MELBOURNE, FLA. — Florida Tech’s weVENTURE Women’s Business Center (WBC) was recognized as the 2026 Florida Small Business Community Partner of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
weVENTURE WBC, a program of the Bisk College of Business, was one of six state and award recipients recognized by the SBA and its South Florida District for this year’s Small Business Week. The district covers 24 counties in southern Florida, including Brevard County.
This is weVENTURE’s eighth time earning recognition from the SBA for excellence in service.
“Congratulations to our National Small Business Week award winners. Their innovation, resilience, and leadership are driving economic growth and creating lasting impact across [the district],” said SBA South Florida District Director J. Malcolm Richards. “We are proud to recognize their achievements and the vital role they play in strengthening our communities.”
Established in 2007, weVENTURE WBC strives to be the leading voice and resource for professional women and entrepreneurs on the Space and Treasure coasts. Research by the National Women’s Business Council has found rapid growth in women-owned small businesses since 1997. There are more than 14.5 million women-owned businesses that make up 39.2 percent of all U.S. businesses—a 17.1 percent increase between 2019 and 2024.
“Congratulations to the weVENTURE WBC team for this wonderful achievement,” Bisk College of Business Dean Ted Richardson said. “To be recognized for being a strong community partner, which I know is a key focus for the center, is truly commendable.”
