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Strategic Partner
Alliance |
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Through the Strategic Partners Alliance - a group of local agencies- Paragon will make referrals for business
assistance that includes business planning, workforce development
services, training, asset-building and other incentives. |
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Management and Business Assistance |
The Center for Technology, Enterprise and Development, Inc. (TED Center)
The TED Center trains and nurtures tenants, students and other businesses in the target area with the purpose to create job and business opportunities.The TED Center also provides affordable space, administrative and support services, telephone, fax and copy services, among other business related services. The TED Center is also equipped with a state-of-the-art Technology Resource Center for any graphic or video work that may be required (Websites, Business Cards, Commercials, etc..) Seabron A. Smith, Executive Director 401 W. Atlantic Ave., Suite O9 Delray Beach, FL 33444 Phone: (561) 265-3790 Fax: (561) 265-0806 Web: www.tedcenter.org
Florida Women’s Business Center
The Center for Technology, Enterprise and Development, Inc. also hosts the Florida Women’s Business Center, which is geared towards providing support for women and small businesses who are interested in starting, growing or expanding their business. Clients can take advantage of numerous training/counseling opportunities provided the FWBC. Jennifer Brin, Director, SBA/Florida Women's Business Center 401 W. Atlantic Ave., Suite O9 Delray Beach, FL 33444 Phone: (561) 265-3790 Fax: (561) 265-0806 Email: incubator@tedcenter.org Web: www.flwbc.org
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Palm Beach State College
Palm Beach State College offers a wide range of business services that includes free one-to-one consultation by professional staff and volunteer business consultants in many areas of expertise, business seminars and workshops. International Trade and Development Program, Government Contracting Programs, Market Research Assistance, Referral Network and access to the various Business Resource Center. Ted Kramer,Regional Director Palm Beach State College 3000 Saint Lucie Avenue, Suite AD408 Boca Raton, FL 33431-6490 Phone: (561) 862-4726 Fax: (561) 862-4727 Email: sbdc@palmbeachstate.edu Web: www.floridasbdc.org
Service Corps of Retired Executives Association (SCORE)
SCORE is a not-for-profit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. It is a resource partner with the Small Business Administration (SBA). Retired executives donate their time and expertise as volunteer business counselors and mentors. Counseling is available at a local office and on-line. John Hahn, Chairman 500 S. Australian Ave. West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone: (561) 833-1672 Fax: (561) 833-1470 Email: trhahn@bellsouth.net Web: www.score.org
Palm Beach County Resource Center
The Palm Beach County Resource Center (PBCRC) is a non-profit business consulting entity that was formed with the expressed mission of providing management and technical assistance to small and disadvantaged businesses. Client fees and in-kind contributions constitute a significant portion of the PBCRC's budget. The PBCRC's primary services are: Procurement Assistance, Management & Marketing Assistance, and Financial Services. Paul Skyers, Executive Director Palm Beach County Resource Center 2001 Broadway, Suite 250 Riviera Beach, FL 33404 Phone: 561-863-0895 Email: p_skyers@pbcrc.org Web: www.pbcrc.org
US Small Business Administration (SBA)
The U.S. Small Business Administration, South Florida District Office, serves 24 counties in South Florida including Palm Beach County. Whether you are starting a business or operating an established business, the U. S. Small Business Administration has a variety of programs to assist you. The South Florida District Office provides assistance to help you develop your business. They offer a variety of services in the areas of finance, management, technology and procurement. Additionally, the SBA’s website is a great source for valuable on line resources. Tom Gallman, Senior Area Manager U.S. Small Business Administration 505 South 2nd Street, Suite 225 Ft. Pierce, FL 34950 Web: www.sba.gov Download the new SBA Resource Guide – go to: www.sbaguides.com and select Florida -South
Enterprise Development Corporation (EDC)
EDC is a public/private partnership that provides strategic business development assistance to emerging science and technology-based companies in South Florida. EDC offers expertise in new product commercialization, business strategy, technology transfer, strategic alliances and preparing to raise capital funds. Assistance is provided to nearly 200 companies a year through EDC's mentoring program. EDC also manages the Technology Business Incubator located in the Florida Atlantic University Research & Development park in Boca Raton, and produces two conferences each year to promote emerging technologies and industry/academia collaboration. EDC's overall economic impact in South Florida is in excess of $264 million. Jane Teague, Executive Director 3701 FAU Blvd., Suite 210 Boca Raton, FL 33431 Phone: (561) 620-8494 x15 Fax: (561) 620-8493 Email: mailto:jteague@edc-tech.org Web: www.edc-tech.org
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Economic Development |
