The JEDC assists small business owners with obtaining loans or grants through local, state and federal programs. It also guides businesses in using innovative financing alternatives. Contact Joe Whitaker at 904-630-1624 or e-mail josephw@coj.net.

In addition to the JEDC, there are many partner resources within Jacksonville to assist small businesses. The following is a listing of these partners. Also, visit the JEDC business resource web page for information on incentives, workforce training and financing programs.

• Beaver Street Enterprise Center - Operate quality incubator facilities and provide intensive management and technical support, business – planning assistance with marketing, financing and networking. http://www.bsecenter.net/ 
  
  
• Better Business Bureau of Northeast Florida - Provide reliability reports on local and national companies for use in selecting ethical business partners. Also provide dispute-resolution services to resolve conflict between a business and customer. http://www.jacksonville.bbb.org/index-2.html
   
• Business Development Corporation of Northeast Florida, Inc. - Provides small business applicants with access to capital via pre-qualification and loan packaging for a variety of Small Business Associations loan products and services. http://www.bdcjaxnfl.org/ 
  
  
• First Coast African-American Chamber of Commerce - Works in conjunction with other local minority development organizations to help provide technical and managerial assistance. http://www.fcaacc.org/
  
  
• Florida Community College at Jacksonville (FCCJ) Small Business Programs - Offers certificate program that gives participants assistance in writing a business plan they can take to the bank.  Also provides intensive training in marketing and accounting. http://www.fccj.edu/
  
  
• Florida Community College at Jacksonville (FCCJ) Small and Emerging Business Training & Development Program - Offers all of the training necessary to participate in the City of Jacksonville's procurement process.  Courses are free to businesses that meet the City's definition of a small and emerging business. http://www.fccj.edu/campuses/north/smallbusiness/index.html
  
  
• Florida's First Capital Finance Corporation (FFCFC) - Is a Certified Development Company which provides small business financing assistance throughout Florida by offering SBA and State of Florida loan programs. http://www.ffcfc.com/
  
  
• First Coast Micro-Loan Program - Provides capital to micro businesses that may not meet the qualifications of traditional banking in institutions.  Also provides training and assistance in business planning, financial management and marketing. Contact: Tanya Douglas, (904) 924-1100 ext 223.
  
  
• Essential Capital (Formerly JEDCO) - Encourages economic growth by making SBA loans to allow business owners to buy, build, remodel or purchase machinery and equipment with a minimum investment. http://www.essentialcapital.net/
  
  
• Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce Small Business Center - Provides counseling, assistance and workshops in the following areas:  research for starting your business, access to capital and selection of business locations and expansion. http://www.myjaxchamber.com/general.asp?id=244
  
  
• Jacksonville Women's Business Center - Training, mentoring, consulting, networking women-owned businesses in all stages of development. http://www.myjaxchamber.com/general.asp?id=334 
  
  
• National Association of Minority Contractors, North Florida Chapter - Provides job placement services for student who successfully complete instructional programs for the specialized crafts of carpentry, masonry, plumbing, electrical and construction crew leadership.  Contact: William Truitt, (904) 766-9299.
  
  
• Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) Small Business Center - Assists in securing contracts with local, state and federal government.  Provides counseling free of charge to any Florida firm, but a minimal fee may be charged for special services or workshops, funded through the Department of Defense and the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce. Contact: Paul Arrington, (904) 924-1100 ext 231.
  
  
• SCORE - Offers confidential, one-on-one counseling by one of 40 local volunteers dedicated to helping to start and grow small businesses.  Practical advice offered by retired business owners or managers with expertise in various industries. http://www.score.org/ 
  
  
• Small Business Resource Network - Help small businesses achieve greater success by referring them to local and qualified accountants, attorneys, lenders, insurance professionals or business consultants who provide free information. http://www.sbrn.org/
  
  
• UNF Small Business Resource Center - Sponsors workshops on business start-up basics, a HELP desk and a business library for potential business owners.  Certified business analysts meet with business owners at no charge to provide a confidential sounding board and can connect clients with helpful resources, provides management assistance with financial analysis, market analysis, business planning, management audits and more. http://www.sbdc.unf.edu/ 
  
  
• U.S. Small Business Administration - Provides new and established business owners with financial management, technical and procurement assistance.  The SBA is a federal agency established to aid, counsel and assist and protect the interest of small business and strengthen the overall economy of the nation. http://www.sba.gov/
  
  
• Women Business Owners of North Florida - Provides support to women in all stages of business ownership.  Hosts 5-6 monthly meetings for networking and business education,  Does not directly provide any loans, grants, economic assistance or capital investment.  Sponsor of Woman Business Owner of the Year awards program. http://www.jaxwbo.org/ 
  
  
• WorkSource - WorkSource Provides recruiting assistance, labor market research and training partnerships.  No-cost electronic job postings and career events hosted throughout the region. http://www.worksourcefl.com/