Submitted by Yvonne Lorie Ketchum
WESTON, FL — Cleveland Clinic in Florida has launched a business development program to boost the economic health of companies and communities in South Florida and the Treasure Coast.
The Supplier Accelerator Program is an extension of an enterprise-wide initiative initially launched at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. The program is designed to expand the impact of local businesses owned by traditionally underrepresented entrepreneurs by helping them become competitive in the markets they operate.
Cleveland Clinic Florida has selected five local companies as finalists to participate in the Supplier Accelerator Program. Over six months, experts will provide opportunities for business owners to expand their knowledge base to help them grow their businesses.
“We are proud to welcome the first cohort of businesses representing a wide variety of products and services, from surgical bras to centralized management procurement, promotional products, digital marketing and project management consulting,” said David Cato, Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Cleveland Clinic in Florida. “We look forward to working with these entrepreneurs to help strengthen and grow their businesses, which will create a positive effect in the community.”
Through the Supplier Accelerator Program, Cleveland Clinic in Florida will provide:
*Coaching in business development and in navigating the sourcing process of large corporations
*Direct one-on-one access to Cleveland Clinic leaders and subject matter experts
*Networking opportunities with Cleveland Clinic decision-makers, Tier I suppliers and key community organizations
*Multidisciplinary business review to provide actionable feedback for developing and growing their business
*$10,000 cash prize per finalist upon completion of the program
The five companies selected for the inaugural cohort include:
BizLia is a minority-owned enterprise, founded by Keel Russell in Coconut Creek, Florida, in 2023. BizLiá addresses the challenges that small and diverse businesses often encounter with managing diverse certifications and corporate vendor portal registrations. BizLiá provides a comprehensive platform that streamlines and simplifies these processes enabling small businesses to manage their certifications efficiently, update information, stay compliant, and connect with large corporations and government agencies.
The Soomitz Group is a woman and minority-owned enterprise, founded by Wendy Smith in Coral Springs, Florida in 2022. The Soomitz Group provides comprehensive solutions in project management consultancy, training, and product sourcing and procurement.
Medebra, a woman-owned enterprise, founded by Kim Haley in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2017. The company is the maker of surgical bras that increase blood circulation around the area where a breast augmentation, breast implant, mastectomy, or lumpectomy has been performed.
Soar Promo, a woman and minority-owned enterprise, was founded by Tiffany Saur in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, in 2022. Soar Promo is a full-service advertising specialties company offering a wide range of promotional items to market and promote businesses.
Reas Marketing is a woman-owned enterprise, founded by Sheena Heppern in Fort Pierce, Florida, in 2012. Reas Marketing is a full-service digital marketing agency dedicated to helping companies grow by building relationships with customers and leads to increase sales.
