Counseling Testimonials
"Thanks, the dream seems possible now."
"The counseling service that I received has been excellent and clarifies most of my doubts about how to start my business."
"The process so far has been smooth and easy. No stress."
"Anyone starting a business or wishing to improve their current one would benefit tremendously from these resources."
"It helped me because I am leaving with a lot more information than when I came here. Also because of professionalism."
"SBDC is an excellent resource for small business owners. Everyone should take advantage of this resource."
"SBDC offers solutions to the problems and challenges of operating a business. They acquaint you with resources and references that is needed to start and grow your business."
"Great service. I will be back if the need arises and would definitely refer others."
"Very impressed, exactly what I was looking for. Many people suggested lawyers... accountants... what I didn't need."
"Thanks. Excellent services for small companies. I will definitely use it again."
"This service is a tremendous help."
"My counselor answered all the questions that I had prepared for him and now I am able to make plans that I was unable to, before I spoke to him."
"I cannot imagine why anyone would try to go into business without using these wonderful services."
"Our business analyst was very caring and took a lot of time explaining to us information. Thank you."
"The service is excellent and I and I know that anyone looking to start a business should see someone at the SBDC."
"I have always left seminars and counseling sessions filled with information, support and encouragement. Thank you."
"The advice and direction given to me by the SBDC are invaluable. Without having taken a business class, I was lost, now I feel as though I have been given the steps to succeed."
"My counselor answered all my questions I had prepared for him and now I am able to make plans that I was unable to before I spoke to him."
"It is like you are in business for yourself, but you are not by yourself."
"I would recommend others without a question."
"I teach at PBCC and would recommend SBDC to my business students who are interested in starting their own business."
"The SBDC is the one-stop shopping center for your business needs, regardless of where you are at."
"Bob Keltie was a great listener and dispensed sound advice."
"I requested counseling in other places, but here I received what I needed."
"Many businesses need guidance in various areas; SBDC provides it and it's free."
"[The SBDC] provides a wealth of information for new businesses and counseling sessions provide explanation in the "How, Why or When." Also available for further sessions as you grow your business and assist with research."
"We were treated very well. The counselor answered all questions, and was willing to help us with all things needed."
"Great training and counseling!"
"Really valuable service! Thanks for making it available!"
"Very professional, very helpful, a learning experience"
"Superb and excellent in every way!"
"I found the service very useful and will recommend it to others."
"Professional counseling from experienced business person is helpful to get different perspective."
"The consultant was professional, communicated well, encouraged open dialogue and seemed to know the subject matter well."
"This is a great service and I look forward to growth with SBDC."
"Very good, congratulations to you. Months of info is available."
"I have attended several workshops and found them to be wonderful. I was given numerous ideas in today's counseling."
"This was a simple way to get straightforward and knowledgeable suggestions to a business startup."
"Exceptional assistance has been provided. Thank You."
"He was the consummate business coach: at once experienced, wise and specific as well as engaging, encouraging and warm."
"[The Counselor] provided peace of mind as well as a charted path which was far less clear before the consultation."
"Can't beat free help when starting a business."
"Excellent guidance, very good source of information, very helpful recommendations for upcoming events."
"The insight is very valuable. I received a road map to follow."
"I am so appreciative. Thank you for your service."
"It was an excellent experience."
"The SBDC definitely has given me the guidance and motivation that I needed."
"She was very, very professional and she had a very warm personality. She brings my vision to a reality."
"The service was excellent and the information was very helpful."
"I have friends who are trying to start their own business and this program will be great to get them started."
"The counseling advice that I received was excellent and very helpful to me and for my business."
"Excellent resource. It was very helpful."
"Great place to come for resources and counselor was patient, answering Q's to best of their ability. He was very ethical and professional."
"Will definitely recommend to other small business owners!"
"Absolutely [would recommend the SBDC], very informative and resourceful."
"A very well kept secret, thank you very much."
"[The counseling session] brought my lofty dreams down into reality. [The Counselor] focused my attention on organizing my priorities and how to start market research."
"The counselor is very willing to help and very informative."
"Very professional and helpful. I will recommend with no doubt."
"I have several friends who own their own businesses and even though they've been in business several years, I feel they can still benefit from SBDC."
