The Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at Florida International University (FIU) is launching a free program designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners in the Upper Keys strengthen their operations and plan for future growth. The seven-week hybrid training series, named 'Scale to Grow,' is accepting applications for its upcoming fall session.

Program Details

The program gives them the tools to understand their numbers, build a real plan and present it to people who evaluate businesses for a living.

According to Brian Van Hook, regional director of the Florida SBDC at FIU, the program aims to equip business owners with essential financial planning tools. He noted that many small business owners in the Keys juggle multiple roles, often leading to financial planning being overlooked. The 'Scale to Grow' program provides the necessary resources to understand business finances, develop concrete plans, and effectively present them to potential evaluators.

The curriculum covers a range of critical business areas, including customer acquisition and retention strategies, financial health and bankability, the use of artificial intelligence tools for small businesses, operational efficiency, productivity, brand development, marketing strategies, and pitch preparation. Participants will work on developing a business action plan throughout the program.

Hybrid Format and Expert Guidance

The training sessions will combine in-person meetings at the Key Largo library with virtual workshops. This hybrid approach is intended to offer flexibility, allowing participants to attend without significantly disrupting their business operations. The program is led by Nancy Hull and Bonnie Barnes, both market growth specialists with the FSBDC at FIU. They bring extensive experience in financial services, investment banking, marketing strategy, and small business consulting, having advised numerous businesses across the Keys.

The fall session is scheduled to run from Tuesdays, September 1 through October 13. Sessions will typically last from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., with the final session extending to 1 p.m. for graduation. The program is free, reflecting the FSBDC's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in the Florida Keys. More information can be found on the FSBDC website or by calling 305-779-9230. The FSBDC Keys office is located at 300 Southard Street, Suite 205, Key West.

Support Beyond Graduation

A key feature of the 'Scale to Grow' program is its ongoing support. Van Hook emphasized that the assistance does not end upon completion of the training. Participants gain access to continued one-on-one consulting with the market growth specialists for as long as they require it. This extended support aims to ensure that business owners can implement their plans and address challenges effectively.

Previous participants have reported significant benefits from the program, including successfully launching new businesses, securing necessary financing, refining pricing structures, and implementing changes that directly improved their profitability. Michael Krause, a graduate from a previous session, stated that the program provided the foundation and roadmap for launching his business, Give 2 Nickels LLC.

The 'Scale to Grow' program is part of a larger network of small business centers across the nation and the Florida SBDC Network, which serves as Florida's primary provider of business assistance. For more details on local business resources, readers can refer to reports from Keys Weekly.