PBC Economic Development Office (EDO)
EDO implements, manages and monitors the PBC Board of County Commissioners Economic Development Program in response to the need and demand for governmental assistance, incentive programs and coordination on economic issues, programs and projects in the County. It includes: County Grant Programs, State and County Tax Incentive Programs, Loan Programs and a Small Business Incubation Program. Sherry Howard, Director Governmental Center 301 N Olive Ave. 10th Floor West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone: (561) 355-3624 Fax: (561) 355-6017 Web: www.co.palm-beach.fl.us/edo/
Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Inc
The BDB is a private, not-for-profit corporation that works to attract and retain business investment through corporate relocations and expansions. It provides services and information through paid memberships, such as marketing support and business networking; compilation of the most recent demographic data; capacity of existing utilities and infrastructure; and maintenance of a data-base of the existing commercial and industrial space, including terms and conditions. Additionally, the BDB maintains the most recent information relating to grants, loans and services available to business' interested in relocation or expanding in Palm Beach County. Kelly Smallridge, President Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Inc. 310 Evernia St. West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone: (561) 835-1008 Fax: (561) 835-1160 Web: www.bdb.org
West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA)
The Downtown Development Authority was created in 1967 to analyze and impact Downtown's economic conditions; formulate long-range plans for improving the appeal and accessibility of Downtown facilities and promote their use; provide remedy to any deterioration of Downtown property values; to retain and attract businesses. The DDA is actively involved in planning, marketing, serving and developing our City's center. Principle services include Downtown retail recruitment and retention, community advocacy, planning, consensus building, marketing, trolley operations, promotions and events. Melissa Wohlust, Executive Director 301 Clematis Street, Suite 200, Galleria International Building West Palm Beach, Florida 33401 Phone: 561.833.8873 Fax: 561.833.5870 Web: www.westpalmbeachdda.com
PBC Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)
HCD provides affordable housing, a better living environment, and economic opportunities for all county residents HCD administers programs that provide for the development or redevelopment of communities, including public facilities, infrastructure, public services and economic development assistance/incentives. These programs include the Community Development Block Grant Programs, Home Investment and Partnership Programs, Emergency Shelter Grants Program and Commission on Affordable Housing Program. Edward Lowery, Director 100 Australian Ave., Suite 500 West Palm Beach, FL 33406 Phone: (561) 233-3600 Fax: (561) 233-3651 Web: www.pbcgov.com/hcd
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Funding Agencies |
PBC Black Business Investment Corporation (BBIC)
The BBIC is a not-for-profit organization organized by the financial and business community in the county. It provides business loan guarantees, bonding, equity capital, job opportunities and other business services to qualified business owned by black citizens that cannot obtain financing through other sources. The BBIC also provides training and educational programs in cooperation with many other organizations. John Howard, President 2001 Broadway, Suite 250 Riviera Beach, FL 33404 Phone: (561) 845-8055 Fax: (561) 863-0897 Web: www.pbcgov.com/edo/programs/pbc/bbic.htm
The Center for Enterprise Opportunity
The Center for Enterprise Opportunity is a local not-for-profit financial lending institution whose main purpose is to loan monies to qualified small businesses in Palm Beach County. It provides loan to entrepreneurs, start-up and existing small businesses, especially those located in low to moderate income areas. The four levels of funding are Mini-micro, Micro, Small Business and Commercial Real Estate Loans. The CEO, as a Small Business Administration (SBA) lender, provides loan processing for the counties of Hendry, Indian River, Martin, Palm Beach and St. Lucie, Florida. Lia T. Gaines, Executive Director 2200 N. Florida Mango Rd., Suite 401 West Palm Beach, FL 33409 Phone: (561) 478-2337 Fax: (561) 478-2339 Email: info@ceoventures.org Web: www.ceoventures.org
BAC Funding Corporation
BAC Funding Corporation is committed to the creation and long-range development of a successful entrepreneur and business class in South Florida to include Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. By working toward this goal, we create an economic balance that perpetuates wealth for all of South Florida. In particular, we will provide investment capital for the specific purpose of benefiting low-income persons and low-income communities of South Florida. 6600 NW 27th Avenue Miami, FL 33417 Phone: (305) 693-3550 Fax: (305) 693-7450 Web: www.bacfundingcorp.com
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Small, Minority and Woman-owned
Business Certification |
School District of Palm Beach County - Office of Diversity in Business Practices
