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A Summer of Small Business from the Florida SBDC at UWF

July 16, 2024

Business continuity isn't just buzz.

See how the Florida SBDC Network can empower you to prepare for disasters, maintain jobs, and recover quicker. We want to help you locally across the region, so give a watch and get connected with us to ensure you're prepared for our active storm season. Also, reference these compiled key resources from the state!

Upcoming Opportunities

Sign up to tune in at no cost THIS Thursday, July 18 at 9 a.m. for an hour and grab your chance to get a roadmap for funding related to your small business dreams or current operational cash flow. Follow a proven path laid out, make connections, and pose your pressing questions to our SBDC and community partner lending experts.

Sign up to join us at no cost Tuesday, July 30, from 9-10 a.m. for an engaging IT chat. Bring your questions about IT, cybersecurity, and digital trends to our expert Russell Hale. This open dialogue will break through taboo barriers and equip you to take action. Don't miss this chance to demystify the tech world with us.

Sign up to tune in at no cost Thursday, Aug. 1 from 10-11 a.m. Eastern for a webinar tailored to small business owners with brick-and-mortar stores, and businesses looking to prepare in any way for the holiday commerce season. Led by an ex-Hallmark retail store owner, learn strategies for merchandise planning, promotions, pricing, displays, store layout, and more. Boost your holiday sales.

Sign up to tune in at no cost Wednesday, Aug. 7 from 9-10:15 a.m. for an exploration of alternative funding options for small businesses. Discover solutions when traditional bank loans are denied and explore customized funding alternatives. This workshop features S. Boyd Karren, Managing Partner at Otro Financial, specializing in securing funds for start-ups and other young businesses.

Learn how to launch a successful venture in our region with a start-up workshop that will assist you in making your business vision a reality. Afterward, you'll be able to meet with a consultant at no cost throughout your entrepreneurial journey. For example, register to attend Marina Boeira-Tarulli's valuable workshop next week on Tuesday, July 23 from 9 a.m. to noon at TechFarms in Panama City Beach. Or find the next one you can make it to near you!

Register at no cost to join Saltmarsh Financial Advisors and Dimensional Fund Advisors Thursday, Aug. 1 at 1 p.m. for a market review. Discuss recent market events, and implications for investors and others, and get answers to your questions. This webinar won't be recorded due to its brief duration, so register now and submit your questions for the advisors to address live.

Time is running out! Only four days left for the early bird rate of $225 to register and be part of the Small Business Success Summit this August at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa. Also, the hotel room block closes July 29 but the rooms are filling up fast. Whether needing connection, learning, or marketing opportunities, this is your chance as a business owner to elevate, envision, and expand your Florida business. Our network and regional team can't wait to see you there. Reach out if you have questions!

View More Events in the Region

Spread the Word & Walk the Talk This Season

Want ideas for encouraging others to support your small business this summer? Or know some small businesses you'd like to support throughout summertime? Here are a few easy things to promote and do:

Buy a local product or service, and share about it on social media and by word-of-mouth. Be sure to tag the business on social media. No experience is too big or too small!
Leave positive reviews about your experience on Google, Facebook, and Yelp.
Buy gift cards from small businesses as gifts for back-to-school festivities and for getting a jump on the holiday shopping season.
Attend local small business events, and beat the heat or downpours together.
Like or leave a comment on business social media pages and posts.

Plus, here are some merchant types to get the consumer ideas flowing:

Home improvement and landscaping projects
Utilities and gadgets that keep you cool
Shop small to go big with vehicle detailing
Pick up a plant for the office
Enjoy cool treats, refreshing eats, and plenty of hydration concoctions
Get the latest local beach gear
Look for local or small sellers on Amazon and Walmart.com

Did You Know We Can Help With International Trade?

The Florida SBDC Network offers comprehensive support to businesses looking to expand internationally. Our experts provide one-on-one consulting, international trade education, training, and resources to help you navigate the complexities of importing and exporting.

Florida’s strategic position makes it a prime location for trade, with small to medium-sized businesses driving a significant portion of export value. Take advantage of grant opportunities and specialized services, including the development of Export Marketing Plans, to accelerate your international growth.

Read more to find out about opportunities available!

Your Florida SBDC at UWF website is getting a makeover.

We've been working to give you a modernized, robust, and user-friendly website and are looking forward to launching a revamped uwf.sbdc.edu site this summer!

Stay tuned for our new look and feel with fresh content and added resources. We want everyone to be able to find us and get help for your business needs.

Remember, we're a click, email, phone call, drive, or Zoom session away.

The Florida SBDC Network is state designated as Florida’s Principal Provider of Business Assistance [§ 288.001, Fla. Stat.] and recognized as Florida’s “premier source” for business assistance.

The Florida SBDC at the University of West Florida is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide partnership program nationally accredited by the Association of America’s SBDCs and funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of Defense, State of Florida, and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the network’s headquarters. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency.