Small Businesses Connect, Learn and Grow at Moffitt
Moffitt Cancer Center’s Small Business Symposium continues to grow as a key event connecting small businesses with real opportunities within the organization and the broader health care industry.
This year’s symposium brought together local businesses, community partners, government agencies and prime contractors for a day focused on networking, education and building meaningful connections.
In addition to networking opportunities, this year’s event included focused educational sessions, such as mini workshops on construction opportunities and a session exploring how emerging trends in artificial intelligence are shaping the future of health care.
“Engaging small businesses is an important part of Moffitt’s role in the community. Supporting local businesses ultimately contributes to stronger and healthier communities,” said Desiree Hanson, Supplier Engagement and Development associate director at Moffitt. “When small businesses thrive, they support families, create jobs and contribute to more stable and resilient communities. That connection matters to Moffitt’s mission.”
The symposium also reflects Moffitt’s mission beyond patient care by advancing economic development and strengthening a more resilient local economy. As businesses grow, they support families, create jobs and help build healthier communities.
“The impact of the symposium extends far beyond simply connecting businesses to opportunities. Many attendees approach us personally to share how Moffitt has touched their lives, and some even seek our support as they navigate their own cancer journeys,” Hanson said.
A key measure of the symposium’s success is the feedback from participants and the connections forged during the event.
“Attendees shared that the symposium was an opportunity to not only learn and connect, but to dream big about what is possible for their business,” Hanson said. “While the full impact of these connections often develops over time, the symposium consistently serves as a catalyst, creating opportunities, building momentum and strengthening relationships.”
Shelby Sims, project manager at The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, echoed the importance of relationship-building.
“Having a partnership with Moffitt to get your foot in the door is just the first step. The real value comes from building relationships,” Sims said. “No matter what your business offers, somebody is always looking. The symposium opens your eyes to opportunities you might not even have considered, across departments and projects.”
The symposium has proven to be more than just a networking event; it serves as a catalyst for real business growth and collaboration.
Past attendees have shared that connections made at the event have led to new partnerships, pilot projects and long-term contracts.
By facilitating direct engagement with Moffitt teams, prime contractors and community partners, the event creates opportunities that often develop into lasting professional relationships and measurable business outcomes.
For businesses interested in working with Moffitt, Hanson offered simple but essential advice: understand the organization, build relationships and focus on quality and reliability.
