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Florida SBDC at UCF Named National SBDC of the Year by SBA

May 6, 2026

UCF Center Earns SBA’s Highest SBDC Honor from Nearly 1,000 Centers Nationwide

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state’s premier provider of small business assistance and expertise, proudly announces that the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida (UCF) has been selected as the recipient of the National Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Each year, the SBA selects one SBDC from nearly 1,000 centers nationwide to receive the award as part of National Small Business Week. This national honor is bestowed for excellence in consulting and training, measurable economic impact, and innovative approaches that help small businesses start, grow, and succeed.

“The Florida SBDC at UCF is an anchor of the small business ecosystem in their region,” said Paul Fitzpatrick, SBA’s Associate Administrator, Office of Entrepreneurial Development. “The SBA’s grant to the SBDC plus their team’s efforts equals thousands of entrepreneurs who can take advantage of President Trump’s America First economic agenda and SBA’s modernized capital access programs.”   

“We’re incredibly proud to see the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida earn the Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award,” says Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “This recognition highlights their commitment to innovation, client success, and meaningful impact for Florida’s small businesses. Their work exemplifies the very best of what our network strives to achieve every day.”

Over the past decade, the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida has made a profound impact on Central Florida and the statewide economy, supporting more than 15,500 businesses through over 206,700 hours of expert consulting.

This work has translated into measurable economic success, including $606.2 million in capital formation and more than $1.03 billion in government contracts secured. The center has also helped launch 1,226 new businesses, fueled $948.8 million in sales growth, and contributed to the creation of more than 8,200 jobs while helping retain over 10,000 – further demonstrating its critical role in advancing Florida’s small business community.

Eunice Choi has served as the regional director of the Florida SBDC at UCF since 2006, during which time she has led significant growth and expanded services for small businesses across Central Florida. She will retire this summer after 28 years of dedicated service.

We are humbled yet immensely gratified to be honored as the SBDC of the Year by the SBA. Our team takes great pride in its unwavering commitment to serving the small business community and advancing SBA’s mission. This award reflects our consistent ability to exceed SBA milestones and outperform our own high expectations within the Florida SBDC Network.

Eunice Choi, Regional Director of the FSBDC at UCF Tweet

The Florida SBDC at UCF will be formally recognized during National Small Business Week, held May 3-9, 2026, at a national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., alongside SBA award winners from across the country.

Lively Little Ones Fulfilling Childcare Need in Fayette County with West Virginia SBDC Assistance

April 29, 2026

When Amber Comer decided to expand her home-based childcare business into a full-fledged Early Learning Center, she knew she wanted to offer more than just daycare. She envisioned a place where children could grow and thrive in a supportive, hands-on educational environment. That vision became Lively Little Ones in Fayetteville.

“We try to, not just provide care, but a higher quality of care,” Comer says. “We want to make sure that we are following a curriculum and lesson plans, and teaching your children so that they can have a strong educational foundation and be prepared for when they start school.”

Comer’s journey in childcare began years earlier. After working in daycare centers as a teenager, she transitioned into entrepreneurship following the birth of her son. She spent four years as a home childcare provider before opening Lively Little Ones in September 2025 on Franklin Heights Road in Fayetteville, serving children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. The center offers infant care, preschool, and toddler programs, as well as before- and after-school care and services during school breaks.

Beyond daily care, Comer and her team are committed to building community connections through monthly events and activities.

“We try at least once a month to do something fun and free for the community,” Comer says. “All of our teachers are very involved, and a lot of them are moms themselves. They want what’s best for the kiddos and want to help give back and offer a place where everyone can feel welcome.”

Small Business Support & Collaboration

Expanding from a home daycare to a full Early Learning Center was no small feat. Comer credits Melissa Colagrosso, director of A Place to Grow Children’s Center in nearby Oak Hill and leader of the regional childcare cooperative, Together We Grow, as a valuable industry resource and for connecting her with Shannon Mitchell, a business coach with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC).

