The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network nears half a century of service helping small businesses grow and succeed as it celebrates its 45th anniversary this year.
In 1976, the Florida SBDC Network was funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as one of eight SBDC pilot programs in the country. Originating with one man at the University of West Florida overseeing two centers in Northwest Florida and serving a handful of clients, the Florida SBDC Network is now one of the largest SBDC networks in the country. The network has more than 40 centers and 300 employees and provides tools, training and expertise to thousands of Florida’s entrepreneurs annually.
History
1976 - 1985
1986-1995
1996-2005
2006-2016
2017-2021
1976 - 1985
10 Years (1976-1985):
- Founded by SBA as 1 of 8 original pilot SBDC programs
- Began with one man and two centers at UWF
- National legislation authorizes SBDCs
- Network expands to include USF, FSU, FAMU, UCF, UNF, FAU, FIU, UM
- Government contracting becomes statewide priority
- Greg Higgins becomes State Director
- Serves nearly 150,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners
- Allan Cowart, a professor of management at the University of West Florida (UWF), creates UWF’s Resource Center for Small Business Services
1986-1995
20 Years (1986-1995):
- Jerry Cartwright becomes state director
- One of the first states to develop a professional development certification program
- International trade becomes statewide priority
- Client businesses report more than $1.8 billion in government contract awards
1996-2005
30 Years (1996-2005):
- FGCU joins the network as a regional host
- Four hurricanes devastate Florida and disaster assistance becomes a statewide priority
- Florida SBDC Mobile Assistance Centers provide assistance in rural areas and on-site in times of disaster
- Receives accreditation through National Association of SBDCs
- Client businesses report more than $684 million in capital formation
2006-2016
40 Years (2006-2016):
- Michael Myhre becomes state director
- Governor signs [Fl. Stat. 288.001] designating the Florida SBDC Network as Florida’s principal provider of business assistance
- Designated as State of Florida Center by the Florida Board of Governors
- IRSC and PBSC join the network as regional hosts and FIU rejoins
- Vibrant statewide partnership of over 40 centers and nearly 250 employees with over 100 strategic, host, and investing partners
- Since 1976, more than 1.1 million entrepreneurs served
- Florida SBDC Network becomes the largest network in the country
2017-2021
45 Years (2017-2021):
- Greg Britton becomes state director
- FAU rejoins the network as a regional host
- Since 1976, more than 1.4 million entrepreneurs served
- The Coronavirus pandemic devastates the world; disaster assistance is the statewide priority throughout 2020 and continues
- Several hurricanes devastate areas of Florida and disaster assistance continues to be a statewide priority
- Vibrant statewide partnership of approximately 45 centers and 300 employees with over 100 strategic, host, and investing partners
- Florida SBDC celebrates 45th anniversary
Economic Impact
Since its inception, the Florida SBDC Network has assisted over 1.4 million emerging and growing businesses through consulting, training, and information. In addition to the Florida SBDC’s core offerings, the network also provides specialized services for businesses, including capital access, strategic planning and market research, international trade, government contracting, disaster preparedness and recovery, and more. As the only statewide provider of entrepreneurial and business development services, the Florida SBDC Network plays a vital role in Florida’s economic development by assisting entrepreneurs in every stage of the business life cycle.
In 2019, Florida SBDCs provided 114,064 hours of professional business consulting to 12,535 client businesses, resulting in 37,966 jobs impacted; $4.4 billion in sales generated; $496.5 million in government contracts acquired; and $255.3 million in capital accessed; and 453 new businesses started.
Pandemic Recovery
Since March of 2020, the Florida SBDC Network has helped thousands of small business owners throughout the state obtain more than $219 million in federal and state disaster assistance, including the Paycheck Protection Program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, and the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. Consultants provide step-by-step support through the entire application process, explaining eligibility requirements and offering guidance on completing and submitting all necessary forms. Consultants also continued to help business owners navigate long-term challenges from COVID, including discussing issues such as pivoting to adjust to the new normal, revamping marketing plans to garner additional clients, and adjusting business processes for maximum efficiency, resiliency and longevity.
Network of Partnerships
State designated as “Florida’s Principal Provider of Business Assistance” [§ 288.001, Fla. Stat.], the Florida SBDC Network serves all 67 Florida counties – from Pensacola to Key West. Headquartered at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, the Florida SBDC Network partners with Florida’s state universities, colleges, and other economic development organizations to assist small and medium-sized business, regardless of industry.
“Our 45-year story is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our partners, our stakeholders, our dedicated staff, as well as the small businesses that we serve, who are the backbone of Florida’s economy,” said Greg Britton, CEO of the Florida SBDC Network. “We look forward to providing this integral support to our state’s small business community for decades to come.”
2021 Celebration
Small businesses, partners, and the greater community are invited to join the network’s anniversary celebration by sharing stories using the hashtag #FloridaSBDC45.
