University of West Florida & The Florida SBDC State Office Intent for Application Announcement

The University of West Florida (UWF) and the Florida Small Business Development Center State Office (State Office), collectively referred to as the “Grantor,” are excited to announce the 2026 Florida SBDC Network Application for Funding. Applications are open only to current Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) in the Florida SBDC Network (FSBDCN or “Network”). To be considered for participation, applicants must follow the process outlined below.

Application Process

• Review and acknowledge the network's governing and supplemental documents.
• Review the region's 2025 application.
• Complete the letter of intent and required 2026 abbreviated Intent to Apply application. Submit to Sharon Ward, Director of Finance, at sward2@uwf.edu, by June 1st 11:59 PM. 
• Once letter and application are reviewed and the SBA Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is released, the State Office will send the Application for Funding for host institution completion with projected budget. The Application for Funding is due to Sharon Ward by July 7th 11:59 PM.

Governing Documents

• FY_2026_SBDC_CORE_NOTICE_OF_FUNDING_OPPORTUNITY (NOFO) (Expected open date June 18 and close July 24)
• FSBDCN Standard Operating Procedures
• FSBDCN Strategic Plan (Note we are working through this plan with regional leadership and plan to have completed in August)
• FSBDCN Branding and Marketing Guide
• State Performance Terms and Conditions
• FSBDCN Conflict of Interest, Ethics, and Acceptable Use of AI Policy*

*As you are aware, artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing at an accelerated pace. To ensure compliance with the most up-to-date regulations, this policy will be subject to regular updates. These revisions will be implemented to adopt the most effective and secure policy practices for our network.

Governing Authority

The authority governing the SBDC program in Florida includes the following:

• 15 U.S.C. §§648, et seq.
• 13 CFR Part 130
• 2 CFR Part 200
• 2 CFR Part 215
• Section 288.001, Florida Statutes

Executive Orders (EOs)

• Executive Order 14151
• Executive Order 14148
• Executive Order 14168
• Executive Order 14173

Supplemental Documents

• Intent to Apply Letter Template
• Program Application

Where there are any conflicts, the precedence is as follows: federal law, state law, FSBDCN documents.

Questions & More Information

For further information please send your questions to FSBDCStateDirector@uwf.edu.