Laurie Simpson, co-owner of Delectables Fine Catering, knew when coronavirus made it to the United States, that it wasnt going to be an easy obstacle to overcome. really depended on large groups of...
District 16: Senator Ed Hooper
Data Sources: *2020 Impact reported by respondent clients | **2019 Economic Impact Analysis of the FSBDCN by FSU CEFA | District Profile: U.S. SBA Office of Advocacy (Congress only)
Business & Economic Outcomes
| District | Statewide | |
|---|---|---|
| **Sales Generated | $68.2M | $4.4B |
| *Gov't Contracts Acquired | $3.9M | $488.1M |
| *Capital Accessed | $5.6M | $553.5M |
| **Jobs Impacted: Direct, Indirect, Induced | 582 | 37,966 |
| *New Businesses Started | 1 | 381 |
| Service Snapshot | ||
| Existing & Aspiring Small Business Owners Consulted | 565 | 24,191 |
| Minorities | 138 (24%) | 8,988 (37%) |
| Veterans & Service Disabled Veterans | 54 (10%) | 2,316 (10%) |
| Women | 225 (40%) | 10,123 (42%) |
| Professional Consulting Hours Delivered | 2,340 | 162,519 |
Success Stories
Veteran-Owned Business Awarded First Contract with Help from Florida PTAC at USF
David Hahn decided to take a leap of faith and leave the hospitality industry to follow in his fathers footsteps, as an entrepreneur. He decided to take what hed learned in the hospitality industry...
Client Testimonials
Our Place in Dunedin, Inc., Dunedin
Aubri [Florida SBDC consultant] has been our biggest savior throughout the entire struggle of this pandemic. Not only has she been on top of everything, but had the courtesy of contacting us ahead of time regarding upcoming opportunities for our business. We were able to stay afloat because of her. Very friendly and approachable woman with extensive knowledge of her job and more. Many of her subordinates can learn a lot from her. I know I did. She is an advocate for small businesses as seen from her actions, and she has visited us and dined with us at our business place. We look forward to seeing and serving her and her family as we are forever grateful for all the help, information, and assistance she rendered. From the bottom of our hearts, Aubri, we thank you, and you deserve to be promoted for your efforts at keeping many small businesses alive during this pandemic.
Gregory MohamedPamela Bell Properties, Palm Harbor
Kurt Forster [Florida SBDC consultant] has always had time for me when I made appointments to meet with him about my business plan and growth potential. His expertise was well worth the time invested with me. My business has grown over 75% since meeting with him several years ago and I am grateful to have someone as knowledgeable as he is that will take the time to meet with me. I trust his judgment and intellect in business development and he is a pleasure to work with. His advice and engaging ideas that we come together with have proven successful. I am so very glad to have a person of his caliber helping the community and myself. A professional through and through. You have a very special person here, and I can't say enough wonderful things about him. Thank you for all that you do Florida SBDC and a very special thanks to Kurt Forster.
Pamela BellLew Capital Group, LLC, Clearwater
Debra [Florida SBDC consultant] was very informative and assisted us greatly in obtaining the [Covid-19 Florida Small Business Emergency] Bridge Loan offered. She was thorough and made sure that all required information was obtained. She was great!
Paul LeeDelectables Fine Catering, Palm Harbor
After more than 30 years in business, I have never come across an organization like the Florida SBDC at USF that is just there to help businesses.
Laura Simpson