New small business center opens in chamber

Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce members are poised to receive a little more help after a new Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) opened within the chamber. 

The center, a University of South Florida (USF) co-location, will have Scott Carpenter as the lead business consultant. Carpenter will be able to help businesses impacted by Hurricane Ian with disaster relief loans. He’ll also be a resource for businesses needing to create a long term strategic plan, according to a statement. 

The Florida SBDC at USF provides business consulting, market research and low-cost training for businesses in Sarasota and Manatee counties. 

“Our 2022 survey results indicated marketing/communications, sales skills training and strategic planning as top needs of our businesses,” Heather Kasten, Chamber president and CEO, says in a news release. “With access to SBDC coaching, we can expand the education provided by our Shumaker Chamber University skills training all year-long. We believe this adds even more value to the portfolio of benefits our members currently enjoy.” 

Carpenter brings experience with marketing communications and public relations that spans three decades. 

“Through our no-cost consultations, our goal is to provide Chamber members and all local executives with insight and market expertise that accelerate their business,” Carpenter says. “From business planning to financial assessment, access to capital and marketing analysis, our team is poised to help the Sarasota business community grow and thrive.”