As a result of this economic growth, SBDC clients generated $2.72 in federal tax revenues plus $1.87 in state tax revenues for every $1 the federal government spent on the SBDC program.

The 1000 nationwide centers provided free or affordable business consulting and training to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

See the full details of the Economic Impact of the Small Business Consulting, Training and Resources provided by America’s Small Business Development Centers.

Check out our Success Stories.

Stefani was a director and teacher for another Montessori school and Patricia had a financial background having worked in banking. Thus, they felt that they had the right combination of talents to make a Montessori School a success. In January, 2008 Patricia Gutierrez went to Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida (USF SBDC) for assistance with developing a business plan to open a Montessori School in Wesley Chapel, Fl. There she worked with Jim Parrish, Certified Business Analyst, to help make their dream happen.

According to Patricia, Jim Parrish was able to help us determine if opening a Montessori School in Wesley Chapel would be a good business decision as well as understand the processes we would have to go through to open a new school. We needed to make sure this venture would be not only an educational success but a financial success before we invested our money.

Start-up Opens Doors to Business

Although there were many obstacles in getting opened, on November 11, 2009 the Garden Montessori School opened its doors as a Certified Green School, becoming the first preschool/daycare in both Florida and the United States to receive this distinction. This certification was awarded by the Green Schools League and recognized ?the vision and commitment that Ms. Ruskin and Ms. Gutierrez have made to create and maintain a healthy school environment?. Co-owner Stefani Ruskin says ?Our primary goal for going green was to provide the children with a healthy environment.

Our goal is to make children more aware of living responsibly. We hope that by teaching the students about conservation and recycling, we will help them think about how they impact the planet.? For more information, visit www.gardenmontessorischool.org.

Vase One Floral Design Studio, LLC is a Tampa, Florida based establishment which was launched on November 9, 2009. Proprietor Rhonda Pittman invested $15K from personal savings to finance start-up expenses. Understanding her market segment: Ms. Pittman immediately began to brand her enterprise as a custom floral design studio specializing in the art of distinction. She and her staff take pride in providing exquisite customer service. They cater to the floral needs of weddings; sorrowful events; life occasions; and interior design. Daily deliveries as well as corporate and residential installation accounts are available.

My first encounter with the SBDC was for a counseling session with Certified Business Analyst, Ms. Learline Shorty, said Rhonda. She was very informative and provided excellent resources. She encouraged me to attend free workshops offered by Hillsborough County?s Small Business Information Center (SBIC); one of SBDC?s collaborative partners. Learline was very professional and whole-heartily dedicated in providing me with excellent information, resources and guidance. Learline also taught some of the workshops I attended. Overall, the SBDC has contributed tremendously in my growing knowledge of the many aspects of business by providing free one on one confidential counseling and workshops based on entrepreneurial principles.?

Ms. Pittman went on to voice that she has taken a total of 56 credit hours in workshops at the SBIC. The topics ranged from Smart Start Your Business to Bookkeeping Essentials: to SBA Financing for your Business to a Five Part Business Plan Series. She feels confident that her business will benefit from the financial advice she received from Learline and through the attendance of the workshops.

?Now that my business is up and running says Ms. Pittman I can really hone into my short term goal to become a well recognized and established custom floral design and event studio in the Tampa Bay area.? When asked if she would recommend the SBDC to other business owners, Ms. Pittman replied ?yes.I have become a customer of the Vase One establishment states Learline Shorty (Ms. Pittman?s SBDC Certified Business Analyst). The arrangements I have ordered portray Rhonda?s creative, style and sense of color coordination. The decorum of Vase One is simply fabulous. The environment is warm and inviting. When you enter Rhonda?s business the colors and design of her branding kind of reach out to touch you. The interior design of Vase One is like no other florist I have encountered. You definitely get the WOW factor, and her company?s Web site is very professional. Rhonda has done a phenomenal job on branding her business. Her dcor, business cards, Web site and marketing materials are consistent in projecting the intended cultural image. I am thrilled with joy for Rhonda?s accomplishments.?

You can embrace the experience of purchasing a customized floral arrangement and receiving fantastic customer service by visiting Vase One Floral Design Studio, LLC at 7402 N. 56^TH Street, Suite 906, Tampa, FL 33617 (Corporate Square Office Park). Voice Number : 813.443.4617 Fax Number: 813.443.4618; Web site: www.vaseonestudio.com; Email: info@vaseonestudio.com or Rhonda@vaseonestudio.com.