Press Releases - Florida SBDC.

Florida SBDC at USF Moves Haines City Satellite Office to Ignite

TAMPA (May 18, 2026) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of South Florida (USF) is pleased to announce the relocation of its Haines City satellite office to a new, centrally located space within the Ignite location at 608 Ingraham Avenue, Haines City, FL 33844.

VIgnite location in Haines City

This move, made possible through the continued support and partnership of the Haines City Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the local business community and expanding access to valuable resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

“To promote and strengthen synergistic business development efforts between the SBDC and the Ignite Foundation, the CRA approves that the SBDC’s designated office space will be located at Ignite in downtown Haines City,” CRA Manager/Consultant Dr. Alexander Abraham said. “Co-locating will allow both organizations to more effectively serve entrepreneurs and small business owners through coordinated programming and a unified point of access for the businesses we support.”

Beginning this month, Florida SBDC at USF business consultant Randy Hayes will be available in-person at the Ignite location every first and third Wednesday of each month, by appointment, offering expert guidance tailored to the needs of local entrepreneurs.

The Florida SBDC at USF provides no-cost, confidential consulting services to assist business owners at every stage of development. Areas of support include:

Business startup and planning
Market research and analysis
Training and workforce development
Financial planning and access to capital
Marketing strategies and growth planning

Polk County entrepreneurs, small business owners, and aspiring business leaders are encouraged to take advantage of these services and connect with SBDC resources in their new location. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Randy Hayes, please visit SBDCTampaBay.com

Media contact: Stephanie Ordonez, ordonez25@usf.edu

About the Florida SBDC at USF

The Florida SBDC at USF helps create a better Florida for all by providing businesses the expertise and resources needed to succeed and grow. The Florida SBDC at the University of South Florida is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide partnership program nationally accredited by the Association of America’s SBDCs and funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of War, State of Florida, and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the network’s headquarters. Full funding disclosure available at www.floridasbdc.org/funding-disclosures/. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency. For more information, please visit SBDCTampaBay.com.

Jay Rogers to Keynote 2026 Florida SBDC at USF Annual Business Awards Luncheon

Press Releases

TAMPA, Fla. (March 19, 2026) – On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at USF will recognize businesses from the 10-county Tampa Bay region during the 4^th Annual Florida SBDC at USF Business Awards Luncheon. The 2026 Annual Business Awards will recognize Florida SBDC at USF and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) business award winners for their hard work and dedication during 2025. In addition, Florida SBDC at USF team members will be recognized for their outstanding work.

Jay Rogers

Guests will have a chance to network, visit exhibitor booths, enjoy lunch and hear from keynote speaker Jay Rogers, at the University of South Florida (USF) Marshall Center, located at 4103 USF Cedar Cir, Tampa, FL 33620 (second floor). The event will kick off at 11:30 a.m. with a welcome from Florida SBDC at USF regional director, Carl Hadden, and continue with presentations of small business awards, SBA business awards, network performance awards, and the keynote.

John “Jay” B. Rogers, Jr., CEO & Co-Founder of Haddy, grew up a lover of woodworking, machines, and a student of industry; his grandfather owned the legendary Indian Motorcycle Company, founded concrete and steel giant Texas Industries, and was the first Cummins Engine Distributor in the United States. Rogers’ grandfather is also credited with saving the Public Broadcasting System during the Nixon Administration and co-founding the Children’s Television Workshop, which is best known for Sesame Street. In embracing his family legacy of manufacturing and innovation, Rogers has added his military leadership, entrepreneurship, and education, in order to hand-select a team of co-founders and set forth on a most ambitious plan: Creating Haddy – manufacturer of heroic, beautiful, durable furniture for retailers, to their design, built locally in the most resilient and sustainable manner.

“As we gather again to honor the remarkable achievements of our region’s small businesses, I am reminded of the resilience, creativity, and determination that define our entrepreneurial community,” Florida SBDC at USF regional director, Carl Hadden, said. “Each story we celebrate reflects the powerful impact that dedicated business owners, and the partners who support them, have on our regional economy. We look forward to an inspiring luncheon that recognizes excellence across all award categories and celebrates the collective efforts that strengthen our ecosystem year after year.”