"He was very helpful in counseling us. He gave us suggestions of steps to take and invited us to call the SBDC in the future if we had any questions! The experience was a positive one."
"This is a wonderful service not known by many. Therefore, I would certainly refer someone in the same situation as myself - wanting desperately to have their own business without having the experience to do so."
"I feel blessed to have been referred to such a wonderful and free service. My success has began already! Thank you."
"I recommend these services to others because it is very important to get information and counseling when you are going to open a new business."
"It is a great free service for people wanting to start their own business."
"They have well trained professionals who are caring and understanding."
"I am very happy and satisfied with the service and want to be able to continue my relationship with them."
"I'm so happy that SBA referred me to FAU SBDC."
"It was helpful. I thought my idea was impossible. Now I have a direction to accomplish my goals."
"The SBDC can provide so much information on so many topics. I would recommend the SBDC to anyone hoping to start a business or is already in business."
"The counseling service was wonderful, informative, motivating and practical on all levels."
"He was very helpful, recommended courses of action and will assist me in future."
"Anyone can have a business idea, but after talking to her I believe it is really important to have guidance."
"Good service, professionalism and the right treatment. A great help for the community!!!"
"It was a great experience. The counselor was well prepared and she was highly engaged into helping me."
"I feel blessed to have been referred to such a wonderful and free service. My success has begun already! Thank You."
"The SBDC can provide so much information on so many topics. I would recommend the SBDC to anyone hoping to start a business or already in business."
"Thank you for offering this service to the community."
"It was very helpful. I thought my idea was impossible. Now I have a direction to accomplish my goal."
"An excellent starting point for a small and new business."
Training Testimonials
How to Write a Business Plan Clinic; Speaker- Camilo Lopez, November 9, West Kendall Regional Library
"I'm very thankful for the insightful help."
How to Check, Improve and Use Your Credit Score to Benefit Your Business; Speaker- Martin Zients, November 15, FAU DeSantis Center, Boca Raton
"Best class I've ever heard on this subject. I learned how credit really works and impacts. Even better than Suze Ormond."
Marketing Your Service Business; Speaker- Danilo Vargas, November 16, City of Coral Gables - War Memorial Youth Center
"Very inspiring - I don't see any need for improvement!"
Financing Your Small Business; Speaker- Ted Kramer, October 22, Palm Beach County Main Library, West Palm Beach
"Ted was very knowledgeable and interactive. It is a pleasure to learn from him."
How to Be Certified as an 8(a)/SDB/SBE (Disadvantaged, Minority or Woman-Owned) Business- November 13, Palm Beach County Main Library, West Palm Beach
Michael was very informative and entertaining and knowledgeable. I learned a lot!
Successful Event Planning for Small Businesses; Speaker- Maggie Gunther, November 14, Robert Morgade Library, Stuart
"This is a great help for small businesses."
Working from Home: Basics of Running a Home-Based Business; Speaker- Ken Stephanz, November 20, Indian River County Library, Vero Beach
"Ken offered very helpful ideas and motivation to start my business!"
Introduction to Business Plan; Speaker- Carlos Cardenas, November 20, Coral Reef Branch Library, Miami
Mr. Cardenas is very good at explaining and giving information. His presentation is clear and precise. I have enjoyed both sessions I've attended and have benefited from both.
Marketing Your Service Business; Speaker- Danilo Vargas, August 7, Coral Reef Branch Library, Miami
"Danny did an outstanding job…great examples."
Marketing Your Service Business; Speaker- Ken Stephanz, August 8, Robert Morgade Library, Stuart
"The seminar was very informative, answered a lot of questions I have about starting a business."
Financing Your Small Business; Speaker- Rafael Cruz, August 9, Hollywood Branch Library
"Fantastic real life imaging of wisdom; no pie in the sky nonsense, Great!!!"
To Market: How to Market Your Business After Minority Certification; Speaker- Mike Bell, August 23, Palm Beach County Main Library, West Palm Beach
"Excellent program and resources! Great presentation by the speaker"
Conceptos Básicos de Mercadeo (Targeting Your Market); Speaker- Camilo Lopez, September 9, Miami Lakes Branch Library
"The program is excellent. I think that this training is necessary to keep us updated of the information and give us motivation to be better each day. Thank you very much."
