Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) -The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state's principal provider of small business assistance, announces the selection of Jerry Martin as the regional director of the Florida SBDC at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), effective today, July 6.
“Jerry Martin brings a proven track record of leadership, innovation, and measurable impact that aligns seamlessly with the mission of the Florida SBDC Network,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “His experience and vision will strengthen the Florida SBDC at FGCU and further enhance our ability to support small business growth and economic vitality across Southwest Florida.”
Martin joins the Florida SBDC Network with more than 30 years of experience developing and growing revenue-generating programs, advancing technology commercialization initiatives, managing intellectual property portfolios, and implementing global business strategies. Most recently, he served as associate director of the SBDC Center at Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he helped drive innovation and entrepreneurship while supporting the growth of small businesses throughout the region.
“I am honored to join the Florida SBDC at Florida Gulf Coast University and return to my home state to serve Southwest Florida’s small business community,” said Martin. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place, working alongside our talented team and regional partners to help entrepreneurs launch, grow, and innovate. As the region continues to emerge as a hub for technology and entrepreneurship, I’m excited to strengthen partnerships and expand opportunities that drive economic growth and long-term success for Florida’s small businesses.”
As regional director, Martin will provide strategic leadership for the Florida SBDC at FGCU, overseeing operations across its five-county service area and guiding consulting, training, and business assistance in alignment with the strategic priorities of the Florida SBDC Network and FGCU’s Lutgert College of Business.
“FGCU’s Lutgert College of Business is glad to welcome Jerry Martin as the new regional director of the Small Business Development Center,” said Dr. Christopher Westley, dean of Lutgert College of Business at Florida Gulf Coast University. “He brings great experience in promoting small business, licensing, regulatory compliance, and even high-tech corridors that will add value to one of the fastest-growing and most exciting regions in the state SBDC network. His leadership, knowledge, and ethics will complement the good work of his dedicated and talented SBDC colleagues in Southwest Florida.”
The Florida SBDC at FGCU serves entrepreneurs and small businesses across Southwest Florida through no-cost, confidential consulting, training, and access to market research resources. In 2025, the center delivered more than 12,426 consulting hours to 1,358 businesses, helping clients secure $60 million in capital formation and $73.1 million in government contracts. These efforts contributed to the creation of more than 2,000 jobs and generated $338.2 million in sales growth.
The Florida SBDC at FGCU is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide organization that provides consulting, training, and research services to help Florida’s small businesses launch, grow, and thrive. Hosted statewide by the University of West Florida (UWF), the Florida SBDC Network partners with Florida’s universities, colleges, and economic development organizations to deliver professional business assistance across the state.
For more information, please visit https://sbdc.fgcu.edu/
