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SBA Chief Urges Respect, Support for Small Businesses

May 5, 2016
By Rhonda Abrams

Rhonda-Abrams-w-SBA-Administrator-1Since 1963, the first week of May has been designated by the President of the United States as a time to celebrate entrepreneurs.

To mark the start of this year’s Small Business Week, small-business owner and USA TODAY contributor Rhonda Abrams sat down for a discussion with Maria Contreras-Sweet, the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Contreras-Sweet talked about technology and small-business lending, and elaborated on some of the challenges — and resources — for the nation’s estimated 28 million small businesses.

She also encouraged shoppers to spend at their local stores.

“When you shop at a small business, 64 cents of your dollar stay right in your neighborhood,” she says. In turn, she adds, those stores could become a “destination” for more consumers, leading to more job creation in the community. (more…)

2016 Exporter of the Year
 #SBDC #DreamSmallBiz

May 5, 2016

Sm-Bus-Wk-FL-SBDC-winnerCongratulations to Florida SBDC clients Mr. David Bello, Sr., President, and Mr. John Hartnett, VP Global Business Development, of Endoscopy Replacement Parts, Inc.

A wonderful success story told by winner John Harnett:

Endoscopy Replacement Parts, Inc. (ERPI) is a full-service precision manufacturing facility of 14 employees based in Newberry, Florida. Since 1997, ERPI has manufactured the highest quality aftermarket products for repairing rigid and flexible endoscopes. CEO David Bello, Sr. has over three decades’ experience in the precision manufacturing industry. 

In the early 1990s he noted the juxtaposition of two trends: a growing demand for readily available third party endoscope repair and replacement products, and the business of manufacturing becoming globally competitive with the rise of regional trade agreements like the NAFTA.  (more…)