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GRADUATE SPOTLIGHTS

Discover inspiring graduate success stories from Indian River State College that highlight perseverance, innovation, and the pursuit of meaningful careers. From space exploration to healthcare and nursing, these spotlights showcase how River students are overcoming challenges, achieving their goals, and ready to make an impact in their communities.

Read Sela’s Story
Read Keith’s Story
Read Samuel’s Story
Read Avery’s Story
Read Titeus’ Story

News Topic: Community Engagement

  • Indian River State College to Host River Fest on 3/7 

    Indian River State College to Host River Fest on 3/7 

    A crowd of people gathered outdoors at night watching a spectacular fireworks display bursting in white and gold against a dark sky, with trees and buildings visible in the background. A person wearing a cowboy hat is visible in the foreground.

    FORT PIERCE, FL (February 19, 2026) — Indian River State College (The River) will host River Fest on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., at its main campus in Fort Pierce, Florida. The free event is open to the public.  

    The community festival celebrates the energy and excellence of The River. There will be live entertainment, DJs, food and drink trucks, games, and inflatables. The day’s events will conclude with an 8:30 p.m. fireworks display.  

    River Fest coincides with the 2026 NJCAA Swimming and Diving National Championships which start on campus Wednesday, March 4 and run through Saturday, concluding with the crowning of a national champion.

    The River’s men’s program goes for its 52nd consecutive national title, and the women chase their 44th straight title.  

    Event Details:  
    What: Indian River State College River Fest  
    When: Saturday, March 7, 2026, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.  
    Where: Indian River State College, 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34981  
    Cost: Free and open to the public  

    February 19, 2026
  • Discover Your Healthcare Future! Indian River State College School of Health and Human Sciences to Host Open House on 4/6/26 

    Discover Your Healthcare Future! Indian River State College School of Health and Human Sciences to Host Open House on 4/6/26 

    Smiling nursing student in white cardigan and blue scrubs holding yellow sign reading 'Future #RiverNurse' at open house event with colorful banner decorations spelling 'WALK' and 'YOU ARE AWESOME' with heart symbols in background
    Indian River State College School of Health and Human Sciences to host Open House for prospective students. 

    PORT ST. LUCIE, FL (February 16, 2026) — Indian River State College School of Health and Human Sciences will host a free open house on April 6, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the College’s Port St. Lucie campus, 500 NW California Boulevard.   

    The event provides prospective students with comprehensive information about health and nursing education opportunities and career paths in the growing healthcare field. Attendees will tour a state-of-the-art simulation center, laboratories, and classroom facilities while meeting faculty and learning about curriculum offerings.   

     Comprehensive student support services will be showcased, including academic advising, financial aid counseling, scholarship information, and tutoring resources. Faculty members will be available to discuss specific program details and careers  

    The open house welcomes prospective students who are interested in exploring healthcare options, career changes, and high school students considering college programs. No prior registration fee is required.   

    The School of Health and Human Sciences offers a broad range of health-related programs: 

    Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) Bachelor Degree in Nursing (RN-BSN) 
    Central Service Technology Dental Hygiene 
    Healthcare Navigator Specialist Healthcare Informatics Specialists 
    Health Services Management (AS Degree) BS in Healthcare Management 
    Medical Assisting Medical Coder/Biller 
    Medical Laboratory Technology Nursing Assistant 
    Pharmacy Technician Phlebotomy 
    Physical Therapist Assistant Practical Nursing  
    Radiography Respiratory Care 
    Surgical Services Technology  

    Event Details:  

    Date: Monday, April 6, 2026  

    Time: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.  

    Location: Indian River State College, 500 NW California Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34986  

    Cost: Free admission    

    Registration: Online at https://connect.irsc.edu/event/1062758  

    Information: Phone 772-336-6330 or email IRSCSONprograminfo@irsc.edu  

    February 16, 2026
  • Indian River State College to Host Free AI Symposium for Public Safety Professionals and Community Members

    Indian River State College to Host Free AI Symposium for Public Safety Professionals and Community Members

    “Smart Response: An AI Symposium for Safety Professionals” Explores Artificial Intelligence’s Impact on Emergency Services and Public Safety 

    FORT PIERCE, FL (February 9, 2026) — Indian River State College invites public safety professionals and community members to “Smart Response: An AI Symposium for Safety Professionals” on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Indian River State College, 3209 Virginia Avenue, V-110, Fort Pierce, FL 34981. 

