Business growth and profitability depend on the ability to make sound decisions. To make sound decisions businesses need access to the right information and the right expertise. The Florida Small business Development Center Network provides just that; access to data and information generally unaffordable or unavailable to small and medium-sized businesses and certifies professional experts who know how to use it. Our goal is simple, to provide professional expertise and guidance that every business owner needs to accelerate business growth and succeed in today’s complex and ever-changing marketplace. We do this through specialized services and tools offered by the Florida SBDC.

Florida SBDC Services

Beyond Business Hours Consulting (BBHC)
You asked we listened. We know business owners are busy running their business during the day. The Florida SBDC at UNF is now offering no-cost consulting appointments during early hours, evenings, and weekends! We offer the same exceptional services catered to your schedule. These extended consulting hours are available to new and existing businesses. Make your appointment today for a no-cost BBHC session!

Government Contracting (PTAC) 
The Florida Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) at the University of North Florida provides affordable training to help Florida businesses—small or large, profit or non-profit—research and bid on government contracts from the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, state and local agencies, and prime contractors.

International Trade
International trade represents a wealth of opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses, and yet, only 3% of U.S. small businesses are engaged in exporting. The FSBDC at UNF has the knowledge and resources to assist small business owners in developing and executing international trade strategies. Through one-on-one consulting with a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP), training and workshops, customized research, and access to a network of trade professionals, the Florida SBDC provides clients with the tools to successfully and profitably navigate the world of international trade.

Growth Acceleration
In today’s competitive marketplace it helps to collaborate with an experienced partner who can navigate your business past obstacles, optimize performance, and put you on the road to success. Designed to connect emerging and growing Florida businesses with professional business consultants, our no-cost Growth Acceleration Services are designed to do just that.

Agribusiness
There is an abundance of opportunities and agricultural land in Northeast Florida. Our agribusiness service provides farmers with confidential and professional management assistance to help them grow their bottom line.

Business Continuity
When disaster strikes, businesses in the state can find the education, training, and assistance needed to survive through the Florida SBDC at UNF’s Business Continuation Services.  Our consultants can help you prepare a comprehensive Business Continuity, Emergency Preparedness, and Disaster Recovery Plan at no cost.

Organizational Development
When you think about your teams, you may have good teams that could be better. Or, you might find you have some teams where their engagement and communication could be improved. Florida SBDC Certified Professional Behavioral & Driving Forces Analysts have the knowledge and resources to transform companies using a customized assessment system.

Exit Strategy
Every business owner will exit their business at some point in time.  A well-thought-out business strategy includes planning with the end-in-mind; that is, an exit strategy.  Your overall strategic plan encompasses setting long-term goals and maximizing value so you can reap the benefits of your success.

Nonprofit Assistance
This experience and knowledge of Florida SBDC consultants can be utilized by nonprofits to help their organizations manage more efficiently, find funding, and create more awareness. By learning the methods a small business may use, nonprofits can grow and prosper. No-cost consulting, low-cost training, and an annual conference are available to nonprofit organizations.

Florida SBDC Tools

LivePlan
It walks users through the pitch, the plan, and financial projections, and provides sample plans and a “scoreboard” to track progress. SBDC consultants can offer a free six-month subscription to this online tool to qualified clients and collaborate with them as they work on their plans.

Reference Solutions
This is a market research database with detailed information on 14 million+ U.S. businesses, 262 million U.S. consumers and their lifestyles, and international companies. Map-based geography searches and neighborhood data make this a useful tool in researching target markets and the competition.

Bid Match
Government contracting consultants can offer free access to this resource to identify business opportunities, access solicitations, and win more contracts. Qualified clients receive e-mail notifications of bid opportunities for specific products and services from over 800 federal, state, and local bid-posting sites.

ProfitCents
It allows SBDC consultants to benchmark their clients’ financial performance against more than 1,400 industry averages on 60 ratios and metrics and forecast financial decision-making and its results on business performance.

Profit Mastery
It offers clients access to the world’s leading business financial management system designed to help businesses improve profitability and cash flow, and to obtain financing.

BizMiner
Industry reports track 9000 lines of business at local and national levels. BizMiner also provides access to industry financial ratios and industry market statistics.

Connect Lending
Matches business owners/borrowers with lenders through proprietary matching software.

Turbo-Charge Any Team^TM
A customized assessment system to assist companies with improved engagement and communication within their organizations.

SEMrush
Online visibility and marketing analytics software. The service can provide intelligence data including website traffic information, keywords, projected AdWords spend, site audits, topic research, lead generation, and other SEO-related data to help boost business competitive edge online

The Small Business Resource Network
Connects small businesses with professional expertise in the areas of accounting, banking and commercial lending, insurance, law, and business consulting through a professional membership organization. To see a complete list of SBRN members go to www.sbrn.org.

Jaxsmallbizhelp.org
For more information on resources and assistance providers in the Jacksonville Metro Area, go to www.jaxsmallbizhelp.org. The membership of this organization is comprised of non-profits, economic development organizations, chambers. libraries, and other business resources. All are interested in ensuring that businesses flourish in Jacksonville.