Florida SBDC at UCF

09/02/2026

Building a successful small business starts with having the right resources and support.

Join the SBA Workshop: How SBA Can Help Your Small Business Achieve the American Dream next week to learn how SBA programs and resources can help entrepreneurs navigate challenges, access support, and work toward their business goals.

During this workshop, participants will learn more about:

• SBA resources available to small businesses
• Support for business planning and growth
• Tools that can help entrepreneurs make informed decisions
• Opportunities available throughout the small business journey

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-how-sba-can-help-your-small-business-achieve-the-american-dream-5a1eVOCKGjF/overview

09/02/2026

Growth is built through innovation, perseverance, and the willingness to seek guidance along the way.

After more than 30 years of success, Hotspray Industrial Coatings founder Lyle Cummings recognized that continued growth required new perspectives and strategic support. Through the Florida SBDC at UCF’s Advisory Board Council program, Hotspray connected with experienced advisors who provided valuable insight, accountability, and expertise to help strengthen operations and pursue new opportunities.

With a focus on high-performance industrial coatings, Hotspray has continued expanding its impact across industries while achieving a 40% increase in revenue and a 50% increase in headcount through its growth journey.

Their story is a powerful reminder that successful leaders continue learning, adapting, and surrounding themselves with the right people to reach the next level.

📖 Read More:
https://sbdcorlando.com/hotspray-industrial-coatings/

08/31/2026

08/28/2026

Growing your business into multiple locations requires more than just opening new doors — your online presence needs to grow with you.

For businesses with multiple locations, local SEO can play an important role in helping customers find accurate information and connect with the right location. A strong strategy includes maintaining updated business information, creating useful location-specific content, and building trust with local customers.

Businesses expanding their reach should consider:

• Keeping location information accurate across platforms
• Creating helpful content tailored to each community
• Maintaining strong customer reviews and engagement
• Building a consistent local online presence

As businesses grow, adapting digital strategies can help them stay visible and connected with their customers.

Read more:
https://www.searchenginejournal.com/local-seo-multiple-locations/370704/

08/28/2026

Search is changing — is your business ready?

As AI-powered search becomes a bigger part of how customers find information, small businesses may need to rethink how they approach online visibility. AI Overviews are changing local search by providing users with direct answers, making it increasingly important for businesses to maintain accurate information and create helpful, relevant content.

Small businesses can strengthen their online presence by:

• Keeping business information accurate across platforms
• Creating content that answers customer questions
• Improving local website pages and resources
• Providing clear, useful information for potential customers

Adapting to changes in search technology can help businesses stay visible and better connect with their audiences.

Read more:
https://www.searchenginejournal.com/ai-overviews-now-answer-most-local-searches-how-to-get-your-business-cited/580757/

AI Overviews now appear in 68% of local searches vs. 39% for local packs. Here's how to rebuild location pages so AI systems actually cite your business.

08/27/2026

Florida’s small business community continues to show resilience and optimism.

New data from NFIB highlights that Florida small business owners are reporting higher optimism compared to the national average, with positive outlooks around business conditions and future opportunities.

While business owners continue to navigate challenges like workforce needs and operating costs, the findings show the importance of staying informed, adapting strategies, and preparing for future growth.

Key takeaways include:

• Stronger optimism among Florida small business owners
• Positive expectations for future business conditions
• Continued focus on workforce and operational challenges
• The importance of planning and adaptability

Read more:
https://www.nfib.com/news/press-release/new-data-florida-small-business-owners-display-higher-optimism-than-national-average/

08/27/2026

Thinking about starting a business? Now is the time to build the foundation for success.

Join **How to Start Your Business** next week for a workshop designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs understand the key steps involved in launching a business.

Participants will learn more about:

• Important steps to take before starting a business
• Business planning and preparation
• Resources available to support entrepreneurs
• Considerations for building a strong foundation

Whether you are exploring a new idea or ready to take the next step, this workshop can help you better understand the path forward.

Register today:
https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/g/x4W8BcsAj4/how-to-start-your-business-5a1eVODK7M1/overview

08/26/2026

Small businesses looking to scale may have new opportunities to access support and resources.

The SBA’s new Supply Chain Acceleration and Logistics Enablement (SCALE) Program is focused on helping small businesses address supply chain challenges, increase production, and strengthen their role in key industries.

Programs like this highlight the importance of resources that help small businesses overcome barriers, improve operations, and prepare for future growth.

Learn more:
https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2026/07/23/sba-scale-grant-program-wbc.html

08/26/2026

Success in business isn't just about working harder—it's about learning from others who've been there before.

When Joshua Green founded Green's Eco Air Conditioning and Heating, he built his business on honesty, quality, and reliable service. As the company grew, he turned to the Florida SBDC at UCF's Growth XChange program to gain new perspectives, strengthen his leadership, and connect with fellow business owners facing similar challenges. The result? The company doubled its year-over-year revenue, added new employees, and continued building on its success.

Their story shows the power of collaboration, accountability, and having the right network to help your business grow.

📖 Read More:
https://sbdcorlando.com/greens-eco-air-conditioning-and-heating/

08/25/2026

Changing trade policies can create new challenges for small businesses — but preparation can help owners adapt.

Recent tariff changes are causing many business owners to reevaluate costs, supply chains, and pricing strategies. Taking time to review operations and plan ahead can help businesses better navigate uncertainty.

Small businesses can consider:

• Reviewing supplier relationships and costs
• Evaluating inventory strategies
• Monitoring changes that may impact operations
• Planning ahead to maintain financial stability

Staying informed and making proactive decisions can help business owners remain flexible as market conditions continue to evolve.

Read more:
https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2026/07/24/trump-new-tariffs-small-businesses.html