“Amber has a true entrepreneurial spirit and is so motivated to move through a process, get things done, and do it the right way,” Mitchell describes.

From the earliest planning stages, the WV SBDC worked closely with the entrepreneur to provide one-on-one business coaching, technical assistance, and strategic guidance. This included:

  • Development of a comprehensive business plan
  • Startup cost analysis
  • Cash flow projections
  • Operational planning tailored specifically to the regulatory and staffing realities of childcare in West Virginia
  • Assembling a complete loan package
  • Direct referrals to financing partners to help move the project forward

“We helped her navigate through the process of funding and permits and just getting open, which is a huge hurdle for any entrepreneur to overcome,” Mitchell says. “Now it’s transitioned into managing a business, and I hope to continue supporting Amber in that way.”

“Both Shannon and Melissa have been very helpful; they’ve answered any questions I’ve had,” Comer describes. “I have been able to call them crying when I’m stressed or anxious about something, and they’re always reassuring and let me know that I’m still making steps in the right direction. Opening your own business is not easy, and there are a lot of unknowns, but when you have people like that by your side, it sure helps a lot.”

A Community Need

Lively Little Ones is currently the only childcare center located in Fayetteville. After the local Head Start relocated to Oak Hill, Comer saw an opportunity to help meet a growing demand for childcare services in a community where working families and employers have long faced limited options.

“We are helping to fill the gap,” Comer explains. “The community has been very welcoming, and I’m very glad to be here.”

As the business continues to grow, Comer remains focused on expanding enrollment and enhancing programming.

“We are about a third of the way enrolled right now,” she shares. “With summer coming, we can get some really cool programs and activities up and running, and we are excited to welcome new students.”

A Broader Impact

As Comer’s business coach, Mitchell is proud of the WV SBDC’s role in turning a community need into a sustainable success story.

Beyond the individual business success, Lively Little Ones represents a meaningful step forward in addressing one of the region’s most persistent economic development barriers: access to reliable, affordable childcare.

“There is such a need for childcare businesses like Lively Little Ones,” Mitchell says. “We cannot grow our workforce and provide jobs for families in need without businesses like hers. They’re essential to the growth of West Virginia.”

Are you looking for help in starting or growing your business? The WV SBDC assists entrepreneurs and small business owners at every stage of the business lifecycle. Learn more on their website.

SBDCs and Veteran Entrepreneurship: Resources, Recognition, and Results

April 22, 2026
SBDCs and Veteran Entrepreneurship: Resources, Recognition, and Results

Small Business Development Centers continue to play a vital role in helping veterans and military spouses launch and grow successful businesses. Across the country, SBDC advisors are working directly with veteran business owners to build stronger businesses, one client at a time.

David Smith Named Boots to Business Instructor of the Year

The SBA recently honored the 2025 Boots to Business Instructors of the Year, recognizing outstanding educators and partners helping military-connected entrepreneurs succeed. Among the honorees was David Smith, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at Texas Tech University, recognized for his hands-on, practical approach to instruction.

"Most importantly, I stay engaged with the veterans I serve. There are real-time challenges and that local feedback keeps that guidance practical and not theoretical."

David Smith, Regional Director of SBDC at Texas Tech Tweet

From Home Roaster to Regional Brand: Pinup Coffee Co.

Navy veterans Bryce and Stephanie Wein built Pinup Coffee Co. in Norfolk, Virginia — a 4,500-square-foot roastery that started as a home setup selling at farmers’ markets.

Their SBDC played a direct role in that growth, providing customized consulting on forecasting, logistics, inventory management, and expansion strategy.

Combined with support from their local Veterans Business Outreach Center and SCORE mentors, the results were remarkable: 1,225% revenue growth in their first year, followed by nearly 200% growth in both 2023 and 2024.

Today, Pinup Coffee products are distributed through major retailers, the team has grown to seven employees, and the company operates with a 1,500-pound roaster in a renovated production space.

Thriving in Rural America: Northern Wings Repair, Inc.

