🎆 Supporting She-EOs | CityClips #432

Entrepreneur Support: BofA + FL SBDC | CEO Peer Group

In the Spotlight: Kathleen Shanahan

Featured: Trydent Consulting

Community, Networking + Business Events

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at FAMU is part of the largest and most diverse network of small business consultants in Florida, offering no-cost consulting, affordable resources, innovative tools, and expert guidance. With over 220 consultants, the SBDC has nearly five decades of experience accelerating entrepreneurial growth in the state. Its nationally recognized consultants have helped more than 1.7M businesses launch, grow, and achieve their goals.

In partnership with Bank of America, the Florida SBDC has launched the CEO Peer Group for Big Bend business leaders, offering a hands-on leadership development series. It is designed to empower local CEOs and executives in scaling their organizations, the initiative supports regional economic strength through collaboration, expert coaching, and curated training.

“This partnership with Bank of America allows us to expand our support for CEOs and entrepreneurs who are driving real impact in our region,” said Tangela Lofton, Regional Director, Florida SBDC at FAMU. “Through shared experiences and professional guidance, we’re helping local leaders navigate challenges, build stronger companies, and ultimately, strengthen the economic fabric of our community.”

Launch & Schedule: Second cohort kicks off on July 17 and runs through December 16. Applications closed on July 7, but stay tuned to their socials for any updates. | IG, LI, and FB

Leadership development via monthly roundtable sessions: CEOs and executives meet to share insights, solve challenges, and collaborate.

Personalized support: Each participant receives one-on-one consulting from a Certified Business Consultant.

Access to resources: Participants gain exclusive entry to training, events, and tools provided by the SBDC at FAMU.

Built on the research-backed model of peer coaching, the program empowers leaders to grow companies and foster long-term organizational value.

The Florida Council on Economic Education (FCEE) aims to equip Florida’s youth with the skills needed for personal and financial success. They achieve this through educational programs focused on economics, the free enterprise system, and personal financial literacy, helping young people become productive workforce members, responsible consumers, and savvy investors.

Kathleen Shanahan was inducted into the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame, Class of 2025, together with Stuart Lasher, Greg Masters, and Joe Taggart. The induction ceremony took place on May 22 at the Hilton Tampa Downtown. This event, commemorating 50 years of the FCEE, recognizes leaders who have made impactful contributions to business and community growth in Tampa Bay.

Shanahan, who serves as the CEO of Epic Media Holdings, was celebrated for her leadership in the media and corporate sectors of the Tampa Bay area. This accolade places her among a legacy of prominent Tampa Bay figures who exemplify integrity, vision, and community impact through their professional successes. 🤩

Christina Lynch holds advanced degrees in human resources and business from Penn State University and Florida State University. As a business consultant with the Small Business Development Center at FAMU, she has earned multiple accolades for her impact, including regional and alumni awards. She was also named a finalist for the Women Who Mean Business award and was inducted into The BOW Collective, a prestigious network of top Black women business owners in the U.S.

Christina is backed by her team of female consultants, each specializing in various services. 💗 | Learn More

Lash & Learn at Image by Lisa | Thursday, July 10 | 5:30 PM | Image By Lisa, 1419 Market St. | $125 Book Learn More

Teen Makeup Class by Image by Lisa | Thursday, July 24 | 5:30 PM | Image By Lisa, 1419 Market St. | $125 Book Learn More

Meet the Artist: Christina Juran by Hearth & Soul | Sunday, July 20 | 1 PM | Hearth & Soul, 1410 Market St. #D1 | Free Learn More

Women Among Us: Portraits of Strength by FSU MOFA | Thursday to Saturday, May 29 to July 26 | FSU Museum of Fine Arts, 530 West Call St. | Free Learn More

Stretch & Sip by Hearth & Soul | Saturday, July 26 | 10 AM & 11 AM | Hearth & Soul, 1410 Market St. | Call 850.894.7685 to Signup Learn More

Featured Event: Happy Hour Celebrating Refuge House by Hearth & Soul | Wednesday, July 30 | 5:30 PM | Hearth & Soul, 1410 Market St. #D1 | Free RSVP

Mixer by Creative Collective Tallahassee | Friday, July 11 | 6 PM | Amicus Brewing Ventures, 717 S Gadsden St. | Free Learn More

2025 Annual UPHS Conference for Nonprofit Management & Leadership | Tuesday to Wednesday, July 15 to 16 | 4 PM | FSU Student Union, 2nd Floor, 75 N. Woodward Ave. | $135 for UPHS Members, $200 for Non-UPHS Members Register

Mocha Meet-Up for Start-Ups by Florida SBDC at FAMU | Wednesday, July 16 | 8:30 AM | 105 Café & Coffee, 105 E. Ellis St. Perry | Free Learn More

Minimizing Business Risks and Threats by Capital City Chamber | Thursday, July 17 | 5:30 PM | SBDC at FAMU, 625 E. Tennessee St. | Register

The Economic Club of Florida Presents Jackie Benson, VP of Corporate & Investment Banking at Wells Fargo | Thursday, July 17 | 11:30 AM | FSU Alumni Center, 1030 W. Tennessee St. | Virtual Registration Onsite Registration

Coffee & Commerce: Back-to-School Drive by Capital City Chamber | Tuesday, Aug. 5 | 7:45 AM | Earley's Kitchen, 1458 S. Monroe St. | Learn More

Resiliency Through Change by Capital City Chamber | Thursday, Aug. 7 | 8 AM | Parkview at Cascades, 414 E. Bloxham St., Suite 110 | Register

The Annual Chamber Community Conference by Chamber of Commerce | Thursday to Sunday, Aug. 14 to 17 | Ritz Carlton Amelia Island | Register Learn More

2025 Small Business Summit by The Florida SBDC Network | Monday to Tuesday, Aug. 18 to 19 | Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay | $250 Early Bird Rate (until July 18), $300 General Registration Rate Register Learn More