Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, is pleased to announce the keynote speakers for the fourth annual Small Business Success Summit, which will be held August 18-19 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.
The 2025 Small Business Success Summit will bring small business owners, experienced Florida SBDC Network consultants, knowledgeable experts, and valued partners together to share information to help business owners take their business to the next level. The event will feature keynote speakers Erik Qualman, five-time #1 bestselling author, and Jess Ekstrom, two-time bestselling author and creator. "We’re excited to welcome Erik Qualman and Jess Ekstrom as keynote speakers at this year’s Small Business Success Summit," said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. "Their insight and experience will be invaluable as we explore this year’s theme: The Power of Small Business – Driving Change, Creating Opportunity. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, fueling innovation, transforming communities, and opening doors to opportunity. Erik and Jess exemplify the resilience, creativity, and leadership it takes to thrive and make a meaningful impact." Qualman has spoken in 55 countries and reached 50 million people. His Socialnomics work has been featured by various media and used by the National Guard and NASA. His book Digital Leader propelled him to be voted the second Most Likeable Author in the World behind the Harry Potter series. He is a professor of Digital Leadership at Northwestern University and former sitting professor at MIT and Harvard’s edX labs. His keynote address, Transforming Your Future…Today, will explore how small businesses can confidently embrace the fast-changing digital world, especially with AI on the rise. Qualman will break down what today’s technologies mean for small businesses and how they can use them to grow stronger, connect with customers, and build a future-ready team. Two-time bestselling author and Forbes Top Rated keynote Jess Ekstrom has inspired audiences around the world with her work in social entrepreneurship and women’s leadership. She turned a $300 grant into Headbands of Hope, a company that provides headbands to kids with illnesses. Since launching, the company has donated millions of headbands around the world and is now the official headband provider for the NBA and WNBA. Her second venture, Mic Drop Workshop, helps empower women to share their message as public speakers and authors. Ekstrom has been featured on TODAY, Good Morning America, People Magazine, and in a global Canva campaign. Her keynote address, Making It Without Losing It, will explore how to create motivation that lasts. She will discuss how deeper internal connection—not external rewards—drives fulfillment, innovation, and sustainable success. Event registration is $300, with a discounted early bird rate of $250 available until July 18. The Florida SBDC Network wishes to thank its 2025 sponsors and partners: Florida First Capital, Square, The Florida High Tech Corridor, Florida Business Exchange, Suncoast Credit Union, Cyber Florida, FloridaMakes, the Jim Moran Institute, Florida Chamber of Commerce, and Florida Trend. For more information about the Small Business Success Summit, event speakers, sponsorship opportunities, and to register, please visit https://floridasbdc.org/success_summit/.
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 Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, is proud to share its 2024 economic impact results, highlighting another banner year of empowering entrepreneurs and driving statewide economic growth.
With more than 40 offices statewide, the Florida SBDC Network delivers professional consulting, training, and market research at no cost, helping thousands of small business owners make better business decisions and reach their business goals. In 2024, the network provided over 107,000 hours of consulting to more than 15,000 clients, helping Florida’s small business community achieve: · $304 million in capital secured · $732 million in government contracts awarded · 19,800 jobs impacted · $3.8 billion in increased sales · 1,019 new businesses launched “These numbers represent more than just data - they tell the story of our team and the determination of Florida’s small businesses,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “They reflect dreams realized, jobs created, and communities strengthened.” The Florida SBDC Network is proud to be the first choice for small businesses in need of more than just information, but meaningful, results-driven professional guidance and expert advice. Their attributed success confirms that Florida SBDC services are cost-effective and deliver a significant return on investment. The Florida SBDC Network remains laser-focused on collaborating with our strategic partners to move the needle on the success rate of our small business community, prioritizing our efforts to help small businesses build legacies for Florida’s families for years to come. For more information about the Florida SBDC Network’s impact in 2024, visit https://floridasbdc.org/results/. Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, is pleased to announce that seven small business clients and nominees have won awards for their outstanding performance, advocacy, and economic contributions from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of National Small Business Week.