    This free, full-day symposium brings together national experts to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming emergency management, law enforcement, fire services, and public safety operations. From AI-driven analytics to managing disruption in emergency services, attendees will gain practical insights into the technologies shaping the future of public safety. 

    Featured Speakers Include: 

    Craig Fugate, former FEMA Administrator and Senior Advisor to Indian River State College — AI as a Force Multiplier in the Office; Questions & Next Steps 

    Batt. Chief Chad Crouse, St. Lucie County Fire District — The Human in the Loop: Keeping Public Safety Human in an AI-Driven World 

    Bruce W. Fraser, Executive Director of AI Initiatives, Indian River State College — State of the Art: An Overview of AI Developments and Trends 

    Dave Molinaro, SHI — Prioritizing Data for AI-Driven Analytics through Vision AI 

    The event opens with welcoming remarks from Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Ph.D., President of Indian River State College at 9:00 a.m. 

    Event Details: 

    • Date: Friday, February 27, 2026 
    • Time: 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
    • Location: Indian River State College, 3209 Virginia Avenue, V-110, Fort Pierce, FL 34981 
    • Cost: Free (breakfast and lunch provided) 
    • Registration: https://linktr.ee/ai_Symposium2026
    • Target Audience: Law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency managers, EMS professionals, public safety administrators, community members 

    Symposium Topics: 

    • Artificial intelligence in emergency management 
    • AI-driven analytics for public safety 
    • Managing AI disruption in emergency services 
    • Human-centered AI in first responder operations 
    • Vision AI and data prioritization 
    • Leadership strategies for AI integration 

    This symposium is designed for law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency managers, EMS professionals, public safety administrators, and any community members interested in understanding how AI is reshaping emergency response and public safety. 

    Space is limited. Advance registration is required. 

    Contact: Colleen Korpon, Indian River State College Public Service Academy –  ckorpon@irsc.edu 

    February 9, 2026
  • IRSC Public Media Stations Dominate Treasure Coast Radio Market in Fall 2025 Nielsen Ratings 

    IRSC Public Media Stations Dominate Treasure Coast Radio Market in Fall 2025 Nielsen Ratings 

    Fort Pierce, FL (February 6, 2026) – IRSC Public Media stations dominated the Treasure Coast radio market in the Fall 2025 ratings period, with all three stations achieving record-breaking performance and top rankings across multiple demographics, according to The Nielsen Company’s latest report. 

    Logos for three IRSC Public Media radio stations: WQCS 88.9 FM (NPR for the Treasure Coast) with yellow and blue branding, Q 91.1 FM (Treasure Coast's R&B) with blue and black branding, and WQCO 90.5 FM and 88.5 FM (Lake O's Rock Variety) with orange and blue branding featuring a lake outline.

    WQCS 88.9 FM (NPR For The Treasure Coast) maintained its position as the market leader, with its flagship program Morning Edition capturing the #1 overall spot — a 15% increase from Spring 2025. The station also dominated among high-income earners and college graduates. When aggregating the last four ratings periods, WQCS ranks as the #1 station on the Treasure Coast overall. 

    “These results reflect the trust our community places in IRSC Public Media to deliver quality programming that informs, educates, and entertains,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of Indian River State College (The River). “Our stations’ success demonstrates their vital role in serving the needs of the Treasure Coast.” 

    “The exceptional performance across all three stations shows that listener-focused programming makes the difference,” said Dr. Michael Hageloh, Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at The River. “Whether it’s news and information on WQCS, R&B and specialty shows on Q 91.1, or rock variety on WQCO, our commitment to serving the region is clearly resonating with audiences.” 

