Business owners selected to participate in the Cleveland Clinic Florida Supplier Accelerator Program: (l-r) Tiffany Saur, Soar Promo, LLC; Sheena Heppern, Reas Marketing, LLC; Keel Russell, BizLia, Inc.; Kim Haley, Medebra, LLC; Wendy Smith, The Soomitz Group, LLC.
Cleveland Clinic in Florida has launched a business development program to boost the economic health of companies and communities in South FL and the Treasure Coast.
The Supplier Accelerator Program is an extension of an enterprise-wide initiative initially launched at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. 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 FL 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.
Through the Supplier Accelerator Program, Cleveland Clinic in FL 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:
Medebra, a woman-owned enterprise, founded by Kim Haley in Fort Lauderdale, FL in 2017.
BizLia is a minority-owned enterprise, founded by Keel Russell in Coconut Creek, FL in 2023.
Soar Promo, a woman and minority-owned enterprise, was founded by Tiffany Saur in Palm Beach Gardens, FL in 2022.
Reas Marketing is a woman-owned enterprise, founded by Sheena Heppern in Fort Pierce, FL in 2012.
The Soomitz Group is a woman and minority-owned enterprise, founded by Wendy Smith in Coral Springs, FL in 2022.
