Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, hosted its annual Florida Small Business Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, January 21, at the Florida Capitol Courtyard.
The annual event celebrated and highlighted the vital role small businesses play in Florida’s economy, while providing an opportunity for policymakers, business leaders, and the public to engage directly with the entrepreneurs who drive economic growth across the state, as well as the resource providers who support them.
As the Florida SBDC Network celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, Florida Small Business Day at the Capitol also reflected on the network’s legacy of supporting Florida’s small business community through no-cost consulting, training, and educational resources. The event served as both a celebration of past impact and a spotlight on the continued importance of investing in small businesses for Florida’s future.
During the event, more than fifty Florida SBDC Network small business clients and resource partners showcased their products and services. The network also provided tours of its mobile assistance center, which is deployed into communities following disasters to help small businesses recover.
“It is always an honor to host this event on the Capitol Courtyard and showcase the tremendous impact of Florida’s small business community,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “This annual event continues to grow, and we are grateful for the opportunity to shine a light on our clients and the resource providers who support them.”
The event featured special addresses by Florida SBDC Network State Director Greg Britton; University of West Florida President-Elect Manny Diaz, Jr.; Florida Secretary of Commerce, J. Alex Kelly; Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd; Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Melanie Griffin; CareerSource Florida President and CEO Adrienne Johnston; and SBA Southeastern Regional Administrator Tyler Teresa.
The day concluded with the announcement of a special proclamation from Governor Ron DeSantis recognizing January 21, 2026, as Florida Small Business Day at the Capitol.
