FSBDCN State Office: Nine Florida SBDC Network clients and nominees from across the state have won awards from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for their outstanding contribution to the state’s economy.
As part of National Small Business Week, the SBA annually recognizes small business owners, entrepreneurs, and advocates from all 50 states and U.S. territories for driving job creation and economic growth. The Florida SBDC Network is pleased to recognize nine of the 2014 SBA Small Business Award recipients who are clients and/or nominees at the Regional, State and/or District levels.
Small Business Person of the Year
State of Florida Winner
Dr. Amir Varshovi, Green Technologies, LLC, Gainesville
Client nominated by the Florida SBDC at the University of North Florida
Small Business Exporter of the Year
Regional, State and North Florida District Winner
Carlton Smith, Heavy Equipment Resources of Florida, Inc. (HERO), Jacksonville
Client nominated by the Florida SBDC at the University of North Florida
Woman-Owned Small Business Person of the Year
State and North Florida District Winner
Jing Zhou, Interventions Unlimited, Inc., Oviedo
Client nominated by the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida
Small Business Financial Advocate of the Year
State and North Florida District Winner
Jennifer Hodges, SunTrust Bank, Winter Park
Nominated by the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida
Veteran-Owned Small Business Person of the Year
North Florida District Winner
Jack Corthell, Aircraft Engineering & Installation Services, Inc., Orlando
Client nominated by the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida
Small Business Media Advocate of the Year
North Florida District Winner
Patrick Faherty, Citrus County Chronicle
Nominated by the Florida SBDC at the University of North Florida
Small Business Veteran-Owned Business of the Year
State and South Florida District Winner
Moses Harvin, American Services Technology, Inc., Rockledge
Client of the Florida SBDC at Eastern Florida State College
Minority-Owned Small Business Person of the Year
State and South Florida District Winner
Patricia Bonilla, Lunacon Engineering, Miami
Client of the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida and previous client of the FSBDC Miami
Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) of the Year
2014 National Winner
VBOC at Gulf Coast State College, Panama City
Brent Peacock, Director
Nominated by the Florida SBDC at Gulf Coast State College
“It is an honor to recognize the achievements of these exceptional small business leaders and advocates,” said Michael Myhre, CEO and Network State Director for the Florida SBDC Network. “These innovative companies and partners play a key role in stimulating economic development – helping our state and nation move forward.”
For more than 50 years, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week – a time to celebrate and recognize the achievements and dedication of the nation’s entrepreneurs and innovators. This year’s celebration will run May 12-16, 2014 with events being held across the country.
National Small Business Week will conclude in Washington, D.C. on May 16th. Varshovi, President of Green Technologies, LLC, will join Small Business Person of the Year winners from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico at the ceremony where one will be selected as the 2014 National Small Business Person of the Year. Brent Peacock, Director of VBOC at Gulf Coast State College, will also attend the awards ceremony to accept the award on behalf of the organization. VBOC is a special service of the Florida SBDC Network.
Florida SBDC National Small Business Week Events
Florida SBDCs are hosting a number of events and functions across the state to honor winners and to help small businesses grow and succeed.
- During the week of May 12-16, the FSBDC at USF will participate in a number of events, including an “Ask-the-Experts” Session, Branding Your Business for Success, and the 27th Annual Government Small Business Conference.
- The FSBDC at FGCU will host number of events, including its annual Summer Kickoff Tradeshow on May 14th, a Small Business Celebration Luncheon on May 16th, and the 3rd Annual Distinguished Entrepreneur Award on May 21st.
- The FSBDC at UNF in Jacksonville will host its 22nd Annual Small Business Week Celebration on May 22 to honor North Florida’s small business leaders, lenders and supporters. The event will feature a keynote by Joe Abraham, professional entrepreneur and author of Entrepreneurial DNA.
- The FSBDC at UCF will honor Orlando-area Small Business Week winners at a special event on May 20th at the Citrus Club.
- In support and recognition of National Small Business Week, the Florida SBDC at IRSC will host Empowering & Honoring Today’s Entrepreneurs on June 3, an informational seminar geared towards growing a business and successfully operating and/or starting a business.
About the FSBDC Network
For over 35 years, the Florida SBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations, dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with management and technical assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state.
In 2012, the Florida SBDCs served approximately 38,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 47,845 jobs created, retained and saved at a significantly low cost of $112 per job; $6.3 billion in sales growth; $235.2 million in capital accessed; $588.4 million in government contract awards; and 744 new businesses started. For every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC program, $40 was returned to the state in tax revenue.
A statewide service network of 40 centers with 60 outreach locations, the Florida SBDC Network is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida, and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the Network's designated lead host institution. The Florida SBDC Network is state designated as Florida's principal provider of business assistance and is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs.