The Office of Diversity in Business Practices shall promote the Diversity and Equitable Utilization in Business Policy 6.143 by encouraging all small and minority-owned businesses to participate in obtaining business opportunities with Palm Beach County. All small and minority-owned businesses will become aware of procurement opportunities in the areas of Professional Service, Non-Professional Services, Construction, and Commodities within Palm Beach County. Michelle Andrewin, Director 3300 Forest Hill Blvd., Suite A-106 West Palm Beach, FL 33406-5813 Phone: 561-434-8508 Fax: 561-434-7405 Web: www.palmbeachschools.org/mwbe/
City of West Palm Beach - Small Business Division
The goal of the Small Business Division is to monitor and enforce compliance with the Small Business Program Municipal Code. The purpose of the Small Business Program is to serve the public interest by spurring economic development through encouraging small businesses to locate and remain in Palm Beach County, especially in the City of West Palm Beach. The Small Business Division does this by making sure that small businesses participate equitably in City contracts for goods, professional services, and construction services. Tiffany McCray Small Business Compliance Specialist 1045 Charlotte Ave West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone: 561-822-2100 Web: www.wpb.org/sbiz
State of Florida - Office of Supplier Diversity
The Office of Supplier Diversity’s (OSD) function is to improve business and economic opportunities for Florida’s women-owned and minority-owned businesses. OSD’s efforts toward this goal can be categorized into the following primary functions, Certification of Minority Business Enterprises, Advocacy and Outreach, and Matchmaking Activities. Florida Department Management Services 4050 Esplanade Way, Suite 380 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0950 Telephone: (850) 487-0915 Fax: (850) 922-6852 Web: http://dms.myflorida.com/other_programs/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd/
Palm Beach County – Office of Small Business Assistance (OSBA)
The Office of Small Business Assistance is responsible for monitoring conditions affecting small businesses within the marketplace that can provide goods and services to Palm Beach County, thus creating an environment that encourages the growth and development of small businesses in Palm Beach County. Allen Gray, Manager 50 S. Military Trail Suite 2N-172 West Palm Beach, FL 33415 Phone: 561-616-6840 Fax: 561-616-6850 Web: www.pbcgov.com/OSBA
Palm Beach International Airport Laura Beebe 1000 Turnage Boulevard West Palm Beach, FL 33406 Phone: (561) 471-7403 Web: www.pbia.org
South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)
The SFWMD is committed to reaching out to small businesses, and to working with vendors and businesses of all sizes to streamline and simplify the process of doing business with the agency. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to become registered with the agency, and to attend the forums and workshops created for businesses to help them through what may seem to be a complex process. Jessica Flathmann, Procurement Director 3301 Gun Club Road MSC 6612 West Palm Beach, FL 33406 Telephone: (561) 682-6446 Fax: (561) 682-5016 Web: www.sfwmd.gov
Southern Florida Minority Supplier Development Council (SFMSDC)
The Southern Florida Minority Supplier Development Council (SFMSDC) is a not-for-profit corporation established to foster the development and expansion of minority-owned businesses. We are committed to building mutually beneficial relationships between minority businesses and corporate and government buyers. Beatrice Louissant, President 9499 N.E. 2nd Ave. #201 Miami, FL 33138 Phone: (305) 762-6151 Fax: (305) 762-6158 E-mail: info@sfmsdc.org Web: www.sfmsdc.org
FRMBC Broward Office Broward College 225 East Las Olas Blvd., Suite 316F – Bldg. 31 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Phone: (954) 201-7639 Fax: (954) 822-0679 E-mail: info@sfmsdc.org FRMBC Palm Beach Office Office Depot Headquarter 6600 North Military Trail Boca Raton, FL 33496 Phone: (561) 439-3609 Fax: (775) 822-0679 E-mail: info@sfmsdc.org
Women's Business Development Center-Florida
The Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is dedicated to advancing the success of certified women's business enterprises, government agencies and corporate members in partnership with its affiliated women's business organizations. Nancy Allen, President and CEO 11205 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 101 Pinecrest, FL, 33156 Tel:(305) 971-9473 Fax:(305) 971-7061 Web: www.womensbusiness.info
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Employment Assistance Agencies |
PBC Workforce Alliance Board
The Palm Beach County Workforce Development Board is charged with crafting and overseeing a workforce development strategy that is responsive to the needs and concerns of Palm Beach County employers and job seekers. It is also responsible for implementing welfare reform. The employer and job seeker services provided include job postings, job research assistance, skills, training, and assistance in filing financial requests, events and seminars. Kathryn Schmidt, President and CEO 315 South Dixie Highway, Ste 102 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Telephone (561) 340-1061 Fax (561) 340-1062 www.pbcalliance.com
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