How to Conduct Business with the Army Corps of Engineers; Speaker- Jackie Rule, September 13, Pompano Beach Library
"I felt the presentation was very helpful. I acquired a lot of information."
How to Start a Small Business; Speaker- Ken Stephanz, September 13, Robert Morgade Library, Stuart
"A very focused, no nonsense speaker. This guy goes beyond teaching - he is a mentor to everyone in the room...at the introductory level class!!! Articulate and honest advice. Well presented."
Get Some Press!; Speaker- Phil Scruton, September 20, North County Regional Library, Palm Beach Gardens
"This has been the most entertaining, effective and practical seminar I have attended so far in South Florida. Many thanks!"
Introduction to Business Plan; Speaker- Carlos Cardenas, September 21, Festival Plaza SBDC Office, Miami
"Material was well presented and Carlos has a very good knowledge of the materials."
Trabajando Desde La Casa: Pasos Necesarios Para Crear su Negocio; Speaker- Valentina Quintero, September 5, Festival Plaza SBDC Office, Miami
"I congratulate you for the quality of the seminar, as well as for Valentina's professionalism and excellent preparation."
Working From Home: Basics of Running a Home-Based Business, September 9, Royal Palm Beach Branch Library
"I have taken a class with this speaker before and the presentation and his delivery is excellent. It's packed with important info - and he makes the material interesting and lively!"
Keys to a Successful Website; Speaker- Danilo Vargas, September 11, Miami Lakes Branch Library
"Great presentation. Easy to understand. Very knowledgeable and energetic."
Marketing Plan for Your Business; Speaker- Rafael Cruz, September 17, FAU Davie Campus
"Excellent presentation! Gave me new perspectives about the market."
Introduction to Business Plan; Speaker- Phil Scruton, October 5,
"Excellent! Demonstrated knowledge of multiple aspects for creating and starting a business."
Is Owning a Business Right for You?; Speaker- Camilo Lopez, October 19, City of Coral Gables - War Memorial Youth Center
"I thought the presentation was outstanding and informative. I learned a tremendous amount of information. I will now put my plan into action - it was a motivational program."
How to Start a Small Business; Speaker- Ken Stephanz, October 19, FAU Treasure Coast Campus
"Speaker answered all questions in a clear and concise manner. Thank you!"
Keys to a Successful Website; Speaker- Jonathon Prandi, October 30, South Regional/BCC Library
"Jonathon answered tons of questions to the best of his ability. Very well prepared and knowledgeable."
Promoting Your Business with Effective Speaking; Speaker- Rafael Cruz, October 3, Southwest Regional Library, Pembroke Pines
"I feel that I have learned a lot that I will use in my field."
Marketing Your Service Business; Speaker- Ted Kramer, October 5, North County Regional Library, Palm Beach Gardens
"Ted is a great communicator with a lot of enthusiasm; passion. He provided us with the information we were looking for in an open, inclusive and pleasant manner. Thank you Ted."
Get Some Press!; Speaker- Phil Scruton, October 11, City of Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center
"Loved his sense of humor. It kept the seminar alive and interesting!"
Getting Your Business Up & Running Clinic; Speakers- Bob Keltie & Ken Stephanz, October 16, FAU Treasure Coast Campus, Port St. Lucie
"Great Clinic! I would and will recommend this to all startups."
Get Some Press!; Speaker- Phil Scruton, December 6, Jupiter Branch Library
"Very effective casual presentation, great for holding audience attention. The delivery was riveting. Media tips are valuable."
Financing Your Small Business; Speaker- Rafael Cruz, December 12, South Regional/BCC Library, Pembroke Pines
"Thank you, Rafael helped me to look for other ways to finance my business that I didn't think of before."
How to Start a Small Business; Speaker- Ken Stephanz, December 13, Robert Morgade Library, Stuart
"I received lots of important business information; it was really worth it to be present."
Basic Bookkeeping for Your Small Business; Speaker- Martin Nebojsic, December 14, African American Research Library, Fort Lauderdale
"Instructor utilizes a pleasant approach to elicit audience participation."
Financing Your Small Business; Speaker- Carlos Cardenas, December 6, Coral Reef Branch Library,
Miami
Great presentation. Ample knowledge in a variety of topics related to the presentation.
Working From Home: Basics of Running a Home-Based Business; Speaker- Ken Stephanz, December
12, Robert Morgade Library, Stuart
The startup steps and advice were excellent. Very good program.
Introducción al Plan de Negocios (Introduction to Business Plan); Speaker- Camilo Lopez, December
13, West Dade Regional Library, Miami
I'm very thankful for the opportunity you give us for continuing our education.
How to Start a Small Business; Speaker- Ken Stephanz, January 10, Robert Morgade Library, Stuart
"Top Notch. I will definitely setup a one-on-one appointment."
Conceptos Básicos de Mercadeo (Targeting Your Market; Speaker- Camilo Lopez, January 16, Festival Plaza SBDC Office, Miami
"The information was clear and direct. Thank you."
Trabajando desde la Casa: Pasos Necesarios Para Crear su Negocio; Speaker- Camilo Lopez, January 31, Sunny Isles Beach Branch Library, Sunny Isles Beach
"The topic is very important for the community and for personal information."
How to Start a Small Business; Speaker- Ken Stephanz, January 3, North County Library, Sebastian
The best instructor is one who has been in the trenches.
Promoting Your Business with Effective Speaking; Speaker- Phil Scruton, January 9, Robert Morgade Library, Stuart
Loved the informality, very group-friendly style. Ken and Phil are fantastic. The program itself, though general, is excellent and focused.
Es Conveniente Para Usted Tener Su Propio Negocio (Is Owning a Business Right for You)?; Speaker- Nancy Orozco, January 15, Festival Plaza SBDC Office, Miami
Excellent! Great source of information. Better than expected!
Low Cost Marketing for Your Small Business; Speaker- Lisa Sparks, January 24, North Dade Regional
Library, Miami
Excellent speaker. She showed enthusiasm and passion for what she likes and believes in.
Get Some Press; Speaker- Phil Scruton, February 1, North County Regional Library,Palm Beach Gardens - "Presentation was informative and inspiring. Great! Exceeded my expectations!"
Introduction to Business Plan; Speaker- Rafael Cruz, February 7, Hollywood Branch Library, Hollywood "Thank you - meaningful information, straight forward, immediately applicable for new and existing businesses."
How to Start a Small Business; Speaker- Ken Stephanz, February 20, One-Stop Career Center, Okeechobee - "Very educational; looking forward to future seminars."
Introduction to Business Plan; Speaker- Ken Stephanz, February 13, Robert Morgade Library, Stuart
I appreciated the speaker's willingness to apply the information to detailed questions.
Small Business Tax Workshop; Speaker- Alberto Ibarra, February 21, War Memorial Youth Center, Coral Gables
"Well-experienced speaker. Speaker was well organized and able to easily provide the information. Goals were met."
Working From Home: Basics of Starting a Home-Based Business; Speaker- Ted Kramer, March 2, FAU Jupiter Campus, Jupiter
"Information presented was thorough and timely. Presenter was knowledgeable and interesting. Held the interest of workshop attendees."
Introducción al Plan de Negocios; Speaker- Nancy Orozco, March 6, Palm Beach County Main Library, West Palm Beach
"I am happy and I want to continue to learn more about these topics."
Creating Business Cards, Brochures and More; Speaker- Maggie Gunther, March 9, FAU Reubin Askew Tower, Fort Lauderdale
She was knowledgeable in creative design and made herself accessible for further guidance, which was great!
How to Start a Small Business; Speaker- Ken Stephanz, March 15, FAU Treasure Coast Campus, Port St. Lucie
"I left with so much more understanding and less fear of getting started. Thank you."
Marketing Your Service Business; Speaker- Ken Stephanz, March 12, Robert Morgade Library, Stuart"
"This is the second time I've attended one of Ken's workshops. I always leave full of ideas & inspiration. I received some very good suggestions."
Tax Guide for Deducting Business Expenses; Speaker- Lilian Urbandt, March 20, War Memorial Youth Center, Coral Gables"
Great! Very interesting and helpful. Speaker presented info in a great manner!
