Dec. 14 deadline nears for entrepreneurship program for vets


  • December 13, 2016
  • /   Shannon Nickinson
  • /   training-development

The deadline nears for veterans to apply to an entrepreneurship program hosted at the University of West Florida. Credit: Michael Spooneybarger.

Applications are due soon for the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program, begins its second year in January 2017.

The program is a statewide initiative that offers qualified veterans the opportunity to receive an accelerated entrepreneurship education at no cost. Applications are due Dec. 14.

The program is available to veterans who 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 has two phases: An educational phase that includes training online and through eight sessions from Jan. 19, 2017 to May 6, 2017; and a second phase offering ongoing business mentoring. 

"The Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program provides veterans an opportunity to gain a high-quality entrepreneurship education at no cost to them," said Kelly Massey, regional director for the Florida SBDC at UWF. "Our goal is to help our region's veterans navigate the path toward entrepreneurship to fulfill their passions and create jobs and wealth for Florida's economy." 

The Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program is funded through a $500,000 appropriation by the Florida Legislature and was created to attract and retain veterans. The Florida SBDC at the University of West Florida was selected to facilitate the program for the Panhandle.

"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."

Applications are available online at the Veterans Florida website. Applicants may attend an open house at5:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 at the University of West Florida, Building 76A, Room 103.

Applicants will be provided with more information about the program and have an opportunity to ask questions. Questions? Visit www.VeteransFlorida.org

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