Here’s an idea that makes so much sense that it’s surprising it isn’t done everywhere: combine Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), SCORE, chambers of commerce, and related organizations under one roof. That’s what the Disney Entrepreneur Center does in Orlando, FL. 
I wonder if it’s just coincidence that Entrepreneur Magazine included Orlando in its most recent list of the best places to start a business.
I visited there last week, and spoke at a business planning event that included people at the center and people online. Center director Jerry Ross talks about synergy by explaining:
We have 13 organizations here, but only one printer, and one receptionist. We work together.
That makes a lot of sense to me, and it seems to be working. And he doesn’t mean just printers and reception; there’s synergy throughout the building. People from most of those organizations joined me there for my visit last week. I’m a member of SCORE, and my company is a longtime supporter of the SBDC network and of our local Chamber of Commerce, but I’ve rarely seen that much synergy in one place.
(Image: ona1a/Flickr cc)
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I’ve been involved with the Disney Entrepreneur Center since it’s creation 7 years ago. I’m still discovering new resources available to our business community. It’s just an amazing organization led by a true visionary and entrepreneur, Jerry Ross.
They run a great program there. Was lucky to attend the grand opening and it was a hit from Day 1
Thanks for the mention of our center Tim!
It was great having you here to share your experience with our coaches, clients, and staff! Now in our 7th year, we are truly experiencing the power and efficiency of partnerships: from collaborating sponsors and resident organizations, to the leverage in serving the entrepreneur!
What a great idea, having all those resources in one location.