The specific economic development programs of the Council consist of loans to small businesses through the Business Development Corporation (BDC) of Northeast Florida Inc., economic impact analysis with REMI computer software, and support of both regional and multi-state nature-based tourism efforts. In addition, the Council supports the efforts of the local economic development organization in each of its counties and encourages intra-
regional cooperation in the promotion of economic development.

The Business Development Corporation serves as a Certified Development Company (CDC) authorized by the U.S. Small Business Administration. It offers participant financing with many state and nationally-known lenders through its SBA 504 loan program as well as through consulting and packaging services for the SBA's 7a program. The BDC also assists in disaster-recovery financing throughout Florida, often utilizing its experience to assist those in critical need of bridge financing. BDC is a statewide lender that includes the Council’s seven counties under its original authority. BDC has over 50 years of combined financial institution and SBA lending experience on staff and prides itself on being an integral part of economic development statewide.

Activities

•  Business Development Corporation (BDC) of Northeast Florida
  
•  Economic Impact Analysis with the Northeast Florida REMI Model (Regional Economic Models, Inc.)
  
•  Ecotourism – Northeast Florida Eco/Heritage Tourism Committee; U.S.17/A1A Coastal Heritage Corridor;
   St. Johns American Heritage River Steering Committee

Contacts

BDC Executive Director
Steven E. Mahaven (904) 279-0850 info@bdcjaxnfl.org

Economic Impact Analysis - REMI
Walter Bowman (904) 279-0885 ext.168 wbowman@nefrc.org

Tourism - Planning & Development Administrator
TBD