The Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at FIU Business has been recognized as the Florida SBDC Network Center of the Year for 2022.
In 2021, the FSBDC assisted 2,050 clients, providing over 20,660 consulting hours. FSBDC at FIU consultants also led the state network in access to capital and business launches.
“It means a great deal for our team to receive statewide recognition from the Florida SBDC Network for our efforts in the community,” said Brian Van Hook, regional director, FSBDC at FIU. “Our team of mission-driven consultants and support staff have increased assistance to businesses in Miami-Dade County and Monroe County in recent years. I am extremely proud to see the center’s hard work recognized in such a big way.”
The award recognizes the regional team for its contribution to the network’s strategic goals, mission and vision; exceeding service and performance expectations; and demonstrating a strong commitment to small business through the network’s values and beliefs.
“They exceeded their performance goals, secured a highly competitive grant, and built meaningful partnerships to expand their footprint in underserved communities and across the Miami-Dade region as a whole,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network.
The FSBDC began offering services in Miami-Dade County in 2014 and expanded to Monroe County in October 2018. It provides no-cost consulting and guidance on topics including financial management, business strategy, access to capital and market analysis. The center has 30 business specialists in Miami-Dade and the Keys.
“FSBDC is Florida's leader in working with small entrepreneurial firms,” said William Hardin, dean of FIU Business. “Brian and his team provide high-quality consulting and services that allows Miami-Dade to remain competitive in attracting, growing and retaining businesses.”
The Florida SBDC Network State Office also highlighted that FSBDC secured the $2.5 million SBA Community Navigator grant for Miami-Dade County. The center, which serves as a hub in partnership with six other community organizations, received the only Community Navigator grant in Florida and was one of 51 awards nationwide.