Business Resources
Business resources for large and small businesses alike exist within St. Lucie County. These organizations offer aid in the following areas: consulting/counseling services, employment assistance, training, specific industry assistance and more. If you would like more information on any of the programs or organizations mentioned in this section, please feel free to contact Larry Daum at 772-871-5417.
- Workforce Development Board of the Treasure Coast
Workforce Florida, Inc. (WFI) is the state's chief workforce policy organization. Created by the Workforce Innovation Act of 2000, the public-private partnership supports and promotes economic growth through workforce development.
While WFI provides policy, planning and oversight at the state level, 24 regional workforce boards with significant representation from the business community are largely responsible for implementing programs in their communities. With entrepreneurial vision and in-depth local knowledge, these boards are encouraged to develop innovative programs that address the challenges and utilize the resources in their specific regions.
Workforce development services in Florida are available primarily through a system of more than 200 One-Stop Career Centers designed to provide easy access to diverse services including job placement and training, temporary cash assistance and special support services such as subsidized childcare and transportation. For more information on any of the Workforce Development Programs please visit: http://www.tcjobs.org/. - U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. We recognize that small business is critical to our economic recovery and strength, to building America's future, and to helping the United States compete in today's global marketplace. Although SBA has grown and evolved in the years since it was established in 1953, the bottom line mission remains the same. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam. For more information, please access our website at: www.sba.gov/fl/south. - Small Business Development Center
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Treasure Coast campus is part of the Florida Small Business Development Center Network (FSBDCN) which, in turn, is sponsored by the US Small Business Administration (SBA) in Washington, DC.
The SBDC is staffed by Certified Business Analysts (CBA) whose function as counselor is to assist entrepreneurs and business owners, to advise, counsel and help in any way to assist the client achieve his/her particular objectives or assist/address any issue or concern regarding that business. CONFIDENTIAL one-on-one counseling is available as often as needed and is FREE to the client.
SBDC counseling with the individual client covers a wide spectrum of subjects including, but not limited to, product and/or service, market research, marketing, startup costs, cash flow, business plans, management, technology, manufacturing, intellectual property, employee/employer issues, insurance, business structure, incorporating, capital requirements, financing, occupational permits and licensing. Seminars/workshops are also offered on a periodic basis for group training and are FREE or at a nominal fee.
The SBDC works closely with local economic development and business community organizations to further the general economic and business health of the area. In times of natural disasters such as hurricanes, the SBDC takes a lead role in disaster business recovery activities including assistance with SBA disaster loans and State Bridge Loans.
Contact our local SBDC directly for a counseling appointment at 772-873-3428; or our regional office at 1-800-801-6520. Also visit our website at http://www.fausbdc.com/ for additional information. LOCAL COUNSELOR: Ken Stephanz, phone 772-873-3428. - S.C.O.R.E.
SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) provides free business help. If you are starting or buying a new business or improving an existing business, SCORE volunteers can provide free counseling involving business plans, financial analysis, employee management, business organization, insurance, taxes and more. Confidential counseling is provided one-on-one, face-to-face, telephone and internet and via free workshops.
SCORE Contact Information:
Phone 772-489-0548
Email score308@bellsouth.net or http://www.score308.com/ or
Call the St. Lucie Chamber at 772-595-9999 - Manufacturer's Extension Partnership
The Florida MEP is an affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST) under the U.S. Department of Commerce. The national MEP is a network of manufacturing extension centers that provide business and technical assistance to smaller manufacturers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Through MEP, manufacturers have access to more than 2000 manufacturing and business "coaches" whose job is to help firms make changes that lead to greater productivity, increased profits, and enhanced global competitiveness. Florida MEP programs include Time Wise® Lean methodologies training as well as the recently launched A.R.T. of SupplyPoint® workshop that shows manufacturers how to expand their business into the government market. For more information on Florida MEP call (321) 939-4000 or visit http://www.floridamep.org/. - S.A.T.O.P.
The NASA-funded Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP) provides free technical assistance to small businesses through the expertise of the U.S. Space Program: SATOP recruits aerospace contractors, NASA field centers, universities and colleges to participate. These organizations join SATOP as Space Alliance Partners and contribute time and expertise to help solve technical challenges for small businesses. Businesses request assistance from SATOP with a specific challenge and the program seeks experts within the network of Space Alliance Partners to provide up to 40 hours of assistance. By helping small businesses overcome their technical challenges, SATOP enhances their level of success, thereby generating economic development. For more information on SATOP, please visit the SATOP website at: http://www.spacetechsolutions.com/.