Florida SBDC at USF

🚨 Happening Today: Disaster Preparedness Webinar for Small Businesses

Small business owners: disaster recovery starts before disaster strikes. Join FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency today, June 23, from 1:00–2:30 p.m. EDT for the Small Business Disaster Series, part of their ongoing Small Business Disaster Preparedness Series.

This webinar will share critical information and resources to help small businesses successfully navigate disaster recovery situations and build resiliency before, during, and after disasters.

We’re also proud to share that Florida SBDC Network State Director Greg Britton will be speaking during today’s session. 🙌

Don’t wait until a storm is on the radar — prepare your business today.

➡️ Register Now: https://fema.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_83QTPTNBRiagYrzOSSiREw #/registration

🌀 As part of your disaster plan, identify and prioritize your most business operations. What functions are essential to staying open? Which can be paused if needed? Mapping out responsibilities by department can help you clearly define what matters most.

Once identified, rank your operations as , important, or non-essential so you can respond quickly and effectively in an .

Need help? Explore resources and support at https://bit.ly/SBDCDisasterResources

Our USF offices will be closed today, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. For more information on our no-cost consulting visit our website: SBDCTampaBay.com 🚀

Our government contracting consultant, Moriah Fobbs, had the opportunity to speak at the 2026 Suncoast Small Business Conference & Tempo News Business Luncheon in Sarasota County! 🙌

Fobbs presented on Federal Government Contracting, highlighting how small businesses can tap into opportunities to create additional revenue streams — and, most importantly, how to get started.

She also connected with local small business owners and resource partners, and attended the awards luncheon recognizing inspiring business leaders, , and community organizations making an impact in the region.

Thank you to the Suncoast Small Business Conference and Tempo News for bringing together such a dynamic group of business champions.

Learn more about our no-cost government contracting services: SBDCTampaBay.com/APEX

Growth happens when partners come together 🤝 This week, our Associate Director, Yanina Rosario, attended and spoke at the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce’s Accelerator Ready: Programs & Pathways for Growth at Suncoast Credit Union, sharing resources and pathways that help small businesses move forward with confidence.

We’re grateful to connect alongside community partners and colleagues including Javier Marin, MBA-IB, CEcD, CGBP with the City of Tampa, Fabian Yepes with Prospera USA West Coast, and Letta Perez with the City of Tampa.

Collaboration is key to building a stronger small business ecosystem across — and we’re proud to be part of the conversation. 🚀 SBDCTampaBay.com

☕ Hot breakfast. 🤝 Meaningful connections. 🏫 Real opportunities with local school districts

Join the Florida APEX Accelerator at USF for 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗖𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁: 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗼𝗼𝗿𝘀 — 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗩𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗿𝘀 on Tuesday, July 16, from 7:30-9am at USF Research Park in .

Hear directly from supplier development, procurement, and purchasing leaders from Pasco County, Florida, Government and Hillsborough County, Florida Government school districts as they share what small businesses need to know to successfully navigate contracting — including requirements, upcoming opportunities, tips, prime contractor connections, and how to position your business for future work.

📍 USF Research Park, 1st Floor Classroom
3814 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612

💵 Cost: $15
🍳 Full breakfast + networking: 7:30 a.m.
🎤 Program: 8:00 a.m.

‼️Space is limited and registration is required — save your seat today:
bit.ly/GovCon_SchoolDistricts

Also get a chance to meet our Florida APEX Accelerator team including, Karen Krymski and Moriah Fobbs.

Sponsored by Suncoast Credit Union, USF Research Foundation, and Bass, Berry & Sims PLC.

The Florida APEX Accelerator is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of War.

🌟 Community, connection, and conversations that help businesses grow!

Earlier this month, our Senior Business Consultant, Randy Hayes, represented the Florida SBDC at USF at the 3rd Annual Minority Business Expo hosted by The Well. Hayes spent the day tabling, connecting with entrepreneurs and resource partners, and serving as a panelist to answer questions on best practices for starting and growing a business. 💼🚀

From sharing insight on regional business resources to providing an overview of the no-cost consulting and support available through the Florida SBDC at USF, Hayes helped shine a light on the tools can use to move their businesses forward. 💡

We were also glad to connect with community leaders and partners including Howard Smith, CRA Director for City of Bartow, a Florida Municipality CRA; Schainada Cherichel, Loan Intern with BBIF; and Dee Strange-Gordon, retired MLB player. 🤝⚾

➡️ SBDCTampaBay.com

Our Florida SBDC at USF team was proud to attend University of South Florida Supplier Development and Engagement’s celebration welcoming President Moez Limayem!

Associate Director Yanina Rosario, Moriah Fobbs, Selma Canas, and Eileen Rodriguez had the opportunity to connect with small businesses working with USF’s Office of Supplier Development and Engagement and hear from graduates of the SDE Mentor Protégé Program.

We’re always excited to support meaningful connections that help small businesses grow, collaborate, and thrive. 💚💛

Also pictured:
USF President, Dr. Moez Limayem
USF Supplier Development and Engagement, Assistant Vice President
Director, Economic Inclusion at Tampa Bay Chamber, Meaza Stewart-Morrison

➡️ Learn how we can support your business: SBDCTampaBay.com

📻✨ Our Florida SBDC at USF business consultant, David Vargas, recently joined Super Q 1300 Radio program “Desde el Colmado” with host Mrs. Yohanna Santos of Corona's Coffee Shop and Restaurant!

Vargas shared valuable information for entrepreneurs about the wide range of resources available through the Florida SBDC at USF — from starting and growing a business to planning for the future. He also highlighted an important reminder: hurricane season is here, and preparation is key for keeping your business resilient. 🌧️🌀

Whether you’re navigating everyday business challenges or planning ahead for the unexpected, the Florida SBDC at USF is here to help entrepreneurs move forward with confidence.

Learn more and connect with our team today!
➡️ SBDCTampaBay.com

Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning at USF Research Park for our GovCon Networking Breakfast!

A special thank-you to our sponsors and Richard Arnholt, Partner with Bass Berry & Sims PLC, for sharing timely insights on the “Revolutionary FAR Overhaul,” small business federal contracting goal updates, the status of the 8(a) program audit, DEI Executive Orders, and what these changes may mean for government contractors.

We’re proud to help connect Tampa Bay businesses with the expert guidance and resources they need to navigate the landscape with confidence.

Missed today’s session? Check out training calendar for the next GovCon Networking Breakfast: SBDCTampaBay.com/Training-Calendar

Suncoast Credit Union