HarmonBK

Antonette Harmon began her business, HarmonBK, with a simple suggestion from a family member who saw promise in the cleaning industry. Inspired by the idea, Antonette conducted thorough research, filed documents properly through SunBiz, and officially launched the business in November 2020.

Early on, Antonette set her sights on government contracting and spent over a year learning independent contracting. Recognizing the need for expert guidance, she turned to the Florida SBDC and APEX Accelerator at UNF, whose support was crucial in navigating those initial steps.

Antonette’s background in human services and organizational management provided a strong foundation for her business. Her experience as a counselor taught her to recognize unspoken needs, reinforcing her belief in the importance of clean, supportive work environments. Her academic training equipped her with essential skills in administration and business planning, which proved invaluable in navigating government procurement and maintaining certifications.

Starting the business wasn’t without its challenges. Networking was difficult at first, especially being new to the industry and naturally introverted. Learning the complexities of government bidding and proposal writing was another steep hurdle. Financing the startup independently required careful budgeting and unwavering persistence.

The Florida SBDC and APEX Accelerator at UNF was a vital resource throughout HarmonBK’s journey. Antonette worked closely with her consultant, meeting regularly to discuss strategy and marketing.  The training events also offered through the SBDC helped build essential knowledge. When asked about the SBDC, Antonette doesn’t hesitate to recommend it to other business owners. “I would absolutely recommend the SBDC to other business owners.  Their team was always available when I had questions or needed direction.”

Today, HarmonBK offers commercial cleaning and portable sanitation services to a diverse clientele, including local, state, and federal agencies. Antonette’s cleaning services cover retail spaces, medical facilities, physical therapy centers, and schools, while their sanitation units—both standard and ADA-accessible—serve government contractors across the country.

The SBDC and APEX Accelerators helped me build a strong foundation for my business and understand how to scale at a steady and manageable pace. The support I received allowed me to break down the complex parts of running a business into smaller, more digestible pieces.

Antonette Harmon, owner HarmonBK