Florida Tech’s weVENTURE Women’s Business Center Honored by U.S. Small Business Administration

MELBOURNE, FLA. — weVENTURE Women’s Business Center was recognized as the 2023 South Florida District Women’s Business Center of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration as part of the agency’s Small Business Week awards.

The award marks the seventh time weVENTURE WBC, a program of the Florida Tech Bisk College of Business that provides low- and no-cost business education, training and mentorship to female entrepreneurs, has been recognized by the SBA.

SBA representatives presented the award May 4 at a private reception on the Florida Tech campus. (Pictured above and below.)

The award acknowledges weVENTURE’s dedication in advocating for and advancing small-business ownership and expansion opportunities for women entrepreneurs.  Women entrepreneurs are the fastest growing segment of new business starts in the nation. In contrast to the 5.2% growth rate for enterprises owned by men between 2012 and 2019, women-owned companies saw 16.7% growth over that time, according to the National Women’s Business Council, and the trend has continued since the pandemic.

“With programs designed to help businesses of all sizes and at every step of the business lifecycle, weVENTURE WBC is able to provide personalized support based on the client’s unique needs,” said weVENTURE Executive Director Kathryn Rudloff. “This award is a testament to the innovative work that we do to help women and other underserved entrepreneurs achieve sustainable business growth. It is an honor to be recognized for our efforts to support the local small-business community. I am so proud of our staff and the dedicated clients we serve.”

“This year’s small business winners…have demonstrated the innovation, determination and leadership that typifies the entrepreneurial spirit that is so vibrant in our District,” said South Florid District Director Malcom Richards. “All businesses make enormous and meaningful contributions to their communities by creating jobs and giving back of their time, talents, and treasures.”

For more information about weVENTURE WBC programs and community impact, visit https://weventure.fit.edu/.