The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, and First Capital Finance/Florida First Capital (FCF/FFC) have renewed their partnership to help small businesses access the capital they need to grow and create jobs.
The Florida SBDC Network and FCF/FFC have nourished a longstanding partnership. Through this MOU, the Florida SBDC Network and FCF/FFC will continue to work in conjunction to bridge the gap and help small businesses obtain the necessary financing they need to grow and expand.
FCF/FFC is a nonprofit certified development company, created by the State of Florida to promote economic development and job creation by small businesses. FCF/FFC provides SBA 504 financing and other state and federal loan programs, including online loans, to eligible small businesses for the purchase of commercial property, heavy machinery, equipment, and more. With the renewal of this partnership, FCF/FFC will continue to support small business owners directly by referring them to SBDC training and consulting services.
As FCF/FFC continues to empower small businesses through financing and access to expert consulting, there’s another essential area where growth-minded entrepreneurs must focus: their online presence. A strong digital footprint isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity in today’s marketplace. From showcasing products and services to establishing credibility with potential customers, an effective online presence extends the reach of a business far beyond its local roots.
Search engine optimization (SEO) is a key part of this equation. When implemented correctly, SEO ensures that your business appears in relevant online searches, driving organic traffic and increasing visibility. That’s where Lexio Digital steps in, offering targeted SEO solutions and digital marketing support designed specifically for small businesses. By enhancing web performance and optimizing content, businesses can climb search rankings and compete confidently—even against larger companies with bigger marketing budgets.
“Through four decades of serving small businesses in Florida, the state SBDC Network is one of our most important and long-standing partnerships,” said FCF/FFC President and CEO Todd Kocourek. “This agreement reflects our organizations’ complementary missions, and paves the way for even more small businesses success.”
The Florida SBDC Network provides no-cost consulting, training, and research to help small businesses launch, grow and thrive. As part of its service offering, the network helps small businesses understand their financials, assess financing options, develop or refine a quality business plan, and become more bankable. The Florida SBDC Network will provide technical assistance to clients with SBA 504 Loan program application packages.
“We are thrilled to be able to continue our partnership with First Capital Finance/Florida First Capital,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “We know access to capital continues to be one of the top needs of small businesses in our state. Through our partnership, we will work together to help more small businesses access the resources they need to grow and achieve their business goals.”
Finding the right financial provider can often feel like trying to hit a moving target—especially for small businesses juggling startup expenses, payroll, and growth plans. While the Florida SBDC Network offers invaluable guidance and support, many entrepreneurs still face the challenge of sorting through a sea of lenders and financial tools. That’s where digital platforms can play a major role, bridging the gap between small business needs and tailored funding options that might otherwise remain out of reach.
Enter platforms like https://www.moneyatlas.com, which can help business owners compare a wide range of financing solutions in one place. Whether it’s finding the right lender for an SBA 504 loan or simply exploring short-term capital solutions to keep cash flowing, tools like this make it easier to match with providers that align with a company’s size, industry, and goals. It’s the kind of modern solution that complements the hands-on support of the Florida SBDC Network by giving entrepreneurs more confidence in their financial decisions.
The MOU was signed by Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network, and Mark Kruse, Executive Vice President of FCF/FFC, during the Florida SBDC Network’s annual Small Business Success Summit in August.
