Florida Small Business Development Center Network (FSBDCN)

The FSBDCN is one of eight original SBDC pilot programs. Funded in 1976 by the US Small Business Administration (SBA), the program successfully links the state's education system with community outreach to aid in the development and education of the state's entrepreneurs and small business community.

Starting with only two service centers in the first year of operation, the FSBDCN has grown to a statewide network of 30 plus centers involving universities, colleges and other economic development partner organizations. Additional outreach is provided at approximately 60 circuit rider locations utilizing resource partners such as chambers of commerce, economic development councils, banks, etc. Today, the FSBDCN is one of 63 SBA-funded SBDC programs, with locations in every state and US territory.

As the only statewide provider of entrepreneurial services, the FSBDCN plays a vital role in Florida's economic development initiatives by:

• assisting entrepreneurs in all stages of business, from prospective entrepreneurs to mature businesses looking for growth opportunities;
• working with firms in all industry sectors; utilizing the expertise and resources of some of the best colleges and universities in Florida;
• accessing the resources of a national network of more than 1,000 centers;
• administering the State Small Business Advocate and Small Business Regulatory Advisory Council under the state's business regulatory relief act; and
• accrediting nationally through the Association of SBDCs by Congressional mandate.

The synergistic effect of this partnership program has resulted in many years of positive revenue growth for the state, an impressive FSBDCN return on investment and multiplied success for Florida's small business community. The foundation of Florida's economy is small business (99%), and the Florida SBDC Network is their Principal Provider of Small Business Assistance as designated by state statute.

Source: http://www.floridasbdc.org/Aboutus/history.asp 6-21-10

Serving the FHREDI Region are four service centers:

SBDC of the Heartland at South Florida Community College in Avon Park
South Florida Community College
600 W. College Drive, Building "T"
Avon Park, FL 33825
863.784.7378 and 863.784.7379
Small Business Development Center of the Heartland

www.SBDCtampabay.com

(SBDC of the Heartland is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with FHREDI)

SBDC at FGCU - Immokalee

Career Service Center of Collier County

750 S 5th St, Ste 710
Immokalee, FL 34142-4301
239.658.3327
http://cli.fgcu.edu/sbdc

SBDC at Indian River State

College - Ft. Pierce 3209 Virginia Ave, Bldg E/Rm 123
Ft. Pierce, FL 34981-5596
772.462.7296 or 888.283.1177
www.sbdc-irsc.com

SBDC at IRSC - Stuart

924 SE Central Parkway
Stuart, FL 34994-3997
772.419.5694
www.sbdc-irsc.com