This event is open to the public. Cost is $99 per attendee. For more details, please visit: https://events.blackthorn.io/6g3Q8Wa7/5a1eVOCHQNN

Presenting sponsor for this event: Suncoast Credit Union

About the Florida SBDC at USF

The Florida SBDC at USF helps create a better Florida for all by providing businesses the expertise and resources needed to succeed and grow. The Florida SBDC at the University of South Florida is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide partnership program nationally accredited by the Association of America’s SBDCs and funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of War, State of Florida, and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the network’s headquarters. Full funding disclosure available at www.floridasbdc.org/funding-disclosures/. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency. For more information, please visit SBDCTampaBay.com.

City of Tampa Launches Applications for its Entrepreneur Support Hub

Press Releases

The City of Tampa has officially launched a new initiative funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) called the Tampa Entrepreneur Support Hub. This program will provide a suite of economic development services designed to help microenterprises and small businesses in low to moderate income communities start, strengthen and expand within Tampa.
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Florida SBDC at USF Empowers Small Businesses in Sarasota and Manatee County with No-Cost, Face-to-Face Consulting Services

Press Releases

Scott Carpenter, Florida SBDC at USF Senior Business Consultant

TAMPA (August 27, 2025) — The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of South Florida (USF) expands access to no-cost, face-to-face business consulting services for entrepreneurs and small business owners in Sarasota and Manatee County. These personalized sessions are available with Florida SBDC at USF Senior Business Consultant, Scott Carpenter at the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce every week from Tuesday through Thursday at 1945 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34236 as well as every first Tuesday of the month at the North Port City Hall, located at 4970 City Hall Blvd, North Port, FL 34286.

As for Manatee County, personalized sessions offering professional guidance to help local businesses thrive are available with Florida SBDC at USF Business Consultant, Brad Mix on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at the Manatee Chamber of Commerce’s Lakewood Ranch Office, located at 4215 Concept Court, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211.

Whether launching a startup, scaling operations, or navigating challenges, experienced Florida SBDC at USF business consultants are available to support business owners through their journey with tailored advice in areas such as business planning, market research, capital access, and more.

Andrew Barrow, CEO, Innovative US with Selma Canas, Florida SBDC at USF Business Consultant

Real Success, Right Here in The Community

The Florida SBDC at USF has had the privilege of working with many inspiring entrepreneurs in Sarasota and Manatee County. Here are just a few examples of how our guidance has helped local businesses succeed:

Laser Safety Business Thrives While Protecting Vision and Expanding Globally

Innovative US of Sarasota County

“As we continue to grow our business, we’re looking to the SBDC to help us things with grants. So, for example, we want to do more trade shows and we’re gonna use some of the grant money that’s available to be able to attend trade shows that we think are gonna open up new export potentials in different parts of the world,” Barrows said.

Dana Rothgery, Owner of Clancy’s with Brad Mix, Florida SBDC at USF Business Consultant

From Hostess to Owner – A Bradenton Favorite Gets New Life

Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub of Manatee County

“Since I took over ownership three months ago, my numbers actually have grown. They have improved since going against some projections done over the last few years. I have added a lot more things to every night. So, we’ve been busier. Sales have been up,” Rothgery said.

Andrea Couture, Owner of Intra-State Terrazzo & Concrete with Scott Carpenter, Florida SBDC at USF Business Consultant

Sarasota-Based Company Builds Success from the Ground Up

Intra-State Terrazzo & Concrete of Sarasota County

“So Intra-State Terrazzo has grown since [working with] the SBDC at USF by giving us some good insight and financial management. On implementing marketing strategies and as well as opening up other doors to us and to the market and giving us great data to know where to go from where we are at currently,” Couture said.

