Florida SBDC at UCF

11/06/2026

What are small business owners experiencing this fall?

Main Street America’s Fall 2026 survey gathered responses from small business owners across the United States. The findings point to growing business confidence and improving profits, while customer acquisition, cash flow, and inventory costs remain key concerns.

For entrepreneurs, understanding these trends can help inform business planning and decisions about future growth.

Read the full findings from Main Street America:

https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/small-business-owners-report-growing-confidence-and-economic-gains

11/05/2026

A strong business plan can help turn your ideas into a clear path forward.

Join us on November 12 for Business Plan Writing Made Easier, a workshop designed to help entrepreneurs better understand the process of creating a business plan and develop a roadmap for their business goals.

During this session, participants will learn more about:

• Key elements of an effective business plan
• How to organize business goals and strategies
• Planning tools to support decision-making
• Steps to create a stronger foundation for growth

Whether you are starting a business or looking to strengthen your existing plan, this workshop can provide practical guidance to help you move forward.

Register today:
https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/g/x4W8BcsAj4/business-plan-writing-made-easier-5a1eVODK50r/overview

11/05/2026

11/05/2026

Did you know that small businesses make up 99.5% of all businesses in the Orlando area?

Small businesses are an essential part of Central Florida's economy. Supporting their growth and success helps strengthen our entire business community.

Florida SBDC at UCF is proud to provide resources and guidance to entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the region.

Source: U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy
https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/South_2025_FINAL.pdf

11/04/2026

Small businesses play a significant role in Central Florida's economic growth.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2025 Small Business Profiles, the Orlando area has 415,924 small businesses, representing 99.5% of all businesses in the region.

These numbers highlight the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs and helping small businesses access the resources they need to succeed.

Florida SBDC at UCF is proud to support the small business community across Central Florida.

Source: U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy
https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/South_2025_FINAL.pdf

11/04/2026

Orlando continues to attract new businesses. A recent analysis found that the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro area recorded a 14.14% business entry rate, the highest among the 50 largest metropolitan areas studied.

While new business formation creates opportunities, the analysis also highlights the importance of long-term business sustainability.

Read the full WFTV article for more insights into the trends shaping Orlando’s business environment.

https://www.wftv.com/news/local/new-analysis-finds-orlando-has-highest-business-entry-rate-1414/SSDJMSI57BGYBMJQFDNB4WLUA4/

11/03/2026

AI fluency is becoming an important part of small-business growth.

A recent Orlando Business News article examines how local small and midsize businesses are prioritizing AI skills and productivity rather than simply expanding their workforce. For business owners, the opportunity lies in identifying practical applications, training employees and measuring the impact on daily operations.

Read the full article for insights into how AI is shaping the future of small businesses in Orlando.

https://orlandobusinessnews.com/orlando-smbs-bet-on-ai-fluency-over-headcount/

11/02/2026

Behind every successful business is a vision and the determination to turn it into reality.

When Maria Santiago launched Create and Learn Tutoring, Inc., she started with just a handful of students in her home. As demand grew, she knew it was time to take the next step. With guidance from the Florida SBDC at UCF, Maria developed a funding strategy, secured financing, and found a commercial location in Hunters Creek. Today, her tutoring business serves more students, employs additional teachers, and has tripled its revenue.

Her story is a great reminder that with the right guidance and a clear plan, small business owners can turn their ideas into lasting growth while making a meaningful difference in their communities.

Read More: https://sbdcorlando.com/create-and-learn-tutoring/

10/29/2026

Veteran entrepreneurs have access to resources designed to help support their business goals.

Join us on November 12 for SBA Workshop: SBA Resources for Veterans to learn more about programs, tools, and support available to veteran-owned small businesses.

During this workshop, participants will learn more about:

• SBA resources available for veteran entrepreneurs
• Programs that support business growth and development
• Tools to help navigate the small business journey
• Opportunities to connect with valuable support networks

Whether you are starting a business or looking to grow an existing one, this workshop can help you better understand the resources available to support your goals.

Register today:
https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/g/x4W8BcsAj4/sba-workshop-sba-resources-for-veterans-5a1eVOCKQ7V/overview

10/22/2026

Thinking about starting a business? The right preparation can make all the difference.

Join us on November 5 for How to Start Your Business, a workshop designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs understand the important steps involved in launching a business.

Participants will learn more about:

• Key considerations when starting a business
• Planning and preparation strategies
• Resources available to support entrepreneurs
• Steps to help move a business idea forward

Whether you are exploring a new idea or preparing to take the first step, this workshop can provide valuable guidance and resources to help you begin your entrepreneurial journey.

Register today:
https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/g/x4W8BcsAj4/how-to-start-your-business-5a1eVODK7dl/overview