Pensacola, Fla. – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, and CareerSource Florida have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance and strengthen Florida’s small business climate through education, training, and expanded workforce opportunities. The MOU was signed by Greg Britton, State Director of the Florida SBDC Network, and Adrienne Johnston, President and CEO of CareerSource Florida, in Pensacola during a CareerSource Florida Board of Directors meeting. Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly and University of West Florida President Manny Diaz Jr. were also in attendance for the signing.
Building on a longstanding partnership, the agreement formalizes collaboration between the two organizations to support Florida’s entrepreneurs, small businesses, and workforce. Through the MOU, the Florida SBDC Network and CareerSource Florida will work together to facilitate programs, events, and strategic partnerships while expanding access to resources that help businesses grow and connect with talent.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida remains committed to being the best place in the nation to start and grow a small business,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “This partnership between Florida SBDC Network and CareerSource Florida strengthens that commitment, helping business owners access state resources while building strong talent pipelines to meet the growing demand across key industries like advanced manufacturing, shipbuilding and AgTech.”
“Strong communities are built when education, workforce development and business come together around a shared vision,” said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. “This partnership will help create stronger pathways to opportunity for Floridians, while supporting the small businesses and entrepreneurs who are essential to our state’s continued economic growth. At UWF, we are proud to be part of that work and look forward to expanding opportunities for students, employers and communities across Florida.”
As Florida’s principal workforce policy organization, CareerSource Florida works with business, education, economic development, and community partners to help meet the workforce needs of Florida employers and strengthen the state’s talent pipeline.
“CareerSource Florida is proud to strengthen our partnership with the Florida SBDC to support the entrepreneurs and small businesses that drive Florida’s economy,” said Adrienne Johnston, President and CEO of CareerSource Florida. “By aligning our efforts, we can help businesses access the talent they need to succeed while creating pathways to meaningful careers for Floridians across the state.”
Established in 1976 and celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Florida SBDC Network is hosted statewide by the University of West Florida and provides no-cost consulting, training, and research to help aspiring and existing small businesses launch, grow, and thrive. The statewide network serves businesses at every stage of development and supports entrepreneurs in areas ranging from feasibility planning to growth strategies and succession planning.
“Access to talent remains a constant challenge many businesses are facing today,” said Greg Britton, State Director of the Florida SBDC Network. “We’re excited to strengthen our partnership with CareerSource Florida and connect Florida’s small businesses with the workforce resources and expertise available through their statewide network.”
For more information about the partnership and available resources, visit https://floridasbdc.org/ or https://careersourceflorida.com/
ABOUT CAREERSOURCE FLORIDA
CareerSource Florida equips local workforce development boards with policy guidance and resources so they can support businesses and job seekers on a journey toward economic empowerment. As directed by its business-led Board of Directors appointed by the governor, CareerSource Florida works in partnership with the state agencies and educational institutions that make up Florida’s workforce development system. Learn more at careersourceflorida.com.