Bill > S0224

This bill mandates that the Florida Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC Network), which is the state's primary resource for small business assistance, must operate in accordance with federal laws and regulations, as well as a specific regulation from the Board of Governors (the governing body for Florida's state universities). Businesses receiving support services from the SBDC Network will be required to participate in assessments to track their progress, and the network must provide matching funds equivalent to certain state funding it receives, with at least half of this match being in cash. The bill also introduces a pay-per-performance incentive system for regional SBDCs, funded by a portion of state appropriations, which will reward centers based on job creation and the efficiency of their services, while also prohibiting poorly performing regional centers from receiving funds. Additionally, the bill clarifies the purpose of the SBDC Network to focus on for-profit, privately held businesses and establishes a statewide advisory board with specific representation from the private sector and relevant organizations to guide the network's operations and policies.