About the Florida SBDC

The Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at the Pinellas County Economic Development provides business management assistance and training to any prospective or existing entrepreneur in Pinellas County. With community partners we have collaborated to connect local entrepreneurs to business resources and strategic solutions for expansion and growth needs.

The Florida SBDC Network is state designated as Florida’s Principal Provider of Business Assistance [ § 288.001, Fla. Stat.] and recognized as Florida’s “premier source” for business assistance. With this assistance, clients can become more successful and, in turn, contribute positively to the area’s economic growth and stability. More than 35 SBDC offices operate in Florida from Key West to Pensacola under the guidance of seven state universities, including the University of South Florida, and state colleges.

With funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the University of South Florida, Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners, and other public and private sector sources, the FSBDC at PCED is able to provide its business assistance services at little or no charge to the client.

How can the Florida SBDC help?

FSBDC programs deliver up-to-date technical assistance, training, resources and information to help existing business owners make sound decisions and to assist potential owners in getting started on the right foot.

Start-up assistance begins with a menu of FSBDC workshops. Practical, convenient, concise and affordable, these group training programs cover topics from STARTUP basics, to marketing, accounting/cash flow analysis, financing, and taxes.

Business plan assistance walks start-ups and existing business owners through the process using tools and templates designed to get your plan down on paper. Review of draft business plans and feedback on the plans strengths and weaknesses is just one of the consulting services available in the FSBDC at PCED at no charge.

One of the critical issues potential and existing business owners face is financing the start up or growth of a business. Access to capital is part of the consulting process our consultants provide to our clients.

The FSBDC at PCED offers existing business owners interested in reviewing strategic business processes, increasing sales and/or improving the bottom line access to the latest information needed to succeed including market data, financial analysis, business planning tools, and specialized programs.

Does the Florida SBDC Work?

The Florida SBDC’s performance is based on the economic impact its customers achieve. Surveys consistently show that businesses assisted by the FSBDC outperform non-assisted businesses, create three times more jobs and increase sales three times faster. According to the state of Florida, for every federal dollar invested in the Florida SBDC program, nearly $10 is returned in the form of tax revenue. Not a bad Return on Investment!

Annual regional economic Impact and documents Success Stories can be found by linking here.