These stories reflect the power of partnership and the potential that exists within our community. With the right support, any small business owner can achieve similar success. To learn more visit SBDCTampaBay.com or to schedule a no-cost consultation, please visit https://floridasbdc.org/request-for-consulting/.

For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, contact: Stephanie Ordonez, ordonez25@usf.edu

About the Florida SBDC at USF

The Florida SBDC at USF helps create a better Florida for all by providing businesses the expertise and resources needed to succeed and grow. The Florida SBDC at the University of South Florida is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide partnership program nationally accredited by the Association of America’s SBDCs and funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of Defense, State of Florida, and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the network’s headquarters. Full funding disclosure available at www.floridasbdc.org/funding-disclosures/. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency. For more information, please visit SBDCTampaBay.com.

Florida SBDC at USF Team Members Honored for Service and Excellence at the Florida SBDC Network’s Performance Excellence Awards

Blog, Press Releases, SBDC News

TAMPA (August 21, 2025) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at University of South Florida (USF) proudly announces that several team members were recognized on August 18, 2025 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay during the 2025 Florida SBDC Network’s Performance Excellence Awards, a prestigious statewide event celebrating outstanding contributions across Florida’s nine regional small business development centers.

Aubri Shauger-Haley (far right) with Greg Britton, Florida SBDC State Director, and other winners

“It was a true honor to attend the Florida SBDC Network’s Annual Awards Celebration and recognize our incredible team members for their hard work, dedication, and years of service,” Carl Hadden, regional director of the Florida SBDC at USF said. “Their commitment to supporting small businesses continues to make a lasting impact across our 10-County Tampa Bay region.”

Laura Subel Lifetime Achievement Award: Aubri Shauger-Haley

Aubri Shauger-Haley, MBA, CCA, has been honored with the Laura Subel Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to Florida’s small business community. Shauger-Haley serves as a Business Manager and Procurement Specialist for the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program at Pinellas County and as a Business Consultant for the Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) subcenter. She has helped Florida small businesses secure more than $75 million in government contracts, opening doors to new opportunities and long-term growth.

Ambassador of the Year Award: Stephanie Ordoñez

Stephanie Ordonez (left) with Stacey Dadd, Florida SBDC at USF Associate Director

Stephanie Ordoñez, Communications and Marketing Officer at the Florida SBDC at USF, has been named the Florida Ambassador of the Year. This award recognizes her advocacy and dedication to promoting the resources and services of the Florida SBDC at USF. In her role, Ordoñez leads efforts to raise awareness of the center’s no-cost consulting and training opportunities for small businesses. Through innovative and engaging social media campaigns, she helps amplify the impact of the Florida SBDC at USF in the entrepreneurial community.

In addition, several team members were honored for their years of service: 15 Years: Selma Canas, Kurt Forster, and Yolanda Goodloe; 10 Years: Karen Krymski and Corey McCaster; 5 Years: Greg Manning and Brad Mix. These recognitions reflect the Florida SBDC at USF’s continued commitment to excellence in serving the small business community. Media Contact: Stephanie Ordonez, ordonez25@usf.edu

About the Florida SBDC at USF

The Florida SBDC at USF helps create a better Florida for all by providing businesses the expertise and resources needed to succeed and grow. The Florida SBDC at the University of South Florida is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide partnership program nationally accredited by the Association of America’s SBDCs and funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of Defense, State of Florida, and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the network’s headquarters. Full funding disclosure available at www.floridasbdc.org/funding-disclosures/. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency. For more information, please visit SBDCTampaBay.com.

Florida SBDC at USF Team Members Honored for Service and Excellence at the Florida SBDC Network’s Performance Excellence Awards

Press Releases

Aubri Shauger-Haley (far right) with Greg Britton, Florida SBDC State Director, and other winners.

TAMPA (August 21, 2025) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at University of South Florida (USF) proudly announces that several team members were recognized on August 18, 2025 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay during the 2025 Florida SBDC Network’s Performance Excellence Awards, a prestigious statewide event celebrating outstanding contributions across Florida’s nine regional small business development centers.

