Small Business Development Center Serves 72 Companies in 2024

The University of Central Florida Small Business Development Center in Palm Coast served 72 businesses in fiscal year 2024, conducted 193 consulting sessions and helped secure more than $1.8 million in capital formation. The results were one of the highlights of a report on the SBDC’s activities at a recent Palm Coast City Council workshop.

Craig McKinney, Palm Coast economic development manager, said the SBDC offers a wide range of services to entrepreneurs, including business consulting, market research and analysis, export assistance, strategic planning and other specialized services.

Michael Oppenheim, area manager for the SBDC, said the entity is one of 1,000 SBDCs in the U.S. and operates under the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“Each one fo the SBDC centers is hosted by a public university,” he said. “That links the state education system with community outreach.”

Oppenheim said the Florida SBDC network, which the Palm Coast center is part of, was founded in 1976. The University of Central Florida operates SBDCs in eight counties in Northeast and Central Florida.

“The majority of businesses in our community are small businesses and they need our support greatly and we are happy to provide that support for them,” he said. “We have great entrepreneurs and small-business owners and assisting them with marketing efforts to grow their businesses is tantamount to their success.”

Oppenheim said one of the keys to the success of the SBDC network is that assistance is provided at no cost to businesses. The expertise available to clients is also important.

“We are certified business consultants, and we are required each year to attend 20 hours of personal development training,” he said.

Oppenheim said the services offered by the SBDC go beyond creating a business plan and helping with marketing to and include website analysis for search engine optimization as well as assistance with disaster recovery.

In addition to the 72 businesses served and $1.8 million capital formation, the Palm Coast SBDC logged 511 consulting hours, 193 consulting sessions and assisted in the opening of five new business, 18 jobs created and 14 jobs retained, according to Oppenheim.

Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris praised Oppenheim and the SBDC for its efforts over the past year.

“Keep pushing forward gentlemen,” he said. “I appreciate your help.”