On May 31, 2010, the Florida Small Business Development Center Network (FSBDC Network) was notified that the statewide network has received full accreditation by the national accrediting agency-the Association of Small Business Development Centers ASBDC). Accreditation, important for the SBDC to secure continued funding by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), is also essential for the national SBDC program to be recognized as a high quality economic development organization. The ASBDC test of uniform quality delivery systems ensures that the federal government, host institutions and the state, each as funding partners, support programs with demonstrated effectiveness, efficiency and success in counseling and training entrepreneurs and small business owners/managers-Florida’s major economic driver.
Among the noteworthy programs and processes of the FSBDC Network, the statewide marketing plan and branding standards that ensure a statewide image, and the professional development and certification process that ensures a common body of knowledge and standards of performance for the diverse group of professionals received commendation as best practices. The Network’s use of the Sterling Navigator and the passion shown by FSBDC Network professionals to meet and address the needs of its client base also received further commendation.
