How do I set up an appointment with a business consultant at the SBDC at FGCU?
In order to set up an appointment with a business consultant, you will need to fill out a Request for Consulting form (RFC). This form will then be routed to our Intake Coordinator, who will assign your business to a consultant.
Once you have been assigned, you will receive a call from your new consultant to schedule an appointment. The entire intake process should take about 2-3 business days.
If you do not hear from your consultant after 3 business days, please call our main line at 239-745-3700 or email us at sbdc@fgcu.edu for assistance.
Does the SBDC at FGCU help with SBA Loans?
While the SBDC at FGCU is affiliated with the SBA, we are not the SBA and cannot assist with anything regarding the status of your SBA loan, payments for your SBA loan, or any administration concerning your SBA loan.
However, the SBDC at FGCU can help you with the application process for an SBA loan and can provide information and guidance about the SBA Loan and whether it is the right financing option for you. If you have questions about the SBA Loan or SBA loan application process, please fill out a Request for Consulting form (RFC) to meet with one of our consultants. If you have questions about the status or payments of your SBA loan, please call the SBA at 800-621-3362.
What kind of services does the SBDC at FGCU provide?
The SBDC at FGCU’s services cover all aspects of small business logistics, including but not limited to:
- Strategic and Business Plan Development
- Accessing Capital for Business Growth
- Strategic Intelligence and Market Research
- Market and Sales Growth Development
- Exporting and International Trade
- Acquiring Government Contracts
- Financial Literacy and Cash Flow Management
- Business Recovery and Continuation
- Cybersecurity and AI
If you have questions about whether your business needs fall under our scope of services, please call our main line at 239-745-3700 or email us at sbdc@fgcu.edu for assistance.
How is the SBDC at FGCU funded? Is it really no cost consulting?
Financial support the Florida SBDC Network is provided by federal and state agencies, participating lead, regional and local service center host partner institutions, and local public and private entities.
Because of this expansive funding, our consulting services and most of our trainings and workshops are provided at no cost to our clients.
Is the consulting at the SBDC at FGCU confidential?
Yes. Federal law, Section 21 of the Small Business Act, 15 USC § 648, specifies that all consulting done at all offices in the Florida SBDC Network (including the SBDC at FGCU) must be confidential.
Is the SBDC at FGCU a government agency?
The SBDC at FGCU is under the general oversight of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Entrepreneurial Development (OED), Office of Small Business Development Centers (OSBDC). The SBDC at FGCU is in no way affiliated with the IRS and is not the SBA.