$12 Million Invested, 800 Leaders Trained: The Quiet Engine Powering South Florida’s Small Business Growth
Over $12 million in philanthropic funding, channeled through The Jim Moran Foundation and Jan Moran, has quietly fueled the growth of over 800 small business leaders in South Florida since 2013. This isn’t venture capital chasing headline-grabbing startups; it’s a sustained, targeted investment in the existing backbone of the regional economy – established small and medium-sized enterprises. The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship at Florida State University is currently accepting applications for its Fall 2026 Small Business Executive Program (SBEP), a no-cost initiative designed to address a critical gap in the market: the need for comprehensive management training for owners already navigating the complexities of running a business. The March 31st application deadline represents a key moment for South Florida firms looking to scale strategically.
Original reporting: news.fsu.edu.
The scale of this investment is particularly noteworthy when compared to typical small business support programs. While many initiatives offer isolated workshops or limited mentorship, the SBEP provides a nine-session, bi-weekly program spanning July through November, totaling approximately 45 hours of intensive training. This commitment, coupled with the absence of tuition, distinguishes it from competitors like the SBA Emerging Leaders program, which, while valuable, often requires significant time and financial resources from participants. Jennifer Kovach, director of the Jim Moran Institute’s South Florida region, emphasizes the program’s focus on holistic leadership development: “Business owners wear many hats. In addition to day-to-day operations, they’re often tasked with managing sales, marketing, accounting, and more.” This speaks to a core challenge for businesses past the startup phase – the transition from doing the work to leading the work.
The program’s eligibility criteria – a minimum of three years in operation and at least three employees or volunteers – reveal a deliberate targeting of businesses that have demonstrated viability but are now facing the hurdles of sustained growth. This isn’t about incubating ideas; it’s about optimizing existing operations. The SBEP curriculum directly addresses this need, focusing on strategic planning, efficient management practices, and capitalizing on market opportunities. The fact that 52 classes have already been successfully completed, graduating over 800 leaders, demonstrates a proven track record of impact. However, a deeper dive into post-program performance data – revenue growth, employee retention, market share gains – would further solidify the program’s ROI and justify continued investment.
The funding model itself is a crucial element of the SBEP’s success. Rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit of automotive pioneer Jim Moran, the program is designed to “pay it forward,” mirroring Moran’s own journey from selling soda pop as a child to building a multi-billion dollar enterprise. This philanthropic approach removes a significant barrier to entry for many small business owners, particularly those from underserved communities who may lack access to traditional financing or training resources. The Jim Moran Institute’s transition to the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship in 2023 signals a long-term commitment to expanding its reach and impact, potentially leading to new program offerings and increased funding opportunities.
What this means for your wallet: If you’re a South Florida business owner with at least three years of operation and three employees, the SBEP represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to invest in your leadership skills and unlock the next level of growth. But beyond individual businesses, the program’s continued success is a signal to investors and policymakers: sustained investment in existing small businesses, coupled with targeted management training, is a powerful engine for regional economic development. The key question now is whether this model – philanthropic funding driving comprehensive, accessible training – can be replicated in other regions facing similar economic challenges.
