Who We Are:
Welcome to Broward Student Authority, the ultimate connection between students and Broward’s local businesses! Since our launch in 2003, we’ve helped over 5 million students access exclusive discounts at 5,000+ small businesses. When print media took a dive in 2008, we didn’t just adapt—we evolved, going fully digital and becoming Broward’s top student hub during the pandemic.
Our legacy runs deep. We’re the second generation of Broward Student Authority, with students from 2003 now introducing their own kids to our platform.
At Broward Student Authority, we’re all about local businesses. No corporate sponsors—just pure, homegrown support for the businesses that truly understand Broward students. We connect students, faculty, alumni, and those hard-to-reach millennials with the best Broward has to offer.
What’s in It for Students?
We don’t just provide discounts—we create community. Students get incredible deals, and businesses gain loyal customers who stick around for the long haul. Here’s what’s in store for 2025:
- Independent Student Newspaper
- Enhanced Hyper-Local Social Media Blitz
- On-Campus & Off-Campus Events
- SpringBreak Headquarters on Fort Lauderdale Beach
- Browzy-Broward Metaverse (virtual hangouts, art exhibitions, and more)
- Student Rewards Programs
- Community Cleanups to keep Broward Green
- SpringBreak Survival Guide
- Local Broward Interactive Map
On & Off-Campus Events:
We know how to throw unforgettable events, offering businesses prime opportunities to connect directly with students through giveaways, promotions, and brand-building moments. Here’s a sneak peek of what we do:
- Caribbean Game Show Night at Singh’s Roti Delight
- Christmas Game Show at Sistrunk Marketplace
- Xtreme Game Show Night at Xtreme Action Park
- Pop-Up Palooza at Xtreme Action Park
- Beach café @ Beach Place Beach cleanup
- Black Business Expo with NSU’s Black American Forum Club
- Arbor Day Celebration & Tree Planting with NSU’s Sustainability Club
- Official SpringBreak HQ at Beach Place, Fort Lauderdale Beach
Looking Back & Moving Forward:
What began in 2003 as a simple student handbook grew into a platform of nationwide fame, reaching students from UCLA to Rutgers. Our first publication was for Florida Atlantic University, and we made our mark with our inaugural large event, Fan Fest, in 2005, sponsored by NSBE (the National Society of Black Engineers). As print media began to fade, we swiftly transitioned to digital, and by 2017, we’ve launched the Broward Student Authority just in time to support over 300 local businesses as the pandemic hit.
Now, as proud members of NSU’s Levan Center of Innovation, we are preparing to unveil Broward Student Authority 2.0—bigger, more innovative, and tech-driven. In our early days, we published student discount handbooks featuring hundreds of local discounts across campuses. At our peak, we established agreements with over 30 schools, including UCLA and the University of Miami, effectively cross-promoting through student newspapers to maximize reach and engagement.
With laser focus on Broward’s small businesses, we transformed the Broward Student Authority into a cutting-edge digital platform. With the support of the local community we built a thriving directory connecting over 300 local businesses with over 100,000 Broward students, all while navigating the challenges of the pandemic.
Spring Break 2025: HQ Kickback at Beach Place
Mark your calendars for Spring Break HQ Kickback 2025 in Fort Lauderdale—our largest event yet, set to attract over 70,000 students. As Broward’s official student discount platform, we’re offering local businesses unmatched access to a captive student audience eager to explore, engage, and spend.
Why Partner With Us?
When you partner with Broward Student Authority, it’s more than an ad—it’s a relationship with the next generation of Broward dreamers and doers. By offering student discounts, your business becomes their go-to spot, cementing your place in their daily routines.
We proudly support Broward’s, Small Business First initiative, with over 70% of Broward’s small businesses being minority-owned. We’re here to help keep them competitive with cutting-edge tech and marketing strategies.
Benefits of Being Independent:
At Broward Student Authority, we pride ourselves on being an independent platform that champions small businesses in ways never seen before. Our unique position allows us to serve as the authentic voice of students, providing businesses with unmatched access to a vibrant and engaged audience.
We boast more student followers than all student newspapers combined, creating an unparalleled network that businesses can tap into. Our independence means we can innovate without constraints, crafting tailored marketing strategies that resonate with the student community.
Here’s how we make a difference for small businesses:
- Unfiltered Access: We give local businesses a direct line to students, fostering genuine connections that go beyond typical advertising.
- Tailored Marketing: With our finger on the pulse of student culture, we develop campaigns that truly speak to the needs and interests of the student body.
- Community-Centric Events: Our events are designed to engage students and create memorable experiences, providing businesses with the opportunity to showcase their offerings in a fun, interactive setting.
- Digital Savvy: We leverage the latest technology and social media trends to amplify your message, ensuring your business stands out in a crowded market.
- Grassroots Support: As advocates for local businesses, we champion the mission of supporting Broward’s economy, ensuring your voice is heard and your contributions recognized.
By partnering with us, you’re not just reaching students—you’re becoming part of a dynamic community that values local businesses and supports their growth. Join us in making a lasting impact on Broward’s vibrant student scene!
What’s Next?
In 2025, we’re uniting Broward with one mission: Broward is Stronger Together. Our Browzy Metaverse platform will let students explore local businesses through VR and AR technology, creating deeper connections than ever before.
Join Us at the Levan Center
We’re not just shaking up the status quo—we’re shaping the future of Broward’s student community, with local businesses at the core. From VR and social media to direct mail, we help businesses reach students in creative and effective ways. Partner with us, and let’s make your business a cornerstone of the Broward student experience.
Meet Our Director: Ian Katz
Behind the success of the Broward Student Authority is fearless leader Ian Katz, whose business journey began early—summers spent in Plantation, Florida, at his uncle’s Holiday Inn, home to the iconic Club Mirage, igniting a passion for business and community. Watching his uncle transform the hotel into a local hotspot provided invaluable lessons in local entrepreneurship.
The Student Authority Publishing Co. was founded in response to college friends expressing frustration over discounts that primarily benefited corporate giants intent on dominating Broward’s market. Recognizing that this trend left small businesses—the true backbone of our community—without a vital connection to students, the mission became clear: Broward Small Business First.
Driven by a desire to empower local enterprises and bridge the gap between students and small businesses, Mr. Katz envisioned a platform where students could access meaningful discounts while supporting the vibrant local economy. Under his leadership, the Broward Student Authority evolved from a simple student handbook into a comprehensive digital directory, fostering connections between over 300 local businesses and more than 100,000 students. This unwavering commitment to community engagement and innovation has positioned the organization as a vital resource in Broward County, adapting to the changing landscape to ensure that small businesses thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Now, as work continues on building Broward’s first countywide Metaverse at NSU’s Levan Center of Innovation, he leads the charge to expand the Broward Student Authority’s influence and ensure that small businesses remain a vital part of Broward’s future.
With over two decades of experience, he is not just a director—he’s the heartbeat of the Broward Student Authority, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible while focusing on the local community that shaped his journey.
We’re not just disrupting—we’re building Broward’s future, with small businesses at the core, we’re helping local businesses connect with students like never before.
Partner with us, and together, let’s make your business a cornerstone of the local Broward student experience.
Join us in our mission to support Broward’s small businesses, engage with students, and push boundaries with tech.
The future is local—and we’re here to lead the charge.