Entrepreneurial Insights is an email newsletter designed to provide snippets of the SBDC at FGCU’s knowledge and insights to the SWFL entrepreneurial and business communities. Filled with articles about current issues in the business world and recommendations on how to thrive in this community, the Entrepre- neurial Insights email newsletter is your one-stop shop for all things small bus- iness and SBDC. The Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards Ceremony has SOLD OUT! The 2024 Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards has officially sold out, marking one of the most successful pre-event turnouts in the program’s 13-year history. Hosted by the Florida Small Business Development Center at FGCU, this signature celeb- ration honors the innovation, leadership, and resilience of Southwest Florida’s en- trepreneurial community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to this year’s exceptional nominees, each of whom represents the spirit of small business excellence in our region. We are equally grateful to our sponsors: · Suncoast Credit Union · Gulfshore Business · Fifth Avenue Family Office · Huntington Bank · Wintrust Banking · Gulf Coast Business Bank · Merrill: A Bank of America Company And especially our longstanding Hallmark Sponsor Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Co., for their continued commitment to championing local business suc- cess, and to all of our ticket holders for recognizing the value of this extraordinary evening. The event will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, multimedia storytell- ing, and the presentation of numerous awards, including Distinguished Entrepre- neur of the Year. We look forward to showcasing the achievements of our finalists and giving the broader community a glimpse into this unforgettable night of recog- nition, networking, and entrepreneurial excellence. March Workshops with the SBDC TOMORROW! April 24 Access to Capital Workshop Capital is vital to any business whether it’s just getting started or looking to grow. How you fund your business can have a huge impact on your operations and abil- ity to take advantage of new opportunities. The good news is that there are many choices for business owners seeking funding today. Determining the best options for your unique circumstances can be a critical step in moving your business for- ward. This program is designed specifically to help create additional opportunit- ies for underserved businesses; enroll today! Thursday, April 24, 2025 9:00 PM — 10:30 AM Location: Online Register Here for Suzanne’s Webinar TOMORROW! April 24 Maximizing Digital Marketing for Manufacturers Join our webinar to discover how manufacturers can use digital marketing to grow their businesses, connect with key decision-makers, and generate more leads. We’ll explore how blogging for SEO can help you create targeted content that boosts on- line visibility and attracts high-quality traffic. You’ll learn how to effectively utilize LinkedIn articles to establish thought leadership and build strong B2B relationships, as well as the benefits of LinkedIn Premium for identifying and connecting with the right prospects. Additionally, your host Theresa Ayers, will dive into how AI tools like ChatGPT can simplify and enhance your content creation process. By the end of this session, you’ll have actionable strategies to strengthen your digital marketing efforts and create more impactful connections in the manufacturing industry. Thursday, April 24, 2025 2:00 PM — 3:30 PM Location: Online Register Here for Theresa’s Webinar April 30 The Importance of a Business Plan A business plan is more than just a document—it’s a critical tool for guiding your business toward success. It lays out a clear roadmap by defining your goals, out- lining your strategies, and projecting your financials. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, a well-crafted business plan helps you stay focused, make informed decisions, and demonstrate credibility to investors or lenders. It also helps you anticipate potential risks and uncover new opportunities, ultimately im- proving your chances of achieving long-term success. Join us to learn how to build a business plan that works for you. Wednesday, April 30, 2025 10:00 AM — 11:00 AM Location: Online Register Here for Elizabeth’s Webinar May 7 Business Model, Made Simple! Are you starting to map out your business idea? Does your business need a fresh approach to attract new customers? In this workshop, develop a simple, clear, practical business model to bring your vision to life or reignite your existing busi- ness with new energy! Wednesday, May 7, 2025 10:00 AM — 11:30 AM Location: Lee County Economic Development Office 2201 Second St. #500 Fort Myers, Florida 33901 Downtown Fort Myers Register Here for Andrea’s In-Person Workshop May 7 Preparing for Microsoft M365 Copilot Microsoft Copilot for M365 isn’t your typical AI tool. Unlike general-purpose models like GPT, Copilot taps into your organization’s internal data to provide meaningful, context- driven insights. It can help you identify your most valuable clients, prioritize daily tasks, and determine action items from recent meetings. However, without proper preparation, Copilot can introduce serious risks, including data leakage and accidental sharing of con- fidential information. This webinar will walk you through what Copilot can and cannot do, how to prepare your organization for safe and effective use, and key strategies to protect your data while making the most of Copilot’s capabilities. Wednesday, May 7, 2025 10:00 AM — 11:00 AM Location: Online Register Here for Marc’s Webinar May 12 Develop Your Unique Business Pitch Have you ever struggled to explain what your business does in a networking setting? Do you want to feel more confident delivering a natural and compelling pitch? In this work- shop, we’ll break down the four key components of the perfect business pitch. You’ll craft a unique one-liner that can be used at networking events, in email signatures, and across your marketing materials. Plus, we’ll explore how to adjust your message in times of crisis. We hope that you’ll join us! Monday, May 12, 2025 10:00 AM — 11:30 AM Location: Online Register Here for Andrea’s Webinar Contact the SBDC for more information Want to request a topic or give more feedback? Click Here |