In Newberry, Michigan, Navy and Marine Corps veteran David Goudreau founded Northern Wings Repair, Inc. in 2001 — growing it from a rented pole barn into a $20 million-per-year aerospace and defense operation supporting NASA, the Department of Justice, and major prime contractors.

SBDC support was among the SBA training resources that helped the company navigate the complex world of NAICS codes, contract structures, and federal marketplace requirements. In a remote region with limited industry infrastructure, Northern Wings now employs 32 people and continues to expand.

Resources for Veteran and Military-Owned Businesses

These stories are a reminder of what’s possible when veteran entrepreneurs connect with the right support. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, America’s SBDC has compiled federal and non-federal resources specifically for the military community. Visit our Veteran-Owned Business Hub to explore what’s available to you.

More Than Just a Gym: How the Illinois SBDC at Harper College Supported a New Approach to Fitness

April 15, 2026

According to the CDC, 75% of Americans fail to meet the physical activity guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. Every January, gyms fill with hopefuls chasing fresh-start resolutions. Yet by June, most fail their goals. Research shows that 50% of new gym members quit within six months, and 67% rarely use their memberships consistently. The reasons are familiar: lack of motivation, no clear plan, inconsistent routines, and little to no support. Furthermore, most traditional gyms emphasize intensity but often neglect any attention to restorative care. Without this necessary step, progress can stall and injuries are more likely. Factor in daily work and family responsibilities, and it’s no wonder that building and sustaining a healthy lifestyle often feels overwhelming.

Karlin Soelberg knows first-hand the challenges of maintaining health amidst a demanding career. She envisioned a facility that empowered people to achieve optimal health and vitality, leading her to establish Empowered Fitness & Recovery, LLC, in Arlington Heights, Illinois. The wellness club was conceived to bridge the gap between intense fitness regimens and the often-overlooked importance of recovery. “Our mission is to provide a sanctuary where individuals can pursue their fitness goals while receiving the necessary support to recover, rejuvenate, and thrive,” Soelberg explains. Her holistic approach sets a path for success by focusing on three strategic pillars, fitness, nutrition, and accountability, while ensuring consistent support.

The club offers a synergistic blend of high-intensity training and advanced recovery services. The variety of fitness offerings ranges from group Body Pump, semi-private training, and boxing, to corporate, private, and semi-private yoga sessions, and recovery modalities include cold plunge, infrared sauna, and red light therapy. Soelberg is proud of the facility’s ability to cater to their clients’ needs, explaining, “What sets us apart is our commitment to creating a community that empowers individuals to achieve sustainable health and wellness.” To share this fitness philosophy with a global audience, Soelberg coauthored the “Get The Edge” series with Tony Figueroa. The three books in the series are “Fitness & Recovery Strategies for Peak Performance”, “Hormone Health for Women”, and “Fitness & Recovery Strategies for Teens”, all available on Amazon.

While Soelberg didn’t come from a traditional fitness background, her personal journey in overcoming injuries coupled with a passion for holistic health led her to this venture. What she lacked in formal fitness industry experience, she made up for with vision and drive, but as a first-time entrepreneur, launching a business from the ground up came with real challenges. Soelberg particularly needed guidance with navigating the complexities of financial projections and operations to bring her vision to fruition.

Soelberg worked with two advisors at the Illinois SBDC at Harper College, Margaret Johnsson and Kevin McVearry. Each played a pivotal role at different stages of her entrepreneurial journey.

Before Empowered Fitness & Recovery opened its doors, Johnsson supported Soelberg with promotional strategies for her book. As the focus shifted fully to launching the wellness club, their conversations turned to legal structure and ownership arrangements. Financial concerns such as compensation and commission structures were reviewed. Johnsson used LivePlan to model profitability based on different facility layouts. Together, they developed a comprehensive business plan tailored to the unique blend of fitness and recovery services Soelberg envisioned. While many entrepreneurs find the process of writing a business plan intimidating or tedious, Karlin embraced it as an essential step in bringing clarity and structure to her ideas. Beyond internal planning, the plan was submitted to potential landlords to secure a commercial lease for the space. Interestingly, Empowered opened in a different location than originally planned, proof of the importance of flexibility, foresight, and a solid planning process.

