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June 2023

The APLU recently appointed a representative from FAU to serve in an official committee role for the first time.

FAU Takes Seat on Prestigious APLU Committee  The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) recently appointed 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, as a committee member. This is the FAU's first time on the committee. “I am honored to work with this selected group of professionals with expertise in international, economic and community engagement,” Marín Ruiz said. “This is the foundation for enhancing our economy with the support of higher education institutions.” Read more.

New Center The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) opened a new Business Recovery Center (BRC) location in Fort Lauderdale at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center on June 11. At the new center, customer service representatives will assist Floridians applying for SBA disaster loans for losses due to severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred on April 12-14.   It will close July 7 at 6 p.m. Learn more.

Client Success: Ocean Education and Conservation Sara Alshareef, Ph.D, consultant with Florida Small Business Development Center at FAU, helped Sea the Reef organization, which uses uses art and underwater exploration to empower South Florida youth, many of whom have never seen the ocean before Recently, it was featured in the news for World Oceans Day. "Always appreciative of you supporting me from the start!" said Alexa Simeone, founder and creative director of the organization, in regards Alshareef. "The best news is the city has said yes to funding the program for another round." Watch the news. Photo: Alexa Simeone, founder and creative director, Sea the Reef, with student

Business Spotlight: Meeting Medical Needs Perry Baromedical, a medical device company in West Palm Beach, Fla.,, began working with the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at FAU and consultant Debbie Lanford, to explore international expansion for the company. Beginning 2015 with an export marketing plan, Lanford provided market research, data and analytics to identify best opportunities throughout the world along with resources and a strategic plan, said Michael RIchards, senior vice president of Perry Baromedical.   Since then, the company has implemented the plan and utilized numerous trade grants to meet with buyers in new markets with the support of the U.S. Commercial Service and the SBDC, he said. "The consulting services Debbie provided along with the international trade programs certainly contributed to a positive impact to our bottom line," Richards said. Photo: Michael Richardson, senior vice president, Perry Baromedical

Small Business Success Summit The Flori da 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. Register here.

Find the full list of consulting services here.

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 Action plan and priorities to address the new normal and re-opening strategies 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 Learn more.

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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.

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.