Government contracting

Government contracting, Operations, Success Stories

Engineering minds, founder chemistry and SBDC at FIU’s assistance help catapult Air Changes to win big HVAC contracts

Sebastian Munera and Ricardo Ardila have known each other since their college days at Florida International University, both earning undergraduate and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering. They worked in the HVAC industry for many years, including industry giant Carrier. As they were contemplating leaving their leadership roles at their companies […]

Government contracting, Resources

South Florida Anchor Alliance forms to help minority small businesses access government contracts

South Florida Anchor Alliance forms to help minority small businesses access government contracts Black and brown small business owners face challenges accessing government contracts to grow and sustain their businesses. The South Florida Anchor Alliance, a new collaboration between 19 local healthcare, educational and government organizations, seeks to change that. […]

Economy, Education, Government contracting, Growth Stages

How StartUP FIU Procurement pivoted programming during pandemic and the lowdown on big plans ahead

It’s been nearly three years since Florida International University launched StartUP FIU Procurement to help minority-led small businesses grow and navigate the world of government and anchor institution contracting. Let’s check in with StartUP FIU Procurement Director Barbara Cotto and see how they are doing. The small business incubator was […]

Government contracting, Success Stories

FSBDC at FIU helps position Amer Plus, a family cleaning business, for growth through  government contracting

Stephannie Cetoute took over the reins of the family business, Amer Plus Janitorial Maintenance, in 2018. While she had a background in economics and finance and from time to time helped out her father who started the business in 1998, going in “full throttle” to run a business for the […]

Government contracting, Operations, Success Stories

For Jones Benitez Corporation, it’s all about building a company on a strong foundation

If you live in South Florida, you’ve likely walked on or driven over the work of Jones Benitez Corporation. Jones Benitez Corporation, or JBC, is a construction company specializing in highway and heavy civil construction projects. The company’s work has included highway bridge widening projects, sea wall reconstruction, roadway improvements […]

Government contracting, Networking, Operations, Strategy, Success Stories

HVAC exporter NESI Solutions now focusing on Florida, with action plan in hand

Nesi Solutions, a small business founded in 2007 by Flor and Alfredo Utset, designs, implements and maintains HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) systems and building automation solutions for its commercial clients, using today’s technology to improve performance and energy savings while providing clean, comfortable air. Among its many services, NESI […]