FAMU Small Business Week Empowers 43rd Year of Entrepreneurs

Hundreds of entrepreneurs left Florida A&M University this week with new skills, valuable connections, and renewed confidence in their business dreams.

The 43rd Annual Big Bend Regional Small Business Week brought together business owners at every stage of their journey for workshops covering everything from financial management to cybersecurity. Hosted by the Florida Small Business Development Center at FAMU, the event has become a cornerstone of economic empowerment in the Tallahassee region for over four decades.

"This event provides the opportunity for networking and education," said Tangela Lofton, regional director of the Florida SBDC at FAMU. The week featured 13 workshops designed to help entrepreneurs scale and grow their ventures.

Sessions tackled the practical challenges business owners face daily. Financial workshops covered budgeting and cash flow management, while marketing sessions explored strategies for building brand visibility and connecting with customers.

Bryant Shaw, founder of Sovereign Roots and co-owner of Halisi Africa, has become a regular attendee. "They are huge in the community, and when they do something like this, you just have to attend because you never know what you're going to learn," he said.

The event drew support from across the region. Mayor Pro Tem Curtis Richardson and Commissioner Nick Maddox presented proclamations recognizing the program's longstanding economic impact, while FAMU President Marva Johnson joined community leaders in celebrating the milestone.

FAMU Federal Credit Union attended to connect entrepreneurs with startup lending programs. "We're here to let people know that we have small business lending available to support local businesses in the community," said CEO Jerry Clerveaux, who announced upcoming financing initiatives for businesses in Griffin Heights.

Dana Dudley, executive director of the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the power of these partnerships. "We love being able to connect new business owners, established business owners and those trying to relaunch," she said.

The Ripple Effect

When universities like FAMU invest in entrepreneurship education, the benefits extend far beyond individual business owners. Every successful small business creates jobs, strengthens neighborhoods, and inspires the next generation of innovators.

The week concluded with awards recognizing outstanding entrepreneurs making measurable impacts across the region. J.P. Moore Mortuary & Cremation earned Small Business of the Year honors, while Akbar Thomas Personal Injury Attorneys received the Community Champion award.

Lofton captured the event's deeper purpose perfectly: "What we hope founders take away is the confidence and understanding that they are part of a community that is here to support their growth."

After 43 years, this Small Business Week proves that investing in entrepreneurs means investing in everyone.