Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program

Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs

The Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program hosted by FGCU offers a comprehensive, tuition-free training experience designed specifically for military veterans and their families. Our program provides tailored support at every stage of your business journey—whether you're starting with an idea, scaling your existing business, or seeking growth opportunities. Through hands-on workshops, cohort-based training, and networking events, we equip veteran entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and confidence to succeed. Join us and transform your service into a successful business venture.

Your journey starts here

200+

businesses launched

$38M+

revenue generated

$900K+

funding awarded

Celebrating Excellence in Fostering the Entrepreneurial Mindset Across the Community

We are thrilled to announce that our accelerator/incubator program has been honored with the prestigious USASBE Model Community Entrepreneurship Accelerator/Incubator Award. This accolade is a testament to our unwavering commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and fostering innovation within our local veteran community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our veteran entrepreneurs, partners, and program supporters. This award is not just a recognition of our program but a celebration of our collective achievements and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives us forward.

2024 USASBE Model Community Accelerator/Incubator Award

Cohort-based Training Programs

Designed to work around your busy schedule, the program provides you instruction from our nationally ranked entrepreneurial staff and faculty, access to local resources such as business leaders and mentors, and an opportunity to join the local veteran entrepreneur community.

Programs are cohort-based, which means you will get to enjoy expanding your own network with other veteran entrepreneurs. With full completion of the program, you can pitch for equity-free funding to either start a new business or grow your existing business.

Business Model Canvas Program
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Focused on veterans in the early stages of business development, this 10-week cohort helps participants build a solid foundation by focusing on key areas such as identifying customer segments, refining value propositions, selecting channels, building customer relationships, defining revenue streams, managing key resources and activities, establishing partnerships, and optimizing cost structures—all while identifying unique competitive advantages. The program has a participant capacity of 15 veterans per cohort, ensuring a focused and supportive learning environment.

Program Timeframe:

Late September - Early December

Note: The Fall 2024 Business Model Canvas Program is currently in session, and all spots for this cohort are filled. Please check back for future program availability or contact us for more information on upcoming sessions.
Getting Started Program
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Tailored for veterans at the idea-to-startup stage, this 6-week cohort equips participants with a solid foundation in business essentials, including legal structures, marketing strategies, and financial management. The program, designed for a maximum of 15 participants, offers workshop-style sessions led by subject matter experts, covering key areas such as stakeholder management, launching strategies, and acquisitions. Additionally, specialized industry workshops on topics like government contracting, fundraising, and franchising address the specific needs of veteran entrepreneurs, ensuring comprehensive support for their business journey.

Expected Program Timeframe:

Mid January - Mid February

Note: The Spring 2025 Getting Started Program is currently in session, and all spots for this cohort are filled. Please check back for future program availability or contact us for more information on upcoming sessions.
Growth Program
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Geared toward veterans with established businesses, this 6-week cohort focuses on refining operations, scaling ventures, and setting strategic long-term goals. Designed for a maximum of 8 participants, the Growth Program provides training on key areas such as stakeholder management, timing, team growth, accessing capital, and financial planning. Participants will also explore topics like scalability, infrastructure, exit strategies, and pitching their business. Whether or not participants have employees, this program equips them with the tools needed to expand and optimize their businesses for sustained success.

Expected Program Timeframe:

Early March - Late April
Participant Eligibility and Program Requirements
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All participants must meet the following criteria set by Veterans Florida:
- Must be a Florida resident.
- Must be a discharged veteran with a status other than bad conduct or dishonorable discharge; partners must collect the participant’s DD214 Member 4 copy or a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs verifying discharge status.
- Must be an active duty member of the U.S. military within 12 months of ETS or a member of the Florida National Guard or U.S. Reserves; partners must collect confirmation of status.
- Must be a spouse or former spouse of a veteran or service member, who has not remarried, with documentation verifying marriage or former marriage and the veteran's discharge status.
- Must be registered, or plan to register, a for-profit business entity with the State of Florida on Sunbiz and the IRS.
- Participants are expected to attend at least 70% of the cohort.
- Repeat participants may only join if they do not take a seat from a first-time participant or if they are testing a new idea or business model.

Get started today!

Kickstart Your Business Journey: Opportunities for All Veterans

The Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program at FGCU offers workshops and networking events open to all interested veteran entrepreneurs, with no maximum attendee limit. These events provide opportunities to learn from industry experts on critical business topics and to connect with peers, mentors, and local business leaders. It's also a chance to meet previous cohort participants and gain insights into our cohort programs. Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge or explore our training options, these events are the perfect place to start.

Workshops

The Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program at FGCU offers workshops led by subject matter experts, covering essential business topics such as legal structures, stakeholder management, launching strategies, marketing, and acquisitions. These standalone events are designed to address the specific needs of veteran entrepreneurs, with specialized workshops focusing on areas like government contracting, fundraising, and franchising. Open to all interested veterans, these workshops provide valuable knowledge and resources.

