North Florida Small Business Resources
If you are a small business owner in North Florida, don’t miss these 5 valuable resources!
5 Small Business Resources in North Florida
Did you know that over 90 percent of the businesses in the United States are considered small? According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, the state of Florida has over 395,462 small businesses–and that number grows daily. North Florida is no exception; the area is booming with a wide variety of small business owners who are working hard to grow existing businesses and start new ones. While business ownership is a rewarding endeavor, it can also be very challenging. If you’re a new small business owner, or an existing business owner looking to grow your business, there are resources available that are designed to promote your success.
The U.S. Small Business Administration – North Florida District Office
The SBA is a great source of state and local resources for the business owner. The North Florida SBA serves to offer outreach and special initiatives to aid those who own businesses in the area. Through offering financial assistance, free counseling, loan programs, workshops, events, etc., they work to help both new and existing businesses succeed. The North Florida SBA website can help you connect with mentors, provide you with a calendar of events, and give you links to helpful government resources.
America’s Small Business Development Center – Florida
The SBDC was created by Congress in 1980 to provide management assistance. The SBDC at the University of North Florida was actually created in 1976, making it one of the longest running SBDC programs in the country. The SBDC provides programs with advice, training, and information along with workshops covering everything from startup basics, marketing, accounting, financing, and taxes. It’s a great resource for those thinking of buying a business, along with those who already own a business. The University of North Florida Small Business Development Center serves 18 counties and has offices in Jacksonville, Gainesville, and Ocala.
Jacksonville Women’s Business Center
The JWBC’s mission is to “advance the success of women entrepreneurs at every stage of business development.” They offer services and programs that provide education and information to small business owners in the North Florida area to help them be successful. The JWBC serves Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns counties, and is located in Jacksonville.
Florida State University – The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship in North Florida
Offering education and expertise for current and aspiring business owners, the Jim Moran Institute center serves more than 200 community businesses each year. Business owners can receive one-on-one consulting and workshops from the center. One unique service is entrepreneurship training and planning from veterans as well. Be sure and check out the Small Business Executive Program for small business owners and presidents. It’s a six-month program open to 25 non-competing applicants that will help you work on your business.
North Central Florida SCORE
SCORE is a nonprofit that helps small businesses get off the ground and reach their goals. Providing education and mentorship, they deliver their services in the North Florida area predominantly through the North Central Florida Score office, but they also have a branch in Lake City/Suwannee Valley. SCORE offers free and confidential business counseling, workshops (some require a fee), and mentorship about accounting, finances, marketing, and business planning. Their mentors cover many different industries from human resources, sales, manufacturing, food service, and more.
Reach Out to These North Florida Small Business Resources
Operating a business can be challenging; managing employees, working toward goals, marketing the business, and keeping proper books is time consuming. Small business owners have to do it all. We hope these resources help in your day-to-day business operations.
If you’re in the market to buy or sell a business in the Emerald Coast area, a qualified professional from Emerald Coast Business Brokers is prepared to help. Contact us today.