“It was a true honor to attend the Florida SBDC Network’s Annual Awards Celebration and recognize our incredible team members for their hard work, dedication, and years of service,” Carl Hadden, regional director of the Florida SBDC at USF said. “Their commitment to supporting small businesses continues to make a lasting impact across our 10-County Tampa Bay region.”

Laura Subel Lifetime Achievement Award: Aubri Shauger-Haley

Aubri Shauger-Haley, MBA, CCA, has been honored with the Laura Subel Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to Florida’s small business community. Shauger-Haley serves as a Business Manager and Procurement Specialist for the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program at Pinellas County and as a Business Consultant for the Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) subcenter. She has helped Florida small businesses secure more than $75 million in government contracts, opening doors to new opportunities and long-term growth.

Ambassador of the Year Award: Stephanie Ordoñez

Stephanie Ordoñez, Communications and Marketing Officer at the Florida SBDC at USF,

Stephanie Ordonez (left) with Stacey Dadd, Florida SBDC at USF Associate Director

has been named the Florida Ambassador of the Year. This award recognizes her advocacy and dedication to promoting the resources and services of the Florida SBDC at USF. In her role, Ordoñez leads efforts to raise awareness of the center’s no-cost consulting and training opportunities for small businesses. Through innovative and engaging social media campaigns, she helps amplify the impact of the Florida SBDC at USF in the entrepreneurial community.

In addition, several team members were honored for their years of service: 15 Years: Selma Canas, Kurt Forster, and Yolanda Goodloe; 10 Years: Karen Krymski and Corey McCaster; 5 Years: Greg Manning. These recognitions reflect the Florida SBDC at USF’s continued commitment to excellence in serving the small business community. Media Contact: Stephanie Ordonez, ordonez25@usf.edu

About the Florida SBDC at USF

The Florida SBDC at USF helps create a better Florida for all by providing businesses the expertise and resources needed to succeed and grow. The Florida SBDC at the University of South Florida is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide partnership program nationally accredited by the Association of America’s SBDCs and funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of Defense, State of Florida, and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the network’s headquarters. Full funding disclosure available at www.floridasbdc.org/funding-disclosures/. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency. For more information, please visit SBDCTampaBay.com.

Tra Williams to Keynote 2025 Florida SBDC at USF Business Awards Luncheon

Press Releases

TAMPA, Fla. (April 8, 2025) – On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, the Florida Small Business Development Center at USF will recognize businesses from the 10-county Tampa Bay region at the 2025 Florida SBDC at USF Annual Business Awards. The 2025 Annual Business Awards will recognize Florida SBDC at USF and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) business award winners for their hard work and dedication during 2024. In addition, Florida SBDC at USF team members will be recognized for their outstanding work.

Guests will have a chance to network, visit exhibitor booths, enjoy lunch and hear from keynote speaker Tra Williams, at the University of South Florida (USF) Marshall Center, located at 4103 USF Cedar Cir, Tampa, FL 33620 (second floor). The event will kick off at 11:30 a.m. with a welcome from Florida SBDC at USF regional director, Carl Hadden, and continue with presentations of small business awards, SBA business awards, network performance awards, and the keynote.

Tra Williams

Williams is a speaker, author, entrepreneur, and nationally recognized expert in entrepreneurship and business strategy. He has been featured and quoted in numerous publications, including Forbes, Bloomberg, and Franchise Times, and he often speaks at conferences and company conventions. In his new book Boss Brain, Tra reveals the shocking truth behind the decline of American entrepreneurship and the impacts this decline has on individuals and communities. Using scientifically-proven research, Tra has supported thousands of entrepreneurs on their journey to self-employment. He currently consults with Municipalities, Economic Development Councils, and Chambers of Commerce to help them create a balance between large-scale corporate growth and a flourishing landscape of small business startups.

