The Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at FIU Business held the first Business At Its Best Awards, honoring entrepreneurs and small business leaders for their innovation and achievement during the 2025 National Small Business Week.
Held May 8, 2025, at the Herbert and Nicole Wertheim Performing Arts Center, the event drew hundreds of members from the business community who gathered to celebrate the dedication and success of some driving South Florida’s dynamic local economy.
Event guests had the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders and discover valuable business resources and support programs offered by FIU, FIU Business, the FSBDC at FIU Business and other community partners in Miami-Dade County.
“Small businesses are the engine of our economy in Miami-Dade County. These small business and partner awardees have made a big impact in our communities, inspiring current and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to grow their own businesses,” said Brian Van Hook, regional director of the FSBDC at FIU Business. “Their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to community deserves recognition and FSBDC at FIU is proud to shine a light on these major accomplishments.”
The awards and honorees spanned multiple categories:
- Entrepreneur of the Year – Marlon Romero, World Truck Parts – An exceptional business owner demonstrating outstanding leadership, innovation and growth.
- 305 Client of the Year – Vickie Lopez, Venus Builders – Celebrating a Miami-Dade small business that has shown significant progress and success through engagement with the SBDC at FIU.
- Small Business Spotlight Award – Gilad and Anabelle Savion, Lavior Pharma – Honoring a small business that has demonstrated remarkable perseverance and success in its industry.
- Woman-Owned Business of the Year – Fania Carter, Sterile Services – Recognizing a woman-led business that has made a significant impact in the community.
- Manufacturer of the Year – Eduardo Castellanos, Grain Machinery Corporation – Celebrating a manufacturing business in Miami-Dade County that has showcased excellence in production, innovation and economic impact.
- FIU Student Entrepreneur of the Year – Olbin Gil, Mango – Recognizing an FIU student who is making strides in entrepreneurship while pursuing their education.
“Receiving the Manufacturer of the Year Award from the SBDC at FIU is a deeply meaningful milestone for us,” said Eduardo Castellanos from Grain Machinery Corporation. “It represents not just our commitment to quality and innovation, but also the resilience and heart behind everything we do. This award honors the legacy of our past, the dedication of our present team, and the vision we carry forward into the future – proudly manufacturing in the USA.”
To access photos from the event, please visit our Flickr album.
To learn more about the FSBDC at FIU Business, visit: go.fiu.edu/sbdc