    Two men conducting a radio interview in a professional broadcast studio, seated at a table with microphones, broadcasting equipment, and acoustic panels visible on the walls, with monitors displaying news broadcasts in the background.
    Indian River State College President Timothy Moore (right) visits the WQCS studios with Chris Puorro, Associate Vice President of IRSC Public Media, in 2020. Under their leadership, IRSC Public Media’s three stations have achieved record-breaking ratings performance across the Treasure Coast and Lake Okeechobee region 

    WQCP Q 91.1 FM (The Treasure Coast’s R&B) achieved historic ratings in Fall 2025, nearly doubling its overall share —the highest recorded share for the 91.1 FM frequency in the station’s history, dating back to the 1990s. The station ranked #1 overall in weekday evenings and dominated with specialty programming, including a #1 for Sunday Night Jazz, Solid Gold Saturday Morning, and Sunday Praise. Q 91.1 is also the top station among African American listeners. 

    WQCO 90.5 & 88.5 FM (Lake O’s Rock Variety), launched less than a year ago, continues to build an audience across the region.  

    “The success of all three IRSC Public Media stations validates our commitment to serving our entire region with high-quality programming,” said Chris Puorro, Associate Vice President/General Manager of IRSC Public Media. “These ratings demonstrate the strong connection we’ve built with listeners across the Treasure Coast and Lake Okeechobee region.” 

    Businesses and organizations interested in reaching the Treasure Coast’s most engaged and educated listeners can explore sponsorship opportunities on IRSC Public Media stations by contacting Ron Cook at roncookUW@irsc.edu or calling 801-874-8988.   

    February 6, 2026
  • Indian River State College to Host Free Financial Literacy Workshop 

    Indian River State College to Host Free Financial Literacy Workshop 

    Community Event Focuses on Banking, Credit Scores, and Debt Management 

    WHAT: Free Financial Literacy Workshop – “Banking, Credit Scores, and Debt Management” 

    WHEN: Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 5:45 – 8 p.m. 

    WHERE: Via Zoom 

    WHO: Open to the public. Community members seeking to improve their financial knowledge and skills are encouraged to attend. 

    EVENT OVERVIEW 

    Indian River State College invites the community to a free financial literacy workshop designed to empower participants with essential knowledge about banking, credit management, and debt strategies. The evening program features expert speakers who will address common financial challenges and provide practical guidance. 

    Featured Topics & Speakers: 

    • Why Banking Matters: Erin Garrison, Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager at PNC Bank, will discuss the importance of establishing and maintaining bank accounts. 

    • Building Good Credit: Dr. Kris Demarais, Assistant Instructional Dean of Liberal Arts at Indian River State College, will explain why credit scores matter and how to improve them. 

    • Managing Debt: Joseph Semprevivo, Owner of Joseph’s Real Estate, will share strategies for handling debt effectively. 

    The workshop will include a question-and-answer session, allowing attendees to engage directly with the presenters. Dr. Maria S. Davis, Professor at Indian River State College, will introduce speakers and moderate the evening. 

    “Financial literacy is a critical life skill that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their money,” said Dr. Davis. “This workshop provides an accessible opportunity for our community to learn from experts and take control of their financial futures.” 

    DETAILED PROGRAM 

    5:45 p.m. Registration & Opening Remarks 

    6:00 p.m. Welcome, Indian River State College 

    6:05 p.m. Introduction of Speakers, Maria S. Davis, D.B.A., Professor, Indian River State College 

    6:10 p.m. Why do I need to have a bank account? Erin Garrison, Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager, PNC Bank 

    6:25 p.m. Why is it important to have a Good Credit score? Kris Demarais, Ph.D., Assistant Instructional Dean, Liberal Arts, Indian River State College 

    6:40 p.m. How can I handle my debts? Joseph Semprevivo, Owner, Joseph’s Real Estate 

    6:55 p.m. Question and Answer Session 

    8:00 p.m. Closing Remarks, Maria S. Davis, D.B.A. 

