The distance from Immokalee to Naples or Bonita Springs has long been a hardship for Immokalee business people who seek the services of the Small Business Development Center. It is not easy for Entrepreneurs to find the time to make the hour-long trek to an SBDC facility and the hour-long trek back. This problem was solved in July when Julio Estremera joined the SBDC staff. The SBDC was awarded a $20,000 grant from the Technical Research and Development Authority from NASA, which funded the SBDC to hire Julio.
Julio, who speaks English and Spanish, will provide on-site counseling on the premises of Florida Community Bank. The bank, located at 1400 N. 15th St.. in Immokalee, will provide a private office for confidential counseling each Tuesday and Wednesday.
Julio describes his goals in Immokalee in terms that speak of awareness, growth potential and success. "I want business people to understand what professional counseling can do for their businesses, how to make their businesses grow and prosper. I especially want to encourage women and minorities to understand that Entrepreneurship can be a career for them."
Julio brings years of small business experience to the SBDC team. Educated at Rutgers University in New Jersey, he spent over twenty years in franchising. He is the Co-Founder of the Dunkin Donuts locations in Collier County and spent over five years building his locations into successful operations. He understands the needs and challenges of small business and he is determined to help.
Barbara Cacchione, Enterprise Community Coordinator for the Empowerment Alliance of SW Florida, commented, "That one-to-one assistance is what we really need to get small businesses up and growing. Julio's knowledge as well as being bi-lingual is a major asset."
Appointments can be made to meet with Julio through the Small Business Development Center at 948-4040 or by calling Florida Community Bank at 657-3171.