“As we go through our day-to-day routines, many of us may not realize we are surrounded by incredible entrepreneurs and the supportive ecosystem that nurtures them.” Florida SBDC at USF regional director, Carl Hadden, said. “We look forward to a festive and informative luncheon as we celebrate entrepreneurs, the people who support them, and welcome keynote speaker Tra Williams to the stage. This event, hosted by the Florida SBDC at USF, celebrates excellence across multiple award categories, including internal SBDC performance excellence awards, regional small business of the year winners, and SBA award recipients.”

This event is open to the public. Cost is $99 per attendee. For more details, please visit https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/2025-florida-sbdc-at-usf-annual-business-awards-5a1eVO6mFPV/overview

Gold sponsors for this event include: Suncoast Credit Union and Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU).

About the Florida SBDC at USF

The Florida SBDC at USF helps create a better Florida for all by providing businesses the expertise and resources needed to succeed and grow. The Florida SBDC at the University of South Florida is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide partnership program nationally accredited by the Association of America’s SBDCs and funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of Defense, State of Florida, and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the network’s headquarters. Full funding disclosure available at www.floridasbdc.org/funding-disclosures/. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency. For more information, please visit SBDCTampaBay.com.

Florida SBDC at USF Adds Satellite Office in DeSoto County

Press Releases

TAMPA (January 13, 2025) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of South Florida (USF) announces its expansion across the 10-county Tampa Bay region with the addition of a new satellite office location. Starting this month, aspiring, emerging, and established business owners in DeSoto County can find their local Florida SBDC at USF consultant in Arcadia, located at the Arcadia Main Street office, by appointment only. Entrepreneurs seeking business guidance will have the opportunity to consult with Florida SBDC at USF business consultant, Stacey Dadd, at no-cost at 17 N Polk Ave, Arcadia, Florida 34266.

Arcadia Main Street

“We are pleased to partner with Arcadia Main Street,” said Carl Hadden, regional director of the Florida SBDC at USF. “This initiative will significantly improve the availability of entrepreneurial support services for both new and established business owners in DeSoto County and the City of Arcadia.”

For more than 45 years, the Florida SBDC at USF has provided no-cost assistance to aspiring, emerging, and established businesses in DeSoto County through consulting, training, and market research.

“With the growth in DeSoto County and the City of Arcadia, the timing of the Partnership with the SBDC could not be more perfect,” Pam Ames, director of Arcadia Main Street said. “Their services will be a true asset to business owners and entrepreneurs alike.”

As the number of DeSoto County entrepreneurs increases, the Florida SBDC at USF will continue helping businesses in need by expanding its reach. DeSoto County entrepreneurs and businesses will have additional access to consultant expertise on areas vital to accelerating business growth, including strategic market research, market expansion, and much more.

Media contact: Stephanie Ordonez, ordonez25@usf.edu

About the Florida SBDC at USF

The Florida SBDC at USF helps create a better Florida for all by providing businesses the expertise and resources needed to succeed and grow. The Florida SBDC at the University of South Florida is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide partnership program nationally accredited by the Association of America’s SBDCs and funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of Defense, State of Florida, and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the network’s headquarters. Full funding disclosure available at www.floridasbdc.org/funding-disclosures/. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency. For more information, please visit SBDCTampaBay.com.

Florida SBDC at USF Blog Named Among Top Business Blogs by FeedSpot

Press Releases

TAMPA (January 10, 2025) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of South Florida (USF) is proud to announce its recognition as one of the top 100 business blogs in 2025 by FeedSpot, ranking #32 on their prestigious list of small business blogs and websites.

This acknowledgment highlights the center’s commitment to providing valuable, actionable insights for small business owners and entrepreneurs across our 10-County Tampa Bay region. The Florida SBDC at USF blog features professional guidance on topics ranging from strategic growth and marketing to disaster recovery and operational efficiency as well as small business success stories and more.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as one of the 100 Best Small Business Blogs and Websites in 2025 by FeedSpot, ranking at #32. This accolade is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our consultants, whose thought leadership drives our content,” Stacey Dadd, associate director of the Florida SBDC at USF said. “We are also deeply grateful to our clients for sharing their inspiring success stories, which are the heart of our blog. Together, we continue to foster growth and innovation within the small business community.”

