The SMARTstart Staff
Daniel Mitchell, EDP 
SMARTstart Program Director
Dan champions the SMARTstart program, assisting start-up businesses and managing three incubator locations across Pasco County. He works directly with entrepreneurs to help them develop their ideas into thriving realities from concept to launch. Dan holds a B.S. in Business Management with a concentration in Entrepreneurship, as well as his Certified Financial Planner accreditation.
Jackie Eden 
SMARTstart Program Coordinator II
Jackie runs the West Entrepreneur Center where small business entrepreneurs can gain an edge and grow. She assists with the CO.STARTERS Program where businesses can collaborate and make meaningful connections that can improve their success. Jackie is also responsible for the Microloan Program. Jackie holds an MBA from Saint Leo University, a BS with a double major in Marketing and Management from the University of South Florida, and an AA degree from Hillsborough Community College. She is also a Certified Career Services Professional and a Certified Global Career Development Facilitator.
Ashlee Underdown 
SMARTstart Program Coordinator II
Ashlee runs the SMARTstart @ The Grove Entrepreneur Center and works with a variety of members who have private offices or co-working space at the facility. She assists the Program Director with member communications and program planning. Ashlee holds an Associates of Art degree from Pasco-Hernando State College and is currently continuing her education to achieve a B.A. in Business Organization Administration.
Becky Martin 
Special Program Assistant
Becky provides administrative support for the Pasco EDC team at various levels. She coordinates the Pasco Microloan Program where she helps business owners complete their applications, review submissions, and prepare informational packets for the Microloan review committee. Prior to joining Pasco EDC, Becky worked for the Department of Health and The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce. She is also a graduate of Leadership Hernando 2009.
Tomás Orjuela Muñoz 
SMARTstart Program Assistant
Tomás supports programming and operations at the East Pasco Entrepreneur Center, where he works with local entrepreneurs and small business owners to connect them with resources, events, and opportunities. He is currently completing a B.A. in Economics, with a minor in Business Administration, at Truman State University. Tomás is passionate about market dynamics and the power of entrepreneurship to build stronger, more resilient communities. Prior to joining SMARTstart, he worked on startup-focused programs and community engagement initiatives that helped connect aspiring entrepreneurs with tools to launch and grow their ventures.