FAU Small Business Development Center reports 97 businesses helped through Davie partnership; training and workshops planned
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Summary
FAU’s SBDC reported assistance to 97 businesses through the Town of Davie partnership, secured about $184,000 in government contracts for clients and outlined planned workshops on manufacturing, onshoring, trade and leadership skills.
The Town of Davie heard an update on its partnership with the Florida Atlantic University Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
Leona Henry, the town’s development administrator, introduced Rafael Cruz, assistant director of the FAU SBDC. Cruz said the town’s program aided 97 businesses over the past year and that 13 SBDC consultants worked with the town’s team. He reported approximately $184,000 in government contracts for client firms and said one business launched during the reporting period.
Cruz described specialized programs the SBDC delivered: a tech‑commercialization curriculum (20 participants) and a brand development “hyper‑phase” program (14 participants). He said the center provided branding assistance and marketing training and urged residents who are considering starting a business to consult the SBDC before launch.
For the coming year Cruz described planned activities that will continue support and expand offerings: mini‑conferences and workshops focused on manufacturing, onshoring, trade, soft‑skills and leadership development, and a small conference connecting economic‑development partners and industry leaders. He asked the town to continue identifying what local businesses need so the SBDC may tailor workshops and events.
No formal action was taken at the meeting on the SBDC presentation.