TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – CareerSource Florida is honored to announce Business & Workforce Development Director Susan Bosse was among the inaugural class of professionals to achieve the International Economic Development Council’s new Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) credential.
The EDP credential is designed to build the foundational skills of those supporting entrepreneurship in their communities. To earn the credential, candidates must qualify with at least two years of experience in economic development or entrepreneurial support, complete the necessary education requirements, and pass the certification examination.
“Susan is the first Floridian to receive this honor and CareerSource Florida couldn’t be more proud of her latest achievement,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard. “Our professional team strongly encourages professional development in our respective fields to sharpen our skills and best serve Floridians and businesses.”
“As a small business owner, I have had a focus on entrepreneurship my entire life and I know how important it is for small businesses to have access to the right resources at the right time,” said Director Bosse. “The Entrepreneurship Development Professional designation provides rigorous coursework and learning opportunities, enabling me to be more attentive and responsive to the ever-changing needs of small businesses across our state.”
“We know that entrepreneurs and small businesses are facing new obstacles and strongly believe that through earning the EDP credential, economic developers and those who support entrepreneurs and small businesses will be able to offer their communities the necessary skills and strategies for the future,” said 2021 IEDC Board Chair and Invest Buffalo President & CEO Tom Kucharski, CEcD. “These individuals are the future of their communities, and I’m certain this credential has prepared them for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.”
“These professionals are extremely well-equipped to advance their communities thanks to IEDC’s new EDP credential. Their hard work and dedication demonstrated by their completion of the program set the stage for future success in the post-pandemic economy and beyond,” added IEDC President and CEO Jeff Finkle.
“Susan is a rising star among workforce and economic development professionals in Florida. We applaud her in this recent achievement as the first Floridian to achieve this important certification,” said CareerSource Florida Business and Workforce Development Senior Vice President Andra Cornelius. “Her expert knowledge will support the talent needs of small businesses which employ more than 40 percent of Florida’s private sector workforce and contribute to nearly half of the state’s gross domestic product.”
“I’m so proud of Susan for this achievement,” said CareerSource Florida Business and Workforce Development Senior Director Dehryl McCall. “As a strong leader in our Business & Workforce Development Unit, having this confirmation of her expertise in small businesses and entrepreneurship is a great asset in assisting small businesses, which represent 99.8 percent of Florida businesses.”
Director Bosse joined CareerSource Florida in 2020. She previously served as manager of corporate partnerships for WUCF-TV at the University of Central Florida, economic development liaison at CareerSource Central Florida and assistant director of the Small Business Development Center at UCF among other professional roles.
The EDP credential is the second certification offered by IEDC, the first being the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification. The CecD credential is a comprehensive designation, testing applicants in general proficiency regarding economic development. IEDC has certified over 1,100 CEcD practitioners.
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ABOUT CAREERSOURCE FLORIDA
CareerSource Florida, with its business-led board of directors, provides policy direction for talent development programs administered by the Department of Economic Opportunity, Florida’s 24 local workforce development boards and their 100 career centers. The CareerSource Florida State Board serves as the Governor’s principal workforce policy and investment board, working in partnership with DEO, which is responsible for the state workforce system’s fiscal and administrative affairs, and local workforce development boards that serve Florida’s businesses and career seekers. Together, the CareerSource Florida network connects employers with qualified, skilled talent and Floridians with employment and career development opportunities to achieve economic prosperity. Learn more at careersourceflorida.com.