Many small businesses are asking this very question in light of all the publicity about federal bailouts in the financial community and in the auto industry. Did you know that Congress is working hard to appropriate additional funding to your local Small Business Development Center and its Small Business Resource Network program to assist small businesses in surviving the economic downturn?

In 2008, the SBDC at the University of North Florida received an additional $63,000 in federal funding to increase its capacity and meet increased demand for training, counseling and informative support to area small business owners. That number is anticipated to increase another $77,000 in 2009. These federal dollars will make a difference in the lives of entrepreneurs who use the services that the SBDC and SBRN provide.

That's the good news. The downside is that the SBDC/SBRN must match these federal dollars with cash and in-kind from non-federal sources. UNF, the City of Jacksonville, the City of Ocala and Marion County currently provide the lion's share of match to the program. But, in these difficult budget times, increases in this funding seem highly unlikely. YOU CAN HELP. Private donations to UNF earmarked for the SBDC/SBRN provide the donor a tax deductible contribution and can be used as matching funds for the federal grants, effectively doubling his or her investment in small business.

Consider investing in small business success through the SBDC and its SBRN. Make your contribution to the Friends of the SBDC online at www.sbdc.unf.edu or call (904) 620-2476 for more information.

Janice Donaldson is the regional director of the Small Business Development Center at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. She can be reached at (904) 620-2479 or jdonalds@unf.edu.