January 22, 2021 – Dwan Courtney, M.B.A., has been named Director of the University of Florida’s Small Business & Vendor Diversity (SBVD) Office. Courtney is a graduate of the University of Florida where she majored in Economics. She holds an M.B.A. from DeVry University-Chicago and is currently earning her Master’s in Political Science from UF.

As a part of Business Services, a division of Business Affairs, SBVD provides services and support designed to facilitate utilization of small diverse businesses by UF departments and academic units. As the director, through collaborative relationships with campus and local community and business leaders, Courtney will develop programs and services designed to encourage small businesses to participate in university procurement opportunities.

 

Courtney was recently the Small, Minority & Veteran Business Procurement Program Coordinator at the City of Gainesville. Prior to her role with the city, Courtney was formerly the Marketing & Communications Specialist with UF’s SBVD. Courtney has over eight years of experience in supplier diversity, procurement, entrepreneurship and budget planning.

 

In her former role in SBVD, Courtney was instrumental in administering many of the department’s outreach events, including monthly business development workshops, the UF Mentor – Protégé Program, and the Annual Small Business Vendor Fair. Those efforts, in partnership with UF departments and community leaders, assist small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses with developing skills, strategies, and networks to enable them to effectively compete on university contracts and procurement opportunities.

 

“In our current climate, developing a progressive strategy to service both the institution and small businesses will position the program to emerge from times past. Just as the University of Florida has evolved to remain a leader in higher education, I envision this supplier diversity program to unfold into a forerunner of its kind,” Courtney said.

 

Courtney began her role on January 22.

 

“In addition to her knowledge in the area of small business and vendor diversity, Courtney brings a high level of energy and passion to her role with UF, which undoubtedly will greatly enhance the university’s efforts in this very important area,” said Eddie Daniels, Assistant Vice President, Business Services.

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Contact:

Jenn Moyer

Marketing & Communications Specialist

Business Services

Moyer13@Ufl.edu