The Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida (USF) recently received the prestigious 2024 Region of the Year award at the State Performance Awards during the annual conference of the small business network. This recognition highlights the outstanding work and dedication of the Florida SBDC at USF team in supporting the local business community and boosting the economies of the region.
Led by regional director Carl Hadden, the Florida SBDC at USF region also received several other state awards, including the Florida State Star of the Year Award, a Capital Access Lifetime Achievement Award, the Laura Subel Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Florida Student Graduate Project of the Year Award. These accolades showcase the team’s commitment to excellence and their significant contributions to the success of small businesses in the area.
The event where these awards were presented took place at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Carl Hadden expressed his pride in the team’s achievements, stating, “Throughout the year, I’ve witnessed the unwavering dedication of the Florida SBDC at USF team as they support our business community and boost our local economies.”
Attending the Florida SBDC Network Awards is a truly inspiring experience for Carl Hadden and his colleagues. The event celebrates the remarkable achievements of individuals within the network, from years of service to lifetime accomplishments and student projects. Hadden emphasized his honor in working alongside passionate and professional individuals and partner organizations who strive for excellence every day.
The Florida SBDC at USF was awarded the Region of the Year for its exceptional delivery of consulting and training services in 2023, resulting in a significant return on investment for small businesses in the region. The center provides expertise, resources, and advocacy to help small businesses launch, grow, and thrive. Serving ten counties including Desoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota, the region’s certified business consultants delivered over 21,000 hours of consulting to more than 3,400 entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Selma Canas, a business consultant and international trade specialist at the Florida SBDC at USF, was honored with the Capital Access Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding work in helping Florida small businesses access over $50 million in capital in 2023. Canas, a NASBITE International Certified Global Business Professional, teaches courses on international trade basics and market research at the center. She has also developed Export Marketing Plans for export-ready companies and participated in various trade missions.
Other honorees at the event included Yolanda Goodloe, Janette Blanco, Karen Krymski, a USF graduate student team, Debra Schweikowsky, and Scott Carpenter, who were recognized for their contributions and achievements in various areas of small business development and support. These awards reflect the dedication and expertise of the individuals and organizations within the Florida SBDC network in helping small businesses succeed and thrive in the state.
