The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) mid-Year Strategic Planning Meeting, with Gregg Fields, Ph.D., pictured center, along with award winners, Gigu Chazu to the left, Angel Rentas to the right, and other members of the team. |
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2023 Awards
The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at FAU recently held the mid-year strategic planning meeting. During that time, two awards were presented by the Vice President of Research, Gregg Fields, Ph.D.
For her contributions, Gigi Chazu was awarded the 2023 Regional Volunteer of the Year. Chazu is an economic development professional who joined SBDC to open the first satellite center in the City of Deerfield Beach and to be the liaison for the business community and the resources provided by the Innovation and Business Development programs at FAU. "Gigi has been a positive addition to the team, actively participating in meetings and fully engaged in enhancing business start, growth, and success across the region," said Sandra D. Marin Ruiz, Ed.D., assistant vice president and regional director, Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at FAU and APEX Accelerator for FAU.
Angel Rentas was awarded the 2023 SBDC Consultant of the Year, for his professionalism and outstanding support to the team. Rentas is a capital access professional, "whose dedication to connecting lenders with clients is outstanding," said Marin Ruiz, and "Angel is a key contributor toward the network goal and has excelled year after year in achieving and exceeding his goals." Rentas has 35 years of banking and finance experience as a bank officer and portfolio manager serving private and public corporations. His main expertise is in Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan programs.
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Business Success: Alucci Barber Salon and Wellness
After working as a hair stylist for 35 years, Doreen Keraghan opened her own business in Pompano Beach. "It's more than hair when you come to a salon you get a relationship with your clients," Keraghan said.
To get help with financing, she contacted the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at FAU and worked with consultant Andrea JohnBaptiste, who has served as a development consultant to businesses, nonprofits, and communities since 2006.
"It's scary opening a business, and it's comforting knowing you have someone you can contact," she said. "Any question I had I could contact Andrea."
Photo: Alucci Barber Salon and Wellness owner, Doreen Keraghan
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Small Business Success Summit
The Florida SBDC Network will host the Small Business Success Summit, Aug. 2 and 3 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
The summit features keynote speakers, breakout sessions and networking opportunities that give small businesses strategies and connections to grow.
Keynote speakers include Jordan Crenshaw, senior vice president, U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Technology Engagement Center, and Kristen Hadeed, writer and speaker, who helps leaders, teams, and organizations around the world embrace their humanity.
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Summit Mash Up
As part of the Small Businsss Summit, the Florida SBDC Network is will host a Mash Up event, during which representatives from entrepreneurial service providers and accelerators from across the state will be available to share information and resources.
Participating organizations include FAU Tech Runway, Cybersec Investments, and United States Patent and Trademark Office, among other.
Be sure to join!
When: Aug. 3, 2023 from 1-5pm; Networking reception to follow 5-6:30pm
Where: Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Las Olas Foyer
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Virtual Marketing Plan
Participate in one or more sessions of direct consulting to define the scope of the virtual marketing plan. Receive a comprehensive plan that includes an analysis of the current state of your business with strategies to address the new business environment:
- Current and recommended marketing strategy
- Target markets, marketing channels, advertising
- Analysis of competitors, brands, social media, website, email marketing, e-commerce platforms and customer segment
- Small Business Innovation Research programs
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Established and Growing Businesses
The Florida SBDC at FAU has expanded to provide education, training and specialized services to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. As a result, it is introducing confidential consultation packages focused on speeding up recovery efforts for small businesses located in Broward and Palm Beach counties
- Government contracting
- Re-opening plans
- Virtual marketing
- Growth acceleration
- Business emergency preparedness
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Still have questions? As always the SBDC at FAU is here for you, contact your lead consultant directly, or set up a consultation with a consultant here.
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The Florida SBDC at Florida Atlantic University is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide service network funded in part through cooperative agreements with 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 lead host institution; and nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs. SBA's funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions or services. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the Florida SBDC at FAU: sbdc@fau.edu.
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