    REGISTRATION 

    The event is free and open to the public. Register online at https://connect.irsc.edu/event/403191 

    EVENT CONTACTS 

    Dr. Maria S. Davis 

    Indian River State College – Mueller Campus 

    6155 College Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32966 

    Phone: 772-226-2557 

    Email: medavis@irsc.edu 

    Dr. Samuel Mikhail 

    Indian River State College – Pruitt Campus 

    500 NW California Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 

    Phone: 772-336-6270 

    Email: smikhail@irsc.edu 

    Website: https://irsc.edu/admissions/financial-assistance/financial-literacy/ 

    About Indian River State College: Indian River State College serves Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offering high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. Visit irsc.edu.   

    February 6, 2026
  • Indian River State College Recognizes Local Youth with Full Scholarship

    Indian River State College Recognizes Local Youth with Full Scholarship

    Two individuals smile while holding awards at a Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County Youth of the Year ceremony. They're standing in front of a backdrop with the organization's logo, with blue and white balloons visible in the background. The woman on the left wears glasses and a pink skirt, while the woman on the right wears a gray cardigan and holds a crystal trophy engraved with 'Youth of the Year.
    Indian River State College Senior Director of Development Maygan Johnson with Enrique Rosario-Liz.

    Fort Pierce, FL (February 5, 2026) — Indian River State College (The River) in partnership with Boys and Girls Club of St. Lucie County awarded St. Lucie County resident Enrique Rosario-Liz with a full scholarship to the College.  The scholarship recognizes Rosario-Liz for his character, leadership abilities and community service.

    Rosario-Liz had the option to receive two years tuition-free education through the Indian River State College Promise Program, which would have allowed him to earn an Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) degree.   He chose to receive the four-year Indian River State College Foundation scholarship to support his completion of a Bachelor’s Degree at The River.

    “The scholarship provides a powerful springboard toward a future of financial freedom, educational accomplishment, and career readiness,” said Dr. Timothy Moore, Indian River State College president.  “Our students benefit from small class sizes, faculty who care deeply about our students’ success, and opportunities for leadership, service learning, and career focused internships that prepares them for lives outside of graduation.”

    A Club member for five years and a current 12th-grader at Port St. Lucie High School, Rosario-Liz’s hobbies include reading, writing and listening to music.  An obstacle he has overovercome in his life is immigrating to the United States from the Dominican Republic. His platform focuses on providing educational resources for immigrant youth.

    Later this year, Rosario-Liz will travel to Washington D.C. where he will compete for Boys and Girls Club National Youth of the Year.

    ###

    About Indian River State College: Indian River State College serves Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offering high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. Visit irsc.edu.

    About Boys and Girls Club of St. Lucie County: For more than 30 years, we have been empowering young people, nurturing their potential, and equipping them to become responsible, caring, and productive citizens. Through our safe and supportive spaces, we inspire members to overcome challenges, build meaningful relationships, and develop essential life skills. As we celebrate our history, we honor our past achievements while looking ahead to an even greater future—one filled with expanded opportunities, deeper impact, and more bright futures for the youth we serve.

    February 5, 2026
  • Indian River State College Foundation Clay Shoot to Benefit Student Veterans on Feb. 13 

    Indian River State College Foundation Clay Shoot to Benefit Student Veterans on Feb. 13 

    FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Feb. 5, 2026) – The Indian River State College Foundation (IRSC Foundation) will host its Veterans Clay Shoot, presented by Gilbert’s Family of Companies, on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the OK Corral Gun Club in Okeechobee. Proceeds benefit the Indian River State College Military & Veterans Center for Excellence, which supports student-veterans across the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee area. 

    Veterans Clay Shoot logo featuring a silhouette of a shooter aiming a shotgun at an orange clay target in flight, with a red clay trajectory arc and star above. Text reads 'VETERANS CLAY SHOOT' in blue bold letters with a white star accent, and 'INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE FOUNDATION' curved along the bottom in blue text. The design uses a patriotic color scheme of red, white, and blue on a black background.

