AITC Named 2023 8(a) Graduate of the Year for the North Florida District, State of Florida, and the Southeastern United States (Region IV)
On April 11, 2023, Advanced IT Concepts (AITC) Inc. was named the 2023 Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) Graduate of the Year for the North Florida District, State of Florida, and Region IV, representing the Southeastern United States. The award recognizes AITC’s exceptional growth, performance, and commitment to excellence as an outstanding program graduate.
Designed to assist small, disadvantaged businesses to compete in the marketplace, the SBA 8(a) program is a business development program. It provides training, counseling, and assistance in obtaining government contracts. Graduates of the program are recognized for their exceptional performance and contribution to the community.
AITC is a leading systems integration firm providing information technology (IT), training, simulation and professional services/solutions to defense and federal agencies with offices in Florida, Arizona and internationally. It has participated in the SBA 8(a) program since 2012 and successfully graduated in May 2022. Since graduating, AITC has continued to grow, offering specialized services to customers in the U.S. and around the world, with new opportunities for continued expansion and growth.
“We are honored to receive the SBA 8(a) Graduate of the Year Award for North Florida District, State of Florida, and Region IV,” said AITC’s President/Founder, Gabriel Ruiz. “Our success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and the support we have received from the SBA 8(a) program. We are committed to continue providing exceptional services to our customers as we support their mission and strategic goals, but also expanding to make a positive impact in the communities in which we serve on a global basis.”
The SBA 8(a) award is a recognition of AITC’s commitment to excellence and the outstanding services it provides to its customers. AITC is proud to be a graduate of the SBA 8(a) program and to have contributed to the program’s outstanding success.
Florida’s SBA winners will be recognized at two ceremony events planned in May in conjunction with National Small Business Week (April 30 – May 5).
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of North Florida and the SBA North Florida will co-host the 31st annual Small Business Week Celebration on May 5, 2023, recognizing the 2023 Small Business Week Award Winners and lenders in Jacksonville. Central Florida winners will be recognized at a private event hosted by the SBDC at the University of Central Florida on May 18 in Orlando. During National Small Business Week, the SBA highlights the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories annually.
For more information about local winners or programs available through the Small Business Administration, please visit the agency website at www.sba.gov/northflorida or call (904) 443-1900.
AITC has been recognized for its fast growth, recently earning a spot on the 2022 Washington Technology Fast 50 list of the fastest growing government contractors nationwide, Inc. 5000 list (ranking No. 2054) and on the Inc. Regionals Southeast list (ranking at No. 66). It has received numerous local awards and industry recognition from various business publications and media outlets over the years, citing its commitment to excellence and industry growth.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
