SBDC, Rubio to host virtual conference to help owners navigate pandemic challenges

Florida’s small businesses are invited to register for the Virtual Small Business Resiliency Conference: Sustain the Pivot, a no-cost event hosted by the Florida Small Business Development Center [SBDC] Network and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio. The event will take place May 18-19.

This multiday virtual conference will equip Florida’s small businesses with the strategies and resources needed to navigate the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 and connect them with resource providers who can aid in their long-term recovery.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio [R-FL]

The event will feature presentations from Florida SBDC Network business consultants on topics including marketing, cybersecurity, capital access and human resources. Consultants will share business insights and discuss how attendees can leverage the network’s service offering of no-cost consulting, training and resources. Each half-day session will conclude with a post-event presentation in Spanish.

“We are thrilled to partner with the office of Sen. Marco Rubio on this important event,” said Cheryl Kirby, interim CEO of the Florida SBDC Network. “Small businesses need help now more than ever. The event will offer a dynamic lineup of speakers and resources to help business owners navigate the long-term challenges of COVID-19 and jumpstart their recovery.”

Rubio will deliver a welcome address emphasizing the importance of small businesses to the state’s economy. There will also be keynote presentations by Emily Ley, CEO of Simplified, and John Gilmore, former tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and president and CEO of Brandthumb. During these presentations, attendees will learn additional skills and knowledge to help their businesses succeed despite difficult circumstances.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Rubio has made it his priority to ensure America’s 30 million small businesses have access to the resources and capital they need to compete in the 21st century global economy.

“This past year has been incredibly hard for all of us, and small businesses were no exception,” Rubio said. “They form the backbone of our communities, drive innovation and create good jobs, but many were uniquely vulnerable to the economic fallout from the pandemic and public health lockdowns. The Paycheck Protection Program was designed to help both small business owners and their employees survive this crisis. Now, as we look toward fully reopening our economy, we must pivot to ensuring these small businesses have access to the tools they need to thrive.”

For more information and to register, go to www.sustainthepivot.eventbrite.com. Deadline to register is May 13. Contact Allison Romer at Allison.Romer@FloridaSBDC.org for additional information.

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