Networking Events

The Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program at FGCU hosts networking events that allow veterans interested in entrepreneurship to connect with peers, learn about program opportunities, and access valuable resources. These events are designed to foster connections with local resource providers, subject matter experts, vendors, and successful entrepreneurs. Open to all veterans, these networking events offer a supportive environment to build relationships and gain insights to assist in their entrepreneurial journey.

Upcoming Events

Workshop - 10/28/2024
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Workshop - 12/2/2024
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Networking Event - 1/13/2025
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Spring 2025 Getting Started Cohort Introductions
- Network with veterans and entrepreneurs at FGCU to kickstart your business journey in the Veterans Florida Inaugural Getting Started Program.
Click here to RSVP
Networking Event - 1/18/2025
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Workshop - 1/18/2025
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Workshop - 2/3/2025
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Workshop - 2/10/2025
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Networking Event - 3/10/2025
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Spring 2025 Growth Cohort Introductions
- Network with veterans and entrepreneurs at FGCU to kickstart your business journey in the Veterans Florida Growth Program.
Click here to RSVP
Workshop - 3/24/2025
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Workshop - 3/31/2025
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Workshop - 4/7/2025
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Workshop - 4/23/2025
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Networking Event - 4/26/2025
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From Military Service to Business Success

With the help of the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program, U.S. Military veterans have successfully transitioned from service to entrepreneurship. Through essential training, mentorship, and resources, they’ve turned their business visions into thriving enterprises. These success stories showcase how veterans have combined military-acquired skills with the program’s support to achieve lasting business success and impact their communities.

Lia Coronado

Contempo Dance Club

Lia is an Army veteran and the owner of Contempo Dance Club, which is dedicated to boosting the confidence of women through fun, easy-to-follow dance routines. Contempo has expanded their community within Naples and SWFL, inspiring women of all ages to express themselves through dance.

Derrick Aguilar

American Veteran Welding

Derrick is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who started American Veteran Welding, which provides Southwest Florida with certified mobile welding and fabrication services. Specializes in heavy equipment repairs and brings welding capabilities onsite.

Andrew Morris

Turtle Pads

Andrew Morris is a U.S. Army veteran, percussion teacher and founder of Turtle Pads, a company that integrates drumming practice pads into a backpack to give percussionists quick access to everything they need to be successful on the go.

Rist Family Foundation Institute for Entrepreneurship

The Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program, funded in part by Veterans Florida, has been hosted by Florida Gulf Coast University's Rist Family Foundation Institute for Entrepreneurship since 2016. With a history of successfully assisting veteran start-ups and facilitating growth for veteran-owned businesses, the program is supported by a dedicated team of experts. These professionals guide and mentor participants through every stage of their entrepreneurial journey, offering personalized support, insights, and resources to ensure each veteran entrepreneur has the tools needed to succeed and thrive. Below, you can meet the staff members who make this program possible.

Cheshire, Julian

Director of Entrepreneurial Ventures

MOD2 0015

239-745-4253

jcheshire@fgcu.edu

Justima, Falia

Program Manager, Runway Program

239-590-7436

fjustima@fgcu.edu

Kelly, Scott

Assistant Director, Institute for Entrepreneurship

239-745-4491

smkelly@fgcu.edu

Schaffer, Jonathan

Entrepreneurship Lab Manager

LUCAS 0118

239-745-4647

jschaffer@fgcu.edu

Tsakas, Ross

OPS Entrepreneur-in-Residence

stsakas@fgcu.edu

Veterans Florida is a state-created and funded nonprofit organization. We provide free career, SkillBridge, and entrepreneurship training and opportunities for separating or retiring service members, veterans, and their spouses residing in or moving to Florida. We also assist employers seeking to strengthen their workforce with military talent.

For more information, please visit www.veteransflorida.org.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

The FAQ section provides answers to common questions about the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program, including details on eligibility, training, and how to apply.

Who is eligible to participate in the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program at FGCU?
Veterans who are SWFL Florida residents, active duty military, or spouses of veterans are eligible, as long as they meet the attendance requirements and have a for-profit business registered in Florida.
Is the program really free?
Yes, the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program is completely tuition-free, offering veterans the opportunity to receive top-tier entrepreneurial training without any cost.
What types of businesses are supported by the program?
The program supports all types of for-profit businesses, whether you're just starting with an idea or looking to scale an established venture.
Do I need to have a business idea before applying?
No, you can join the program at any stage. We offer tailored support, whether you're starting with an idea, in the early stages, or growing an existing business.
What happens if I don’t get into a program due to capacity limits?
If you don’t make it into the current program due to capacity limits, your application will be kept on file, and you’ll receive priority consideration for the next available cohort.

I am a current participant, how do I access the CANVAS Learning Management Software?
If you are not using an FGCU (@eagle.fgcu.edu or @fgcu.edu) provided email address, please use the link below to access CANVAS. https://fgcuinnovate.instructure.com/login/canvas