Florida SBDC Network celebrates Inaugural SBDC Day on March 22, 2017

Florida SBDC Network Headquarters (Pensacola, Fla.) - Business has changed dramatically over the last 40 years, and the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network has been there throughout. To celebrate the success and impact that SBDCs foster each year, the network will take part in SBDC Day on Wednesday, March 22.

SBDC Day is a national movement created by America's SBDC, the association representing America's nationwide network of SBDCs - the most comprehensive small business assistance network in the country and its territories. SBDC Day is a national, collective celebration of the small business success stories and notable impact SBDCs foster nationwide.

Since 1976, the Florida SBDC Network has helped aspiring and emerging small business owners achieve the American dream of entrepreneurship. The network provides consulting, training, and research services to help entrepreneurs and small businesses grow and succeed.

The Florida SBDC employs certified business consultants, most of whom are former business owners and hold nationally and internationally-recognized professional certifications, such as the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators' (NASBITE) Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) certification - the advanced credential for international trade professionals.

Since 2011, Florida SBDCs have provided 401,475 hours of consulting to 45,502 client businesses, resulting in 217,849 jobs created, retained and saved; $29.3 billion in sales growth; $2.1 billion in government contract awards; $947.4 million in capital investments; and 3,857 new businesses started.

Join the SBDC Day Celebration

Social media will play a central role in the promotion and celebration of SBDC Day. Small businesses, partners, and advocates are invited to help spread the word about SBDC Day using the hashtag #SBDCDay and by pledging their support through Thunderclap, a crowdspeaking platform that rallies people together to spread a message.

On March 22, participants are encouraged to share how their local SBDC has created a difference in their life and community. SBDCs nationwide will collectively share, in real time, the success stories and notable impacts SBDCs collectively have on the small business community at large. This special day will also be celebrated through public relations initiatives and campaigns and through online and in-person events.

"SBDC Day is more than a one-day event," said Michael W. Myhre, CEO and Network State Director of the Florida SBDC and Board Chairman of America's SBDC. "By celebrating small businesses and supporting SBDCs on SBDC Day and year-round, everyone can play a part in strengthening the economy of our communities, state, and nation."

With nearly 1,000 locations across the country, SBDCs provide local businesses and entrepreneurs with the resources needed to succeed. In 2016, America's SBDCs nationwide provided 1.3 million hours of consulting to 192,205 client businesses, resulting in 100,233 jobs created; $6.9 billion in sales growth; $4.6 billion in capital investments; and 17,864 new businesses started.

"We are thrilled to see SBDCs around the country working together to celebrate their clients and showcase the work they do for America's small businesses," said Charles "Tee" Rowe, America's SBDC President & CEO. "SBDC clients see an average job growth of 15.5 percent versus the national job growth average of just 1.9 percent. There is no denying the impact SBDCs have on the success of the small businesses in their communities and their local economies."

To pledge your support for SBDC Day, please visit https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/52710-sbdcday.

To learn more about SBDC Day, please visit www.AmericasSBDC.org/SBDCDay.

About the Florida SBDC Network:

For over forty years, the Florida SBDC Network, the state's principal provider of business assistance [Fl. Stat. 288.001], has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development to provide emerging and established business owners with management and knowledge resources that enable overall growth, increased profitability, and economic prosperity for the state. Since 2011, Florida SBDCs have provided 401,475 hours of consulting to 45,502 client businesses, resulting in 217,849 jobs created, retained and saved; $29.3 billion in sales growth; $2.1 billion in government contract awards; $947.4 million in capital investments; and 3,857 new businesses started. A statewide network of over 40 centers, the Florida SBDC is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the network's designated lead host institution. The Florida SBDC Network is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs. For more information, please visit www.FloridaSBDC.org.

About America's SBDC and Small Business Development Centers:

America's SBDC represents the Nation's 63 Small Business Development Centers, a national network of partnerships uniting higher education, state and local nonprofit economic development organizations, private enterprise and government. It is the Small Business Administration's largest partnership program, providing management and technical assistance to help Americans start, run and grow their own businesses. Learn more at www.AmericasSBDC.org.

Tags: Florida Small Business