“I am incredibly proud of this year’s winners and grateful for the role they play in driving Florida’s economy forward,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “They are innovators, job creators, and community builders, and this recognition from the SBA is well deserved. It is an honor for our team to support them on their journey.” Clients and partners of the Florida SBDC Network recognized as state and district-level award winners are: Small Business Person of the Year North Florida District Vivian (Viv) Andrew Helwig, Vested Metals International Client of the Florida SBDC at UNF Woman-Owned Small Business Person of the Year State of Florida & North Florida District Amanda Gaskin, Ultimate Health Direct Primary Care Client of the Florida SBDC at UCF Veteran-Owned Small Business Person of the Year State of Florida & North Florida District Chad Drummond, Drummond Carpenter, PLLC Client of the Florida SBDC at UCF South Florida District Patrick V. Mack, PVM IT Client of the Florida APEX Accelerator at Pinellas County Economic Development Exporter of the Year State of Florida & South Florida District David Thomas Habib, Yo Mama’s Foods Co Client of the Florida SBDC at USF Small Business Development Center of the Year State of Florida & South Florida District Florida SBDC at University of South Florida Community Partner of the Year State of Florida & South Florida District Prospera Nominated by Florida SBDC at FIU National Small Business Week runs May 4 - May 10, 2025. Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of the country’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. To learn more about National Small Business Week, please visit www.sba.gov/nsbw.  Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance, will celebrate the ninth annual National SBDC Day Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
SBDC Day is a national, collective celebration of the success and impact that America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) foster each year. On SBDC Day, SBDCs nationally will share, in real time, the success stories and notable impacts SBDCs collectively have on the small business community at large. This special day will be celebrated with social media campaigns, proclamations, events, and other initiatives. SBDCs are a key resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. With nearly 1,000 locations across the country, SBDCs are in every community providing local businesses and entrepreneurs with the resources needed to succeed. America’s SBDCs provide measurable economic results - in 2024 SBDCs nationally helped generate 80,995 new jobs, $6.6 billion in sales, $6.49 billion in capital, and helped businesses start 15,794 new businesses. Founded in 1976 as one of the first SBDCs in the nation, the Florida SBDC Network will celebrate 50 years of helping Florida’s small businesses launch, grow and thrive next year. Hosted statewide by the University of West Florida, the Florida SBDC Network is the largest provider of assistance for small businesses in Florida. Through its team of expert business consultants and staff, the network offers no-cost consulting, training, and educational resources to help businesses across diverse industries—including manufacturing, technology, hospitality, and professional services—launch, grow and thrive. “Florida’s 3.3 million small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “On SBDC Day, we celebrate their resilience, innovation, and contributions to our communities. Thanks to the support of our stakeholders and partners, we remain committed to our mission of empowering business owners with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.” In 2023, the Florida SBDC Network provided 111,720 hours of consulting to more than 14,800 small businesses, resulting in business owners securing $346 million in capital, securing more than $575 million in government contracts, impacting 19,263 jobs, increasing sales by over $3.9 billion, and creating 1,058 new businesses. Autumn Blum, founder and CEO of Stream2Sea, created her reef-safe sunscreen and body care line after witnessing the environmental harm caused by traditional sunblocks. As she grew her Hardee County-based business, she turned to the Florida SBDC at USF for help securing local economic development grants and developing a strategic business plan. With ongoing support, including marketing guidance and capital access assistance, Stream2Sea has experienced rapid growth—doubling revenue almost every year and expanding from one to 17 employees. Now launching on cruise lines and reaching new markets, Blum continues to rely on the Florida SBDC at USF to help scale her business and strengthen her role as an entrepreneur. To learn more about SBDC Day and to join the celebration, please visit https://floridasbdc.org/sbdcday/.  Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, encourages small businesses to participate in Small Business Saturday, which will be held Saturday, November 30, and urges consumers to support small businesses during this day and throughout the holiday season.
