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Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #1309 |
Disney / SBA National Entrepreneur Center (NEC) |
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Requester: |
Rich Crotty |
Organization: |
Orange County BCC |
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Project Title: |
Disney / SBA National Entrepreneur Center (NEC) |
Date Submitted |
1/14/2003 10:41:02 AM |
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Sponsors: |
Webster |
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Statewide Interest: |
The establishment of a NEC in the State of Florida is a special initiative of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Office of Governor Jeb Bush, the State of Florida and Orange County Chairman, Rich Crotty. It is a collaborative effort built on the strengths and principles of partnership between the public sector, private industry and select non-profit organizations. The leadership of Walt Disney World Company, Orange County Government, and the University of Central Florida (UCF) has been instrumental in establishing a viable platform that will assist in the longevity and financial success of business in the Central Florida region and the State of Florida. The NEC will impact the success of entrepreneurs and businesses throughout the State of Florida resulting in higher wage job opportunities that strengthen and diversify the economy, especially the high tech sectors. |
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Recipient: |
NEC |
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Contact: |
George Rodon |
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315 E. Robinson St. |
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Contact Phone: |
(407) 836-5646 |
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Orlando 32847 |
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Counties: |
{Statewide} |
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Gov't Entity: |
Yes |
Private Organization (Profit/Not for Profit): |
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Project Description: |
The National Entrepreneur Center (NEC) is a unique facility that offers a wide range of tools, support, resources, and services to small businesses in order to act as a guide to their business growth. It is designed to be a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs and small business men and women, combining SBA resources with local and state resources in the location. The NEC was created through the partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Orange County Government, Walt Disney World Company and the University of Central Florida.
The central objective of the NEC will be to create a positive impact to the success of entrepreneurs and their businesses in order to:
q Strengthen and diversify the economy, with special emphasis on the high-tech sectors
q Accelerate high-value job growth and high wage opportunities
q Ensure business growth
q Increase employment
q Create, attract, and retain new types of companies
q Increase the success of entrepreneurs and small businesses
These objectives will be fulfilled through the NEC's variety of resources and services. Examples of these include:
q The Business Information Center (BIC)
o This high-tech facility will provide entrepreneurs with research sources, materials, and all forms of media equipment free of charge
q Financial Programs
o Through the various NEC partners and sponsors, businesses will be given the opportunity to collect financial assistance
q Events, Counseling, and Consultation
o Entrepreneurs are welcome to attend these NEC services in order to gain important information, suggestions, and knowledge that can help the development and growth of their businesses
The lead partners (SBA, WDW, UCF and Orange County) have committed to over $5.5 million in cash and in-kind services over the next five years. Additional partners (attorneys, banks, utilities, etc.) are anticipated to invest in the NEC for an additional $180,000. Other service providers (SBDC, Workforce Florida, HBIF, Chambers of Commerce, Florida Business Development Corp.) have already committed over $50,000/yr. for office space in the NEC.
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Is this a water project as described in Chapter 2002-291, Laws of Florida? |
No |
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Measurable Outcome Anticipated: |
see attached |
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Amount requested from the State for this project this year: |
$200,000 |
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Total cost of the project: |
$622,938 |
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Request has been made to fund: |
Operations |
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What type of match exists for this project? |
Local, Private, Federal |
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Cash Amount |
$420,000 |
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Was this project previously funded by the state? |
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No |
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Is future-year funding likely to be requested? |
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Yes |
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Amount: |
$200,000 |
To Fund: |
Operations |
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Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request? |
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No |
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Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget? |
No |
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Is there a documented need for this project? |
Yes |
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Documentation: |
See attached |
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Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)? |
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No |