Business & Economy

Florida Small Business Development Center at UWF partners with Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office

Today, the Florida Small Business Development Center at UWF signed an agreement to partner with the Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office to collectively champion entrepreneurial progress in Santa Rosa County. The partnership will enable the FSBDC at UWF and Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office to collaborate in existing and develop new, mutually beneficial programs, projects and activities related to the growth and prosperity of the business community in Santa Rosa County. Both organizations are committed to cultivating the entrepreneurial environment by assessing and strengthening systems; enhancing the accessibility to mentors and knowledge centers; and connecting partners, capital and talent.

Today, the Florida Small Business Development Center at UWF signed an agreement to partner with the Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office to collectively champion entrepreneurial progress in Santa Rosa County.

The partnership will enable the FSBDC at UWF and Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office to collaborate in existing and develop new, mutually beneficial programs, projects and activities related to the growth and prosperity of the business community in Santa Rosa County. Both organizations are committed to cultivating the entrepreneurial environment by assessing and strengthening systems; enhancing the accessibility to mentors and knowledge centers; and connecting partners, capital and talent.

“I am very excited about this official partnership between Santa Rosa County and the FSBDC at UWF,” said Kelly Massey, FSBDC at UWF director. “Both FSBDC and UWF are seeking to make SBDC services more convenient and accessible for businesses, throughout the Florida panhandle.  Santa Rosa County also has a commitment to area business and industry. This partnership is a ‘win’ for everyone. Dan Cavenaugh and Shannon Ogletree led the effort to make this happen. I applaud them both.”

Through this partnership, Certified Business Consultants will be available onsite to provide existing businesses and prospective entrepreneurs with management assistance, business analysis, industry research, government contracting, international trade and more. Additionally, the SBDC will host training programs at the Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office throughout the year.

“I am very excited about the job growth potential this partnership provides the citizens of Santa Rosa County,” said Jim Melvin, Santa Rosa County Commission Chairman and District 4 Commissioner. “UWF is among the greatest of assets for Northwest Florida, and we constantly strive to maximize our outreach efforts. Formalizing our existing relationship ensures we have access to their contacts and talent pool as we strive to grow Santa Rosa County.”

The FSBDC and Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office will cross-promote and refer potential clients to each other’s services and programs. The Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office will also assist in the coordination and promotion of SBDC events, including workshops, through the utilization of space and display of SBDC brand and promotional materials.

“The Florida Small Business Development Center helps build the community through entrepreneurship, job creation, education and access to resources,” said UWF President Judy Bense. “This type of partnership between industry and education are critical for the success of Florida’s economy. We are pleased to partner with Santa Rosa County to assist in enhancing our region’s economic activities.”

The Florida SBDC at UWF is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a non-profit network of college and university-based centers providing entrepreneurs with high quality one-on-one consulting, management training, and vital information they need to grow and prosper in a complex and competitive global environment. Based in the University of West Florida College of Business, the SBDC at UWF has helped prospective and existing small business owners form, grow and sustain successful businesses for more than 30 years.