Jacqueline Sousa named Regional Director, SBDC at FIU

Entrepreneur, analyst leads effort to help Miami-Dade businesses grow

Florida International University announced that Jacqueline Sousa will join the College of Business as regional director of SBDC at FIU, the Florida Small Business Development Center for Miami-Dade County that recently opened at the university.

Jacqueline Sousa

Sousa brings more than 20 years’ experience as a business analyst, entrepreneur and journalist to her position. She was previously special consultant to the dean at the college, where she led initiatives in entrepreneurship and economic development, including the college’s participation in the upcoming eMerge Americas Techweek conference and the start-up process for the SBDC.

“Jackie is an outstanding analyst and advocate for emerging businesses, and shares FIU’s commitment to helping businesses grow and succeed,” said David R. Klock, dean of the College of Business. “We are pleased to welcome her to our new SBDC.”

“I’m pleased to have the opportunity to lead the work of the SBDC at FIU as we help build Miami’s businesses,” Sousa said.  “I know that our consultants, together with the resources of FIU, will make a significant impact, not only in our local community, but in the global business environment.”

Before joining FIU, Jackie was a director with i2 Integrity, an international strategic advisory firm, where she assisted multinational companies with their business intelligence needs related to new market entries, regulatory issues and competitive analysis.

“Jackie brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Florida SBDC Network,” said Michael Myhre, CEO and Network State Director. “Her knowledge of the region, coupled with her extensive consulting, analyst, and journalism background, will provide the leadership needed to foster economic growth and development.”

Previously, Sousa was a reporter with the Wall Street Journal in Atlanta and Miami, executive editor of American Lawyer Media’s Daily Business Review, and editor of The Miami Herald’s Business Monday magazine. Jackie also co-founded and operated a South Florida media and publishing company. She holds a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Florida and an MPA from FIU.

Working in conjunction with the Florida SBDC and the Small Business Administration, SBDC at FIU serves as a no-cost consulting service for small businesses in Miami-Dade County and provides a variety of tools for entrepreneurial success.