SBDC Core Services

Secure the financing needed to grow, expand, or recover your business.

• Identify traditional, SBA-backed, and alternative loan options.
• Develop or refine your business plan and financials.
• Prepare professional loan packages and receive funder introductions.
• Receive ongoing post-funding consulting support.

Prepare your business to withstand and recover from disruptions, whether natural or man-made.

• Develop Business Continuity, Emergency Preparedness, and Disaster Recovery Plans.
• Conduct risk and vulnerability assessments.
• Receive cybersecurity planning and training.
• Access disaster loan assistance and recovery navigation.
• Utilize Mobile Assistance Centers (MACs) for on-site post-disaster support.
• Engage in one-on-one consulting with Business Continuation experts.

Scale your business with tailored strategies and expert guidance.

• Conduct in-depth business assessments and diagnostics.
• Perform financial analysis and operational improvements.
• Develop market diversification and expansion strategies.
• Collaborate on implementation with Growth Acceleration specialists.

Navigate the complexities of selling to local, state, and federal governments.

• Conduct market research and bid matching.
• Receive assistance with registrations and certifications.
• Develop proposal review and submission strategies.
• Simplify procurement processes with Florida APEX consultants.

Expand your business into global markets with expert assistance.

• Develop Export Marketing Plans (EMP) to guide market entry.
• Research overseas trade opportunities.
• Receive guidance on export compliance, logistics, and funding.
• Access subsidized export planning services for qualified businesses.
• 95% of the world’s consumers live outside the U.S.—expand your reach today.

Establish a solid foundation for your business success.

• Develop comprehensive Business Plans for startup and funding.
• Create Strategic Plans for long-term growth and sustainability.
• Differentiate between operational, strategic, and financial planning.
• Utilize templates, receive feedback, and engage in hands-on development assistance.

Make informed decisions backed by world-class data sources.

• Access demographic, financial, and competitive industry reports.
• Analyze market potential and location data.
• Obtain custom research specific to your goals and geography.
• Receive professional interpretation of data to support your strategy.

Enhance your business skills through a variety of educational opportunities.

• Participate in online and in-person sessions on startup, finance, marketing, and disaster preparedness.
• Attend specialized seminars like “How to Bulletproof Your Business” and “Pricing for Profit.”
• Access workshops hosted online or in-person throughout Southwest Florida.
• Training keeps you and your business competitive.

Gain access to in-depth research services typically unavailable to small businesses.

• Conduct feasibility studies and industry profiles.
• Perform geographic and trend analyses.
• Generate reports to support funding requests, strategic pivots, or market entry.

Drive growth with support that produces measurable results.

In 2024, Florida SBDC clients achieved:

• $3.8B in increased sales.
• $732M in government contracts.
• $304M in capital secured.
• Over 1,000 new businesses created.
• Nearly 20,000 jobs impacted.
• Our no-cost consulting works—because it’s focused, tailored, and backed by results.