I took a few minutes today to update my website with two new pages: New Projects and Certifications. In my first six months as a research consultant, I have had four projects funded and have been certified as a woman owned enterprise by Hillsborough County (Tampa) where I’m also an established vendor.

Upon leaving the University, I was offered a courtesy appointment as a Research Assistant Professor. I plan to submit larger, federally funded contracts through the School of Aging Studies. I continue to serve on a doctoral committee and work with colleagues on writing projects.

I am registered with Florida both as doing business as Aging Research Group and as a vendor. And I joined the Chamber of Commerce in Gulfport, Florida.

The processes of running a small business are in place. I found health insurance that was more affordable than the COBRA policy and liability insurance required by some entities. I established a PO Box in neighboring St. Petersburg to handle mailed surveys. I have subcontracted work to eight women, most of whom were former students or colleagues who had already demonstrated their high caliber work. And I have learned the ups and downs of bidding on projects as a consultant rather than as part of a state university.

It has been a good six months. I am looking forward to completing the current projects and adding new ones at a regular clip!