Florida International University

We help small businesses launch, grow and thrive.

Here’s a snapshot of the Florida SBDC at FIU’s service offering, upcoming trainings, and featured stories.

Success Stories

World Truck (Fortpro)

"World Truck: Driving Global Growth with FSBDC at FIU."

Marlon Romero, CEO — Fortpro

World Truck (Fortpro) is a leading provider of aftermarket parts for semi-trucks, heavy trucks, and commercial vehicles. As a division of World Truck Parts, headquartered in Miami, they serve a global market with unmatched efficiency and reach.

Through expert business strategy and export consulting from the Florida SBDC at FIU, World Truck (Fortpro) has accelerated its growth, strengthened its international presence, and achieved remarkable recognition—including being named Entrepreneur of the Year in 2025.

Watch their success story to see how FSBDC at FIU helps businesses expand locally, nationally, and globally.

Webinar Recaps: Here’s What You’ve Missed

Should you need an ADA accommodation to participate in a University event, program, or activity or need to request materials in an accessible format, please contact FIU’s Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Accessibility (CRCA) at 305-348-2785 or accommodations@fiu.edu. All requests for ADA accommodation or accessible materials for this event must be submitted to CRCA at least seven (7) business days prior to the event or at the earliest possible opportunity.

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Small Business – Big Opportunities

Wondering how the Florida SBDC can help your business? Sign up for a no-cost consulting appointment today.

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Upcoming Trainings

GrowBiz Blog

GrowBiz is a blog created by the Florida SBDC at FIU, the small business development center within Florida International University’s College of Business. The center’s team of business experts works one-on-one with about 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners each year by providing confidential, no-cost consulting. The center’s mission is to help South Florida businesses grow and succeed.

Programs

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING

Partner with the Florida APEX Accelerator at FIU to unlock access to federal, state, and local government contracting opportunities.

STUDENT PROGRAMS

The Florida SBDC at FIU partners with student teams to deliver AI-focused consulting projects that can improve operational efficiency and support strategic decision-making for small businesses.

ACCESS TO CAPITAL

From preparing loan applications to connecting you with vetted lenders, our consultants guide you through financing options tailored to your business needs.

START-UP SERVICES

Understand business strategies, access market research, and innovate with confidence through one-on-one consulting and resource support.

Ready to take the next step?

Schedule your no-cost consultation today
and discover how the SBDC at FIU can help you start, grow, and succeed.

Have questions? Our FAQs has the answers!

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Meet Our Team

FIU Consultants

Brian Van Hook

Regional Director Program Administration

Expertise:

Business Continuity & Disaster

Languages:

English

Brian Van Hook is Regional Director of Florida SBDC at FIU. Prior

Jesus Padilla

Assistant Director Administrative Services

Expertise:

Startup & Marketing

Languages:

English & Spanish

Jesus Padilla is Assistant Director of the Florida SBDC at FIU, oversees

Lorna Baez

Assistant Director Administrative Services

Nicole Quintero

Grant Administrator I

Alexis Fox

Marketing and Training Manager

Taylor Henne

Program Coordinator

Cristina Capelo

Coordinator Administrative Services

Cyndy Romero

Client Intake Coordinator

Asma Ben Sidhom

Student Events Assistant

Andressa Olindo Wu

Student Events Assistant

Consultants

Brian Van Hook

Regional Director Program Administration

Expertise:

Business Continuity & Disaster

Languages:

English

Brian Van Hook is Regional Director of Florida SBDC at FIU. Prior

Jesus Padilla

Assistant Director Administrative Services

Expertise:

Startup & Marketing

Languages:

English & Spanish

Jesus Padilla is Assistant Director of the Florida SBDC at FIU, oversees

Emily de Armas

Consultant

Expertise:

Digital Marketing, E-Commerce, Social Media Marketing

Languages:

English & Spanish

Emily de Armas is a native Miamian who began her career in

Luis Batista

Consultant

Expertise:

Government Contracting Strategy, Acquisition, Subcontracting & Compliance

Languages:

English & Spanish

Luis Batista is a Procurement Specialist with more than 25 years procurement

Bonnie Barnes

Consultant

Expertise:

Branding & Communications, AI, Business/Marketing Plans, Financial Growth & Access to Capital

Languages:

English

Bonnie Barnes is a Florida SBDC at FIU consultant, entrepreneur, and director

Shelly Bernal

Consultant

Expertise:

International Business Development & Trade

Languages:

English & Spanish

Shelly Bernal is a Florida SBDC at FIU consultant who understands the

Matthew Block

Consultant

Expertise:

Government Contracting, Bid Preparation, Certifications, Cost Estimation

Languages:

English & Spanish

Matthew Block is a Florida SBDC at FIU consultant that specializes in

Adriana Madrinan

Consultant

Expertise:

Business Models, Strategic Planning, Innovation

Languages:

English & Spanish

Adriana Madrinan is a Florida SBDC at FIU business consultant experienced in

Frederic Bonneau

Consultant

Expertise:

Online Marketing, Social Media, Web Development

Languages:

English, French & Spanish

Frederic Bonneau, MBA, is an experienced online marketing expert with specialization in

Kiomara Hidalgo

Consultant

Expertise:

Global Talent Management, Human Resources

Languages:

English & Spanish

Kiomara Hidalgo has more than 20 years of experience in global human

Lilian Urbandt

Consultant

Expertise:

Startup Assistance, Financial Management

Languages:

English & Spanish

Lilian Urbandt is a Florida SBDC at FIU business consultant who provides

Mark Mungenast

Consultant

Expertise:

Marketing, Sales, Business Development, Strategic Planning

Languages:

English

Mark Mungenast is a Florida SBDC at FIU consultant that specializes in

Myrtha Wroy

Consultant

Expertise:

Government Contracting, Bid Preparation, Certifications

Languages:

English, French and Haitian Kreyol

Myrtha Wroy, MSM, is a senior-level business consultant with expertise in Government

Nancy Hull

Consultant

Expertise:

Growth Acceleration Assistance, Capital Access Assistance, Cash Flow & Business Management Assistance

Languages:

English

Nancy brings to Florida SBDC at FIU with extensive experience in competitive

Nile Kirec

Consultant

Expertise:

Marketing, Branding & Communications

Languages:

English, Turkish and French, with knowledge of Spanish

Nile Kirec is a marketing communications and public relations professional with almost

Ray Juncosa

Consultant

Expertise:

Finance & Access to Capital

Languages:

English & Spanish, with knowledge of Portuguese

Ray is a Florida SBDC at FIU consultant with extensive background in

Ricardo Newark

Consultant

Expertise:

Business Growth & Finance

Languages:

English & Spanish, with knowledge of French, Italian & Portuguese

Ricardo Newark is a Florida SBDC at FIU consultant experienced in finance,

Ricardo Weisz

Consultant

Expertise:

Technology, Innovation & Equity Capital

Languages:

English & Spanish

Ricardo Weisz is a Florida SBDC at FIU consultant who is an

Roberto Castellón

Consultant

Expertise:

Finance, Access to Capital & Business Operations

Languages:

English & Spanish

Roberto Castellaón, MBA, is a recipient of the Florida SBDC Network State

Roslyn Rice

Consultant

Expertise:

Omni Channel Sales Strategies, Strategic Planning, Visual Merchandising

Languages:

English

Roslyn Rice is a collaborative, client-centric business professional experienced in managing multi-million-dollar

Learn More

Visit the Florida SBDC at FIU’s website for more information about their services, locations, and team.
(305) 779-9230 | sbdc@fiu.edu

Learn More

© 2025 - State Designated as Florida's Principal Provider of Business Assistance [§ 288.001, Fla. Stat.] 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. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency.