Hillsborough’s Florida SBDC and Entrepreneur Collaborative Center partners help small businesses grow in any economy
With increasing staffing challenges, a growing economy, and the constant fear that customers will shop elsewhere, how do Hillsborough County small businesses survive? Households start businesses with little guidance, while other entrepreneurs benefit from seeking help Hillsborough County Entrepreneurship Collaborative Center (ECC).
Founded in 2014, ECC provides business owners with easy access to service providers, resources, mentorship and professional training. actual, Florida SBDC in Hillsborois an anchor partner of the ECC and is housed in the ECC. Since its inception, ECC has worked with over 90 of his partners to host nearly 7,000 programs providing business guidance to over 97,000 participants.
Arlene Brooks is one of them. After losing her mother in 2016, Brooks wanted to start a business to keep her mother’s memory alive. Her Brooks was inspired by her long conversation over hot coffee with her mother Taking the plunge, Brooks opened the door for her Coffee Speaks N Tea Talks in 2019.
After years in the corporate world, Brooks sought out small business professionals at the ECC in Hillsborough County to guide us through the process. There she met Janet Blanco, assistant her director at her SBDC in Hillsboro Florida, who guided her through her entire phase of her startup. Brooks said Blanco has been helpful during her COVID-19 pandemic, keeping her informed of available SBA disaster programs, local grants, and ideas on how to pivot.
Eggs Up Grill co-owners Priscilla and John Conyers, parents of two young children, were looking for a business model that would combine their love of good food with their desire to lead a normal family life. The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch and has proven to be the right model for them.It has become a staple in the Riverview area.
Like Brooks, Conyers turned to Hillsboro’s Florida SBDC. Eggs Up Grill will open in his 2020, and Mr. and Mrs. Conyers continue to reach out to his ECC contacts for guidance.
Business owner Christina Sweet needed to get fit. She looked for stores in her neighborhood that offered healthy ingredients at affordable prices. A store where you can buy a scoop or a tablespoon of this when trying a new recipe.
Finding none in her area, Sweet decided to build a business and make healthy ingredients available to Tampa residents. In 2018, the health food supermarket “The Main Ingredient” was born.
Bulk bins and large jars now provide lean, scoopable ingredients. We have a full line of soothing herbal teas and our coffee beans are roasted weekly.
Sweet turned to Hillsboro’s Florida SBDC for help with everything from developing a business plan to marketing to insurance. She still consults with Blanco on business decisions.
Like Sweet, Nutri Truck owner Liliana Perez has always had healthy, delicious food as her goal. She immigrated to the United States from Venezuela six years before her and fulfilled her mission at the same time. Like the entrepreneur above, Perez worked closely with her Hillsborough SBDC to develop a business plan to weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Nutri-Truck is more than just a healthy food truck. Perez offers nutritional counseling, catering, and meal planning.
As Small Business Saturday approaches, what are these entrepreneurs hoping for? Brooks wants the community to know how fulfilling it is to own your own business. It feels great to connect with people every day and connect with your brand.
Conyers wants to serve. Their website says they’re truly a place where neighbors serve neighbors and they’re part of their community. We look forward to serving the Bay community with hearty meals.
The people of Perez and Sweet Hope shop all over Hillsboro County and keep coming back for gifts and food made with hard work and passion. Sweet said, “There is a world of talented people ready to provide great customer care and lovingly crafted products.
Call us to get in touch with the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center and its partners, or to schedule a free and confidential consulting appointment with the Florida SBCC in Hillsborough. (813) 204-9267. For additional information, Sign up for the ECC newsletter today.