    Register as an individual or team—or amplify your impact as a sponsor, including the $500 “Sponsor a Veteran” option that puts a student veteran on the course. Every dollar raised fuels scholarships, career assistance, and day-to-day support through the Indian River State College Veterans Center of Excellence. Space is limited; secure your spot at https://giving.irsc.edu/ways-to-give/clay-shoot/.  

    “This event directly supports our student veterans and military families—from scholarships to career assistance and day-to-day support,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College President. “Our community shows up for those who served, and this shoot turns that support into real results for our students.” 

    “Supporting our student veterans is one of the most meaningful ways we can give back to those who’ve sacrificed for our country,” said IRSC Foundation Vice President Annabel Robertson, JD, CFRE. “The Veterans Clay Shoot brings our community together for a great cause—every shot fired helps a veteran succeed in the classroom and beyond. We’re grateful to Gilbert’s Family of Companies and all our sponsors for making this possible.” 

    A group of veterans and participants standing at attention with hands over hearts during what appears to be the national anthem at an outdoor Veterans Clay Shoot event. The crowd includes people wearing sunglasses, casual outdoor attire, and some holding caps. Trees and overcast sky are visible in the background.
    Participants stand for the national anthem at the Indian River State College Foundation’s Veterans Clay Shoot event, honoring those who have served while gathering for a day of camaraderie and sporting clays.

    Schedule: 

    • 8:00 a.m. – Registration and breakfast; opening remarks by Dr. Moore 
    • 8:45 a.m. – Required safety talk and course information (12- or 20-gauge only; shells provided; ear/eye protection required). 
    • 9:00 a.m. – Shotgun start 
    • Followed by – BBQ lunch with awards & raffle – Prizes are awarded to the top team and individuals.

    Location: 

    • OK Corral Gun Club, 9449 48th Street NW, Okeechobee, FL  

    Presenting Sponsor: Gilbert’s Family of Companies.  

    Generous support is provided by Brighton Ammunition, Walpole, Inc., CRI/Level 4, Jacquin & Sons, Remnant Construction, Gordon & Partners Law Firm, and IKONIC Munitions. 

     Entry Fees: 

    • Team (4 shooters): $2000 
    • Individual Shooter: $500 
    • Sponsor a Veteran Shooter: $500 (covers one veteran’s entry, meals, awards; name on promotional materials). 

    Register: https://giving.irsc.edu/ways-to-give/clay-shoot/ 

    Sponsorship questions can be directed to John Ramfjord, Senior Director of Development, jramfjord@irsc.edu or (772) 462-4786. 

    February 5, 2026
  • Indian River State College Career Expo To Connect Job Seekers with 50 Employers 

    Indian River State College Career Expo To Connect Job Seekers with 50 Employers 

    FORT PIERCE, FL (February 04, 2026) — Indian River State College Career Services, in partnership with Enterprise Mobility, will host its annual Spring Career Exposition on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event is open to the public.  Enterprise Mobility is serving as an employment sponsor for The River’s Career Expo, demonstrating its commitment to workforce development and providing students with direct access to career opportunities, industry insight, and professional connections. 

    More than 50 employers from healthcare, education, public safety, government, and private industry will participate, including Cleveland Clinic, Health First, Martin County School District, St. Lucie Public Schools, Florida Department of Corrections, Seminole Public Safety Department, US Army, Treasure Coast Hospice, and Daher Aerospace. 

    Job seekers will have the opportunity to interview on-site with hiring managers and learn about immediate employment opportunities. Attendees should bring multiple copies of their resume and be prepared to be interviewed. 

    “Indian River State College serves as a vital connector between local employers and talented individuals seeking meaningful careers in our region,” said Calvin Williams, Ph.D. Indian River State College Chief Career Officer. 

