Florida SBDC at USF Team Members Honored for Service and Excellence at the 2026 Florida SBDC Network's Performance Excellence Awards

TAMPA (August 25, 2026) - The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at University of South Florida (USF) proudly announces that several team members were recognized on August 19, 2026 at the Sunseeker Resort – Charlotte Harbor during the 2026 Florida SBDC Network’s Performance Excellence Awards, a prestigious statewide event celebrating outstanding contributions across Florida’s nine regional small business development centers.

“We were honored to attend the Florida SBDC Network’s Annual Awards and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our team," Carl Hadden, regional director of the Florida SBDC at USF said. "We are especially proud of our award-winning team members whose dedication to helping entrepreneurs succeed was recognized with the Florida Rising Star Award and Lifetime Achievement Awards for New Business Start and Capital Access.”

Florida Rising Star of the Year Award: Randy Hayes
Randy Hayes, Assistant Director and Business Consultant at the Florida SBDC at USF, has been named the Florida Rising Star of the Year. This award recognizes employees with fewer than five years of service who have made a difference in their region. Hayes was recognized for his exceptional contributions to small business growth, leading the state in new business starts and capital transactions while consistently delivering strong client service and results.

Lifetime Achievement Awards: Several team members were recognized for their extraordinary contributions to Florida’s small business community, including:
Capital Access Lifetime Achievement Awardees:
Bill Burnham, Florida SBDC at USF - $75M +
Brad Owens, Florida SBDC at USF - $50M +
 
New Business Starts Lifetime Achievement Awardees:
Bill Burnham, Florida SBDC at USF - 125 +
Randy Hayes, Florida SBDC at USF - 125 +
Kurt Forster, Florida SBDC at PCED - 75 +
Debra Schweikowsky, Florida SBDC at PCED - 75 +
 
In addition, a couple of team members were honored for their years of service: 15 Years: Yanina Rosario; 10 Years: Bill Burnham. These recognitions reflect the Florida SBDC at USF’s continued commitment to excellence in serving the small business community. Media Contact: Stephanie Ordonez, ordonez25@usf.edu