Hello Melissa,

Spring is definitely in the air (as is the pollen!) and for most of you that means spring cleaning!

Use this time of renewal and growth to get ahead on your business strategy. Whether that means organizing your finances for tax season or updating your business plan, the Small Business Development Center has the tools and resources to ensure you're ready for whatever the season has to offer!

Give us a call to make an appointment today.

Sincerely,

Ocala/Gainesville District Team

800-450-4624 | smallbiz@unf.edu

Cash Flow to Expansion: Financial Smarts for Thriving Business - Free Workshop

March 26 in Ocala - Register now!

This workshop, presented by Bank OZK, is designed to equip small business owners with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage their finances and make informed decisions. Whether you are just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, this class will provide you with the tools and resources necessary to succeed.

During the class, learn from SBDC consultants about common mistakes made by applicants and how to avoid them. Then hear from Bank OZK lenders about what the bank looks at when evaluating your loan package. The workshop ends with networking for attendees and the lenders

Join us and take the first step toward mastering financial intelligence for your small business. Empower yourself with the knowledge and confidence to make sound financial decisions that will propel your business to new heights.

Date: March 26, 2025

Time: 9:30 am - 12:00 pm

Location: College of Central Florida - Ewers Center (Bldg. 40, Room 107), 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala, FL 34474

Includes refreshments!

Click here to learn more and register.

Celebrate National SBDC Day!

March 19, 2025

We’re calling all of our clients and partners to help us celebrate! Participating is easy:

Share your story. Comment and share our “Share Your Story” post on social media. Tell us how the Florida SBDC has made a difference in your life or business.



Join the conversation. Tag us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn and use the #SBDCDay hashtag to share how the Florida SBDC at UNF has made a difference for your business and community.

Advocate for small businesses. Write a letter to your local representative sharing how the Florida SBDC at UNF has impacted your success.

Reconnect with us. If you haven’t seen us in a while or are interested in becoming a client, contact your local Florida SBDC and schedule a no-cost consulting appointment with us!

Spread the word. SBDCs are often called "the best-kept secret." Help us change that by telling other small business owners about the resources available to them.

FSBDC at UNF Client Success Story Video

Learning to Live Again: Grief and Caregiving Coach, owner Tammy Badida

“The guidance and resources provided by the SBDC have been invaluable, offering direction and support during critical stages of the startup journey. I consider the SBDC's services indispensable for anyone looking to start or grow their business, I highly recommending them to friends, acquaintances, and fellow business owners.” -- Tammy Badida, Owner

Tammy Badida, founder of Learning to Live Again: Grief and Caregiving Coach, started the business from her personal experience, recognizing a significant need for support services in the realm of grief and caregiving. Tammy endured the heart-wrenching loss of her husband, Nick, after 22 years of marriage, to cancer in January 2011. Following his passing, she felt a calling to share her journey of caregiving, navigating the depths of grief, and ultimately, learning how to live again. Her mission was not just about her own healing but also about connecting with others on similar paths of recovery. Tammy's goal has always been to provide comfort and insight to those facing these challenges, offering meaningful guidance to help them find a way forward.



Click here to read full story.

33rd Annual Small Business Week Celebration 

Friday, May 9 at UNF - Register Today!

Help us to honor North Florida’s Small Business Leaders, Champions and Top Lenders at the 33rd Annual Small Business Week Celebration!

Join us on Friday, May 9th at UNF and network with North Florida’s small business leaders, lenders and supporters as the U.S. Small Business Administration presents the Small Business Week Awards and Top Lender Awards! In recognition of the small business community’s contribution to the economy and society, the U.S. SBA, in conjunction with the FSBDC at UNF, will host this special event to honor and present awards to local entrepreneurs and those who support and advocate for small businesses.

Agenda at a Glance:

11am | Lunch Registration & Networking

11:30am-1:30pm | Small Business Week Awards Luncheon

Network with over 300 of North Florida’s small business leaders, lenders and supporters as the U.S. SBA presents the Small Business Week Awards and Top Lender Awards!

Click here to learn more and register.

Upcoming SBDC at UNF Training Events

Coffee & Contracting: Virtual Roundtable for Government Contracting

March 25 | 9am - 10am | No-cost | Zoom

The Florida APEX Accelerator at the University of North Florida is hosting monthly roundtable discussions on topics related to government contracting. These no-cost, virtual and informal sessions are for business owners or those thinking about entering into the government contracting sector; federal, state or local. You will be able to ask questions about doing business with the government; each session will start with one or two specific topics, then we will open the floor to attendees to ask our Government Contracting Consultants their specific questions.

Click here to register now!

Marketing & AI: Supercharge Your Strategy

March 26 | 2pm - 3:30pm | No-cost Webinar

Discover how artificial intelligence can amplify your marketing efforts without taking away the creative human touch. In this one-hour webinar, you'll learn to harness AI as a powerful tool to streamline your initiatives, generate compelling content, and optimize campaigns. We’ll cover everything from crafting clear AI prompts to integrating AI into your marketing mix—all designed to boost efficiency while preserving your brand’s unique voice.

Presented by Wynn Newingham, owner of Tustle Marketing

Click here to register now!

What to Post on Social Media

April 2 | 12pm - 1:30pm | No cost webinar 

Are you struggling to create engaging content that effectively promotes your business on social media? Join us for "What to Post on Social Media", a webinar designed to help you simplify your message and make it stand out in today's crowded digital world.

In this session, you'll discover practical strategies to captivate your audience, highlight the value of your products or services, and create scroll-stopping posts. With real-world examples and case studies, our expert team will guide you through proven tactics to make your content more compelling and relatable.

By the end of the session, you'll walk away with actionable steps to elevate your content creation skills, foster deeper connections with your audience, and boost your social media marketing success. Don’t miss this opportunity to cut through the noise and make your message heard. Register now to transform the way you post on social media!

Click here to register now!

The Florida SBDC at UNF is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide partnership program nationally accredited by the Association of America’s SBDCs and funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of Defense, State of Florida and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the network’s lead host institution. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals.