Broward County Boosts Entrepreneurship with Scholarships and New Partnership with Alan B. Levan NSU Innovation Center

Broward County's entrepreneurial landscape is getting a significant boost through an expanded partnership between the county and the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation, also known as the Levan Center. This strategic development was marked by the County’s decision to join as a Corporate Partner and the awarding of scholarships for emerging entrepreneurs.

According to details released today by the Levan Center, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners has committed to funding 20 scholarships for graduates of the 2024 Kauffman FastTrac® NewVenture™ Entrepreneurship Program. This initiative falls under the 100 Startup Project, aiming to aid startups and scaleups. The official announcement noted that these scholarships were presented to the graduates on October 16, facilitating access to Levan Center resources which purportedly contribute to the nurturing of community-driven economic growth.

The burgeoning partnership will also see the introduction of a satellite office, designated for specific services rendered by the County. The Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) will launch "Technical Assistance Fridays" on the first and third Fridays of every month starting December. The initiative is set to take place at the Levan Center housed in the Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center, and will showcase resources and services available through OESBD, including local and federal small business certification programs. Those interested in meeting with OESBD's staff can call 954-357-6400 to make appointments.

"Our County Commission goals of Connected Community and Economic Opportunity are supported through the provision of essential services through collaborations we cultivate with key partners embedded in the community. The Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation offers a range of programs to support entrepreneurs from ideation through successful execution. By expanding those offerings with even greater access to government contracting as well as local and federal certification programs, we promote a more inclusive community of entrepreneurs better equipped to succeed," Monica Cepero, County Administrator and member of the Levan Center Board of Governors, told in a statement obtained by the center's press release. Further echoing this sentiment, OESBD Director Sandy-Michael E. McDonald stated the partnership reflects a commitment to continuous process improvement and the maximization of synergies from well-cultivated partnerships.

Kelley Shanley, Interim Executive Director at the Levan Center, emphasized the collective commitment to support the entrepreneurial community. "This collaboration with Broward County's OESBD is a testament to our shared pledge to nurture entrepreneurial talent and foster economic growth," Shanley highlighted, as noted by the official announcement.