Town of Davie and FAU Small Business Development Center

The Town of Davie in collaboration with Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is working proactively to help Davie's small businesses grow and succeed. The program provides no-cost confidential consulting and low-cost training in proven management fundamentals, helping small business owners and potential entrepreneurs make sound decisions for the successful operation of their business.

1. What is the Town of Davie Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Small Business Development Center (SBDC) partnership?

The Town of Davie and the Davie Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has partnered with Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to proactively assist Davie businesses to cope with the market changes due to the pandemic. The program provides no-cost confidential consulting and low-cost training in proven management fundamentals, helping small business owners and potential entrepreneurs make sound decisions for the successful operation of their business.

2. What are some business and entrepreneur services that are provided by Davie-FAU SBDC partnership?

  1. Capital access - some of the ways businesses receive assistance is through business valuation reports, SBA loans, commercial loans, financial projections, buying selling businesses, capital infusion, and more.
  2. Market growth - there are multiple components in which businesses receive assistance with establishing marketing plans, completing strategic analysis and supply chain improvement.
  3. International trade and government - these are considered anchor services. The SBDC team works with Enterprise Florida by providing Export Marketing Plans, work on accessing foreign markets and facilitating foreign direct investment
  4. Government contract - the assistance in this area ranges from providing System for Award Management (SAM) registration, BIDs support, market the government, and recently, they have added the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to enhance technology commercialization.
  5. Other services - these are related to the day-to-day business operations, disaster relief and preparation, cybersecurity and more.

3. What financial resources can the SBDC provide for my business’s needs?

The SBDC has five major financial categories it focuses on to assist businesses:

  • Mentor – the team works with clients to continue the implementation of their growth plan.
  • Educate - funding options are available to assist business through SBA loans, disaster relief (state, county and city), Community Redevelopment Agency funding programs or incubator programs.
  • Guide – resources are available to provide business audits to determine need and eligibility.
  • Connect – the SBDC team identifies the appropriate funding institution and contacts, provide clients with options and connect them with a preferred institution.
  • Facilitate – consistent communication is provided to ensure the funding source and client have a smooth communication.

4. Does a business have to be at a specific stage to receive assistance from SBDC?

The SBDC works with all stages of a business. Their team is segmented by specialty and the type of business they prioritize. The business life cycle specialties are as follows:

  • Established – In business more than three years, more than five employees and $500,000 to $50 million in sales revenue. Significant capacity for continued growth.
  • Growth – In business three years with less than five employees or less than $500,000 in annual sales revenue. Holds promise and desire for growth in both employment and revenue.
  • Emerging – New business, less than three years.
  • Pre-Venture – Exploring the business feasibility and needing assistance establishing the business. No sales, employees or secured funding.

5. Do you have to be in business to use SBDC services?

No. You only have to be considering the idea of opening a business or researching the feasibility of a proposed profit-making venture.

6. Does the Davie-FAU SBDC charge for its services?

The management and technical assistance services are provided at no charge to Davie businesses.

7. Does the SBDC give out loans?

The SBDC is not a bank and does not fund loans; however, if you would like assistance in assessing your funding options, fill out the request services form and choose the location closest to you. SBDC staff members will contact you with the next steps which can include assistance with your financial projections, finding available loan options for your business through our banking partners or outside grants and more.

8. What can I expect from my Davie-FAU SBDC consultant?

At your initial meeting, your consultant will review your business needs or proposal, determine a course of action and identify areas that both of you will be responsible for completing. Your consultant will then follow up with an engagement letter detailing your meeting and listing the items that both of you will be working on, along with an estimated time frame for completion and anticipated outcomes.

9. Who is the Town’s point of contact?

For businesses interested in getting more information regarding the partnership between the Town of Davie, Community Redevelopment Agency and FAU-SBDC, please contact Antonio (Tony) Lasi, Finance & Capital Access Specialist, at [email protected] or 561-289-8036.

10. Is there a local office where I can meet with the Town’s representative(s)?

The Town’s FAU-SBDC representative has an office located at 4179 Davie Road, Suite 201, Davie, FL 33314, for those wishing to meet in person.

11. How can I learn more about SBDC?

To learn more about the FAU SBDC, please visit www.fau.edu/sbdc/ or follow or like SBDC’s social media platforms to keep apprised of changes or new information: