Florida SBDC Network, FloridaMakes Announce Partnership to Aid State's Small Manufacturers

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network and FloridaMakes have formalized a strategic partnership to support Florida’s small manufacturers. 

 

The partnership will provide greater access to and awareness of Florida SBDC Network and FloridaMakes training and resources for small manufacturers in Florida. The agreement will foster greater communication, cross-referrals, understanding of each other’s services, and collaboration on training and programs for small manufacturers across the state. 

 

"FloridaMakes’ long commitment to strengthen and advance Florida’s economy by improving the productivity and technological performance of small manufacturers compliments our mission of ensuring our state’s small businesses have the expertise and resources to succeed,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “We look forward to partnering with FloridaMakes to help more of our state’s small manufacturers grow and create more jobs for Florida’s families.”

 

FloridaMakes is a statewide, industry-led, public-private partnership operated by an alliance of Florida's regional manufacturers associations with the sole mission of strengthening and advancing Florida’s economy by improving the competitiveness, productivity and technological performance of its manufacturing sector, with an emphasis on small- and medium-sized firms. 

 

"Florida is home to over 23,000 manufacturers, of which about 80 percent have 20 or less employees," said Kevin Carr, Chief Executive Officer of FloridaMakes. "This partnership will allow us to expand the breadth of services we offer the industry in order to help grow and retain small manufacturers in Florida."

 

Through this agreement, Florida’s Regional Manufacturers Associations (RMAs), allied through the FloridaMakes network, may enter into local partnerships with Florida SBDC regional offices to support small manufacturers through local programs and initiatives.

 

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the organizations in Jacksonville during the Florida Chamber’s Transportation Growth and Infrastructure Summit this week.