Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, and the Florida Department of Commerce have signed a memorandum of understanding to foster the growth and success of small business programs and priorities across the state.
“At FloridaCommerce our approach is simple. We are building a robust and high-skilled workforce, that prioritizes key industries, attracts new talent, and recruits businesses that will offer higher wages,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “This MOU will keep moving Florida forward and ensures that FloridaCommerce and SBDC will work together to create more opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses.”
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with FloridaCommerce,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “Through our partnership, we will work together to help more small businesses access the resources they need to grow and achieve their business goals.”
The Florida SBDC Network and FloridaCommerce have nourished a longstanding partnership. Through this MOU, the Florida SBDC Network and FloridaCommerce will continue to work together to educate businesses on FloridaCommerce small business support programs, including the state’s Microfinance Guarantee Program, the State Small Business Credit Initiative, Rebuild Florida Business Loan Fund, and the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program.
The agencies will work together to educate businesses on the availability of these and other programs and the Florida SBDC Network will offer training and consulting services to support program applicants.
FloridaCommerce was established in 2023, through legislation combining the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and programs from Enterprise Florida, Inc. FloridaCommerce and its economic development partners are committed to advancing Florida’s economic development mission by prioritizing strategic investments in a diversified economy through the promotion of modern, site-ready infrastructure and innovative workforce training opportunities; services, resources, and opportunities for Florida’s job seekers; the expansion of reliable, high-speed broadband Internet to every corner of the state; and programs that help employers find, develop, and retain a qualified workforce.
Established in 1976, the Florida SBDC Network is the state’s principal provider of business assistance. The network provides no-cost consulting, training, and research to help aspiring and existing small businesses launch, grow and thrive. As part of its service offering, the network employs more than 225 consultants and staff members, many of whom are previous business owners, to help businesses in all aspects of business - from business planning to exit planning.
The MOU was signed by Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network, and J. Alex Kelly, secretary of the Florida Department of Commerce, during a meeting between the agencies last week in Tallahassee.
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