Eileen Rodriguez, Regional Director at Florida Small Business Development Center at USF, and Business Consultant Keith Jackson shared the quarterly report to the BOCC. The SBDC office is located at the Chamber of Commerce building.
From October 2015 to June 2016, the SBDC has worked with 282 clients, with 60% of the consulting hours spent with what Rodriguez termed “second stage business” clients. These well-established businesses create and retain the most jobs in the county. The continued growth of these businesses, which improve the economy of local communities, is a focus for the SBDC. The SBDC also works with startups and potential businesses so that they can also be successful. A feasibility analysis is one tool used to help startups determine the best use of funds and resources.
At the last quarterly report delivered to the County Commission in April, they reported that during the previous two quarters, 220 hours were spent with 38 distinct clients, most from the small to medium enterprise category, providing the most support in Market Growth Assistance. The 38 clients were from Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Hernando, Pasco, Polk, Hardee, Highlands and Desoto counties.
Rodriguez explained that the two areas where most of their consulting is focused is on the growth of existing businesses and in export/marketing. To accelerate growth, the SBDC completes an analysis of the entire business from finances and marketing to operations and and provides recommendations and action plans. This is Jackson’s strength, helping companies grow.
The SBDC partners with Enterprise Florida and the US Department of Commerce to help businesses export their services or products. Hundreds of hours are spent by consultants to compile reports they can take back to the company to implement.
The annual International Economic Development Conference (IEDC) has a Basic Economic Development Course, and the SBDC is Florida’s franchise owner. The next course will be held November 7-10 in Tampa. The target audience is for public officials or new employees in economic development so that they can help local communities grow.