Visit the Florida SBDC at USF blog and explore the latest articles at https://sbdctampabay.com/blog/ To see the full FeedSpot list, visit: : https://business.feedspot.com/small_business_blogs/?_src=search

Media contact: Stephanie Ordonez, ordonez25@usf.edu

About the Florida SBDC at USF

The Florida SBDC at USF helps create a better Florida for all by providing businesses the expertise and resources needed to succeed and grow. The Florida SBDC at the University of South Florida is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide partnership program nationally accredited by the Association of America’s SBDCs and funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of Defense, State of Florida, and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the network’s headquarters. Full funding disclosure available at www.floridasbdc.org/funding-disclosures/. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency. For more information, please visit SBDCTampaBay.com.

Florida SBDC Network Announces 2024 State Performance Excellence Award Winners

Press Releases, SBDC News

TAMPA (August 22, 2024) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network announced its 2024 State Performance Awards on August 21, during the 2024 Florida SBDC Network Annual Conference. The event was held at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. State award winners from the Florida SBDC at USF region were acknowledged in multiple categories including, Region of the Year, Florida State Star of the Year Award, Capital Access Lifetime Achievement Awards, Laura Subel Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Florida Student Graduate Project of the Year Award.

“Throughout the year, I’ve witnessed the unwavering dedication of the Florida SBDC at USF team as they support our business community and boost our local economies,” Carl Hadden, regional director of the Florida SBDC at USF said. “Attending the Florida SBDC Network Awards is truly inspiring, as it celebrates the remarkable achievements of my colleagues, from years of service to lifetime achievements, and student projects. I am honored to work alongside such passionate and professional individuals and partner organizations who strive for excellence every day.”

Florida SBDC Network Announces 2024 State Performance Excellence Award Winners — Florida SBDC at USF team receiving Region of the Year award.

SBDC Region of the Year Award: Florida SBDC at USF

The Florida SBDC at University of South Florida (USF) has been awarded the Region of the Year Award. As Florida’s trusted principal provider of business assistance, Florida SBDC helps small businesses launch, grow, and thrive through expertise, resources and advocacy. Serving Desoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota Counties, the Florida SBDC at USF region delivered substantial consulting and training services in 2023 that resulted in a significant return on investment. Professionally certified business consultants delivered 21,481 hours of consulting to 3,401 entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Figure 2 Yolanda Goodloe — Yolanda Goodloe

Florida State Star of the Year: Yolanda Goodloe

Yolanda Goodloe is a government contracting consultant at the Florida APEX Accelerator at Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED). During the awards luncheon at the Florida SBDC Network’s Annual Conference, Goodloe was awarded the Florida Star of the Year Award for helping Florida small businesses access substantial amounts of capital. With a remarkable 14-year journey marked by unparalleled dedication and expertise, consistently exceeding expectations and driving substantial results. Moreover, her expertise in government contracting has opened doors for businesses, resulting in a total of $127,267,600.09 in government contracts secured. With 21 businesses successfully launched under her guidance, Goodloe’s time as a business consultant embodies the essence of fostering entrepreneurship and driving sustainable economic growth within the Florida SBDC Network.

Capital Access Lifetime Achievement Award: Selma Canas

Selma Canas is a Florida SBDC at USF business consultant and international trade specialist. During the awards luncheon at the Florida SBDC Network’s Annual Conference, Canas was awarded the Capital Access Lifetime Achievement Award for helping Florida small businesses access more than $50 million in capital in 2023. Canas is a NASBITE International Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) and teaches courses on international trade basics and market research at the Florida SBDC at USF. For export-ready companies, she develops Export Marketing Plans in partnership with SelectFlorida. She has developed more than 40 plans during the past eight years and participated in trade missions to Brazil, Chile, Canada, the Dominican Republic, and Panama.

