NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release
Contact: Chelle Koster Walton
239-699-4754
Caption: Suzanne Specht, widely regarded as a go-to expert for small business development in the Southwest Florida region, is now scheduling one-on-one appointments at the SanCap Chamber Visitor Center.
SanCap Chamber to host onsite SBDC resource office for free business consultations
Starting June 13, a representative of the Florida Small Business Center (SBDC) at Florida Gulf Coast University will staff a resource office at the SanCap Chamber Visitor Center, 1159 Causeway Blvd. on Sanibel Island, to offer no-cost expert services and advice by appointment to island small business owners.
“SBDC business consultant Suzanne Specht will become a welcome addition to the SanCap business community to assist chamber members with professional, comprehensive assistance for starting, recovering, managing, and growing a small business,” said John Lai, chamber president and chief executive officer. “The SBDC chamber office will begin accepting appointments for the second Friday of each month, with the possibility of scheduling expansion as needed. Suzanne’s physical presence on the island is meant to make local businesses aware of and encourage them to take advantage of SBDC’s underutilized benefits to the business community.”
Among its many services, SBDC can assist with the application process for the disaster recovery loan program available through Community Foundation of the Islands (CFI) in partnership with the SanCap Chamber and its dedicated program staffer Alex Bustamante. Six loans up to $10,000 each remain available, and SBDC will help facilitate distribution of those funds.
Other services SBDC offers span the realm of business skill, development, and management needs, including capital packaging, business plan development, market research, disaster planning, AI and technology consulting, training and workshops, trends and analysis, economic and market forecasts, government contracting assistance, and growth/expansion services.
To schedule private one-hour, second-Friday appointments with SBDC between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the SanCap Chamber office, visit floridasbdc.org/request-for-consulting and request consulting services with Suzanne Specht. SBDC will contact you to schedule your one-on-one consultation.
You can also email Specht at [email protected]. She will be speaking about the new on-island services at the upcoming SanCap business luncheon June 4 at Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Myers. For luncheon registration information, contact Aaron Walton at [email protected] or 239-472-8759.
“As consultants at SBDC, we are excited about taking our relationship with Sanibel and Captiva small businesses one step further to an in-person, one-on-one level,” said Specht, a nationally recognized and seasoned small-business consultant with over 27 years of experience at the SBDC at FGCU. “This win-win relationship promises to fast-track island commercial disaster recovery with individualized advice and support in all facets of business development.”
During her time with the local SBD, Specht has advised more than 3,600 entrepreneurs, contributing to over $64 million in capital formation and the launch of 218 businesses. Specht specializes in SBA and disaster loan packaging, financial planning, and strategic business development. Her leadership has been instrumental in administering critical recovery programs during crises such as Hurricanes Ian, Milton, Irma, and COVID-19.
ABOUT SANCAP CHAMBER
The SanCap Chamber is dedicated to promoting the prosperity of its members and preserving the quality of life of our community. The Chamber plays a key role in facilitating communication and cooperation between business, residents, and government to enhance the economic health of the islands. Its website, sanibel-captiva.org, receives over 1.3 million visits per year. For more information about the chamber, visit sanibel-captiva.org or contact John Lai, president and CEO, at 239-472-2348 or [email protected].
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