NEW FSBDC AT UNF BUSINESS CONSULTANT TO ASSIST SMALL BUSINESSES IN NASSAU COUNTY

February 23, 2016

The Nassau County Economic Development Board is pleased to announce Jodi Henson as the new Business Consultant for the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of North Florida’s (FSBDC at UNF) office located in Nassau County.
 
“Small businesses are a critical component of and major contributor to the strength of our local economy.  Jodi’s experience, especially as a previous small business owner, will serve current and future business owners well,” said Laura DiBella, executive director of the Nassau County Economic Development Board.  “Local residents share their small business dreams with us and hopefully, Jodi can help bring those dreams to life.”
 
The FSBDC at UNF offers existing business owners and start-ups no-cost, confidential consulting in strategic business processes. They provide access to information needed to succeed including marketing strategies, financial analysis and business planning tools. They also provide specialized programs such as, government contracting, Agribusiness, international trade and non-profit assistance.
 
The FSBDC at UNF is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide service network funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the state of Florida and other private and public partners; hosted statewide by the University of West Florida and nationally accredited by the Association of SBDC’s. The Florida SBDC Network is state designated as Florida’s Principal Provider of Business Assistance [§ 288.001, Fla. Stat.] and recognized as Florida’s “premier source” for business assistance.
 
FSBDC at UNF Business Consultant Jodi Henson comes from 30 years of experience with an extensive career in business and marketing management in small, medium, and large business and knows what it takes for businesses to grow and succeed.  She is using her expertise to help other Nassau County businesses thrive.  As the newly-appointed Nassau County Business Consultant, Jodi will be providing entrepreneurs in Nassau County assistance with business development and strategic planning along with organizational communication and marketing. As a former business owner Jodi is passionate about small business and has successfully launched and grown a business to profitability.
 
With more than 90 percent of all businesses in the U.S. classified as small they are truly the backbone of our economy employing more than 60% of all workers and creating 80% of all new jobs. Yet small business owners face some tough challenges. The primary causes of small business failure are undercapitalization and management inexperience. Surveys consistently show that businesses assisted by FSBDC outperform non-assisted businesses—creating three times more jobs—and increasing sales three times faster. The result is nearly $10 in the form of tax revenue for every federal dollar invested in the SBDC program.  In 2016 the FSBDC will be celebrating its 40th year and is one of the longest running programs in the country assisting small businesses to successfully continue to contribute positively to local economic growth and stability.
 
Jodi can be reached at 904-491-7347 or by email at Jodi.henson@unf.edu.