Eileen, Rodriguez
Director
International Business, Women/Minority Businesses
Ms. Eileen Rodriguez serves as Director for the Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida. She is a Certified Business Analyst. Eileen has been working with the SBDC since 1997, providing one-on-one confidential counseling and teachings seminars in English and Spanish on small business start-up, international trade, and women and minority certification.
Prior to working at the SBDC, Eileen owned her own business for four years. She has more than 21 years of experience as a professional businesswoman. Eileen obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Puerto Rico and a Master of Science Degree and an MBA from the University of South Florida.
Eileen is active in many organizations including the Florida Minority Supplier's Development Council, Tampa Bay Women in International Trade, the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators, and the University of South Florida Alumni Association.
To schedule FREE, confidential business counseling with this counselor, please contact the USF SBDC at (813) 905-5800, or click the link below for on-line counseling assistance. We look forward to hearing from you!
Electronic Request for Counseling
Exporting Alternative Energy Products and Services to Latin America
A Growth Opportunity to Generate Revenue for the next 20 Years!
The International Energy Agency estimates energy demand in Latin America and the Caribbean to increase 50% by 2030. The agency also estimates installed energy generation capacity to increase by 26% in the following ten years. How can a small business benefit from this opportunity?
Learn MoreHigh Speed Rail Projects for Minority Owned and Small Businesses
Information Meetings Set for Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) through its Florida Rail Enterprise will host public information sessions in Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando to explain how minority owned and small businesses can be part of a team to bid on Florida’s high speed rail project connecting Tampa to Orlando.
Learn MoreLocal Small Business Honored
Earlier this week, “Friend of the SBDC” Scott Riley won the U.S Chamber Small Business of the Year award in Washington, D.C. Mr. Riley’s business, FinTech, processes invoices and payments for alcohol distributors and retailers around the United States. 75 Small Businesses were honored with the Blue Ribbon Small Business Award and out of the 75, seven businesses were selected as finalists for the Business of the Year award. We are very proud of Mr. Riley’s accomplishment and extend to him our congratulations.
Learn MoreWhat Does the Oil Spill Mean to Small Businesses?
With close to 1,200 miles of shoreline and 663 miles of beaches, Florida’s small businesses can be severely impacted by the oil spill in Louisiana. Tourism is one of Florida’s three key economic engines and a vital part of our economy, with 74 million visitors in 2009, Florida continues to be the top travel destination in the world. The tourism industry has an economic impact of around $50 billion on Florida’s economy. 500,000 jobs are created in the state by beach tourists.
Learn MoreImplementing the National Export Initiative
The One-Stop Export Promotion Shop
On March 11, 2010, President Obama launched a National Export Initiative. He has asked the Small Business Development Centers throughout the nation to partner with the US Department of Commerce, EX-IM Bank, and the US Department of Agriculture to educate our small businesses and double the amount of US exports.
New SBDC office has Charles Cronk in charge
The Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida opened an office in south Pinellas County to provide counseling to business owners.
Charles Cronk, a former business assistance specialist at the Largo/Mid-Pinellas Chamber of Commerce, will work with business owners in need of help.
Cronk’s expertise in the areas of small business development, tourism development, cultural development and governmental affairs will be a great asset, said Eileen Rodriguez, regional director of the SBDC, in a release.
The new office is located at 3420 Eighth Ave. S., St. Petersburg. The telephone is (727) 524-4344.
Learn More