Monday - October 13, 2008

WATERFRONT PROPERTY NEEDED – A Massachusetts-based manufacturer of underwater marine electronics for the government and institutional use is considering relocating to Volusia County. The company needs the capability of building a 50,000-square-foot facility with waterfront access. If you know of a site that may be suitable for this prospect, please contact John Kizer, Volusia County Department of Economic Development, by Oct. 17 at (386) 248-8048, or via e-mail at jkizer@co.volusia.fl.us. Site and community information will be included in the recruitment proposal being prepared for the company.

FEDERAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES – The U.S. government has created a one-stop virtual marketplace at https://www.fbo.gov. Through this single point-of-entry, commercial vendors and government buyers are invited to post, search, monitor and retrieve purchasing opportunities solicited by the entire federal contracting community. No registration is required to view opportunities, and user guides are provided on the site.

SBA LOANS STILL AVAILABLE – In spite of the credit crisis that has slowed lending for commercial expansion, the National Association of Development Companies and Florida First Capital are reminding lenders and entrepreneurs that Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans are available, and may be more enticing during these turbulent economic times. The SBA has zero upfront and ongoing fees to borrowers. The intent of the 504 loan program is to provide access to capital for small businesses that may not otherwise be available through regular capital market channels. Contact your local bank, or e-mail Florida First Capital at info@ffcfc.com.

DISTRIBUTION CENTER SITE WANTED – A national developer is seeking 125 to 150 acres to construct a 1.5 million- square-foot distribution center. The site must have easy access to I-95 or I-4. If you have or know of a location that may satisfy the needs of this prospect, please contact John Kizer, Volusia County Department of Economic Development, at (386) 248-8048 or e-mail jkizer@co.volusia.fl.us. Site information will be forwarded to the developer for consideration for a future site visit.

FREE REAL ESTATE DATABASE LISTING ON FLORIDABUSINESS.ORG – Remember: The Department of Economic Development web site, allows owners and realtors to list their properties in the real estate database at no charge and with their own contact information. For details about how to list your property, contact Pedro Leon at (386) 248-8048, or via e-mail at pleon@co.volusia.fl.us.

NEED HELP MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS? – The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Daytona State College has a number of web sites that may be helpful to individuals looking to develop their marketing skills. Marketing professionals in the small business referral network are qualified to help others develop their business marketing plans. In addition, the SBDC offers marketing workshops throughout the year. Check online at www.sbdcdaytona.com to see when the next workshop is scheduled near you.

CARBON TRADING CREDITS – Various crops, including timber and pasture, may be eligible for payments from a carbon trading credit program. Plan to attend a carbon credit workshop at the Volusia County Agricultural Center from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13. For more information on carbon credits, visit floridafarmbureau.org/carbontrading. For information on the workshop, call Dana Venrick or Sharon Gamble, at (386) 822-5778.

SMALL BUSINESS IDEAS – Florida Trend Magazine is oriented to the success of small business, and publishes articles aimed at entrepreneurs. To find information small businesses can use, visit http://floridatrend.com/small_biz.asp.

NEWS ITEMS WANTED! – Please send your business news items to Dave Byron, Volusia County Community Information Director, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand, 32720-4612, by fax at (386) 822-5072 or by e-mail at dbyron@co.volusia.fl.us.