Introduction to Business Plan; Speaker- Nancy Orozco, April 12, North Dade Regional Library, Miami
"I enjoyed this course. It was very informative. Nancy makes you very comfortable in asking questions."
How to Start a Small Business; Speaker- Ken Stephanz, April 17, One-Stop Career Center, Okeechobee
"I found this seminar to be very informative. I now feel more comfortable in knowing that I understand the basic fundamentals of starting my own business."
Keys to A Successful Website; Speaker - Danilo Vargas, April 19, City of Coral Gables, Miami
"Mr. Vargas seemed very knowledgeable and passionate about marketing. His enthusiasm was contagious!"
How to Be Certified as an 8(a)/SDB/SBE (Disadvantaged, Minority, or Woman-Owned) Business; Speaker- Mike Bell, April 17, Palm Beach County Main Library, West Palm Beach
"I learned a great deal and I am excited about working with the SBDC."
How to Be Certified as an 8(a)/SDB/SBE/Woman-Owned Business; Speaker- Mike Bell, April 1, Palm Beach County Main Library, West Palm Beach
"Very good presentation - kept it moving, answered questions, was genuine re: interest of group. Thank you Mike!"
Financing Your Small Business; Speaker- Ken Stephanz, April 1, North County Library, Sebastian
"Extremely knowledgeable about program. Very comfortable answering questions."
How to Check, Improve and Use your Credit Score to Benefit Your Business; Speaker- Martin Zients, April 7, SBDC Classroom, FAU-Boca Raton
"He should write a book. Great class, eye opener!"
Introducción a la Impotación y Exportación (Basics of Importing and Exporting); Speaker-Nancy Orozco, April 16, North Shore Branch Library, Miami Beach.
"Although the time was too short, all the information was clear and relevant to us future importers/exporters."
Working From Home: Basics of Running a Home-Based Business; Speaker- Valentina Quintero, May 1,
Coral Reef Branch Library, Miami - "On a scale of 1 to 10, she is a 10."
Is Franchising Right for You?; Speaker- Martin Zients, May 4, North County Regional Library, Palm
Beach Gardens - "Excellent seminar. Great things to know about franchising."
Tax Bootcamp for Business Owners; Speaker- Martin Nebojsic, May 15, FAU Higher Education
Complex, Fort Lauderdale - "Speaker was great. Excellent presentation. Very knowledgeable on
the subject."
How to Start a Small Business; Speaker- Ken Stephanz, May 17, FAU Treasure Coast Campus, Port St. Lucie - "Very helpful basic knowledge on what small business is all about. He provided some excellent references and websites to review. Thank you."
How to Write a Business Plan Clinic; Speaker- Rafael Cruz, June 4, FAU Askew Tower, Fort Lauderdale
"Instructor was very informative, educated and knowlegdeable about the subject matter."
How to be Certified as an 8(a)/SDB/SBE (Disadvantaged, Minority, or Woman-Owned) Business; Speaker- Mike Bell, June 20, Palm Beach County Main Library, West Palm Beach
"I am always amazed at the wealth of information and assistance provided!"
Marketing Your Service Business; Speaker- Ted Kramer, June 26, Indian River County Library, Vero Beach
"Good opportunity. Thank you. Great resource."
Financing Your Small Business; Speaker-Carlos Cardenas, June 27, Golden Glades Branch Library, Miami
"Very professional and entertained all questions with patience and thoroughness."
Things You Need to Know about Running a Business but Forgot to Ask; Speaker- Ted Kramer, July 6, FAU, Royal Palm Beach Library
"Great resources - will be back for other workshops."
Basics of Importing & Exporting; Speaker-John Diep, July 13, Catherine Young Branch Library, Margate
"Thank you John for your time and for sharing your expertise with us! It was great to hear some of your experiences and advice. Keep up the excellent work!"
How to Start a Small Business; Speaker- Ken Stephanz, July 19, FAU, Port St. Lucie
"Very worthwhile....will attend additional seminars with this instructor."
QuickBooks Clinic; Speaker- Lilian Urbandt, July 30, Festival Plaza, Miami
"I'm waiting for your next class!"