News Summary
The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at USF announced the expansion of its no-cost business consulting services for entrepreneurs in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. This initiative facilitates personalized consulting sessions with senior consultant Scott Carpenter weekly, aiming to enhance local business growth. Services include business planning, market research, and capital access, supporting entrepreneurs in their journeys. The Florida SBDC aims to provide vital resources for success and overall economic development in the area.
Sarasota, Florida – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of South Florida (USF) has announced an expansion of its no-cost, face-to-face business consulting services for entrepreneurs and small business owners in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. This initiative seeks to bolster local business development and provide necessary resources for success.
Entrepreneurs can schedule personalized consulting sessions with senior business consultant Scott Carpenter every week from Tuesday through Thursday at the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, located at 1945 Fruitville Rd. in Sarasota. Additionally, consultations will take place on the first Tuesday of each month at North Port City Hall, situated at 4970 City Hall Blvd. in North Port.
The Florida SBDC at USF serves a wide area across the Tampa Bay region, which includes Hillsborough, Hernando, Pinellas, Highlands, Hardee, DeSoto, Polk, Pasco, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties. Specifically, entrepreneurs in Hillsborough County can access no-cost guidance at the USF Tampa office and at a Hillsborough County sub-center located inside the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center.
The services offered by the Florida SBDC include support in areas such as business planning, market research, and capital access, which are vital for the growth and stability of small businesses. A recent beneficiary of SBDC consulting is Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub in Manatee County, whose owner reported increased sales and improved business metrics after just three months of ownership, crediting part of that success to the guidance received from SBDC.
The Florida SBDC at USF aims to create a better Florida by providing entrepreneurs with the expertise and resources necessary for business success in the state. As part of the Florida SBDC Network, it operates as a statewide partnership program that is accredited by the Association of America’s SBDCs. Funding for the program is partially provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Department of Defense, as well as various public and private partners. Full funding disclosure details can be accessed on the Florida SBDC website.
The center’s services are available on a nondiscriminatory basis, ensuring that language assistance is provided for individuals with limited English proficiency, promoting inclusivity in entrepreneurial support.
More information about the SBDC’s services and resources can be found on their website, which outlines the range of consulting options available to local businesses. This expansion of services aims not only to assist individuals in navigating their entrepreneurial journeys but also to contribute to the overall economic growth of Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
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Additional Resources
- Osprey Observer: Florida SBDC at USF Empowers Small Businesses
- Wikipedia: Small Business Administration
- Business Observer: SBA Official Reflects on Sarasota
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Entrepreneurship
- Sarasota Magazine: From Passion to Profession
- Google Search: Florida small business resources
- Florida Phoenix: After Brutal Hurricane Season
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