CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF TURNING DREAMS INTO REALITY
About Us
For 50 years, the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network has been a trusted partner to Florida’s small business community. Founded in 1976, the Florida SBDC provides access to no-cost, confidential consulting; affordable, high-quality training; innovative tools; and the expertise of experienced small business professionals.
Today, we are the largest network of small business consultants in the state, made up of more than 225 consultants and specialists. Many have built, grown, and sustained businesses of their own, bringing real-world experience to every client interaction. For five decades, we have partnered with business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, helping them navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build resilient, thriving enterprises.
Our nationally recognized consultants and specialists have supported countless businesses across Florida—helping turn bold ideas and entrepreneurial dreams into lasting reality.
Our History
What began as a one-person operation has grown into one of the most expansive and impactful SBDC networks in the nation.
In 1972, Allan Cowart, a professor of management at the University of West Florida (UWF), founded UWF’s Resource Center for Small Business Services. This early effort provided entrepreneurial support across Florida’s Panhandle and laid the groundwork for a statewide model of small business assistance.
In 1976, Florida was designated by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as one of eight pilot University Business Development Center programs—now known as Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). This designation formally linked federal, state, and local government resources with Florida’s higher education system and private sector partners to better serve small businesses.
Since then, the Florida SBDC Network has grown to include more than 40 offices spanning from Pensacola to Key West, supported by over 225 employees. Each year, the network delivers consulting, training, and research services to thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners, strengthening local economies and communities across the state.
Share Your Story & Be Featured
As we celebrate 50 years, we honor the vision, partnerships, and people who have shaped our past and continue to drive our mission forward.
Your story is at the heart of our impact. If the Florida SBDC has helped you start, grow, or strengthen your business, we invite you to share your experience. Select stories may be featured as part of our 50th Anniversary celebration to highlight the entrepreneurs, milestones, and successes that define our network.
Our Annual Impact
Chris Young, Founder - Authentifi.AI
