Florida SBDC Network Clients, NomineesWin SBA Awards

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.