New Statewide
Initiative Offers Accelerated Entrepreneurship
Education to Veterans
at No Cost
FSBDCN State Office (Pensacola, FL) - The
Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program, a new statewide initiative that
offers qualified veterans the opportunity to receive an accelerated
entrepreneurship education at no cost, is now accepting applications. The pilot
program will begin its first phase in March.
The program is available to veterans who meet
the following requirements: have been honorably discharged, are National
Guardsmen or Reservists, or are active duty within one year of separation; reside
in Florida, and demonstrate a strong interest in entrepreneurship.
The program will be delivered over three
phases. The first phase consists of an eight-week online class to help
participants build their venture on a strong business foundation. The second
phase consists of six days of on-site training at one of the five participating
institutions of higher education. This phase will be held on three consecutive
weekends and all travel expenses will be covered for participants. The final
phase of the program consists of six-months of ongoing mentorship with Florida
SBDC Network business consultants.
"The Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship
Program provides veterans an opportunity to gain a high-quality
entrepreneurship education at no cost," said Michael Myhre, CEO and
Network State Director for the Florida SBDC. "Our goal is to help our
state's veterans navigate the path towards entrepreneurship to fulfill their
passions and create jobs and wealth for Florida's economy."
The Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program
is funded through a $1 million appropriation by the Florida Legislature. In
December, Veterans Florida, a non-profit created by the Florida Legislature to
attract and retain veterans, selected the University of West Florida, through
its Florida SBDC Network and Military Veterans Resource Center, to administer
the program. The University of West Florida, University of North Florida,
Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Atlantic University, and Hillsborough
Community College will serve as network partners of the program. In this role,
each institution will dedicate existing small business development resources to
deliver the program.
"Veterans possess many of the skills
necessary to be successful entrepreneurs," said Bobby Carbonell, Executive
Director of Veterans Florida. "The technical and financial skills provided
from this program, along with the motivation, confidence, attention to detail
and problem solving skills they bring, will ensure veterans achieve their
vision of the American Dream, owning their own business."
Space is limited. The deadline to apply is
March 15, 2016. For more information, and to apply, please visit www.FloridaVetBiz.org.
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