TAMPA (January 8, 2014) – BankUnited, N.A. presented the Florida SBDC at University of South Florida with a $10,000 donation today, to be used in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
“Our partnership with the SBDC at USF is a direct investment in small businesses within the community,” John Lang, Assistant Branch Manager of BankUnited’s Tampa Henderson location, said. “We know the SBDC is doing great work with small businesses and we are looking forward to being able to assist start-up businesses in western Florida.”
The funds are meant to help fund participation in the SBDC’s Entrepreneurship Academy for entrepreneurs, particularly in north Sarasota and south Manatee counties.
The Entrepreneurship Academy consists of a series of eight classes and ends with participants being assigned to consultants for personal guidance in their business ventures.
“At the end of eight weeks they have a good idea of what it takes to open and run a business. It’s not just for start-ups but also people already in business,” Ed Davis said. Davis is a consultant subcontractor for the Florida SBDC at University of South Florida-SM. “Participants have a working business plan at the end,” he added.
Regional Director of the Florida SBDC at USF, Eileen Rodriguez, is looking forward to yet another partnership in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
“We are excited about our new partnership with Bank United,” Rodriguez said. “We will use these funds to provide additional resources in Sarasota and Manatee counties as we launch our new sub-center with University of South Florida-Sarasota-Manatee.”
The Florida SBDC at USF is in the process of opening new locations in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Pictured: BankUnited partnered with the Florida SBDC at USF to assist with its operations in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Pictured from left are Eileen Rodriguez, FSBDC at USF Regional Director; Yanina Rosario, FSBDC at USF Associate Director; John Lang, BankUnited Assistant Branch Manager for Tampa Henderson location; and Ana Morejon, of BankUnited. Photo by David De Pombo, FSBDC at USF.
