Studer Community Institute

New offices for small business development

December 9, 2014
/ Reggie Dogan
/ economy

A new place for business owners to meet with consultants to help improve the community and the economy of Northwest Florida opened today at the University of West Florida offices in the Greater Pensacola Chamber building. The new offices offer private space for business owners to meet with trained consultants for strategic analysis, business plan review, market research, loan packaging assistance, financial assessment, feasibility, international trade and more. The Florida Small Business Development Center at UWF and the Greater Pensacola Chamber's ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorated the grand opening of the FSBDC at UWF offices in the Greater Pensacola Chamber building. “This partnership is an example of our commitment to advancing the economy of Northwest Florida,” said UWF President Judy Bense. “As the host for the Florida SBDC, we are thrilled to partner with the Greater Pensacola Chamber to increase opportunities for business owners in our region." In addition to core offerings of consulting, training and research, the offices also provide a comprehensive toolkit of specialized services for qualifying existing businesses looking to increase market growth, including growth acceleration, international trade, government contracting and business continuation. FSBDC at UWF workshops and training sessions are available throughout the year at the chamber. Mike Myhre, FSBDC Network State director, applauded Kelly Massey, FSBDC at UWF regional director, and Jerry Maygarden, Greater Pensacola Chamber president, for developing a partnership that is a "win" for everyone. “I am very excited about this partnership between the Greater Pensacola Chamber and the FSBDC at UWF,” Myhre said, “Both FSBDC and UWF are seeking to make SBDC services more convenient and accessible for businesses, throughout the Florida panhandle. The chamber has such a commitment to area business and industry." The partnership provides a convenient location for business owners who work and serve in the downtown Pensacola area. In addition, the location is in close proximity to commercial lending institutions that provide financing to those business owners. The downtown offices house five full-time business consultants, including an International trade specialist, business growth specialist, women's and minority business specialist, training manager and regional director. Small business owners also have the opportunity to receive services from the FSBDC and the chamber staff to help market and accelerate entrepreneurial growth within one convenient venue. The new offices are open during current Greater Pensacola Chamber business hours in the chamber building, at 117 W. Garden St., in downtown Pensacola. Appointments are encouraged. Maygarden said having the Florida SBDC in the chamber's headquarters will provide a convenient location and support for anyone who has questions related to small business development. "Our goal is to ensure that small businesses within our community have access to the resources and assistance they need in order to be successful," said Maygarden.

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New offices for small business development

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