    Event Details: 
    What: Spring Career Exposition 
    When: Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
    Where: Indian River State College, Building O, 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34981 
    Cost: Free and open to the public 

    Participating Employers Include: 
    Cleveland Clinic, Health First, Treasure Coast Hospice, Martin County School District, St. Lucie Public Schools, Okeechobee County Schools, Florida Department of Corrections, Florida Department of Transportation, Seminole Public Safety Department, St. Lucie County Fire District, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, US Army, Daher Aerospace, Enterprise Mobility, Charter Schools USA, Independence Classical Academy, Boys and Girls Club of Martin County, Hibiscus Children’s Center, Treasure Coast Food Bank, Elder Home Care Services, A Better Way Home Care, ARC of the Treasure Coast, Fastenal Company, Mast Electric Inc., STAline Waterworks Inc., Composite Essential Materials, Tropical Shipping, Jupiter Island Club, Gilbert Family of Companies, Kessel Medical, and many more. 

    February 4, 2026
  • RiverBlog: Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the SBDC at Indian River State College

    RiverBlog: Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the SBDC at Indian River State College

    Starting or growing a business can feel overwhelming. But what if you had a trusted guide with decades of real-world experience ready to help you navigate the challenges? That’s exactly what the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Indian River State College (The River) offers to entrepreneurs and business owners across the Treasure Coast.

    Regional Director Tom Kindred recently sat down with Kathleen Walter on IRSC Public Media’s RiverTalk to share insights about this invaluable resource. Here are the top 10 things every business owner should know about the SBDC at The River.

    1. It’s Not Just for Startups

    While the SBDC helps aspiring entrepreneurs launch new ventures, a significant portion of their work focuses on helping established businesses scale and grow. Whether you’ve been in business for five months or 20 years, the SBDC can help you break through plateaus and reach the next level.

    2. The Services Are Completely Free and Confidential

    That’s right—free. The SBDC is a federally funded program through the Small Business Administration, which means you get access to high-quality business consulting, training programs, and specialized services at no cost. All consultations are also completely confidential.

    3. Real-World Experience Sets Them Apart

    Tom Kindred brings more than 20 years of experience running his own retail and restaurant businesses. “My greatest education came from the mistakes and failures,” he explains. “My goal is to let folks know how to avoid some of those mistakes that I made in my small business journey.” This isn’t theoretical advice—it’s wisdom earned in the trenches.

    Three people collaborating in a small office workspace. A man in a white dress shirt and blue tie stands and points to a laptop screen while consulting with two seated individuals - a woman in a blue shirt and a woman in business attire. The desk has a desktop computer monitor, laptop, phone, notepad, and mouse pad. The setting appears to be a business consulting or training session.
    Small Business Incubator at the Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College provides one-on-one consulting to entrepreneurs and business owners looking to start, grow, and scale their operations on the Treasure Coast.

    4. They Help You Access Serious Capital

    In 2025 alone, the SBDC helped clients secure over $21 million in traditional bank loans and an astounding $84 million in government contracts. While they don’t provide loans directly, they help you put together bank packages, build business plans, and connect with every lending institution on the Treasure Coast. The key? Your business needs to be profitable and cash-flow positive.

    5. Government Contracting Is More Accessible Than You Think

    Through the Florida Apex Accelerator program, the SBDC helps small businesses tap into government contracts at the federal, state, and local levels. Specialist Scotty Wilson guides clients through the entire process—from acquiring a SAMS number to getting minority-owned, woman-owned, or veteran-owned certifications. They even provide a tool called BidMatch that populates daily with contracts matching your business profile.

    Professional headshot of a man with blonde hair wearing round tortoiseshell glasses, a dark suit jacket, blue and white striped dress shirt, and a gold tie. He has an SBDC (Small Business Development Center) pin on his lapel and is smiling at the camera against a gray background.
    Tom Kindred, Regional Director, Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College

    6. Business Plans Are Living Documents, Not Shelf Decorations

    The SBDC uses an intuitive tool called LivePlan to help clients build comprehensive business plans. “This should be a document that we’re using every day to make sure we’re on track,” Kindred emphasizes. The business plan houses your research, addresses tough questions about growth, identifies key performance indicators, and serves as your roadmap for scaling.

