Military veterans and eligible spouses who want to turn the skills and experience they gained through their service into a business can sign up for a series of entrepreneurship workshops beginning Wednesday, Nov. 4, through Northwest Florida State College.
- NWFSC, in partnership with Veterans Florida, is offering the Veterans Florida Entrepreneur Program. The program will begin with four entrepreneurial workshops in November and December, followed by a six-month group beginning on Jan. 27, 2027. All sessions will take place on Wednesdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Veterans Florida is an economic and workforce development nonprofit created by the State. The organization provides SkillBridge, career and entrepreneur resources and training for separating or retiring U.S. military service members, veterans, members of the National Guard or Reserves, and their spouses who make or want to make Florida their home.
The workshops will introduce participants to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, including developing an entrepreneurial mindset, understanding business financing and licensing, identifying local small business resources and learning from experienced local entrepreneurs.
The workshop schedule includes:
- Nov. 4: Entrepreneurship 101: Entrepreneurial Mindset and Steps to Starting a Business
- Nov. 18: Business Basics: Financing, Licensing and Classification
- Dec. 2: Support for Small Business: Local Resources for Entrepreneurs
- Dec. 16: Working Wisdom: Local Small Business Entrepreneur Panel
The six-month cohort is slated to build on those topics, providing participants with guidance and training as they work toward launching or growing a business. After its Jan. 27 start, the group will meet Feb. 10 and 24; March 10 and 24; April 7 and 21; May 5 and 19; and June 2 and 9.
According to the college, the program was created to help translate the skills military members develop through service into entrepreneurship. Through statewide partnerships, Veterans Florida connects aspiring veteran business owners with training and resources to help them navigate the process of starting a business.
Eligible participants may receive fully subsidized training through funding provided by the Florida Legislature and Veterans Florida. Veterans and eligible spouses interested in participating should review the application for eligibility requirements.
Those who are not eligible for subsidized participation may still attend the workshops for $25 each or enroll in the Launch Entrepreneur Program cohort for $250.
To learn more or apply, visit nwfsc.edu/VFEP-Application. For more information, contact Northwest Florida State College at 850-729-4994 or workforce@nwfsc.edu.
