Applications sought for Small Business Mentoring Initiative
July 7, 2014
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida’s Small Business and Vendor Diversity Relations, a division of Business Affairs, is accepting applications from business owners and firms to participate in the 2014-15 Small Business Mentoring Initiative.
The mentoring initiative is designed to promote small business development, enhance business knowledge and foster increased opportunities at UF. The program pairs a mature, established firm (mentor) and an emerging small business (protégé) to facilitate beneficial networking opportunities for growth and long-term sustainability.
The Small Business Mentoring Initiative Steering Committee will review applications submitted by Aug. 22, 2014. The committee, which includes representatives from UF Planning, Design & Construction and UF Business Affairs, will select and match firms meeting the program’s criteria to participate in the 2014-15 class. Typical firms include construction and non-construction firms, consultants and commodity- and service-based businesses.
“This mentorship program has provided small and minority business owners with opportunities to get involved at the university,” said Faylene Welcome, director of Small Business and Vendor Diversity Relations. “This is one of our many efforts to increase supplier diversity on campus."
Selected firms will attend meetings and workshops throughout the year, and will learn about business opportunities at UF. The initiative includes representatives from various areas of campus including Business Affairs, Housing Facilities, IFAS Facilities and UF Purchasing. Past workshops have included presentations from UF Law, Warrington School of Business, Career Resource Center and the Gainesville business community.
Firms wishing to be considered for participation in the University of Florida’s Small Business Mentoring Initiative should complete an application and submit it by mail, email or fax, no later than August 22, 2014, to the following: University of Florida, Small Business & Vendor Diversity Relations, 109 Elmore Hall, P.O. Box 115250, Gainesville, FL 32611-5250; email dmannin@ufl.edu; fax, 352-846-2637.
A kick-off celebration for the 2014-15 initiative will take place at 3 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center. Firms planning to attend this event should RSVP to: Ms. Darlean Manning, 352-392-0380 or dmannin@ufl.edu.
Additional information regarding the Mentoring Initiative, including application and criteria for submission, may be obtained by accessing: Small Business & Vendor Diversity Division’s website: www.sbvdr.admin.ufl.edu or by contacting the division at 352-392-0380.