Tampa, FL - The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at University of South Florida (USF) announced its 2024 performance award winners on May 15, 2024, during the 2024 Florida SBDC at USF Annual Business Awards held at USF’s Phyllis P. Marshall Student Center. Winners are now eligible for Florida SBDC Network state awards. State award winners will be announced at the Network’s Annual Conference, held in Ponte Vedra Beach this coming August.

“The Florida SBDC at USF Business Awards Luncheon continues to be a great opportunity to celebrate entrepreneurship and recognize the SBDC professionals who help our clients achieve their goals,” Carl Hadden, regional director of the Florida SBDC at USF said. “We are fortunate enough to have a great team, who worked tirelessly to make this a successful event, and honored to have had Andrea Gonzmart Williams deliver our keynote address. Congratulations to all the award winners and I can't wait to see all of you on May 14, 2025, for our next awards luncheon!”

Florida SBDC at USF Announces 2024 Regional Performance Award Winners

Team Spirit of the Year: Jenée Skipper
Jenee Skipper epitomizes true team spirit, demonstrating exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment, and a relentless drive for success, making her an indispensable asset to our network. From her transition from a Business Assistance Specialist to a Business Consultant, her journey underscores her dedication and leadership. Throughout the past year, Skipper has consistently shown remarkable qualities of teamwork, self-motivated leadership, and unwavering dedication. Her proactive problem-solving approach and effective resource mobilization has propelled the Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development center towards its strategic goals. Additionally, Skipper’s commitment extends to regional and state levels, as seen in her involvement in committees and task forces, driving positive change. Clients, stakeholders, and partners recognize and admire her genuine care, unparalleled commitment, and exceptional rapport. Skipper’s ability to connect with people on a personal level and demonstrate her dedication to teamwork make her an invaluable asset and a true inspiration. Overall, Jenee Skipper exhibits outstanding leadership and dedication, making her more than deserving of this recognition.

Performance Excellence Award: Yolanda Goodloe
Yolanda Goodloe’s tenure at the Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development stands as a remarkable 14-year journey marked by unparalleled dedication and expertise, consistently exceeding expectations and driving substantial results. Her exceptional performance on core Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) has been nothing short of exceptional, consistently surpassing targets in client engagement and delivering impactful services to numerous businesses. Notably, her efforts have led to a significant increase in consultation hours, reflecting her unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive support. Goodloe’s impact extends far beyond mere numbers, as she has directly influenced employment opportunities within the community, creating 420 jobs and retaining an additional 1,097 positions. Moreover, her expertise in government contracting has opened doors for businesses, resulting in a total of $127,267,600.09 in government contracts secured. With 21 businesses successfully launched under her guidance, Goodloe’s time as a business consultant embodies the essence of fostering entrepreneurship and driving sustainable economic growth within the Florida SBDC Network.

Resource Partner of the Year: Michael Carlisle, Alternative Tax Services
Michael Carlisle, Partner at Alternative Tax Services, Inc., in Tampa, is a key contributor to the Regional Florida SBDC, making significant contributions in advocacy, financial support, partnership building, and advising. With expertise as an Enrolled Agent, National Tax Practice Institute Fellow, and QuickBooks Advanced Certified Professional Advisor, Carlisle coordinates outreach activities promoting the work of enrolled agents and facilitates workshops on Small Business Accounting, Taxes, and QuickBooks setup and management for over 15 years at the Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development. His workshops, totaling over 200, have expanded to multiple subcenter locations, including the Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County. Additionally, Carlisle’s company, Alternative Tax Services Inc., provides personalized services including bookkeeping, tax planning and preparation, payroll services, IRS representation, financial and estate planning, and business succession and retirement planning for the past 20 years. Carlisle’s dedication and expertise significantly contribute to the success of the Tampa Bay business community, the Florida Society of Enrolled Agents, and the Florida Small Business Development Center.

Graduate Student Team Project of the Year: Dinner Done!
University of South Florida graduate students Alberto A. Contreras, Michael Pettijohn, Samuel J. Akers, Yaridis L. Garcia, and Juan Fernandez Garcia-Barrero collaborated with Dinner Done!, led by Audra and Daniel Nasser, to revolutionize the Tampa Bay food scene. Tasked with navigating the competitive landscape of shippable food products and ready-to- cook meals, the team invested over 540 hours into market research and strategic planning. Their efforts culminated in four key recommendations: strengthening organizational infrastructure, implementing a value-based pricing strategy, redefining brand identity, and optimizing customer relationship management. Through their dedication and expertise, these students have left an indelible mark on Dinner Done!’s growth trajectory, showcasing the transformative power of collaboration between academia and industry.

Undergraduate Student Team Project of the Year: Optimal Moments. LLC
University of South Florida students Gabriella Bragias, Hailey Ruiz, Yuliana Cordero, and Luciano Suarez spearheaded a transformative project with Optimal Moments, LLC, a leading behavioral health clinic founded by Dr. Sheriece Sadberry in Tampa, FL. Under the mentorship of Dr. Jim Taylor from the Nault Center for Entrepreneurship at the USF Muma College of Business, the team conducted extensive market research and collaborated closely with Dr. Sadberry to identify key growth opportunities. Their recommendations spanned three crucial business areas: marketing, staffing/human resources, and billing and processing strategies. From rebranding efforts by enhancing online presence and community engagement to optimizing staffing structures and streamlining billing processes, the team’s strategic insights and actionable plans have paved the way for Optimal Moments’ continued success and expansion in the mental health industry. Their dedication and innovative approach exemplify the impactful contributions that student-led initiatives have in real-world business growth and transformation.