Community resources at FGCU for veteran success

November 05, 2024

FGCU provides veteran resources that are available to faculty, staff and students and the broader Southwest Florida community.

Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program

The Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program at FGCU is a comprehensive, tuition-free training experience designed for Southwest Florida veterans and their families. The program supports participants at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey, from idea development to scaling established businesses.

The program offers three distinct cohort types:

Business Model Canvas Cohort - Focused on veterans in the early stages of business development, this cohort helps participants build a solid foundation by identifying customer segments, refining value propositions and establishing key business activities.

Getting Started Cohort - Tailored for veterans at the idea-to-startup stage, this cohort provides essential instruction on business structures, marketing fundamentals and financial management, equipping participants to confidently launch their ventures.

Growth Cohort - Geared toward veterans with established businesses, this cohort supports participants in refining operations, scaling their ventures and setting strategic long-term goals.

Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program participants take notes during the "Selling and Leadership Effectiveness" workshop lead by Jason Cutter, author of "Selling with Authentic Persuasion.”

Participants will have access to networking events and workshops designed to enhance their entrepreneurial journey by connecting with local business leaders, potential partners and fellow entrepreneurs. Workshops, led by industry experts, cover topics such as legal structures, government contracting, franchising and marketing.

To learn more about supporting the program, contact Jonathan Schaffer, entrepreneurship outreach programs manager, at jschaffer@fgcu.edu

Home Base Florida

Home Base of Southwest Florida’s Warrior Health & Fitness program is a free, 90-day program. It is designed to help Southwest Florida veterans improve their physical health and well-being through supervised physical exercise, education about healthy eating, living, sleep hygiene, stress management and the health benefits of physical activity.

19 people wearing athletic attire are posing for a picture at a gym. Military flags can be seen in the background hanging from the ceiling. A Home Base standing banner is to the right side of the group. Gym equipment can be seen on both the right and left side of the group. Participants of the Warrior Health & Fitness program strike a pose at Home Base of Southwest Florida. (Photo by Larry Whitmore)

Veterans, service members and their families who participate in the Warrior Health & Fitness program have the opportunity to enjoy group-style workouts, connect with a network of veterans from the area and make use of social wellness programs and mental health services. These programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of veterans. Once participants complete the program, they are members for life and can use the services as many times as needed.

Home Base Florida is located at the Kleist Health Education Center on campus. To learn more about the services available, contact Larry Whitmore, Home Base veterans outreach manager, at 239-595-3049 or by email at lwwhitmore@mgb.org.