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 were buzzing with innovative ideas to ignite growth and seize new opportunities. And let’s not forget the show‑stealing Reverse Trade Show! We saw bold entrepreneurs engage with powerhouse government agencies and prime contractors that were ready to play!
During the first evening, our staff enjoyed the 2025 Performance Excellence Awards Program, and we were humbled and grateful that our center at FGCU was given special recognition. We were honored to receive the award for Student Project of the Year, AND It’s official (!!!😲!!!). . .
When it comes to team spirit, nobody does it like our very own, and very wonderful, Debbie Lanford! Winner of the 2025 Team Spirit Award, Debbie brings unmatched enthusiasm, positivity, and a collaborative spirit that inspires everyone around her. A certified business consultant specializing in export marketing, international expansion, and growth strategies, Debbie shares her expertise not only through one-on-one consulting but also by teaching seminars on international trade and market research. She doesn’t chase the spotlight, but her talent, knowledge, and genuine warmth light up every room, making her not just a trusted consultant, but the kind of teammate who makes work feel like a joy.
