Starting or growing a business can feel overwhelming. But what if you had a trusted guide with decades of real-world experience ready to help you navigate the challenges? That’s exactly what the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Indian River State College (The River) offers to entrepreneurs and business owners across the Treasure Coast.
Regional Director Tom Kindred recently sat down with Kathleen Walter on IRSC Public Media’s RiverTalk to share insights about this invaluable resource. Here are the top 10 things every business owner should know about the SBDC at The River.
1. It’s Not Just for Startups
While the SBDC helps aspiring entrepreneurs launch new ventures, a significant portion of their work focuses on helping established businesses scale and grow. Whether you’ve been in business for five months or 20 years, the SBDC can help you break through plateaus and reach the next level.
2. The Services Are Completely Free and Confidential
That’s right—free. The SBDC is a federally funded program through the Small Business Administration, which means you get access to high-quality business consulting, training programs, and specialized services at no cost. All consultations are also completely confidential.
3. Real-World Experience Sets Them Apart
Tom Kindred brings more than 20 years of experience running his own retail and restaurant businesses. “My greatest education came from the mistakes and failures,” he explains. “My goal is to let folks know how to avoid some of those mistakes that I made in my small business journey.” This isn’t theoretical advice—it’s wisdom earned in the trenches.
4. They Help You Access Serious Capital
In 2025 alone, the SBDC helped clients secure over $21 million in traditional bank loans and an astounding $84 million in government contracts. While they don’t provide loans directly, they help you put together bank packages, build business plans, and connect with every lending institution on the Treasure Coast. The key? Your business needs to be profitable and cash-flow positive.
5. Government Contracting Is More Accessible Than You Think
Through the Florida Apex Accelerator program, the SBDC helps small businesses tap into government contracts at the federal, state, and local levels. Specialist Scotty Wilson guides clients through the entire process—from acquiring a SAMS number to getting minority-owned, woman-owned, or veteran-owned certifications. They even provide a tool called BidMatch that populates daily with contracts matching your business profile.
6. Business Plans Are Living Documents, Not Shelf Decorations
The SBDC uses an intuitive tool called LivePlan to help clients build comprehensive business plans. “This should be a document that we’re using every day to make sure we’re on track,” Kindred emphasizes. The business plan houses your research, addresses tough questions about growth, identifies key performance indicators, and serves as your roadmap for scaling.
7. They Offer High-End Training Programs
The SBDC provides specialized training beyond one-on-one consulting, including:
- Profit Mastery: A 16-hour deep dive into understanding and managing your financials
- QuickBooks Training: Supporting the gold standard in small business bookkeeping
- Digital Media Boot Camp: Preparing businesses to leverage digital marketing and social media
- Team Building Training: Helping you manage and develop your staff
- Smart Start Orientation: A 2.5-hour overview for aspiring entrepreneurs
8. They Have Powerful Industry Research Tools
Scaling a business requires data. The SBDC provides access to high-end industry databases like BizMiner, ReferenceUSA, and VerticalIQ. These tools help you understand industry trends, financial ratios, and competitive benchmarks—critical information for making informed growth decisions.
9. International Trade Isn’t Just for Big Corporations
Through the Export Marketing Plan (EMP) program, small manufacturers can explore international markets. The SBDC partners with Select Florida and U.S. Commercial Services to create comprehensive export marketing plans (valued at around $20,000) that identify global markets for your products and connect you to trade missions.
10. They’re Staying Ahead of the Curve
The SBDC recently received grant funding from Verizon specifically focused on artificial intelligence training. Social media specialist Phil Gauldies is developing courses on AI for 2026, ensuring that Treasure Coast businesses stay competitive in an rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
In 2025, the SBDC at Indian River State College:
- Worked with approximately 800 clients
- Provided nearly 5,000 hours of consulting
- Helped 45-46 entrepreneurs start new businesses
- Secured $84 million in government contracts for clients
- Facilitated $21 million in traditional capital access
Getting Started Is Simple
Ready to leverage the SBDC’s expertise? Just pick up the phone and call 772-336-6285. Ask for Xiomara (Xio) Rosales to schedule your initial consultation. You can also email them at FSBDC@IRSC.edu.
Whether you’re just starting out, looking to scale an existing business, exploring government contracting, or preparing for international trade, the SBDC at Indian River State College has the experience, tools, and connections to help you succeed.
As Tom Kindred puts it: “I can tell you it is worth the engagement to come meet with the SBDC.”
Don’t let your business journey feel like swimming in a vast ocean without a guide. The SBDC is here, ready to help you navigate those waters and reach your destination.
For more success stories from Treasure Coast entrepreneurs, check out Tom Kindred’s podcast, Small Biz Florida, which shines a light on local business achievements.
