News & Events
Updates, events, and insights from the Florida SBDC at FGCU
Pure Country WAFC Interview w/ Andrea Walker
Florida SBDC at FGCU Business Consultant Andrea Walker joins Pure Country WAFC Mornings with Moore to discuss how the SBDC supports Southwest Florida entrepreneurs through no-cost consulting, practical training programs, and resources designed to help small businesses start, grow, and succeed. Andrea shares insights on navigating today’s business landscape while highlighting current opportunities and programs…
Florida SBDC Network Honors Sutumed for Excellence in Student-Driven Strategy
Sutumed Corp., a US subsidiary of Lima, Peru-based multinational medical device manufacturer Unilene and a Southwest Florida manufacturer of high-quality surgical sutures and meshes, was recognized through the Florida SBDC Network Statewide Undergraduate Student Project of the Year Award, honoring an exceptional collaborative effort between Sutumed and Florida Gulf Coast University’s Global Business Strategy &…
A Message from Dorian Zwierewicz—Our SBDC at FGCU Regional Director
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…
Books on Third Celebrates Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening
October 10, 2025 marked an exciting milestone for Naples’ newest independent bookstore, Books on Third, as founders Shan and Lindsay celebrated their official ribbon cutting ceremony surrounded by family, friends, and community supporters. The celebration continues with the grand opening on October 11, 2025, welcoming readers from across Southwest Florida to experience this beautiful new…
Are You Lender Ready? SBA + SBDC Special Workshop
Securing capital is one of the biggest hurdles small businesses face and preparation is the difference between a door opening and it staying closed. That’s why the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in partnership with the Florida SBDC at Florida Gulf Coast University, has launched the Are You Lender Ready? series, a program designed to…
Kelsey’s Treasure Bunche Beach Yoga & Cleanup Event Marks One-Year Anniversary
Fort Myers, FL – [October 4, 2025] – What began as a small grassroots gathering has grown into a vibrant and meaningful community tradition. Kelsey’s Treasure Bunche Beach Yoga & Cleanup Event, a client of the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), will celebrate its one-year anniversary on Saturday,…
The 2025 Small Business Success Summit
Our SBDC staff spent two day in Tampa, participating in the fourth annual Florida SBDC Network SBDC Small Business Success Summit! This electrifying event brought together small‑business warriors at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay for two days of big ideas and bold connections! From inspiring keynotes to breakout sessions that cracked open fresh strategies, attendees…
Welcome to Our New Assistant Directors!
The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Florida Gulf Coast University is proud to announce the internal promotion of Elizabeth Goldbach and Suzanne Specht to the role of Assistant Director, a strategic restructuring that strengthens our mission, improves regional coverage, and elevates the daily support available to our consultants and clients across Southwest Florida….
Bank OZK Supports SWFL Small Businesses with Generous Contribution
Last Wednesday, July 16, the Florida SBDC at FGCU was honored by Bank OZK President of Commercial Banking, Jeremy Fioravanti, along with Business Banking Leader Ehren McGeehan and Business Banking Relationship Manager Gennadiy Berlyand, with the presentation of a $5,000 donation to support the center’s ongoing efforts to provide training services and opportunities to small…
The SBDC Celebrates Business Leadership in SWFL
Florida SBDC at FGCU Honors Five Outstanding Entrepreneurs at 13th Annual Ceremony The Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University proudly hosted the 13th Annual Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards, a sold-out event that brought together business leaders, community partners, and supporters from across the region. Held to recognize the resilience, innovation, and leadership of…