Florida Tech to Host Federal Program Aiding Florida’s Small Businesses

– United States Representative Dave Weldon (R-15th District) announced today the creation of a new program designed to give Florida’s small businesses
access to U.S. government contracts. The new initiative will feature a partnership between the Florida Institute of Technology and software firm MAP ROI
Systems Inc., a Virginia-based firm.

In the first year of the agreement, the university will develop a set of courses to be used in training small business owners around the state. Florida
Tech will also establish a network operations center for the software. In the future, the university plans to offer courses to small businesses and provide
software and web access to these same businesses.

Florida Tech President Anthony J. Catanese said the agreement provides a new opportunity for the university to pursue its educational mission.

“The Florida Institute of Technology has long been a leader in bringing new ideas, new technologies and new educational opportunities to our students,”
said Catanese. “Now, through this partnership, we will be able to utilize our talents to expand the opportunities of Florida’s leading small businesses.”

The program is made possible by a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Dept. of Labor. U.S. Rep. Dave Weldon was instrumental in bringing MAP ROI to Florida
Tech.
“When I heard about this program and saw the benefits it could have for Florida and East Central Florida in particular, I knew right away that Florida Tech
had the skills and knowledge base, and their partnership with MAP ROI would create an excellent program,” said Weldon. “They agreed that it would, and now
East Central Florida businesses will have a competitive advantage in bidding on government contracts.”