weVenture Women’s Business Center honored by U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration South Florida District Office recently announced that weVenture Women’s Business Center was its winner of the 2025 South Florida District, and state of Florida’s, Women’s Business Center of the Year.
SBA’s announcement of weVenture, and six other firms and organizations, will be formally recognized during 2025 National Small Business Week, which takes place May 4-10.
“Congratulations to our National Small Business Week Award winners,” South Florida District Director J. Malcolm Richards said. “Their dedication and innovation drive economic growth and strengthen South Florida’s communities. We are proud to celebrate their impact and success.”
weVenture, headed by Kathryn Rudloff, is a program of the Bisk School of Business at the Florida Institute of Technology.
Established in 2007, weVenture Women’s Business Center is a leading voice and resource for professional women and entrepreneurs on the Space and Treasure coasts.
Research by the National Women’s Business Council showed rapid growth in women-owned small businesses since 1997. Today there are more than 14 million women-owned businesses that make up 39% of all U.S. businesses — a nearly 14% increase from 2019 to 2023.
Edward Jones office in Rockledge makes Forbes Best-in-State list
Edward Jones financial advisor Gregory Phelps of Rockledge was named among the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors in 2025. This is his second time being named to the list.
“I became an Edward Jones financial advisor to help the people in my community feel confident in their financial lives and secure about their future,” Phelps said. “It’s challenging but fulfilling work, and now to receive this kind of statewide recognition is a highlight in my career. I thank my branch team for their unwavering support and our clients for putting their trust in us.””My priority is to work one-on-one with our clients to make a positive difference in their lives,” Phelps said. “It’s a wonderful source of pride to be recognized by Forbes for the specific aspects of our work that they measure.”To compile the rankings, SHOOK Research analysts conducted individual interviews with nominees. Criteria that determined the final list included industry experience, best practices, compliance records and assets under care. Phelps is supported by his client support team, which includes Cindy Stepina and Patti Faulkner, senior branch office administrators; and Deborah Carson, business development administrator.Phelps can be reached at 321-636-6882, and his office is at 1970 Rockledge Blvd., Rockledge.
Edward Jones is a leading North American financial-services firm with more than 20,000 financial advisors. The firm serves more than 9 million clients, with a total of $2.2 trillion in client assets under care as of Dec. 31, 2024.
Nepo named community engagement coordinator at Transportation Planning Organization
Leah Nepo recently joined the team at the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization as its community engagement coordinator.
Previously, Nepo was with Serene Harbor, where she was a child case manager and prevention specialist.
Nepo received her bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology and a minor in child advocacy studies, graduating in December 2023 with magna cum laude honors, from the Florida Institute of Technology.
She currently is pursuing her master’s degree, with a concentration of trauma psychology, at Simmons University.
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