The Disney Entrepreneur Center, supported in part by UCF, has received an award from the Central Florida Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners for its efforts to promote diversity.

The Beacon award has been given annually since 2006 to organizations that create an atmosphere of inclusion in which all people throughout the community are respected and appreciated.

“The Disney Entrepreneur Center is an organization that exemplifies diversity,” said Jerry Ross, executive director of the DEC.  “This award reflects the collective efforts of the dynamic organizations who call the Entrepreneur Center home.”

The DEC was established in 2003 as a public-private partnership to support small business development in Central Florida.  In addition to UCF, the center is funded by corporate, education, and municipal sponsorships, and is home to 12 non-profit organizations that provide training, coaching, and resources to entrepreneurs and small businesses.

 “Not only do we host a diverse mix of service providers, we serve a diverse group of entrepreneurs and business owners,” Ross said.

The DEC was honored in the non-profit category.  Past winners in the category include the Center for Drug Free Living (2008), Orange County Regional History Center and the Orange County Library System (2007). 

The center was featured in the August edition of Entrepreneur Magazine where Orlando was named one of the “Top 10 cities in America to start a small business.” 
        

CONTACT:  Jerry Ross, Director                                                                                
Disney Entrepreneur Center                                                              
Phone:  407-420-4848                                                                        
Email: jerry@disneyec.com