FORT MYERS, FL [OCT. 27, 2025] — Dear Southwest Florida Business Community,
It is with both gratitude and mixed emotions that I share my decision to step down as Regional Director of the Florida Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University this November to assume the role of State Director for the Connecticut SBDC Network. Serving our region has been an extraordinary privilege, and I am profoundly proud of what our team has accomplished together.
Since 2022, we have worked to expand access and impact for small business owners throughout Southwest Florida. We opened new offices in Cape Coral and Punta Gorda, extended our services to LaBelle to support rural communities, and forged a new partnership with the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce to better serve Collier County. Our center was recognized nationally with the 2024 Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award from the SBA and the South Florida District SBDC of the Year Award. We introduced the CEO XChange program, revitalized the Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards, and are laying the groundwork for an AI Forum for Small Businesses in early 2026.
Each milestone belongs to the talented team at the Florida SBDC at FGCU and to the business owners who entrusted us to be part of their journey. Your resilience and determination have been the most inspiring aspect of my work. As I take on this new chapter, I carry with me deep respect and affection for this community and the university that made it possible to serve you. The SBDC at FGCU is in excellent hands, and its mission to help businesses launch, grow, and thrive remains as strong as ever.
Thank you for the honor of allowing me to be part of your success.
Warmly,
Dorian Zwierewicz
Regional Director
Florida SBDC at FGCU