Created by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday serves as the ceremonial kickoff to the holiday shopping season for small businesses across the United States. Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and strengthening communities across the country. In 2023, U.S. reported projected spending among customers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reached an estimated $17 billion according to the 2023 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey commissioned by American Express. Additionally, of those surveyed, 61% strongly agree that they found a small business or independently owned restaurant on Small Business Saturday where they are likely to return and become a regular customer. “When you shop small, you’re doing more than making a purchase—you’re investing in your neighbors and strengthening your community,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “The Florida SBDC Network invites everyone to support local businesses by shopping small this Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday season.” The Florida SBDC encourages consumers to consider shopping small this holiday season. Some reasons to shop small include:
The network encourages small businesses to consider participating in Small Business Saturday. Some ways to participate include:
Small businesses and consumers may learn more about Small Business Saturday and how to get involved by visiting ShopSmall.com.  Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance, is pleased to announce that Greg Britton, state director, has been named among the state’s most influential business leaders by Florida Trend for the third consecutive year.
This week, the magazine published the “Florida 500” list, which highlights the 500 most influential business leaders in Florida. According to Florida Trend, “this immense research initiative by the editors of Florida Trend has resulted in a personal, engaging look at the state’s most influential business leaders.” “It’s an incredible honor to be named once again to the Florida 500 list alongside so many influential leaders across our great state,” said Britton. “The Florida SBDC is an organization dedicated to the success of Florida's small businesses. As a Florida business owner myself, I'm privileged to be in a position where I can support entrepreneurs in achieving their dreams and accomplishing the unimaginable.” The nominees were selected based on hundreds of interviews, months of research, and input from economic development organizations, professional associations, among others. Britton has more than 25 years of experience in aviation, medical, oil and gas, and high-tech commercial production manufacturing. He has served as the state director of the Florida SBDC Network since 2021, where he leads the statewide network of more than 225 consultants and staff members across nine regions. In his role, Britton provides strategic vision and oversight in the continued success of Florida’s principal business assistance organization for small and medium-sized businesses. Prior to his time with the Florida SBDC, Britton was Director of the Division of Strategic Business Development at the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). He is a former member of the University of West Florida Board of Trustees and State Advisory Board of the Florida SBDC Network. To learn more about this year’s Florida 500 recipients, please click here. ###  The Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance, along with the Florida APEX Accelerator recently announced the recipients of its annual staff awards.
The awards, which were presented at the network’s annual conference August 20 in Ponte Vedra, are the highest recognition bestowed by the network to staff members, partners, and volunteers. “It’s a privilege to honor this year’s award winners for their remarkable commitment to advancing small businesses across Florida,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “These individuals work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of small business owners and their communities. We congratulate this year’s winners and are proud to highlight their inspiring contributions.” The Florida SBDC Region of the Year Award was presented to the Florida SBDC at University of South Florida for their outstanding work to help small businesses in South Florida. In 2023, the region delivered more than 21,000 hours of assistance to help more than 3,400 clients. As a result, they helped client businesses secure more than $207 million in government contracts, start 179 new businesses, secure more than $60 million in capital and supported more than 4,400 jobs. The Florida State Star Award was presented to Yolanda Goodloe from the Florida APEX Accelerator at Pinellas County Economic Development. The Florida State Star award is the highest accolade achievable by employees, recognizing extraordinary performers who have made strong contributions to their state network. This year’s award was presented to Goodloe for her contributions to the Florida APEX and SBDC network and her unparalleled dedication, consistently exceeding expectations. The Florida Alan Cowart Pioneer Award was presented to the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida for their Reverse Trade Show. The Reverse Trade Show is the marquee event hosted by the UCF team every year and offers an opportunity for active APEX clients, second-stage SBDC clients in government, and small businesses not yet connected to the SBDC to network with government agencies and prime contractors. The Florida Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to Jesus Padilla from the Florida SBDC at Florida International University for his efforts in increasing client engagement, exceeding goals, and his work with the Miami-Dade Community Navigator program. The State Office Distinguished Service Award