One of the most intriguing things about working as a strategist and designer is having the opportunity to see your projects come to life during execution. Taking what starts as an idea and watching it unfold into a full launch is what everyone in positions like mine look forward to. For me, the Florida SBDC’s Small Business Success Summit was just that.

The Florida SBDC helps small businesses launch, grow and thrive through support in multiple areas including business research, training, growth acceleration, government contracting and much more. They partnered with idgroup last year to participate in the full Branding From The Core™ process including immersion research, leadership dialogue, strategic planning, brand alignment strategy and development of a creative brand awareness campaign, Founded in Florida.

This year, the Florida SBDC hosted its first Small Business Success Summit where multiple speakers were brought in over the course of two days to provide an agenda packed with keynote speakers, breakout sessions and networking opportunities to support local business owners. The purpose of this event? To unveil the new Founded in Florida campaign and provide small businesses access to capital, contracts and connections for growth and success.

The Founded in Florida campaign was created with the idea of letting current members share their stories. We couldn’t think of a better way to drive interest and authenticity than by showing the success that others had already experienced at an event where like minded individuals had gathered to learn.

Upon arrival, Success Summit attendees were greeted with small sneak peaks of the campaign through window clings and directional signage teasing the SBDC’s “Launch. Grow. Thrive” messaging and faces of entrepreneurs that had previously found success with the SBDC. Upon entering the mainstage area, attendees were immediately surrounded with Founded in Florida messaging.

The key components of our event creative included a stage centerpiece with six supporting banners, a launch video, and a landing page. These items together told the story of five fellow Florida entrepreneurs that had watched their dreams come true with the guiding support of the Florida SBDC. Stories of unforeseen allies and heartwarming support filled the room as they shared their thoughts about how the SBDC had set them up for success.

Other creative developments included event agendas and a photo backdrop where the 370 attendees were encouraged to take and share selfies, highlighting their SBDC and sharing their story with the world.

To explore the Founded in Florida campaign landing page and watch the launch video, visit https://foundedinflorida.com/.