    7. They Offer High-End Training Programs

    The SBDC provides specialized training beyond one-on-one consulting, including:

    • Profit Mastery: A 16-hour deep dive into understanding and managing your financials
    • QuickBooks Training: Supporting the gold standard in small business bookkeeping
    • Digital Media Boot Camp: Preparing businesses to leverage digital marketing and social media
    • Team Building Training: Helping you manage and develop your staff
    • Smart Start Orientation: A 2.5-hour overview for aspiring entrepreneurs

    8. They Have Powerful Industry Research Tools

    Scaling a business requires data. The SBDC provides access to high-end industry databases like BizMiner, ReferenceUSA, and VerticalIQ. These tools help you understand industry trends, financial ratios, and competitive benchmarks—critical information for making informed growth decisions.

    9. International Trade Isn’t Just for Big Corporations

    Through the Export Marketing Plan (EMP) program, small manufacturers can explore international markets. The SBDC partners with Select Florida and U.S. Commercial Services to create comprehensive export marketing plans (valued at around $20,000) that identify global markets for your products and connect you to trade missions.

    10. They’re Staying Ahead of the Curve

    The SBDC recently received grant funding from Verizon specifically focused on artificial intelligence training. Social media specialist Phil Gauldies is developing courses on AI for 2026, ensuring that Treasure Coast businesses stay competitive in an rapidly evolving digital landscape.

    The Numbers Speak for Themselves

    In 2025, the SBDC at Indian River State College:

    • Worked with approximately 800 clients
    • Provided nearly 5,000 hours of consulting
    • Helped 45-46 entrepreneurs start new businesses
    • Secured $84 million in government contracts for clients
    • Facilitated $21 million in traditional capital access

    Getting Started Is Simple

    Ready to leverage the SBDC’s expertise? Just pick up the phone and call 772-336-6285. Ask for Xiomara (Xio) Rosales to schedule your initial consultation. You can also email them at FSBDC@IRSC.edu.

    Whether you’re just starting out, looking to scale an existing business, exploring government contracting, or preparing for international trade, the SBDC at Indian River State College has the experience, tools, and connections to help you succeed.

    As Tom Kindred puts it: “I can tell you it is worth the engagement to come meet with the SBDC.”

    Don’t let your business journey feel like swimming in a vast ocean without a guide. The SBDC is here, ready to help you navigate those waters and reach your destination.


    For more success stories from Treasure Coast entrepreneurs, check out Tom Kindred’s podcast, Small Biz Florida, which shines a light on local business achievements.

    February 2, 2026
  • Save the Date: Veterans Hobbies & Helping Hands Fair on March 6

    Save the Date: Veterans Hobbies & Helping Hands Fair on March 6

    DATE: Friday, March 6, 2026 
    TIME: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 
    LOCATION:  Indian River State College, Veterans Center of Excellence (Building D) 
    500 NW California Blvd, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986 

    The Indian River State College (“The River”) Veterans Center of Excellence invites veterans, their families, and the community to discover new passions and purpose at the Second Annual Hobbies & Helping Hands Fair. This free community event offers veterans and their loved ones a chance to explore an array of engaging hobbies and meaningful volunteer opportunities. This event celebrates our veterans by connecting them with activities that enrich their lives and opportunities to continue serving their community. 

    What to Expect 

    From artistic pursuits like photography and quilting to outdoor adventures including scuba diving and birdwatching, attendees can sample activities that spark joy and foster connection. 

    Featured activities include: 

    • Creative Arts: Photography, Traditional Rug Hooking, Art, Quilting, Crocheting, and Wood Turning 
    • Outdoor Recreation: Scuba Diving, Golf, Gardening (Herbs and Spices), Birdwatching, and Planetarium Experiences 
    • Wellness Activities: Yoga, Dance and Exercise, and Budget-Friendly Cooking 
    • Community Services: Honor Flight, Grace Packs, Children’s Advocacy, Red Cross, and Beekeeping 

    The fair will also showcase veteran-focused support organizations, including Veterans Services, Warriors for Life, Purple Heart Cane, and Be Believed Here. Whether you’re interested in learning a new hobby or giving back through volunteerism, there’s something for everyone. 

    Contact: Camilo Medina, Veteran Student Success Coordinator, cmedina@irsc.edu | 772-336-6370 

    January 27, 2026
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