was presented to Ann Dziadon, Executive Assistant, for her outstanding involvement and above and beyond work to ensure brand consistency and provide the highest level of service to SBDC clients and staff. The Florida Rising Star Award was presented to Donna Jarrett from the Florida SBDC at Florida Gulf Coast University. This award, which recognizes employees under the age of 35 with less than five years of service, was given to Donna for her outstanding contributions to the region's annual women's business conference, Women Excelle. The Florida Team Spirit Award was presented to Steve South from the Florida APEX Accelerator at the University of Central Florida. Steve was honored for his contributions and leadership during the transition from Florida PTAC to Florida APEX Accelerator. The network presented two Florida Student Project of the Year Awards, which recognize student team projects from an SBDC region that created the most significant experiential learning opportunity for the student(s) while providing SBDC client value. The undergraduate student project winner was the Florida SBDC at UWF / Taste of Pensacola. The graduate student project winner was the Florida SBDC at USF / Dinner Done. The Florida Resource Partner of the Year Award was presented to FloridaCommerce for their advocacy of Florida’s small businesses and continued support of the Florida SBDC Network. The Florida Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Mark Szaks, owner of Trust Environmental. Szaks was selected for his outstanding outreach, partnership, and commitment to the Florida SBDC at UNF region and small business community. The network also recognized staff in three categories of lifetime achievement awards. These awards were presented to staff for their outstanding capital access, new business starts, and government contracting impact during their tenure with the network: Capital Access Lifetime Achievement Awardees:
Laura Subel Government Contracting Lifetime Achievement Awardees:
New Business Starts Lifetime Achievement Awardees:
Regional and Service Year Awards are also presented to exemplary employees for making significant contributions to their respective SBDC regions and for achieving service year milestones. Service Year Awardees:
The Florida SBDC Network wishes to thank its 2024 event sponsors and partners: Florida First Capital Finance Corporation, Florida Power & Light, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Valley Bank, Suncoast Credit Union, Embrace Resorts, Veterans Florida, CareerSource Florida, Florida Business Exchange, Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida Economic Development Council, Square, South State Bank, FloridaMakes, Florida Trend, Prospera, St. Johns Chamber of Commerce, North Florida Economic Development Partnership, Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer, and Thryv Foundation. Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, and FloridaMakes have renewed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support Florida’s small manufacturers.
The Florida SBDC Network and FloridaMakes have nourished a longstanding partnership. Through this MOU, the two will continue their partnership to provide greater access to and awareness of Florida SBDC Network and FloridaMakes training and resources for small manufacturers in Florida. The agreement will foster greater communication, cross-referrals, understanding of each other’s services, and collaboration on training and programs for small manufacturers across the state. “FloridaMakes’ long commitment to strengthen and advance Florida’s economy by improving the productivity and technological performance of small manufacturers compliments our mission of ensuring our state’s small businesses have the expertise and resources to succeed,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with FloridaMakes to help more of our state’s small manufacturers grow and create more good paying jobs for Florida’s families.” “The vast majority of Florida’s manufacturers are small businesses," said Kevin Carr, CEO of FloridaMakes. “The Florida SBDC Network is often the ‘first responder’ in helping those firms overcome the many business challenges they face. The partnership with FloridaMakes complements those efforts by extending that expertise to the production floor and throughout their supply chains” Through this agreement, both parties will work together in the spirit of cooperation and open communication with the primary goal of meeting the needs of the small manufacturing business community in Florida. This partnership will help facilitate programs, events, and mutual partnerships to serve qualified small manufacturing businesses and provide access to the network of Florida Small Business Development Centers and FloridaMakes manufacturing assistance programs. FloridaMakes is a statewide, industry-led, public-private partnership operated by an alliance of Florida's regional manufacturers associations with the sole mission of strengthening and advancing Florida’s economy by improving the competitiveness, productivity and technological performance of its manufacturing sector, with an emphasis on small and medium-sized firms. Established in 1976, the Florida SBDC Network is the state’s principal provider of business assistance. The network provides no-cost consulting, training, and research to help aspiring and existing small businesses launch, grow and thrive. As part of its service offering, the network employs more than 225 consultants and staff members, many of whom are previous business owners, to help businesses in all aspects of business - from business planning to exit planning. The MOU was signed by Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network, and Kevin Carr, CEO of FloridaMakes, in Orlando during a FloridaMakes Board of Directors meeting. |
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