McVearry helped Soelberg fine-tune financial projections, evaluate service offerings, and calculate realistic startup and operational costs. They analyzed staffing requirements, considered pricing structures, and mapped out workflow logistics. McVearry reviewed her business plan and leases as she considered two different locations. He also conducted in-person walk-throughs of potential spaces alongside Soelberg, providing feedback on floor plan options, customer flow, and layout configurations. His advice helped translate vision into functionality, ensuring that the physical space would support both the day-to-day operations and long-term business goals.

Both Johnsson and McVearry continue their role as advisors as the business transitions from launch to growth phase. 

They provided invaluable support in refining our business plan, offering insights into financial projections, and advising on marketing strategies. Their expertise was instrumental in transforming our concept into a tangible, operational business.

Karlin Soelberg Tweet

Soelberg highly recommends the SBDC at Harper College to any entrepreneur, citing their invaluable resources and mentorship. “Their support can significantly impact the trajectory of a small business, providing the tools and knowledge necessary for success.”

Soelberg envisions a vibrant future for Empowered Fitness & Recovery, LLC, with plans to expand services and reach a broader audience. She intends to incorporate innovative wellness technologies and build partnerships that reflect the club’s mission and achieve their goal of becoming a leading authority in integrated fitness and recovery solutions. Her approach to entrepreneurship mirrors her philosophy on health – holistic, intentional, and rooted in long-term growth. For Soelberg, running a business isn’t just about profit, it’s about purpose.

Asked to share one piece of advice with aspiring business owners, she echoes her wellness mindset: “Embrace the journey with resilience and adaptability. Challenges are inevitable, but with a clear vision and the willingness to seek support, success is within reach.”

To learn more about the Illinois SBDC at Harper College, visit their website.

To learn more about Empowered Fitness & Recovery, visit their website. 

SBA Announces Dates for National Small Business Week 2026 Virtual Summit

April 8, 2026
SBA Announces Dates for National Small Business Week 2026 Virtual Summit

Free online summit May 5-6 offers educational workshops, networking, and information on federal resources

Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration and America’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) announced the dates for the National Small Business Week 2026 Virtual Summit.  The free online summit, cosponsored by America’s SBDC, will take place on May 5 and 6 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET and registration is required: https://www.cntvhybrid.com/nsbw2026. 

“We are excited to cohost the 2026 National Small Business Week Virtual Summit to offer small businesses information to help them take advantage of President Trump’s America First economic agenda and the SBA’s modernized capital access programs,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “Through tax cuts, deregulation, and fair trade, Main Street is positioned for another record year in 2026 – and the SBA will continue to support their comeback with training, capital, and contracting to empower the local businesses who serve as the backbone of communities across America.”

"Small businesses are the foundation of our local and national economies, and the expert advisors in our network are committed to supporting their success. We are honored to co-host this year's Virtual Summit, ensuring that practical, no-cost resources and mentorship are accessible nationwide."

Charles "Tee" Rowe, President & CEO, America's SBDC Tweet

The Virtual Summit will feature educational workshops presented by cosponsors, information about accessing federal resources, as well as networking and mentorship opportunities.  Participants will learn about topics varying from manufacturing, digital marketing, human resources (HR), artificial intelligence (AI), business planning, and online business resources. 

The National Small Business Week virtual summit is part of SBA’s broader annual program, where an in-person National Awards Ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 3 in Washington, D.C. That week, Administrator Loeffler will conduct a nationwide roadshow to highlight exceptional job creators across Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia.

Details on National Small Business Week, the award winners, and the virtual summit are featured on www.sba.gov/NSBW and will be updated as additional information and activities are confirmed. Local events will be featured on www.sba.gov/events and by searching #SmallBusinessWeek in the search bar.