| Government Passes New Relief; Additional Assistance for Small Businesses |
 Late last night, the federal government passed a new relief deal. The deal included additional assistance for small businesses, including new treatment of PPP expenses, a simplified form for forgiveness, more qualifying non-payroll expenses, the opportunity to apply for an additional forgivable loan, set asides for certain small businesses, grants for cultural, arts, live events, theaters and other smaller cultural providers, and additional changes to the EIDL Advance program.While our offices are closed from Dec. 24-Jan. 4, we recommend you figure out your income by quarters this year versus 2019, line up a few potential lenders, and keep a close eye out for application openings and deadlines, so that you can apply on DAY ONE. We will continue to assist our clients as more details emerge. |
 Apply for a Student Team We are currently seeking small businesses interested in participating in our Student Teams project. For this project, an SBDC client provides the student team with financial and other organizational details, and the client gets a no-cost plan as a result. Each project is assigned a Florida SBDC at USF regional consultant to oversee the project. If you have been in business for at least three years and are interested in participating, please Apply for a Student Team today  Did you know that in 2018-19, we assisted in generating more than $800M in sales while providing assistance to more than 2,650 small businesses? Every year, our continued funding depends, in part, on the impact we’ve had on the small business community in Tampa Bay.Help us continue to help you! Look for the Florida SBDC Network’s annual survey in January. It will be delivered to your inbox! |
| Upcoming Virtual Webinars |
| Featured Event: Not Your Grandpa’s Marketing Campaign |
| Have you considered using media advertising in the past, but didn’t know where to begin, or maybe thought it was too expensive? During this special Live Q&A webinar, Cas Huff, Vice President of Field Marketing at Spectrum Reach, will virtually join Scott Carpenter, a certified business consultant at Florida SBDC at USF, to discuss using media advertising during these unprecedented times. The pair will cover a variety of topics regarding media advertising and even bust a few myths. Presented by the Florida SBDC at USF and Title Partner Spectrum Reach |
 | Starting Your BusinessJan 7 | 10 to 11 am You’ve got the idea. Now you need to know how to get on your way. From how to determine feasibility and legal structures to the types of licenses you’ll need, this class covers all the basics that will help you get started.Register Now |
| Building the Ultimate Business PlanJan 12 | 10 – 11 amBusiness planning is the foundation to starting a new venture, raising funds, or growing your existing business. It serves as an important roadmap for your business. Receive the basic tools necessary to complete a practical business plan in this seminar, including how to conduct the research necessary to make decisions and develop financial projections. Taught by business consultant, Bill Burnham.Register Now |
 | Marketing Your BusinessJan 19 | 10 to 11 am You know why your business rocks. Does anyone else? Take this class to uncover the characteristics that make up your business’ DNA. Soon, you’ll be able to boost consumer loyalty and company profits. After answering the two most important questions in all of marketing, you’ll be ready to skillfully implement customer-winning strategies and face the competition. Taught by Scott Carpenter, a marketing and public relations specialist.Register Now |
| Woman/Minority & Veteran CertificationJan 26 | 10 – 11 amIt’s no myth…women, minority and veteran certification could present opportunities for your business. But there is a process to becoming certified. In this class, Yanina Rosario will teach you how to complete the State of Florida certification application and discover how you can use it to seek business with the private sector and government.Register Now |
 | Cash Flow vs ProfitabilityJan 21 | 10 to 11 am Understanding the difference between cash flow and profitability can prevent the number one reason businesses fail – insolvency. Learn how to use each of them to manage your business more effectively in this one-hour seminar, presented by expert Brad Owens, a former commercial lender.Register Now |
| Basic Government Contracting 101Jan 28 | 10 to 11 am Ready, set, sell to the federal government! In this workshop, Karen Krymski, provides information on registering with the federal government, how to locate federal opportunities, who to market to within the federal government, and so much more! This Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Defense Logistics Agency.Register Now |  |
 January SeminarsGaining Access to Pinellas County Government ContractingSetup Accounting & TaxesQuickBooks IntroBusiness Plans Made EasyCreating a Winning Capability StatementVisit our website  January SeminarsBusiness Plan SeriesSocial Media StrategiesLunch and Learn: Business LawBookkeeping BasicsBenefits of Certification in Hillsborough Co.Visit our website |