Small Business Development Center at UNF

Small Business Development Center at UNF State Designated as Florida’s Principal Provider of Business Assistance [ § 288.001, Fla. Stat.]

The Florida SBDC at UNF provides potential and existing business owners with confidential consulting and training in all aspects of business management and growth. Experienced consultants help business owners develop strategies to increase sales, create jobs, and improve profitability. Stat.]

The Florida SBDC at UNF is hosted by the University of North Florida Coggin College of Business. Office l

ocations are on UNF's campus as well as in the following counties of our service area:
- Alachua
- Baker
- Bradford
- Clay
- Citrus
- Columbia
- Dixie
- Duval
- Gilchrist
- Hamilton
- Lafayette
- Levy
- Marion
- Nassau
- Putnam
- St. Johns
- Suwannee
- Union

The Florida SBDC at UNF is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide service network funded in part through cooperative agreements with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida, and other private and public partners; hosted by the University of West Florida; and nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs. SBA’s funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions, or services. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.

 : Take time now to secure your essential business documents - tax records, legal paperwork, and financial files. Keep e...
06/02/2026

: Take time now to secure your essential business documents - tax records, legal paperwork, and financial files. Keep everything organized in one accessible location, and create both physical and digital backups to ensure nothing is lost.
For more tips and support, visit www.FloridaSBDC.org

The Ocala chapter of 1 Million Cups Ocala   recently honored our very own Dr. Phil Geist on his upcoming retirement! Phi...
06/01/2026

The Ocala chapter of 1 Million Cups Ocala recently honored our very own Dr. Phil Geist on his upcoming retirement!

Phil has been a long-time member of this amazing program helping the local business community by connecting them to SBDC resources to help start, grow and succeed in their small business journey!

Let’s share another round of applause for EZ Automation Systems owner Ahmed Tawfik, recipient of the SBA’s North Florida...
05/29/2026

Let’s share another round of applause for EZ Automation Systems owner Ahmed Tawfik, recipient of the SBA’s North Florida District Small Business Manufacturer of the Year award!
As Owner and CEO, Ahmed’s vision and dedication continue to drive innovation and strengthen manufacturing across North Florida and beyond. Born and raised in Egypt, Ahmed brings a global perspective and advanced expertise in automation, with degrees in electrical engineering from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS in Malaysia and UNF here in Jacksonville. With more than a decade of experience, he has specialized in machine vision, robotics, and intelligent inspection systems, building EZ Automation Systems into a leader in advanced automation solutions.
👏 Congratulations, Ahmed! We’re proud to see your achievements recognized at the district level.

The SBDC at UNF had a great time at the JAX Chamber Small Business Expo, connecting with local entrepreneurs and sharing...
05/28/2026

The SBDC at UNF had a great time at the JAX Chamber Small Business Expo, connecting with local entrepreneurs and sharing no‑cost consulting, training, and resources designed to help small businesses grow and thrive.

Huge thanks to JAX Chamber for hosting such a powerful event for the local business community.

Join us in celebrating Ryan Clark, owner of Code Ninjas, recipient of the State of Florida and North Florida District Ve...
05/26/2026

Join us in celebrating Ryan Clark, owner of Code Ninjas, recipient of the State of Florida and North Florida District Veteran Owned Business Owner of the Year award!
Under Ryan’s leadership, Code Ninjas has expanded to four locations across Northeast Florida, supported by his 20 years of experience in technology, defense, and education. His work has earned recognition including Black Belt Center honors, multiple Best of Ponte Vedra awards, Tech Leader distinctions from Jacksonville Business Journal, and Small Business of the Year achievements.
With a distinguished 14 year military career and a proven record in product development and strategy, Ryan has launched more than 20 successful products and led major initiatives at IPTA, Guidewell, and USAA. His vision and dedication continue to drive growth, innovation, and impact across the region.
👏 Well deserved, Ryan! We are proud to see your leadership and service recognized at the state and district levels.

Today we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. In observance of Memorial Day, t...
05/25/2026

Today we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. In observance of Memorial Day, the University of North Florida will be closed.

Join us in celebrating Gator Bait Sports Bar & Grill owner Stephanie Gaither, recipient of the SBA's State of Florida & ...
05/22/2026

Join us in celebrating Gator Bait Sports Bar & Grill owner Stephanie Gaither, recipient of the SBA's State of Florida & North Florida District Rural Small Business of the Year award!
Under Stephanie’s leadership, Gator Bait has grown from a small one‑page‑menu eatery into a thriving community destination that saves families both time and money while offering a welcoming space for music, sports, and fellowship. With more than 15 years of experience serving Melrose, Florida, the restaurant continues to deliver exceptional service across the community.
With sales steadily climbing, expanded facilities, and significant job creation on the horizon, Stephanie’s vision and dedication have positioned Gator Bait Sports Bar & Grill for continued growth and success.
👏 Well deserved, Stephanie! We’re proud to see your impact recognized at the state and district level.

Welcome to the team, Jesi!Jesi Young, Small Business Consultant in the Marion County office, is the newest addition to t...
05/21/2026

Welcome to the team, Jesi!
Jesi Young, Small Business Consultant in the Marion County office, is the newest addition to the Florida SBDC at UNF team. Her background includes entrepreneurship, marketing consulting, business development, pricing strategy, and recordkeeping. She is passionate about helping small businesses grow through practical, solutions-focused guidance and firsthand entrepreneurial experience.
Join us in welcoming her to the UNF team!

Join us in celebrating an outstanding achievement in Clay County! 🎉Our very own consultant, Chris Evangelista, has been ...
05/20/2026

Join us in celebrating an outstanding achievement in Clay County! 🎉

Our very own consultant, Chris Evangelista, has been named Best Consultant in the 2026 Best of Clay Awards by Clay Today—a true testament to the impact he’s making in our local business community.

This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the people of Clay County. At the Florida SBDC at UNF, we’re proud to have dedicated consultants like Chris who are committed to helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed. From strategic planning to navigating challenges and identifying new opportunities, our team is here to support your journey.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Connect with our no-cost, expert consulting services today and see how the SBDC can help you succeed. www.unf.edu/sbdc

Join us in celebrating Sunshine Rail Services owner Doug Fournier, recipient of the SBA's State of Florida Small Busines...
05/19/2026

Join us in celebrating Sunshine Rail Services owner Doug Fournier, recipient of the SBA's State of Florida Small Business Person of the Year award!
Under Doug’s leadership, Sunshine Rail Services has built a highly successful mobile railcar repair model that saves customers both time and money. Backed by a team with more than 100 years of combined railcar experience, the company continues to deliver exceptional service across the industry.
With plans for expanded facilities, long-term contracts, and significant job creation on the horizon, Doug’s vision and dedication have positioned Sunshine Rail Service for continued growth and success.
👏 Well deserved, Doug! We’re proud to see your impact recognized at the state level.

Address

12000 Alumni Drive
Jacksonville, FL
32224

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+19046202476

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