Archive for category: Press Releases

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.