BIG DIG: SBDC consultant offers aid during road work
Help during the “Big Dig” on Fort Myers Beach is available for no charge for small businesses on the island.
Duane Hoversten, a 20-year Small Business Management instructor, relayed that message during a Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Charley Boat House Grill Thursday.
While business consultation generally occurs on a case-by-case basis, Hoversten did offer one important fragment of overall advice to those businesses facing slowed business due to road construction on Estero Boulevard.
“The number one thing is plan ahead and realize what it might do,” he said. “Typically, being the off-season, there are some things we can do to bring more traffic. But, this is a unique situation.”
The business counselor for the Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University works out of Paradise Advertising & Design on Fort Myers Beach and IBERIABANK in Fort Myers.
Unfortunately, to qualify for low-interest SBA emergency loans on the Beach during these tough business traffic times, Lee County officials must declare the construction area a disaster – something that may alarm potential visitors from even coming to the island and, thus, hurt business.
“There is disaster money that is set aside at the state level for things like hurricanes, but we have to de declared a disaster area,” Hoversten said. “But, do you really want it. It could scare people away.”
Small Business Development Centers are a statewide service network funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and at the state level. They offer access to confidential, no-cost professional business consulting for Floridians who want to grow their business. Consultants, such as Hoversten, have the knowledge and tools to help emerging and growing businesses design growth strategies and make better business decisions to realize their goals and growth. Tools include strategic market research, business and strategic plan development, market and revenue growth, strategy development and implementation, capital access and loan packaging, financial analysis and assessment, accounting systems and financial literacy and feasibility analysis and start-up assistance.
“Our mission statement now is that we are customer-driven and dedicated to helping small businesses reach their goals and exceed the expectations of the people that we work with,” Hoversten said. “The services that we provide are at no cost to the business. We can sit down with you and work on your accounting or other issue.”
Funds are provided to the SBDC, so that businesses grow and pay more taxes. Donations from banks, some seminars and individuals also fuel consultants’ payrolls and services.
“Typically, over the last 20 years, I have averaged between 75 and 150 new employees to the businesses I have worked with each year,” he said. “That adds up to a lot of new tax dollars, and that is what the SBA and government are looking for when they fund this.”
SBDC offices provide experts to help with specific goals. Hoversten is regarded as a generalist due to a diversified background that includes owning fertilizers plants, computer stores, a software company, a spice company, a consulting company and a campground as well as teaching small business management. Duane knows small business.
“My background is absolutely small business. I have been in just about any type of business you have worked with,” he said.
Hoversten’s consultation motivates the small business to do the work, not do the work for them.
“The business itself has to want to move ahead and do the stuff,” he said. “We definitely set up plans and goals. There are definitely a lot of different areas we can work with.”
Most consultation is performed during a one-on-one meeting to discuss either growing a particular business, doing a better job of marketing, employee issues or other concerns.
“It is fun to see businesses grow,” Hoversten said. “It’s because of the businesses that are looking for help, that want help and are talking to someone. The SBDC is such a great tool for providing that help.”
Three upcoming free sessions entitled “Taking Your Business to the Next Level and Working Less” are scheduled for Sept. 16, Oct. 7 and Nov. 4. All sessions are held at IBERIABANK from 5 to 7 p.m.
Call to reserve your spot at 481-2875. Space is limited.
“Let us help you. It’s important to have just having someone to talk to on a business basis,” Hoversten said. “The SBDC can do that.”
Road construction update
Kaye Molnar of Cella Molnar & Associates, Inc. reported on progress regarding the Waterline Replacement Project on Estero Boulevard at the Beach Chamber luncheon.
The reFRESH Waterlines public information officer said that traffic is moving more smoothly now that officials have had a chance to monitor traffic and make modifications. The start was slow due to underground findings such as valves that were not expected to be there. The second crew (south crew) has been working quicker than the north crew.
Changes include an earlier start as construction crews now begin at 6:30 a.m. and work until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Each Friday, the contractor is trying to end work at roughly 2 p.m. to give visitors time to arrive on island. There is no work scheduled on weekends.
On Monday, Beach Vice Mayor Dan Andre stated he has been monitoring traffic involved with the road work.
“These guys have figured it out. They are doing a good job on the traffic now with spotters and the formula of 60 (cars) on and 40 off,” he said. “If you watch the traffic map, at 6 o’clock there is not a red line on the island. I would say to the people who need to go to the grocery store or to pharmacy, go at 6, you won’t have on your brakes the entire length of the island. Support your businesses. We are open for business.”
September start for improvements project
Molnar reported there will be an Estero Boulevard Improvements Project meeting entitled “Segment 1 – Estero Boulevard Improvements from Crescent Street to Lovers Lane” at Chapel by the Sea on Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Lee County’s Estero Boulevard Improvements Project is scheduled to begin in September.
Businesses and residents can view plans and learn about construction details specific to the roadway improvements. Two major goals of this project include improving safety for all users and improving drainage. Information about changing traffic patterns throughout the project will be available. This project is being done in coordination with the Town of Fort Myers Beach Waterline Replacement Project.