Celebrating the hard-earned success of small business owners and entrepreneurs, the Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at FIU Business, along with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), recognized several companies and community partners at the Small Business Week 2024 Celebration held at the FIU Brickell campus on May 2.
“For them, every week is small business week, but this time of year it’s important for us to recognize the hard work that each small business does day in and day out,” said Brian Van Hook, regional director or FSBDC at FIU. “Small businesses are a big driver for our local economy so we love to shine the spotlight on them to recognize their big wins.”
The FSBDC at FIU Business, which was named the national Small Business Development Center of the year with the SBA in 2023, gave out several awards to local businesses including Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Guiliano Fransezze of HiDeliver; Restaurant of the Year, Neda Alejandra Diaz of Bakerish; and Minority-Owned Business of the Year, Suzette Lopez of Parrot Fish Studio, all of which have worked with the FSBDC.
Jeanne Luis of One-on-One Behavioral Services
Jeanne Luis, who studied psychology at FIU, won the Women-Owned Business of the Year award. Her company, One-on-One Behavioral Services, provides at-home therapy services for children on the autism spectrum and also provides families with training as part of their holistic approach. They recently expanded with a new therapy center in Doral.
She reached out to the FSBDC in 2021 and consultant Mark Mungenast guided her every step of the way.
“From just basic consulting, to marketing, bringing awareness to the business, how to treat my staff, how to make sure that we're providing the right services, quality services, the family's financial health, everything,” Luis said.
Her business grew from herself and two other therapists, to a staff of 28 employees that support 35 families.
The SBA also gave several awards to business leaders and honored North Miami Beach Commissioner Daniela Jean with the 2024 South Florida District Small Business Advocate of the Year award.
“One of the things I'm proud of is that education is often referred to as the great equalizer,” said Jean. “But entrepreneurship is really the engine that drives our economic development throughout the country.”
Community Development Financial Institution Ascendus was awarded the 2024 South Florida District Small Business Community Partner of the Year by the SBA.