Laura Subel Lifetime Achievement Award: Janette Blanco

Janette Blanco serves as an assistant director at the Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County. During the awards luncheon at the Florida SBDC Network’s Annual Conference, Blanco was awarded the Laura Subel Lifetime Achievement Award for helping Florida small businesses obtain more than $50 million in government contracts. In addition to her procurement expertise, Blanco holds a Strategic Management Performance System certification from the George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership, a Master Compliance Administrator certification from the American Contract Compliance Association, a Yellow Belt certification from the International Association for Six Sigma Certification, and Post-Crisis Leadership and Diversity, Equality, Inclusion certificates, both from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business.

Laura Subel Lifetime Achievement Award: Karen Krymski

Karen Krymski serves as a government contracting consultant for the Florida APEX Accelerator at USF. During the awards luncheon at the Florida SBDC Network’s Annual Conference, Krymski was awarded the Laura Subel Lifetime Achievement Award for helping Florida small businesses obtain more than $50 million in government contracts. Krymski assists clients in data driven identification of potential government clients, identifying contracting vehicles that may or may not be available to them and how that may impact their federal marketing, understanding relationship building in the agencies and how that influences contracting, and explaining teaming and sub-contracting and how to work with prime contractors. She has helped clients secure more than $250M over the course of her Florida APEX Accelerator at USF career, thus far.

Dinner Done! Owner and the University of Tampa student team

Florida Graduate Student Team Project of the Year: Dinner Done!

University of Tampa graduate students Alberto A. Contreras, Michael Pettijohn, Samuel J. Akers, Yaridis L. Garcia, and Juan Fernandez Garcia-Barrero in collaboration with Dinner Done!, led by Audra and Daniel Nasser, were awarded the Florida Graduate Student Team Project of the Year Award during the Florida SBDC Network’s Annual Conference this year. Tasked with navigating the competitive landscape of shippable food products and ready-to-cook meals, the team invested over 540 hours into market research and strategic planning. Their efforts culminated in four key recommendations: strengthening organizational infrastructure, implementing a value-based pricing strategy, redefining brand identity, and optimizing customer relationship management. Through their dedication and expertise, these students have left an indelible mark on Dinner Done!’s growth trajectory.

Debra Schweikowsky (fifth) and Scott Carpenter (sixth) alongside other award winners

Service Year Awards: Debra Schweikowsky and Scott Carpenter

Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) business consultant, Debra Schweikowsky, and Florida SBDC at USF business consultant, Scott Carpenter, were also recognized with service year awards for their five years of hard work and commitment to the Florida SBDC Network.

Media Contact: Stephanie Ordonez, ordonez25@usf.edu

About the Florida SBDC at USF

The Florida SBDC at USF helps create a better Florida for all by providing businesses the expertise and resources needed to succeed and grow. The Florida SBDC at the University of South Florida is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide partnership program nationally accredited by the Association of America’s SBDCs and funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of Defense, State of Florida, and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the network’s lead host institution. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals.

Florida SBDC at USF Moves Haines City Satellite Office to Ignite

Jay Rogers to Keynote 2026 Florida SBDC at USF Annual Business Awards Luncheon

City of Tampa Launches Applications for its Entrepreneur Support Hub

Florida SBDC at USF Empowers Small Businesses in Sarasota and Manatee County with No-Cost, Face-to-Face Consulting Services

Florida SBDC at USF Team Members Honored for Service and Excellence at the Florida SBDC Network’s Performance Excellence Awards

Florida SBDC at USF Team Members Honored for Service and Excellence at the Florida SBDC Network’s Performance Excellence Awards

Tra Williams to Keynote 2025 Florida SBDC at USF Business Awards Luncheon

Florida SBDC at USF Adds Satellite Office in DeSoto County

Florida SBDC at USF Blog Named Among Top Business Blogs by FeedSpot

Florida SBDC Network Announces 2024 State Performance Excellence Award Winners

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