Veronica Valdez, Esq.
SVP Strategic Partnerships–
Universities, Corporations & Government
“To whom much is given, much is required” are words that Veronica Valdez has embraced for her entire life. This season is no different.
As Vice President - Minority & Small Business, Entrepreneurship & Capital Programs for Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI), Valdez leads the division responsible for the development of minority and small businesses throughout the entire state of Florida. Valdez is committed to bridging the gap, which often creates challenges for minority and small businesses attempting to tap into the resources needed for accessing capital, entering new markets, and creating revenue growth and job creation. Valdez is largely responsible for the broad reaching campaign designed to educate minority and small businesses throughout the state regarding available resources while also targeting new strategic lending partners needed to sustain a continuous pipeline of capital.
Valdez’s extensive career practicing law serves as the perfect back drop for her true passion, the development of small business. This passion is reflected not only in her previous ownership in JJ Whispers Group, but also through her tenure as Senior Partner of the Valdez Law Group, a firm specializing in Small Business Consulting. Her responsibilities included consulting small businesses regarding best practices/operations, cash flow, recruitment, training, brand loyalty and overall fiscal responsibility. As an avid small business owner, Valdez understands the factors integral to the growth of any small business.
While serving as managing partner of Veronica Valdez Entertainment, Valdez served as a consultant to premiere venues in Central Florida. She quickly acquired the tools needed to launch major marketing and promotional campaigns. At the foundation of any solid campaign lies relationship management, network building and sound marketing.
Understanding the needs of minority and small businesses, Valdez created the 2021 Minority and Small Business Boot Camp. The 11-session webinar designed to equip small businesses with the tools needed for success and growth garnered over 1800 registrants spanning 15 states and 6 countries. Having maintained strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and strategic partners and continuously leveraging those relationships to further Enterprise Florida’s mission, Valdez remains a steadfast champion for Florida’s minority and small businesses.
Valdez is a native Floridian, hailing from Miami, Florida. She earned a law degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. In addition, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Florida. Having served as UF Student Body Vice President and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority President, she was named UF Who’s Who Among American College and University Students and inducted into the UF Hall of Fame. Valdez is a member of the Florida Bar in good standing. Not only is Valdez a past president of the Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter National Bar Association, but she is also a proud member of Leadership Orlando Class 101. She is honored to serve on the State Advisory Board for the Florida SBDC Network as well as the Board of Trustees for Saint Mark AME Church in Orlando, Florida.
Valdez was recently named a 2022 Onyx Magazine Woman on the Move. This prestigious award celebrates Black women trailblazers who invoke change by positively impacting both the community as well as their profession. Valdez counts her role as change agent for minority and small businesses as a righteous labor of love.
