Business
The Florida SBDC at the University of West Florida received the prestigious Florida SBDC Region of the Year award, the highest regional recognition from the Florida Small Business Development Center Network.
- This award was presented on Aug. 19 in Charlotte Harbor during the network’s Annual Performance Excellence Awards Celebration.
Background: The statewide network is the principal provider of small business assistance in Florida, and its awards recognize staff, partners, and volunteers for what the organization calls a lasting impact on the state’s small business community.
In 2025, the UWF region delivered 11,658 consulting hours to more than 1,258 clients, helping them start 144 new businesses, access more than $81.4 million in capital, and land more than $39 million in government contracts.
“These awards celebrate more than accomplishments; they recognize the dedication, expertise and passion that our team and partners bring to their work every day,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network and Florida APEX Accelerator. “Their commitment to helping entrepreneurs start, grow and succeed strengthens businesses and communities throughout our state.”
UWF staff picked up individual honors as well. John Carey IV, with the Florida SBDC at UWF, won the Florida Ambassador of the Year Award for exceeding performance goals, delivering impactful training programs, and driving strong client outcomes.
- Chip Wells, Florida APEX at UWF, was named one of seven Government Contracting Lifetime Achievement honorees and is credited with helping clients secure more than $50 million in government contracts over his career.
- Christa Wilson, Florida SBDC at UWF, was named one of seven New Business Starts Lifetime Achievement honorees. Wilson helped launch more than 125 new businesses.
The network also gave its Florida Small Business Champion Award, presented jointly with the Florida Chamber of Commerce, to Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly for his support of the SBDC Network and initiatives like the Florida Rural Business Resource Tour.
- Secretary Kelly is rumored to be the next president of Pensacola State College.
By the numbers — Florida SBDC Network, 2025:
- 112,158 consulting hours delivered
- 15,439 small business clients served
- $534.7 million in capital secured
- $711.5 million in government contracts won
- 18,334 jobs impacted
- $3.4 billion-plus increase in client sales
- 1,111 new businesses created
The network is marking 50 years of operation this year. Headquartered at UWF, the Florida SBDC is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Department of War, the State of Florida, and other public and private partners, and operates more than 40 offices statewide. It is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs and has received the President’s E Award for Export Service.