SBDC hosts 25 nominees at Millennial Brewing event

The Florida Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University celebrated its 25 Distinguished Entrepreneur Nominees at a VIP Networking Reception held at Millennial Brewery, sponsored by VeraData. The event was a celebration of their achievements and contributions to the small business community.

“When residents shop at small businesses within their communities, their tax dollars stay within the local

In The News

Gov. DeSantis awards Fort Myers Beach $11.9 million loan

Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded $11.9 million to the Town of Fort Myers Beach through the Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan – the first award through the program created in a Special Legislative Session earlier this year.

DeSantis presented Fort Myers Beach officials with the funds in a check presentation from his office in the state capitol building. Administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan program helps support government operations that may have been impacted by hurricanes Ian or Nicole, bridging the gap while they await federal relief or for their revenues recover.

“By presenting Fort Myers Beach LOAN See page 7 economy, helping to improve our community as a result. We celebrate you, SWFL entrepreneurs!” said Dorian Zwierewicz, Regional Director of the Florida SBDC at FGCU.

Now in its 11th year, the award recognizes small business owners of Southwest Florida for their overall success and provides an opportunity for the local business community to celebrate their achievements.

The 25 nominees were selected from the five-county area of Southwest Florida and contend for one of three awards including the “Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year”, “Small Business Advocate of the Year” and “Distinguished Innovator of the Year”. All winners will be announced at the Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards Ceremony held on May 2 at the Spanish Wells Country Club.

AWARDS See page 14

Important Business Notes

 Moore About Business

Kick off your business week with “Moore About Business”! Tune in to SWFL PBS and National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate, WGCU radio at 90.1 FM, during Morning Edition and All Things Considered to hear SWFBT founder, owner and publisher Karen P. Moore share information and insights for and about our local business community. Listen to past segments at https://news.wgcu.org/tags/ moore-about-business

 Hurricane Ian SBA Loans Available to SWFL Businesses

Business owners have until June 29, to submit a SBA application for an economic injury disaster loan to help with financial recovery from Hurricane Ian. Call (800) 659-2955 or go to sba.gov/disaster.

 SWFBT News Updates

To get current business news throughout the business day, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com.