact for Bridge Loan Applicants

The Florida Small Business Development Center Network (FSBDC), which includes the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of South Florida (USF) has been appointed the primary technical assistance provider of the Florida Emergency Bridge Loan program.

Improving Conditions for Exporters

President Obama Moving Forward with the National Export Initiative

In January, during the State of the Union Address, President Obama announced the National Export Initiative and set the goal to double American exports over the next five years. Last week the President offered remarks about the initiative and stated the government is “moving forward on improving conditions for America’s exporters.”

What this means for small businesses is an increase in technical assistance and export planning, an increase in international events and outreach (e.g. trade missions), and an increase in export financing.

Business Training Seminars in Tampa this week

Tampa Training Classes to help your Small Business

Small business training seminars are taught by Business Consultants in Tampa that have been certified by the Florida Small Business Development Center Network one of eight original SBDC pilot programs funded by the SBA.  Most of the Tampa Business Consultants have been in business for themselves. Here are the classes being taught this week at the USF Small Business Development Center:

Please visit the training calendar for more information and to register online today! You can also learn more about the Consultants of the SBDC that teach these Business Training Seminars.

PLEASE NOTE: All Classes will be in Room 111 Downstairs