The Small Business Development Center's mobile assistance center is deployed in Century. Photo credit: UWF.

Following the powerful storm that swept through northern Escambia County on Feb. 15, the Florida SBDC at the University of West Florida deployed its emergency response Mobile Assistance Center to the town of Century to aid local businesses impacted by the storm.

The MAC—a 38’ RV equipped with laptops, printer, satellite communication, and more—at the Century Chamber of Commerce. Florida SBDC at UWF disaster specialists will be available on-site to help affected businesses prepare disaster loan applications and with other post-disaster challenges.

“We are here to help the business community of Century,” said Kelly Massey, regional director for the Florida SBDC at UWF. “Our center is glad to offer assistance through our MAC unit after this recent storm and tornado hit. We know it has caused damage and grief to the people there, and we intend to provide no-cost consulting services to assist Century in their post-storm challenges.”

The Florida SBDC Network is a key economic development organization that supports disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation through its Business Continuation services.

As part of a statewide service network of more than 40 centers, the FSBDC at UWF is based in the UWF College of Business and maintains offices in Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, Milton, Crestview and Marianna and serves Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Jackson, Washington, Bay and Calhoun counties.

“We are deeply saddened to see and hear the stories of damage and loss that individuals and small businesses in our area have suffered,” said Michael Myhre, CEO and Network State Director for the Florida SBDC Network. “We want businesses to know that we’re here to help in this time of need.”

Questions? Call 474-2528.