FFCFC Tops in North Florida

Florida First Capital Finance Corporation was recognized by the SBA’s North Florida District Office as the top Certified Development Company (CDC) at the annual SBA Awards Luncheon held yesterday, May 12th.

The Awards luncheon is jointly sponsored by the University of North Florida’s Small Business Development Center, the banking community and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s North Florida District Office (NFDO). More than 250 lenders and economic development personnel from the Jacksonville area attended.

Wilfredo J. Gonzalez, SBA District Director, said in presenting the award, “The Certified Development Companies are one of the conduits through which the SBA can provide assistance in economic development throughout North Florida. Florida First Capital Finance Corporation is one of the most aggressive users of the 504 Loan Program.”

FFCFC had been responsible for 78 SBA 504 loan projects out of a total for the District of 183 during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004. Todd Kocourek, President and CEO of FFCFC noted, “The next highest total reported by a competitive CDC was 51 with the remainder divided among other CDC’s. We are extremely pleased to be recognized as the dominant SBA 504 CDC in North Florida. Our staff works diligently to make this SBA loan product available in every one of the 43 counties in North Florida and it is their efforts that made this award possible.”

Kocourek further commented, “Our projects totaled $78,428,225 for 78 expanding small businesses and made it possible for these businesses to create 705 new jobs. This is real, measurable economic development assistance.”

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